I am Spanish, and you have to avoid tourist traps at all costs. There is very good food here, but unfortunately many businesses cheat people who come from outside. for me personally it is an embarrassment of my country.
I generally avoid eating at a "plaza mayor" when in a big city in Spain. Smallers towns yes, never an issue. But the Plaza Major in Madrid is tourist trap centrral.
Came back from Spain 2 months ago and it was amazing! Stayed in local areas, shopped at local stores! Found the fruits and vegetables so much better then what you would find in a common grocery store in the states. We drank the local water every where we went including Barcelona at it was all fine. Like Italy, drinking from the water facets on the streets were a life saver. Never had any issues with the food. Can't wait to get back! My wife and I fell in love with Spain 🇪🇸 and the people.
@@fgb6737 no thank you!! My family arrived in New mexico from Spain in 1598 with Don Juan De Onate and about 2000 other Spaniard settlers. We have lived on the same lands since. My dad's side of the family came from the Northern Spain and my mother's came from Savilla. I know it sounds funny but I truly felt like I come home after almost 400 years. We descendants of the original families are very proud of our homeland and Spanish Heritage! Please note we are distinct and differ form the mexican heritage to the south of us as we were very far from Mexico city and it took several months for supplies to come from Mexico to northern New Mexico. We were the furthest northern territories of the spanish empire and forgotten about after Mexico declared independence from Spain. It is because of this We have always considered ourselves Spanish!!...again thank you for letting us come back home!!
You could say the same about anywhere in Europe, I lived in the US for a few years and oh my God the food there worst I've ever eaten, everything is so bland and full of chemicals and colourings
Yeah the tasteless food in USA is def a thing, some classmates that spent an exchange year in Idaho, Missouri and Michigan came back dissing so much about the food, how portions are bigger and stuff like legumes, fruit or vegetables taste like cardboard. And they all stayed in rural areas of those states, here when you go to remote areas the food is tastier cause the plantations are further away from populated (thus more polluted) areas But i live an hour away from Barcelona and I would not drink the tap water there nor the one from where I live mate 😭
@chu che Glad to read that! Very proud of your comment and charmed of your good experience here 🍻 You both are welcome whenever you want. Cheers from Madrid 👋
The Spanish health service is excellent. Within 7 hours of walking into an emergency centre I was taken to my third hospital by ambulance and a surgeon immediately fitted a stent, solving my cardiac issues. Since returning to the UK the NHS has been nothing but complementary of my treatment and have not modified my medication plan set in Huelva.
@Limon Cello I fail to correlate the link between an operation to repair a collapsed artery and and that to treat an alcoholic coma? The reciprocal agreement between our respective governments does mean that Spaniards in the UK can rely on using the UK health service and likewise Brits in Spain can rely on the Spanish health service. Whilst I do not condone the action of those who seek to pour vast quantities of alcohol down their necks. In travelling to Spain, for holidays and drinking these people do bring a significant amount of income to the Spanish economy.
I suddenly had a problem with kidney stones while in Tarragona, absolutely first class care. From the moment I arrived to when they let me go home, friendly, caring and incredibly efficient health care. It inspires huge confidence! I am trying to organize ALL my health care in Spain even if I have to pay for everything!
My observations having lived in Spain for a short time and returning often: If you eat paella in the tourist areas, the sound of bells ringing is paella dishes coming out of the microwaves and they were made with the prepackaged rice from the non existent local Madrid Piggly Wiggly. Disgusting. Go off the beaten path for the better paella. Many Americans don't know that Spain is in Europe. Many Americans believe that Spaniards eat Mexican food. Many Americans believe that the peoples of Mexico and Central and South America are "Spanish" people. Wrong! People incorrectly believe that Spaniards drink A LOT of sangria. People think that Spain is warm year round. I've seen snow up to my eyeballs in Pamplona in the winter. I was asked if they had running water there. I refer you to the great aqueduct of Segovia. I was asked if people live in mud huts. Thanks for this video and for keeping people informed.
I just got back from Spain I visited Barcelona and the beaches there also Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla oh my gosh the most amazing beautiful medieval walls, town churches monuments, towers etc. the food was excellent I will most definitely go back and visit Spain again or even live there people were nice and friendly. I just wish I would’ve bumped into you guys
Actually is the same at work and going fiesta here in Spain. But remember next round is going on to you. Now tobacco is more expensive than in 90's, greetings from Spain.
Enjoy your channel very much. My daughter moved to Barcelona 12 yrs ago. So, I have traveled throughout Spain quite a bit. First time we went to BCN I asked to see a flamenco show. My Catalonian friends looked at me like I had three heads. Northern regions are so different from the southern area. Almost like being in different countries.
@@mrn13I assume some Americans have a hard time separating Mexico, Honduras etc from Spain in their head. I know there is the story of US customs telling Antonio Banderas that he had to tick Latino on his landing form. Something which in Europe seems just bizarre. Spanish people aren't a racial group to us in the least
Casa Botín is currently considered a restaurant, but It was originally a "casa de comidas" (no menú, you only could eat what was cooked on the day). The first restaurant (with menú, tablet clothes, etc) was Lhardy that I encourage to visit to have at least a consomé and to admire its marvellous ancient atmosphere; it's by Puerta del Sol. Many of critical polítics were discussed and decided within its salons
For good paella, eat it in Castellon, Valencia and Alicante provinces: particularly in arrocerías or small towns. Cullera and El Palmar (Valencia) are great options. It's not really an evening meal, though tourists seem to think it is. Fideos is a good alternative, if properly done. Very good series of video-well done!
I was born in Spain but my family is not originally from here. I used to hate paella because the only ones I had tried were the ones we had in school (terrible pre-over-cooked rice) and in these touristic locations. The first time I actually tried a good paella wasn't too long ago, maybe 4-5 years ago when I was already a teenager having lived my entire life in Spain. Also, there actually a reason why it is quite hard to find good places for paellas or any kind of Spanish rice dish. A paella is very time consuming; apart from all the mise en place consisting of cleaning seafood and meats, making the stock which can take hours, and cutting all the vegetables that might be needed, although the rice takes 18 minutes to cook, you need one cook exclusively working on a single paella for 15 minutes making the sofrito before adding the rice, and this stove is occupied for more than half an hour for one single table. Plus, restaurants that aren't specialized in arroces probably don't have a stove made for paelleras, which makes the job hundred times easier because it cooks the rice evenly so there's no need to move the paellera every now and then. Furthermore, a good seafood paella (arguably the most popular one) needs high quality ingredients for it to be actually good, so it tends to be very expensive. I now make arroces at home once or twice a month. It's very fun to cook paella for family and friends and it's cheaper to buy the ingredients yourself, which allows me to buy nice and fresh seafood and safran. That's why every time a friend comes visit Spain from abroad, I invite them to have my paella first to avoid the paella disappointment.
I was told by a Valician that originally Paella was made only with rabbit and snails..Poor peoples food... He took me to a restaurant specialising in that type of Paella.. And it was glorious... He was derogative about other types of Paella (eg sea food) but I guess variations have become established.
@@pyellard3013 yeah, many people will say that the only paella is the valenciana. I guess it's a fair point. I personally call "paella" every dry rice that is made in a paellera pan, although purists will say that those are just "arroces." Anyway, I think that the paellera pan is very unique to Spain, so non-paellas also deserve to be considered Spanish traditional food. I do agree however that Valencian paellas are underrated. I think that the most accepted list of ingredients for paella valenciana right now would be: chicken, snails, duck, rabbit, tomato, green beans, garrafón, artichoke, safron, and sweet paprika. It's hard to find a good paella valenciana outside of Valencia, though.
@@davidzhan I am from Valencia and I've never eaten a paella with duck. We usually use chicken and rabbit meat, and snails are hardly ever used, but it depends on the region where you are 👌
Yeah, it breaks my heart every time I see tourists sitting in front of the sort of sorry excuse for a paella that is served in most places in tourist areas. I’d encourage everyone to leave bad reviews on Trip Advisor, Google maps etc. It’s the only way these people will learn. But, if it’s your first one, how do you know you got a “fake” paella? Well, if you didn’t LOVE it there’s a very good chance you got fleeced. A well made paella is indisputably delicious. Honestly, these restaurants should be fined by local authorities for giving our food such a bad reputation abroad, not to mention providing unsuspecting visitors with such a terrible experience.
AHH I'm Spanish (from Madrid, maybe the best city in the word), living temporary in the US for work and the more I see your videos, the more I want to come back!
You two are great! I've been living in Spain since the 70s (now a Spanish national) and I totally agree with everything you say, show, advise, suggest ... Enhorabuena!
Great to see Yoly return to videos on the channel! We have missed her indeed! This was a fun video with some really useful information in it, especially for those that may be planning to visit Spain for the first time! Thanks for sharing it with the community!
Wow, mind blown. Fresh and refeshing, this guy immediately grabs your attention with his energy and passion! I feel bad that I didn't know about your page before seeing you with Mark. I'm very happy to now follow your channel and get a taste of Spain. MERCI! From Montréal, Québec 👌
You are a doubly lucky person. En hora buena a los dos! I'd suggest that you're super excited to go out for tapas, as mentioned, it's more of a verb and general experience than specific dish. Have a great time. September is better than August. Spain is full of tourists and empty of Spaniards in August. Also, it's too hot. Festivals are best in Spring and Fall, depending on the region.
The quality of your videos is just incredible. Packed full of great info, fantastically presented, great mix of humour too and killer editing! Love you guys! Ps. Many of my daughter’s friends here in Mallorca don’t eat any veg and barely eat fruit!! No cases of scurvy just yet ! I say yet…
I have to agree. I’ve watched Spain revealed almost from the inception and with this one, I feel James and Yoly have, yet again, taken their production to another level!
James is a liar. There are travellers around the world and not just in Europe. They are going to robbed you ?!!! What about the Government Taxes ? Isn't a robb ?
I've just discovered your channel recently (while getting over excited about my upcoming trip to Spain in Sept/October). You two are great! Hubby and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary with a trip to Cadiz, Granada and Nerja. Can't wait. We've only been to Catalunya so far so are really excited to see some more of your wonderful country. Thanks for all the hints and tips in your videos. Many I knew (I like to read/research/learn some words beforehand) but having them rooted in your experiences (and seeing the places and people ) at the same time adds so much. I know following you is going to add so much to my experience. Thank you!😁
@@carreyperea2201 would love to but that's going to have to be another trip. Honestly, so many places in Spain I want to see. Hoping we'll get plenty of chances to visit
Tio, muchas gracias por la puntualización que haces sobre el nombre de Barcelona. Como barcelonés y "perico" (si eres un poco aficionado al futbol, sabrás a que me refiero), me han "sangrado los oidos" , cada vez que un guiri se ha referido a mi ciudad como "Barça". Por cierto, como neozelandés que eres, te quiero contar un pequeño secreto: La última vez que estuve en Madrid tuve el privilegio de mantener una convesación en catalán, en plena calle Fuencarral, con un compatriota tuyo nacido en Auckland, ... pero criado en Barcelona. No sé si has tratado el tema en alguno de tus videos y si no lo has hecho, te invito a hacerlo. Lo más surrealista que he visto en turistas novatos por España ha sido verlos, fotografiando cabinas de la ONCE, supongo que sorprendidos y preguntandose cual es la utilidad de aquel artefacto plantado en medio de la acera. Y otro tema divertido que se me ocurre es la confusión entre leche y horchata. También en este campo he vivido alguna experiencia sobre la que advertir a esas indefensas criaturas que tan generosamente contribuyen a elevar nuestro PIB.
We cannot wait to visit Madrid/Barcelona in a few weeks, our first time in Spain, though not first time to Europe. We've been watching many of your videos to be as informed as possible. Great content and awesome tips, have learned so much about Spain. 🇪🇸
Hi James and Yoli. Yet another great video. Well done. Nice to see Lucia and my has she grown. BTW Yoli, you are looking stunning. I've always found that a paella in a tourist city is seldom good but if you keep searching, you will eventually find a place that serves an amazing paella. It's worth the searching because when you eventually get a good one, it's spectacular. Great work again Jaames and Yoli and thant you very much. Hasta la proxima.😀👍
I've walked the Camino de Santiago four times. Wish you covered ordering and eating octopus. On the meseta it is difficult and unsatisfactory, but in Galacia it is marvelous.
Aparte de las acepciones aportadas en el vídeo, Flamenco también es una palabra que se usa como gentilicio de los habitantes de Flandes. En neerlandés sería Vlamingen (y hay que tener en cuenta que pronuncian la v de forma muy similar a la f) Me sorprenden muchas de las preguntas que os hacen, y me da la impresión de que vienen de gente que incluso son incapaces de colocar España correctamente en un mapa.
We just got back from Barcelona, we went to Gourmet Sensi sensi tapas and LOVED IT. We found a breakfast place to share with you. Billy Brunch in Barcelona that speak both fluent English and Spanish. The brunch was cheap like 5 Euros for huevos omelette and fresh orange juice and mint tea. The keep chickens that lay eggs in the rear garden. Another place we liked was El Nacional for fish I had super fresh Chilean Sea Bass. We stayed at Avenida Palace which was excellent with great bathrooms and very clean and pretty. Thank you for the tips. But people drive like maniacs. oy
James no entiendo porque no tienes millones de seguidores, la manera de hacer videos de ustedes dos es magnifica, sigue asi y pronto explotara tu canal! Saludos desde Mexico!
Most people dont know that Paella is a very local dish from the mediterranean coast of Spain. It has become popular all over the country (and abroad) of course, but it's more of a "summer dish" and even then you barely eat it (maybe once or twice a month in summer? depends on the family or the person). It also takes like 2 to 3 hours or more to cook. So it's not a daily dish. So, for me the most authentic spanish dish is the Tortilla de Patatas. You can find one in every local bar. That's common dish in all spanish houses and you can find it in any corner of the country. Paella for some reason has become the most well known dish abroad but it's not (for me at least) our national dish.
Hi guys, I discovered your channel through Mark Wiens channel the episode about tapas in Madrid. I enjoy thoroughly your channel. Originally I am Spanish, however I have been half of my adult life in the UK and the States. I tend to go back to Spain once a year and it really surprised me this summer the amount of places that accepted card tap. Regarding another episode, sorry I can’t get the taste for the Marmite, I love British baked bean, peanut butter and peanut butter cup, both acquired taste, but the marmite, not in 5 years or in 500… Awesome work guys.
A lot of the questions arise from the fact that Americans and other non-Europrans tend to confuse Spain with Latin America. Yes there are cultural & linguistic similarities but Spain is a 1st world country with a modern infrastructure and with reasonably well working government services.
You want food paella? Don't get it in Madrid or Barcelona...get it from Valencia. This city is really a hidden gem of Spain. They have some great history, the beaches are so wonderful, the weather is pretty spectacular, not really any pickpocketing, and they may have the best paella. It's supposedly where it all started. Very good food
En Madrid o Barcelona se comen tan buenas paellas como en Valencia, tampoco todas las paellas que se comen en Valencia son buenas. Los turistas antes de pedir paella para comer deben informarse bien donde hacerlo.
You've done it again 😁 You never let us down. I am a little surprised that people still have these misapprehensions but I guess, if you have never been, how can you know? One extra mistake of which I am aware is thinking of Spain as a monoculture. Some of the regional differences are profound. Incredibly, in the 21st century, I still have Catalan friends who only use Castellano when absolutely necessary.
@@spainrevealed You can think what you want, and about your Spanish and Catalan friends, but I don't speak English for various reasons, which would take too long to explain, but I'm just telling you that you used to subtitle your videos in Spanish, and now you don't. I am in my right to see your videos or not. But if I don't understand why I want to see them? I'm much older than you so I don't understand how it is that with the advantages you've had, you don't speak more languages. A pleasure to see your videos with subtitles. Ah excuse my English, I used Google translate
A quick point about the tap water: In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, nobody drinks the tap water. Although water has to be certified as safe to drink, all of the water here is desalinated, and it really doesn't taste very nice. Most people cook with it etc, but when it comes to drinking water, everyone buys large bottles of water from the supermarket (or invests in some kind of filtration system).
something similar happens in my home island of Mallorca. I don't know a single Mallorcan who doesn't drink bottled water. I imagine it's awful for the environment, but it's hard to persuade people to drink tap water!
My wife’s aunties and uncles in Barcelona drink bottled water, not tap. Just come back from a great full family holiday to La Costa Brava and we used tap water for teeth and washing only. When it’s €0.27 a litre in a tourist hotspot it’s not a big deal to buy bottled water, especially as you can refrigerate it.
Throughout the whole Mediterranean area that happens too. People don’t usually drink tap water because of its bad taste. They're highly calcareous, hard waters.
We can drink the water in our pueblo but we don’t. The water in this area is very very hard. I have to add acid to the pool on a regular basis to get the pH level down enough for the chlorine to work well. So drinking hard water like increase the chances of kidney stones and for this reason we drink bottled water.
Great video I am sharing with my familia. They are going to Barcelona in Sept. I am allergic to cigarette smoke so I am especially thrilled to learn of the new law. When I was staying in a hostel in Granada with my husband in Sept of 2019 the cigarette smoke came into our room as we slept and I woke up sick with a bad sinus issue and cold. Another time in Malaga we were eating lunch with la familia even though we were outside on a patio the cigarette smoke was so thick and awful.
Good to see you outside enjoying some fresh air and birdsong! Also great to see you do treat yourself to a decent drop of wine, very glad to see that, as you work so much stu, we appreciate you 😊 nicola and andrew shellard from uk living in Oliva, valencia since Nov 2022❤
I’m heading to Spain and I’m glad to know in advance that so few establishments accept tap to pay which I’ve used literally everywhere in Italy and Denmark. Disappointed to learn, but glad I know in advance.
Great video! Though I feel you have left out THE number 1 mistake tourists make when going to Spain: not taking into account the Spanish eating times. More often than not you’ll find yourself wanting to have lunch at 12:00 and you’ll sit alone in the restaurant (or the kitchen will be still closed) because at that time Spanish people are still at work/school (or having breakfast). They’ll then stroll in starting at 2 pm for their lunch… Same in the evening
Great video guys as ever. Where we live in south Alicante province we have a lot of Flamingos on the "pink lake" next to La Mata and Torrevieja. During the 2 year covid thing when people were not moving around much the Flamingo population here increased significantly due to lack of disturbance. We also occassionaly get Flamenco here when the "real Flamenco artists" from the South come here to perform. I struggle to understand Flamenco personally, the songs and music are very loud and emotionally charged and sound so tragic very often. To me, the water in my area tastes a lot of chlorine, it´s VERY safe to drink but personally, I dont like the taste so for drinking water on its own, I use bottled. Keep up the good work. saludos.
I studied at the Universidad de Sevilla back in 1977. I then came back to Spain for the first time in 2017. Spain changed radically in those 40 years. I could give you a gazillion examples but I won't.
@@catherinemori4986 Dictatorship gone and we fine: 1) More insecurity 2) Mass media, systemic and political corruption 3) Degeneracy 4) Threats to our national sovereignity 5) Ignorance across the population and worst educational system and cultural performance 6) Worst economy 7) Plenty of old people living in nostalgy 8) Weak people 9) OUr culture and traditions fading away 10) An unhappy society Dictatorship is just a type of gobernment that removes power from the people. When most of the voters are retards, willingful to vote any idiot/mean cruel corrupt liar and in exchange you have a leader that would be a great dictator, following the well being of it's people, allowing to improve the country and the happiness of it's people and will be only tought with those who are toxic for the country, internally or externally, well, you now know who would be the best. Usually dictatorship is portraited like the mean, cruel bastard who kills people and restrain them while democracy looks like some sort of paradise where the people are both free to vote and raise their ideas and are going to make the most intelligent decision. And we are beginning to live in the contrary situation, where Franco, with his flaws, was better than the actual politicians. So that's why I ask.
If you can swing it, get invited somehow, the best paellas I've had were not in restaurants but in little community parties usually on San Juan in smaller beach towns (Costa Brava). Tough to do as a tourist but if you know a local...
You have no idea how much you have helped me. I have Spanish roots (from Catalonia) and am headed there for (vacation) or you might say holiday in October. It will be my first real experience in the mother land. I've only been to Madrid but at the airport only during a short layover. Thanks guys.❤
I have been confused with the tap water. I have lived in Tenerife for a few years and always drink bottled water as that is what everyone else seems to do. A lot of people say that the tap water is not safe as it is full of too many minerals and chlorine, but then some people say they do drink it.
The Paella issue in this video reminds me of my experience in Italy with Pasta dishes in 2015. Paid 20euro for seafood pasta dish and it only came with 4 little piece of seafood and little pasta.
I'm not an italian but i think italians don't eat pasta as main meal. It's more like a meal before your main dish. Maybe thats the reason it wasn't much!
@@steevor4837 - Fine with me but for 20euro? That’s criminal. I was in Spain this past May and we paid 14euro for 4 course meals. Too much boasting of Italian cuisine by Italians.
We were quite puzzled when upon telling some friends or acquaintances that we were going to vacation in Spain, several years ago, they respond “why?” We realized that many Americans seem to only view Italy, France and maybe Ireland and England as European vacation destinations. It was odd, and unanticipated. They were so puzzled by our vacation plans that they couldn’t muster a “Wow - that sounds like fun!”
Yeah Iberia, Germany, Benelux and Central Europe is undervisited by Americans. Madrid, Stuttgart, Munich, Ghent, Groningen, Vienna, Prague etc are fantastic cities to visit. Americans are missing out.
Just got back...phew...didn't make any of these mistakes, thanks to your channel. Thanks for all the advice. We went to one of the Flamenco shows you suggested and had a great experience. Content suggestions: SIM cards. That info gave us cheap cell service for our trip. And no-fee ATM's, that info is difficult to find. I didn't know I needed a tap and pay card for the Renfe vending machines at MAD airport. Review how to use metro and Renfe vending machines. Walk people theough how to get from the airport to city center from MAD or BCN. As for me, I need to save up to go back ...Love
Guys thank you for amazing content. If any chance you can Give me a hand to choose one of your tours in Madrid. Madrid tapas,Tavern & History or Ultimate Spanish Cuisine.
Hi Mikhail --- that's a tough one. Depends if you want tapas (the evening tour) or more types of food (the Ultimate Tour). I suggest dropping Devour a line over at info@devourtours.com so our team can help you more specifically.
@@spainrevealedHi,great thank you for your reply. definitely we’ll talk to your team because I am in the middle of booking vip walking tour . I just wanna book everything in one shot, will be travelling to Madrid in last week of September. Thank guys!
Just watched your video with Mark Weins, good luck with it bringing more veiws to your channel. I think yours is one of the better food/travel channels 👍
One of your best videos! Thank you. Funny (or should I say "frustrating") in some ways, in that I see many of those similar comments about Spain in various social media sites. Sometimes people just don't take the time to do their homework before coming to Spain. I realize that not everyone can afford, or want to pay, for advice from a resource or travel planner (like Spain Savvy), but it certainly does help in making the experience a better one. One comment about the smoking issue...yes, it is great that no smoking is allowed inside a restaurant/bar, but what we found too often is that the smokers would get up from their table mid-meal, go outside and stand by the open doors or windows of the place which then allows the smoke to come wafting in. Oh well, hoping this all changes.
I been back to your videos! I have been busy traveling throughout the northeast USA. During the summer and fall! Your baby is getting big! Awesome!😍🥰😃😇
I'm wondering how this video got past me. I thought I had watched all of the Spain Revealed videos. Even the oldest ones. I'm guessing James must have had this one shoved way down deep in the archives.🤨 Great video, too. I ❤🇪🇦
Hi, we love your videos, very informative, congrats. We are going to Spain in a couple of weeks to enjoy this beautiful country. I know the best paella is probably in Valencia but we are not going there, can you advice us a good place to have a good one? Barcelona, Sevilla, Malaga. Thanks and keep it up !
Here from watching marks video in Spain and omg the food looks amazing and now watching your video and new here and from Connecticut, USA , I want to come visit
Not sure if you have made a video of this type specifically, but you might want to make one about the best/most authentic tapas and/or food you can get specifically in the Plaza Mayor (I noticed you were there for the bad paella).
On a group tour of Spain, 2 of our girls developed intestinal problems they blamed on the water, one of our group was a Med. Dr. He asked them when was the last time they ate ths much olive oil and tomatoes. water in major cities is GOOD.
Having made the move here from Canada less than two months ago, I can say you have “nailed” this one. (Well… you nail all your videos …pero bueno…). With this one I found myself saying “yes…yes!!!” after each point. One mistake I found particularly interesting was the comment that Spain is a cash economy and the observation that Covid might have had something to do with changing this. During my precovid visits, all my Spanish friends and family here paid with cash. However, now every place takes electronic forms of payment. I was even in a tapas bar last week where I tried to pay with cash and the owner requested that I paid with a card if I could! The problem with this for me coming from North America where tips are almost expected and part of a server’s salary is that the payment machines don’t allow for “propinas”. I ask to add one to the bill but the servers tell me it just goes to the owners. So I now find myself taking cash from a machine and trying to find a way to break the larger bills into coin or smaller amounts so that I can leave a small gratuity without feeling guilty. That said, I still have to find a way to slip the tip to the server with anyone seeing me as my Spanish family insists that I not tip! All this said, while the service industry may be moving to a cashless sector, “dinero negro” or black money paid for work “under the table” as we would say is still VERY much alive and well here! I can’t way for harvest season when I can earn a little *cough* tax free *cough* income to supplement my pension!!!
More Spanish businesses accept credit cards etc than pre pandemic, true. But I visited London last October and I struggled to pay cash in bars and restaurants - the vast majority would only accept cards. Here is Spain cash has never been an issue and it's still more accepted here than the rest of Europe - my Spanish friend who's a cop tells me that is one of the reasons that Spain is a popular place for European criminals to live. Because it's easy to pay cash for everything they can just spend their ill-gotten gains without leaving any paper trail. And I've never had a problem getting a waiter to break a 50 or 20 into something smaller that I then leave as a tip.
When in Madrid do what the Madridians do... No tips... Just leave any very small change as not worth your dignity to pick up... You wouldn't expect a French tourist to the States to kiss you... 😳
Great list of tourist mistakes in Spain! Well done and well explained. After living in Madrid this pst year, we saw plenty of tourists make these mistakes...🙄 Unfortunately, we've now moved to Germany, but we'll definitely be back to visit Spain in the future! Thank you for stating that you can say "Barcelona" without the Spanish accent when speaking English. Always a pet peeve of mine 🤣
@@spainrevealed We lived in the Canary islands for a few years and most genuine Canarians don't use the ' th ' sound. Gracias is pronounced with a ' c ' not a ' th '. Canarians, Andalucians and Mexicans all speak alike and don't use the more formal Castellano. A lot of Madrilleños tend to think Analucians and Canarians are lazy or common when it comes to speaking Spanish.
On the "Barcelona" thing - not even the locals use the "th" thing for "Barcelona" when speaking in Spanish. Maybe those from other parts of Spain, but the "th" sound is much less common in Catalan. Also, there are tonnes of South and Central Americans here who don't use the "th" sound either.
I have been to Spain many many times as i sail out of Barcelona. I am Canadian and very friendly and outgoing. I find the food dreadful and the service mediocre at best. People are not friendly nor smile unless they know you. Whenever i get back to Canada or the USA the food and service is infinitely better. And people actually smile and say hello.
I was in Spain last year, going again in a few weeks...focusing on Castille y León (Burgos, León, Valladolid, Palencia, maybe Zamora, Salamanca and Ávila. Any tips/ideas? I hope I'm not being too ambitious, but I'm packing light at least.
Castilla Y león is quite nice. I am from Salamanca so I can help. Few weeks? Define few weeks? So, there are not big cities inside of Castile and Leon, so you will be able to see them all if you go for several weeks. I recommend you to grab a rented car if it's in your budget. You won't regret it despite the, you know, gas prices. So, I will begin with my hometown: Salamanca and it's province. The city wil take two or three days, you really should try chanfaina, farinato, patatas meneás/revolconas and hornazo. Chanfaina is not that easy to find, but is delightful so I recommend one of this places, El Nuevo Abacanto (the best, imo, usually just in saturdays/sundays), Papillon (they have great spicy snails too) and Casa Vallejo (only in the early lunch, try their jeta (roasted pork face)). In the city you have to see The Cathedral, Ieronimus, which is the cathedral from the top roof, the Casa Lis, the Monterrey Palace, three impressive churches the clerecía and the chapel of Veracruz, and the Saint Esteban monastey. There are impressive. There are dozens of churches around the old town so don't miss the chance to enter and pray a bit in any of them if they are open (which depends on the time of the year). You must visit the Monterrey Palace too and have a Free Tour around the city, in which they will show you the best monuments visible from the street like the Roman Bridge or the Façade of the University. Don't miss the Patios Menores and it's small exhibition. There are more stuff to do. For eating, ConSentido and it's steak is the best option, and for dinner and having a SUPERB view of the city Pachamama, but is more fussion and less local cuisine. There are three 1 Michelin star restaurants there, so you can go for the fancy meal. For budget eating pinchos and tapas are always a good option and you will be able to enjoy the good spanish pork in Salamanca. La Mariseca, has an special pork cut called Lagarto, try it there in pincho. And there is a full street for pinchos and beer called Van Dyck. Close to that street is the before mentioned Papillon and on the other side there is a great bar that has a superb jeta, El Mesón de Gonzalo. And if you woke up early and want superb churros, go to the Churrería Ricardo, and ask for porras. Usually forgeiners go for the churro because is the famous sutff, but the porra is thicker, more vaporous inside and is waaayt better. Is a local place, very cheap and only take away, but the best one. You will need around two days to see the main stuff, three if you want to stick to details and go in a relaxed mood. Abuot the salmantinian region, is only worth to see it by driving yourself. La Alberca+Mogarraz+Sierra de Francia+Meandro del Melero is a one day tour that IT'S A MUST. One of the most beautiful villages in the whole Spain. Good food, there is in La Alberca el Museo del Jamón, you can guess what is it about. Try the jamón there and the iberian balls, they are beyond heavenly. In the very front of that place there is another good restaurant and in the main square you may try the fried frog legs, great too. Other places worth to be visited are Siega Verde+Ciudad Rodrigo, (try the farinato there, is amazing), Béjar+Candelario (if you go in winter is better) and having a walk around Ledesma, a medieval town with it's city walls. Alba de Tormes, San Felices de los Gallegos are other beautiful villages. Around La Sierra de Francia are a lot, so you can spend as much time there going from village to village and enjoying yourself in it, making the route of water or the route of wine. In Alba de Tormes you will be able to see the relics of Santa Teresa, which includes her arm, kept in a case that you might now as the Thanos Guantelet. Zamora is an small city that you will be able to visit in one day. The cathedral is less nicier than the Salmantinian one but is still wonderful. They have some villages around, Mombuey, Benavente, Puebla de Sanabria that are wonderful. Beware on Zamora about the distances, because Zamora city is 1h away from Salamanca by car, but the province is big and stuff are widespread. Toro is a wine region, so you can enjoy some local wines. Not the best in the country but quite special in their taste. Spicy Morcilla is from here, give it a try. Aswell the Arroz a la zamorana (zamoranian style rice). Ávila is aswell a beautiful city that can be seen in one day. Has a wonderful medieval wall and a lot of history. Steak there is cheaper. from a local variety of beef called morucha, different type of steak, highly recommended. Follow local advice to where to eat, you will love the outcome. Don't miss out the yemas of Santa Teresa. In the province of Ávila, is highly recommended Madrigal de las Altas Torres. That's an awesome medieval town to see. Another picturesque villages are Arenas de San Pedro, Guisando and Arévalo. Valladollid is the biggest city of the region. So you will find plenty of cultural activities to do. I sless beautiful as a capitol than the rest but on the other hand you have bigger and more relevant museums. In Valladolid there are The House-museum of Cervantes, the national Architecture museum, a nice catherdral aswell..., but you will love going out to eat pinchos there. IMPORTANT: Don't miss out Los Zagales. It is too incredible. La Tasquita is another pincho bar that is out of everyone's mind. Go early to this places, they ALWAYS get crowded. And aswell don't miss out Alarzon, and try their Torrezno. Jero is another top option aswell for pinchos. You may need from two to four days depending on your taste in museums, the city is not the best to walk around from the whole region upfront you. In Valladolid province you can't miss Tordesillas. Full of history, they have the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara. Try to buy tickets online, with the covid season was complicated, maybe now is easier to get them on site. That place is just gorgeous, with a crazy chapel that must be seen. Close to that village is Simancas, a nice village with a wonderful castle. Lamb (called Lechal, because is slaughtered when is still lactant) in the province of Valladolid is mandatory. There are a lot of castles in Valladolid (it was briefly the capitol of Spain and was one of the main regions of Castile) and it's just amazing to wander around with the car. Olmedo has a Theme Park of historic buildings, nice village too, try to visit Mot'as castle if possible. Rueda is a village there knows for it's wines. Get a load of them. Every of those places are between 1h and 1:30h away from Salamanca, so I suggest to use it as your base of operations, because is easy to reach south, west, north-west, north-east and east from there. León is another awesome city, two days is needed, don't miss Casa botines, is amazing.. Food there is amazing too. Don't miss the Botillo and their pincho zones, and the Parrila Louzao meat. Aswell plenty stuff to do, if possible, go to Astorga, the old chocolate center of Southern Europe. Has a beautiful palace and is a very nice place to go. You may try there the Maragato cocido, and therefore Stewed frog-legs in tomato sauce typical from La Bañeza, a close village. Chocolate there can be a different experience, try chocolate with jamón, you won't regret it. Ponferrada is another place to go in León, and Las Médulas, where they have a very expensive high quality steak restaurant called El Capricho. Is expensive but their meat is superb. Read about that place. For Burgos you will need time. That region is awesome. The rice morcilla is from there, don't miss it. It's the coldest part of Spain so be ready to enjoy freezing temperatures since early autumn. Don't miss aswell the Olla podrida, and it's province. Monasterio of Santo Domingo of Silos, Covarrubias, Lerma, Orbaneja del Castillo..., amazing places to visit. I am tired of typing, so yeah, maybe in another time I will continue. The beauty of this regions is 1)road trip, 2) historical/art approach, 3) Food/wine. And don't miss the local cheeses of the places, Cruz del viejo/Pata de burro (it has two names) in Valladolid, Valdeón blue cheese in León, Burgalese white cheese, better with honey and nuts, Hacienda Zorita's creamy cheese from Salamanca, Goat cured and semicured cheeses from Zamora... And don't miss cuajada, my favourite dessert. I could stay for hours, it's a very rich place with many stuff to see. It can be ambitious, but with time and a car can be out of mind of a trip. A quick reminder, Salamanca, Zamora and Leon are not technically Castile, but León, so you will notice the difference inmediately. It's part of Castile as a kingdom, but not as a region, there are historical nuances, whatever. And be ready to use the Google translator because you won't understand crap deep in the villages, and the dialects from south to north change drastically. Almost no one knows english eben in the touristic zones, much less on the local places. If they are old, they may know french, I don't know if that is useful to you. And yes, beware of gypsies, although you most likely won't see any in this regions, they are more packed in their own ongoing stuff.
Don't miss going out for tapas at León Barrio Húmedo, very close to the Cathedral and ask like the locals for very tiny beers or wine, you get the same tapa and you can visit 15 different bars instead of 7 or 8. Rent a car and move around to visit places like Zamora, Santo Domingo de Silos, Arlanza, Las Huelgas Monastery, Frías, Las Médulas (ancient Roman gold mine), Picos de Europa, Lago de Sanabria, Pedraza, Aranda de Duero (google this places to see pictures) etc etc... and of course don't miss the most known places as Ávila Salamanca, Toledo, Segovia, Burgos, León. This IMHO is one of the best possible road trips you can do in Spain.
I used a taxi in Valencia to get to the Lladro tienda. The cab driver didn't know about the actual store just the factory, so I had to show him where to go. I got a free ride from him, because I, a foreigner, knew something g about his city that he didn't. Lovely man!
It frequently involves visiting multiple bars as often they have their own speciality and the connoisseurs will eat the speciality of the house before moving on to the next one. Particularly in cities where there are many places serving tapas.
I am Spanish, and you have to avoid tourist traps at all costs. There is very good food here, but unfortunately many businesses cheat people who come from outside. for me personally it is an embarrassment of my country.
I generally avoid eating at a "plaza mayor" when in a big city in Spain. Smallers towns yes, never an issue. But the Plaza Major in Madrid is tourist trap centrral.
It is every country's problem
@@sunishabali6703 try eating in Times Square. Or don’t.
Don't worry about it. Every country in the world has people who cheat tourists
Im from Spain too and I agree
Came back from Spain 2 months ago and it was amazing! Stayed in local areas, shopped at local stores! Found the fruits and vegetables so much better then what you would find in a common grocery store in the states. We drank the local water every where we went including Barcelona at it was all fine. Like Italy, drinking from the water facets on the streets were a life saver. Never had any issues with the food. Can't wait to get back! My wife and I fell in love with Spain 🇪🇸 and the people.
Thank you from Andalusia in Spain 🇪🇦
@@fgb6737 no thank you!! My family arrived in New mexico from Spain in 1598 with Don Juan De Onate and about 2000 other Spaniard settlers. We have lived on the same lands since. My dad's side of the family came from the Northern Spain and my mother's came from Savilla. I know it sounds funny but I truly felt like I come home after almost 400 years. We descendants of the original families are very proud of our homeland and Spanish Heritage! Please note we are distinct and differ form the mexican heritage to the south of us as we were very far from Mexico city and it took several months for supplies to come from Mexico to northern New Mexico. We were the furthest northern territories of the spanish empire and forgotten about after Mexico declared independence from Spain. It is because of this We have always considered ourselves Spanish!!...again thank you for letting us come back home!!
You could say the same about anywhere in Europe, I lived in the US for a few years and oh my God the food there worst I've ever eaten, everything is so bland and full of chemicals and colourings
Yeah the tasteless food in USA is def a thing, some classmates that spent an exchange year in Idaho, Missouri and Michigan came back dissing so much about the food, how portions are bigger and stuff like legumes, fruit or vegetables taste like cardboard. And they all stayed in rural areas of those states, here when you go to remote areas the food is tastier cause the plantations are further away from populated (thus more polluted) areas
But i live an hour away from Barcelona and I would not drink the tap water there nor the one from where I live mate 😭
@chu che Glad to read that! Very proud of your comment and charmed of your good experience here 🍻 You both are welcome whenever you want. Cheers from Madrid 👋
The Spanish health service is excellent. Within 7 hours of walking into an emergency centre I was taken to my third hospital by ambulance and a surgeon immediately fitted a stent, solving my cardiac issues. Since returning to the UK the NHS has been nothing but complementary of my treatment and have not modified my medication plan set in Huelva.
@Limon Cello I fail to correlate the link between an operation to repair a collapsed artery and and that to treat an alcoholic coma?
The reciprocal agreement between our respective governments does mean that Spaniards in the UK can rely on using the UK health service and likewise Brits in Spain can rely on the Spanish health service.
Whilst I do not condone the action of those who seek to pour vast quantities of alcohol down their necks. In travelling to Spain, for holidays and drinking these people do bring a significant amount of income to the Spanish economy.
I suddenly had a problem with kidney stones while in Tarragona, absolutely first class care. From the moment I arrived to when they let me go home, friendly, caring and incredibly efficient health care. It inspires huge confidence!
I am trying to organize ALL my health care in Spain even if I have to pay for everything!
My observations having lived in Spain for a short time and returning often:
If you eat paella in the tourist areas, the sound of bells ringing is paella dishes coming out of the microwaves and they were made with the prepackaged rice from the non existent local Madrid Piggly Wiggly. Disgusting. Go off the beaten path for the better paella.
Many Americans don't know that Spain is in Europe.
Many Americans believe that Spaniards eat Mexican food.
Many Americans believe that the peoples of Mexico and Central and South America are "Spanish" people. Wrong!
People incorrectly believe that Spaniards drink A LOT of sangria.
People think that Spain is warm year round. I've seen snow up to my eyeballs in Pamplona in the winter.
I was asked if they had running water there. I refer you to the great aqueduct of Segovia.
I was asked if people live in mud huts.
Thanks for this video and for keeping people informed.
Never been to America and will never go.😂
😂 I don't know about the Spanish but I sure enjoyed sangría in Spain. 😊
I just got back from Spain I visited Barcelona and the beaches there also Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla oh my gosh the most amazing beautiful medieval walls, town churches monuments, towers etc. the food was excellent I will most definitely go back and visit Spain again or even live there people were nice and friendly. I just wish I would’ve bumped into you guys
Thank you from Andalusia in Spain 🇪🇦
Thank you for your wonderful stories... always good fun and educational too!
Thank you Marta!
The smoking thing has definitely changed a lot. When I first came to Spain in the 1970's, I got the impression that it was compulsory!
When I first visited Spain (1994) the rule was that if a Spanish male offered, you should smoke with him.
Actually is the same at work and going fiesta here in Spain. But remember next round is going on to you. Now tobacco is more expensive than in 90's, greetings from Spain.
Enjoy your channel very much. My daughter moved to Barcelona 12 yrs ago. So, I have traveled throughout Spain quite a bit. First time we went to BCN I asked to see a flamenco show. My Catalonian friends looked at me like I had three heads. Northern regions are so different from the southern area. Almost like being in different countries.
Whoever thought Spain in underdeveloped , definitely has an underdeveloped brain,like seriously dude.
Hay yes
Yes and the same when some Americans asks if "Spain is safe"
@@mrn13I assume some Americans have a hard time separating Mexico, Honduras etc from Spain in their head. I know there is the story of US customs telling Antonio Banderas that he had to tick Latino on his landing form. Something which in Europe seems just bizarre. Spanish people aren't a racial group to us in the least
@@SuperWallco Antonio Banderas is Latino btw. He might not be Latin American but latino as a person who speaks a latin language for sure he is
Were used to ignorant , vulgar tourists , without culture dont worry.
Great! As a German guy. living since 1999 close to Barcelona I 100% confirm all your comments and many more! Great video again, thank you very much!
Casa Botín is currently considered a restaurant, but It was originally a "casa de comidas" (no menú, you only could eat what was cooked on the day). The first restaurant (with menú, tablet clothes, etc) was Lhardy that I encourage to visit to have at least a consomé and to admire its marvellous ancient atmosphere; it's by Puerta del Sol.
Many of critical polítics were discussed and decided within its salons
For good paella, eat it in Castellon, Valencia and Alicante provinces: particularly in arrocerías or small towns. Cullera and El Palmar (Valencia) are great options. It's not really an evening meal, though tourists seem to think it is.
Fideos is a good alternative, if properly done.
Very good series of video-well done!
I was born in Spain but my family is not originally from here. I used to hate paella because the only ones I had tried were the ones we had in school (terrible pre-over-cooked rice) and in these touristic locations. The first time I actually tried a good paella wasn't too long ago, maybe 4-5 years ago when I was already a teenager having lived my entire life in Spain.
Also, there actually a reason why it is quite hard to find good places for paellas or any kind of Spanish rice dish. A paella is very time consuming; apart from all the mise en place consisting of cleaning seafood and meats, making the stock which can take hours, and cutting all the vegetables that might be needed, although the rice takes 18 minutes to cook, you need one cook exclusively working on a single paella for 15 minutes making the sofrito before adding the rice, and this stove is occupied for more than half an hour for one single table. Plus, restaurants that aren't specialized in arroces probably don't have a stove made for paelleras, which makes the job hundred times easier because it cooks the rice evenly so there's no need to move the paellera every now and then. Furthermore, a good seafood paella (arguably the most popular one) needs high quality ingredients for it to be actually good, so it tends to be very expensive.
I now make arroces at home once or twice a month. It's very fun to cook paella for family and friends and it's cheaper to buy the ingredients yourself, which allows me to buy nice and fresh seafood and safran. That's why every time a friend comes visit Spain from abroad, I invite them to have my paella first to avoid the paella disappointment.
I was told by a Valician that originally Paella was made only with rabbit and snails..Poor peoples food... He took me to a restaurant specialising in that type of Paella..
And it was glorious... He was derogative about other types of Paella (eg sea food) but I guess variations have become established.
@@pyellard3013 yeah, many people will say that the only paella is the valenciana. I guess it's a fair point. I personally call "paella" every dry rice that is made in a paellera pan, although purists will say that those are just "arroces."
Anyway, I think that the paellera pan is very unique to Spain, so non-paellas also deserve to be considered Spanish traditional food.
I do agree however that Valencian paellas are underrated. I think that the most accepted list of ingredients for paella valenciana right now would be: chicken, snails, duck, rabbit, tomato, green beans, garrafón, artichoke, safron, and sweet paprika. It's hard to find a good paella valenciana outside of Valencia, though.
@@davidzhan I am from Valencia and I've never eaten a paella with duck. We usually use chicken and rabbit meat, and snails are hardly ever used, but it depends on the region where you are 👌
Yeah, it breaks my heart every time I see tourists sitting in front of the sort of sorry excuse for a paella that is served in most places in tourist areas. I’d encourage everyone to leave bad reviews on Trip Advisor, Google maps etc. It’s the only way these people will learn. But, if it’s your first one, how do you know you got a “fake” paella? Well, if you didn’t LOVE it there’s a very good chance you got fleeced. A well made paella is indisputably delicious.
Honestly, these restaurants should be fined by local authorities for giving our food such a bad reputation abroad, not to mention providing unsuspecting visitors with such a terrible experience.
Did you know the original valenciana paella included rats? Not anymore
AHH I'm Spanish (from Madrid, maybe the best city in the word), living temporary in the US for work and the more I see your videos, the more I want to come back!
You two are great! I've been living in Spain since the 70s (now a Spanish national) and I totally agree with everything you say, show, advise, suggest
... Enhorabuena!
Great to see Yoly return to videos on the channel! We have missed her indeed! This was a fun video with some really useful information in it, especially for those that may be planning to visit Spain for the first time! Thanks for sharing it with the community!
Thanks Matt! Great to be back 😄
Wow, mind blown. Fresh and refeshing, this guy immediately grabs your attention with his energy and passion!
I feel bad that I didn't know about your page before seeing you with Mark. I'm very happy to now follow your channel and get a taste of Spain. MERCI! From Montréal, Québec 👌
Going to Spain next month with my fiancé! Super excited to check out some of these tapas
You are a doubly lucky person. En hora buena a los dos! I'd suggest that you're super excited to go out for tapas, as mentioned, it's more of a verb and general experience than specific dish. Have a great time. September is better than August. Spain is full of tourists and empty of Spaniards in August. Also, it's too hot. Festivals are best in Spring and Fall, depending on the region.
The quality of your videos is just incredible. Packed full of great info, fantastically presented, great mix of humour too and killer editing! Love you guys! Ps. Many of my daughter’s friends here in Mallorca don’t eat any veg and barely eat fruit!! No cases of scurvy just yet ! I say yet…
I have to agree. I’ve watched Spain revealed almost from the inception and with this one, I feel James and Yoly have, yet again, taken their production to another level!
James is a liar. There are travellers around the world and not just in Europe. They are going to robbed you ?!!! What about the Government Taxes ? Isn't a robb ?
Hey, great tips! Avoiding these mistakes can really make our Spain trip smoother. Thanks for the heads-up!
I've just discovered your channel recently (while getting over excited about my upcoming trip to Spain in Sept/October). You two are great! Hubby and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary with a trip to Cadiz, Granada and Nerja. Can't wait. We've only been to Catalunya so far so are really excited to see some more of your wonderful country. Thanks for all the hints and tips in your videos. Many I knew (I like to read/research/learn some words beforehand) but having them rooted in your experiences (and seeing the places and people ) at the same time adds so much. I know following you is going to add so much to my experience. Thank you!😁
sevilla is nice too, great flamenco shows!
@@carreyperea2201 would love to but that's going to have to be another trip. Honestly, so many places in Spain I want to see. Hoping we'll get plenty of chances to visit
@@JanG_GC Don't miss Casa Manteca in Cádiz, especially the chicharrones. One of my favourite places in Spain!
@@Plado21 Thanks for the recommendation. I'm trying them somewhere, for sure. 😀
What a nice video, well explained and straight to the point. 10/10. Thanks for the work!
Tio, muchas gracias por la puntualización que haces sobre el nombre de Barcelona. Como barcelonés y "perico" (si eres un poco aficionado al futbol, sabrás a que me refiero), me han "sangrado los oidos" , cada vez que un guiri se ha referido a mi ciudad como "Barça". Por cierto, como neozelandés que eres, te quiero contar un pequeño secreto: La última vez que estuve en Madrid tuve el privilegio de mantener una convesación en catalán, en plena calle Fuencarral, con un compatriota tuyo nacido en Auckland, ... pero criado en Barcelona.
No sé si has tratado el tema en alguno de tus videos y si no lo has hecho, te invito a hacerlo. Lo más surrealista que he visto en turistas novatos por España ha sido verlos, fotografiando cabinas de la ONCE, supongo que sorprendidos y preguntandose cual es la utilidad de aquel artefacto plantado en medio de la acera.
Y otro tema divertido que se me ocurre es la confusión entre leche y horchata. También en este campo he vivido alguna experiencia sobre la que advertir a esas indefensas criaturas que tan generosamente contribuyen a elevar nuestro PIB.
Thanks! I’ll be in Madrid and Valencia mid September, great video and nice to see Yoly and the princess back on camera 🥰
We lived in Spain from ‘75 - ‘77 and used to for Tapas with our parents all the time. And it was a blast! Very fond memories.
We cannot wait to visit Madrid/Barcelona in a few weeks, our first time in Spain, though not first time to Europe. We've been watching many of your videos to be as informed as possible. Great content and awesome tips, have learned so much about Spain. 🇪🇸
Love your vlog! Thanks Yoly and James!
Hi James and Yoli. Yet another great video. Well done. Nice to see Lucia and my has she grown. BTW Yoli, you are looking stunning. I've always found that a paella in a tourist city is seldom good but if you keep searching, you will eventually find a place that serves an amazing paella. It's worth the searching because when you eventually get a good one, it's spectacular. Great work again Jaames and Yoli and thant you very much. Hasta la proxima.😀👍
I've walked the Camino de Santiago four times. Wish you covered ordering and eating octopus. On the meseta it is difficult and unsatisfactory, but in Galacia it is marvelous.
Aparte de las acepciones aportadas en el vídeo, Flamenco también es una palabra que se usa como gentilicio de los habitantes de Flandes. En neerlandés sería Vlamingen (y hay que tener en cuenta que pronuncian la v de forma muy similar a la f)
Me sorprenden muchas de las preguntas que os hacen, y me da la impresión de que vienen de gente que incluso son incapaces de colocar España correctamente en un mapa.
Flemish
We just got back from Barcelona, we went to Gourmet Sensi sensi tapas and LOVED IT. We found a breakfast place to share with you. Billy Brunch in Barcelona that speak both fluent English and Spanish. The brunch was cheap like 5 Euros for huevos omelette and fresh orange juice and mint tea. The keep chickens that lay eggs in the rear garden. Another place we liked was El Nacional for fish I had super fresh Chilean Sea Bass. We stayed at Avenida Palace which was excellent with great bathrooms and very clean and pretty. Thank you for the tips. But people drive like maniacs. oy
Loved this very informative and entertaining video. Please continue to post more wonderful content. Glad to see Yoly and little Lucia.
Thanks Maribel!!!
James no entiendo porque no tienes millones de seguidores, la manera de hacer videos de ustedes dos es magnifica, sigue asi y pronto explotara tu canal! Saludos desde Mexico!
Most people dont know that Paella is a very local dish from the mediterranean coast of Spain. It has become popular all over the country (and abroad) of course, but it's more of a "summer dish" and even then you barely eat it (maybe once or twice a month in summer? depends on the family or the person). It also takes like 2 to 3 hours or more to cook. So it's not a daily dish. So, for me the most authentic spanish dish is the Tortilla de Patatas. You can find one in every local bar. That's common dish in all spanish houses and you can find it in any corner of the country. Paella for some reason has become the most well known dish abroad but it's not (for me at least) our national dish.
Hi guys, I discovered your channel through Mark Wiens channel the episode about tapas in Madrid. I enjoy thoroughly your channel. Originally I am Spanish, however I have been half of my adult life in the UK and the States. I tend to go back to Spain once a year and it really surprised me this summer the amount of places that accepted card tap. Regarding another episode, sorry I can’t get the taste for the Marmite, I love British baked bean, peanut butter and peanut butter cup, both acquired taste, but the marmite, not in 5 years or in 500… Awesome work guys.
A lot of the questions arise from the fact that Americans and other non-Europrans tend to confuse Spain with Latin America.
Yes there are cultural & linguistic similarities but Spain is a 1st world country with a modern infrastructure and with reasonably well working government services.
I lived in Spain for eight years, and have lived in Colombia for 14. They are not REMOTELY similar, though both great countries in their own rights
Congratulations to the Mark Wiens collaboration! Very good episode also 🏆
The taxi service in Spain is excellent. Good to hear about the smoking law, makes the eating out in the terrace more pleasant.
You want food paella? Don't get it in Madrid or Barcelona...get it from Valencia. This city is really a hidden gem of Spain. They have some great history, the beaches are so wonderful, the weather is pretty spectacular, not really any pickpocketing, and they may have the best paella. It's supposedly where it all started. Very good food
En Madrid o Barcelona se comen tan buenas paellas como en Valencia, tampoco todas las paellas que se comen en Valencia son buenas. Los turistas antes de pedir paella para comer deben informarse bien donde hacerlo.
I'm actually in Spain (Costa Del Sol)... for two months! So... great tip here! I'll check that!
When we were in Sevilla years ago, we asked someone where we could get good paella. He thought for a minute and said "Valencia".
@@bennyrobertson even Spaniards know, get it from the original source
I'm going there in a month. Good to know i chose a good city😄
Came here after Marks video because your energy was so cheerful 😁! Keep giving out the good vibes and thanks for the quality of your Videos👍🏻
You've done it again 😁 You never let us down.
I am a little surprised that people still have these misapprehensions but I guess, if you have never been, how can you know?
One extra mistake of which I am aware is thinking of Spain as a monoculture. Some of the regional differences are profound. Incredibly, in the 21st century, I still have Catalan friends who only use Castellano when absolutely necessary.
That’s so true mate - so much variety here!
@@spainrevealed You can think what you want, and about your Spanish and Catalan friends, but I don't speak English for various reasons, which would take too long to explain, but I'm just telling you that you used to subtitle your videos in Spanish, and now you don't. I am in my right to see your videos or not. But if I don't understand why I want to see them? I'm much older than you so I don't understand how it is that with the advantages you've had, you don't speak more languages. A pleasure to see your videos with subtitles. Ah excuse my English, I used Google translate
And how many languages do you speak? I Spanish, Catalan, Italian a little
At least four distinctive cultures here.. with local variations
And bear in mind llos madriles. With distinctive cultural heritage
A quick point about the tap water: In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, nobody drinks the tap water.
Although water has to be certified as safe to drink, all of the water here is desalinated, and it really doesn't taste very nice. Most people cook with it etc, but when it comes to drinking water, everyone buys large bottles of water from the supermarket (or invests in some kind of filtration system).
something similar happens in my home island of Mallorca. I don't know a single Mallorcan who doesn't drink bottled water. I imagine it's awful for the environment, but it's hard to persuade people to drink tap water!
My wife’s aunties and uncles in Barcelona drink bottled water, not tap. Just come back from a great full family holiday to La Costa Brava and we used tap water for teeth and washing only. When it’s €0.27 a litre in a tourist hotspot it’s not a big deal to buy bottled water, especially as you can refrigerate it.
Throughout the whole Mediterranean area that happens too. People don’t usually drink tap water because of its bad taste. They're highly calcareous, hard waters.
We can drink the water in our pueblo but we don’t. The water in this area is very very hard. I have to add acid to the pool on a regular basis to get the pH level down enough for the chlorine to work well. So drinking hard water like increase the chances of kidney stones and for this reason we drink bottled water.
Great video. Thank you! My brother just moved to Barcelona and we are considering as well
Thank you for your videos. I'm flying home from Madrid after my Camino walk. I look for to reading your e-book!
Great video I am sharing with my familia. They are going to Barcelona in Sept. I am allergic to cigarette smoke so I am especially thrilled to learn of the new law. When I was staying in a hostel in Granada with my husband in Sept of 2019 the cigarette smoke came into our room as we slept and I woke up sick with a bad sinus issue and cold. Another time in Malaga we were eating lunch with la familia even though we were outside on a patio the cigarette smoke was so thick and awful.
Good to see you outside enjoying some fresh air and birdsong! Also great to see you do treat yourself to a decent drop of wine, very glad to see that, as you work so much stu, we appreciate you 😊 nicola and andrew shellard from uk living in Oliva, valencia since Nov 2022❤
Heading to Spain in March and have found your videos a great help! Enjoying every one! Thanks !!!
Love your collab with mark weins....amazing how much food you guys ate in a day
Yes i felt a little queasy by the end of it lol!
I’m heading to Spain and I’m glad to know in advance that so few establishments accept tap to pay which I’ve used literally everywhere in Italy and Denmark. Disappointed to learn, but glad I know in advance.
Great video! Though I feel you have left out THE number 1 mistake tourists make when going to Spain: not taking into account the Spanish eating times.
More often than not you’ll find yourself wanting to have lunch at 12:00 and you’ll sit alone in the restaurant (or the kitchen will be still closed) because at that time Spanish people are still at work/school (or having breakfast). They’ll then stroll in starting at 2 pm for their lunch… Same in the evening
My wife is Galician and she makes the most delicious seafood paella I've ever had.
I can’t eat paella when I visit Spain because it’s never as good as my mum’s - from Galicia
If it has seafood, is not paella, is rice with things.
Give me your address and I will come by this Saturday!
Wow... wonderful video with beautiful colors....thanks for sharing this amazing video.greeting from Iran 🇮🇷 ❤
Great video guys as ever. Where we live in south Alicante province we have a lot of Flamingos on the "pink lake" next to La Mata and Torrevieja. During the 2 year covid thing when people were not moving around much the Flamingo population here increased significantly due to lack of disturbance.
We also occassionaly get Flamenco here when the "real Flamenco artists" from the South come here to perform. I struggle to understand Flamenco personally, the songs and music are very loud and emotionally charged and sound so tragic very often.
To me, the water in my area tastes a lot of chlorine, it´s VERY safe to drink but personally, I dont like the taste so for drinking water on its own, I use bottled.
Keep up the good work. saludos.
I studied at the Universidad de Sevilla back in 1977. I then came back to Spain for the first time in 2017. Spain changed radically in those 40 years. I could give you a gazillion examples but I won't.
It changed for the good or for the bad?
@@catherinemori4986 Dictatorship gone and we fine:
1) More insecurity
2) Mass media, systemic and political corruption
3) Degeneracy
4) Threats to our national sovereignity
5) Ignorance across the population and worst educational system and cultural performance
6) Worst economy
7) Plenty of old people living in nostalgy
8) Weak people
9) OUr culture and traditions fading away
10) An unhappy society
Dictatorship is just a type of gobernment that removes power from the people. When most of the voters are retards, willingful to vote any idiot/mean cruel corrupt liar and in exchange you have a leader that would be a great dictator, following the well being of it's people, allowing to improve the country and the happiness of it's people and will be only tought with those who are toxic for the country, internally or externally, well, you now know who would be the best.
Usually dictatorship is portraited like the mean, cruel bastard who kills people and restrain them while democracy looks like some sort of paradise where the people are both free to vote and raise their ideas and are going to make the most intelligent decision. And we are beginning to live in the contrary situation, where Franco, with his flaws, was better than the actual politicians.
So that's why I ask.
Love you guys and your amazing work....all three of you
If you can swing it, get invited somehow, the best paellas I've had were not in restaurants but in little community parties usually on San Juan in smaller beach towns (Costa Brava). Tough to do as a tourist but if you know a local...
Thanks for the video Darren, great as always.
I would only add 1-3 quick examples of good and bad examples of posts.
Take care
You have no idea how much you have helped me. I have Spanish roots (from Catalonia) and am headed there for (vacation) or you might say holiday in October. It will be my first real experience in the mother land. I've only been to Madrid but at the airport only during a short layover. Thanks guys.❤
Just don't try to eat at Las Ramblas. Go to the Born.
@@jal051 Thanks for the tip.👍🏽
I like when I open UA-cam and there is a new video because I know I’m going to like it, thanks for never letting me down and keep the good work
I have been confused with the tap water. I have lived in Tenerife for a few years and always drink bottled water as that is what everyone else seems to do. A lot of people say that the tap water is not safe as it is full of too many minerals and chlorine, but then some people say they do drink it.
Certain islands and coast cities are the exception to the rule. Tap water is excellent in the rest of Spain, Matthew.
The Paella issue in this video reminds me of my experience in Italy with Pasta dishes in 2015. Paid 20euro for seafood pasta dish and it only came with 4 little piece of seafood and little pasta.
I'm not an italian but i think italians don't eat pasta as main meal. It's more like a meal before your main dish. Maybe thats the reason it wasn't much!
@@steevor4837 - Fine with me but for 20euro? That’s criminal. I was in Spain this past May and we paid 14euro for 4 course meals. Too much boasting of Italian cuisine by Italians.
One of the most enjoyable videos yet! Not sure why….just throughly enjoyed it!
We were quite puzzled when upon telling some friends or acquaintances that we were going to vacation in Spain, several years ago, they respond “why?” We realized that many Americans seem to only view Italy, France and maybe Ireland and England as European vacation destinations. It was odd, and unanticipated. They were so puzzled by our vacation plans that they couldn’t muster a “Wow - that sounds like fun!”
I live in Barcelona and have notcied a huge growth in the number of US tourists over the last few years.
SShhhh...please keep the secret.
Yeah Iberia, Germany, Benelux and Central Europe is undervisited by Americans. Madrid, Stuttgart, Munich, Ghent, Groningen, Vienna, Prague etc are fantastic cities to visit. Americans are missing out.
Just got back...phew...didn't make any of these mistakes, thanks to your channel. Thanks for all the advice. We went to one of the Flamenco shows you suggested and had a great experience. Content suggestions: SIM cards. That info gave us cheap cell service for our trip. And no-fee ATM's, that info is difficult to find. I didn't know I needed a tap and pay card for the Renfe vending machines at MAD airport. Review how to use metro and Renfe vending machines. Walk people theough how to get from the airport to city center from MAD or BCN. As for me, I need to save up to go back ...Love
Thanks!
Thank you Mikhail!
Guys thank you for amazing content. If any chance you can Give me a hand to choose one of your tours in Madrid. Madrid tapas,Tavern & History or Ultimate Spanish Cuisine.
Hi Mikhail --- that's a tough one. Depends if you want tapas (the evening tour) or more types of food (the Ultimate Tour). I suggest dropping Devour a line over at info@devourtours.com so our team can help you more specifically.
@@spainrevealedHi,great thank you for your reply. definitely we’ll talk to your team because I am in the middle of booking vip walking tour .
I just wanna book everything in one shot, will be travelling to Madrid in last week of September.
Thank guys!
Just watched your video with Mark Weins, good luck with it bringing more veiws to your channel. I think yours is one of the better food/travel channels 👍
One of your best videos! Thank you. Funny (or should I say "frustrating") in some ways, in that I see many of those similar comments about Spain in various social media sites. Sometimes people just don't take the time to do their homework before coming to Spain. I realize that not everyone can afford, or want to pay, for advice from a resource or travel planner (like Spain Savvy), but it certainly does help in making the experience a better one. One comment about the smoking issue...yes, it is great that no smoking is allowed inside a restaurant/bar, but what we found too often is that the smokers would get up from their table mid-meal, go outside and stand by the open doors or windows of the place which then allows the smoke to come wafting in. Oh well, hoping this all changes.
Great job describing the customs and very educational.👍
I am coming over in May so thank you for your information and advice
Loved this video ! Must visit Madrid soon I drove through it once but just on the way from uk to msrbella
Lovely to see Yoli - great information as ever. Cheers!
We use to wear those "capes" in venezia too we call the tabari..
I been back to your videos! I have been busy traveling throughout the northeast USA. During the summer and fall! Your baby is getting big! Awesome!😍🥰😃😇
Sorry, I was asleep when this was ready. Happy to catch it now.
I'm wondering how this video got past me. I thought I had watched all of the Spain Revealed videos. Even the oldest ones. I'm guessing James must have had this one shoved way down deep in the archives.🤨 Great video, too. I ❤🇪🇦
Thanks for the tips. What are your recommendations for a place in Barcelona for great paella?
Thank you for this informative video. I'll be visiting Spain next year in March to April 2023
We will be in Madrid and Barcelona next week. So excited ❤
Hi, we love your videos, very informative, congrats. We are going to Spain in a couple of weeks to enjoy this beautiful country. I know the best paella is probably in Valencia but we are not going there, can you advice us a good place to have a good one? Barcelona, Sevilla, Malaga. Thanks and keep it up !
Here from watching marks video in Spain and omg the food looks amazing and now watching your video and new here and from Connecticut, USA , I want to come visit
Great video. Planning my trip to Madrid in April 24. I can't find any way to book Tablao Villa-Rosa. Is it still open? 🙏🏻
I get my paella con pollo from the local Sunday market and it is fabulous! A weekly treat!
Will be in Madrid in July... hoping to have a meal with you guys
Agree the Paella in Madrid and Barcelona are very ordinary. However my Paella in Seville and Valencia was amazing.
Not sure if you have made a video of this type specifically, but you might want to make one about the best/most authentic tapas and/or food you can get specifically in the Plaza Mayor (I noticed you were there for the bad paella).
Siempre muy buenos consejos, gracias me servira cuando voy a Madrid este mes. Sois una pareja encantadora :)
Thank you for the impressive video! new sub and bell 😍🥰😘
Welcome!
On a group tour of Spain, 2 of our girls developed intestinal problems they blamed on the water, one of our group was a Med. Dr. He asked them when was the last time they ate ths much olive oil and tomatoes. water in major cities is GOOD.
Having made the move here from Canada less than two months ago, I can say you have “nailed” this one. (Well… you nail all your videos …pero bueno…). With this one I found myself saying “yes…yes!!!” after each point.
One mistake I found particularly interesting was the comment that Spain is a cash economy and the observation that Covid might have had something to do with changing this. During my precovid visits, all my Spanish friends and family here paid with cash. However, now every place takes electronic forms of payment. I was even in a tapas bar last week where I tried to pay with cash and the owner requested that I paid with a card if I could!
The problem with this for me coming from North America where tips are almost expected and part of a server’s salary is that the payment machines don’t allow for “propinas”. I ask to add one to the bill but the servers tell me it just goes to the owners. So I now find myself taking cash from a machine and trying to find a way to break the larger bills into coin or smaller amounts so that I can leave a small gratuity without feeling guilty. That said, I still have to find a way to slip the tip to the server with anyone seeing me as my Spanish family insists that I not tip!
All this said, while the service industry may be moving to a cashless sector, “dinero negro” or black money paid for work “under the table” as we would say is still VERY much alive and well here! I can’t way for harvest season when I can earn a little *cough* tax free *cough* income to supplement my pension!!!
More Spanish businesses accept credit cards etc than pre pandemic, true. But I visited London last October and I struggled to pay cash in bars and restaurants - the vast majority would only accept cards. Here is Spain cash has never been an issue and it's still more accepted here than the rest of Europe - my Spanish friend who's a cop tells me that is one of the reasons that Spain is a popular place for European criminals to live. Because it's easy to pay cash for everything they can just spend their ill-gotten gains without leaving any paper trail.
And I've never had a problem getting a waiter to break a 50 or 20 into something smaller that I then leave as a tip.
When in Madrid do what the Madridians do... No tips... Just leave any very small change as not worth your dignity to pick up... You wouldn't expect a French tourist to the States to kiss you... 😳
Awesome tips! Thanks! Btw, do you know if in Valencia there is Flamenco?
I really love these guys. I have been watching all their videos for the last 3 weeks 😍
Thanks a lot for this vídeo because i don’t drink a lot and we are going next October !!!
Awesome!
Great list of tourist mistakes in Spain! Well done and well explained. After living in Madrid this pst year, we saw plenty of tourists make these mistakes...🙄
Unfortunately, we've now moved to Germany, but we'll definitely be back to visit Spain in the future!
Thank you for stating that you can say "Barcelona" without the Spanish accent when speaking English. Always a pet peeve of mine 🤣
haha we have pet peeves in common!
@@spainrevealed We lived in the Canary islands for a few years and most genuine Canarians don't use the ' th ' sound. Gracias is pronounced with a ' c ' not a ' th '. Canarians, Andalucians and Mexicans all speak alike and don't use the more formal Castellano. A lot of Madrilleños tend to think Analucians and Canarians are lazy or common when it comes to speaking Spanish.
love germany. great country!!!
On the "Barcelona" thing - not even the locals use the "th" thing for "Barcelona" when speaking in Spanish. Maybe those from other parts of Spain, but the "th" sound is much less common in Catalan. Also, there are tonnes of South and Central Americans here who don't use the "th" sound either.
I have been to Spain many many times as i sail out of Barcelona. I am Canadian and very friendly and outgoing. I find the food dreadful and the service mediocre at best. People are not friendly nor smile unless they know you. Whenever i get back to Canada or the USA the food and service is infinitely better. And people actually smile and say hello.
You guys are so funny and super cute together!!! Many thanks for the amazing for the videos. I love them all!
I was in Spain last year, going again in a few weeks...focusing on Castille y León (Burgos, León, Valladolid, Palencia, maybe Zamora, Salamanca and Ávila. Any tips/ideas? I hope I'm not being too ambitious, but I'm packing light at least.
Castilla Y león is quite nice. I am from Salamanca so I can help. Few weeks? Define few weeks?
So, there are not big cities inside of Castile and Leon, so you will be able to see them all if you go for several weeks.
I recommend you to grab a rented car if it's in your budget. You won't regret it despite the, you know, gas prices.
So, I will begin with my hometown: Salamanca and it's province. The city wil take two or three days, you really should try chanfaina, farinato, patatas meneás/revolconas and hornazo. Chanfaina is not that easy to find, but is delightful so I recommend one of this places, El Nuevo Abacanto (the best, imo, usually just in saturdays/sundays), Papillon (they have great spicy snails too) and Casa Vallejo (only in the early lunch, try their jeta (roasted pork face)).
In the city you have to see The Cathedral, Ieronimus, which is the cathedral from the top roof, the Casa Lis, the Monterrey Palace, three impressive churches the clerecía and the chapel of Veracruz, and the Saint Esteban monastey. There are impressive. There are dozens of churches around the old town so don't miss the chance to enter and pray a bit in any of them if they are open (which depends on the time of the year). You must visit the Monterrey Palace too and have a Free Tour around the city, in which they will show you the best monuments visible from the street like the Roman Bridge or the Façade of the University. Don't miss the Patios Menores and it's small exhibition. There are more stuff to do.
For eating, ConSentido and it's steak is the best option, and for dinner and having a SUPERB view of the city Pachamama, but is more fussion and less local cuisine. There are three 1 Michelin star restaurants there, so you can go for the fancy meal. For budget eating pinchos and tapas are always a good option and you will be able to enjoy the good spanish pork in Salamanca. La Mariseca, has an special pork cut called Lagarto, try it there in pincho. And there is a full street for pinchos and beer called Van Dyck. Close to that street is the before mentioned Papillon and on the other side there is a great bar that has a superb jeta, El Mesón de Gonzalo. And if you woke up early and want superb churros, go to the Churrería Ricardo, and ask for porras. Usually forgeiners go for the churro because is the famous sutff, but the porra is thicker, more vaporous inside and is waaayt better. Is a local place, very cheap and only take away, but the best one.
You will need around two days to see the main stuff, three if you want to stick to details and go in a relaxed mood.
Abuot the salmantinian region, is only worth to see it by driving yourself. La Alberca+Mogarraz+Sierra de Francia+Meandro del Melero is a one day tour that IT'S A MUST. One of the most beautiful villages in the whole Spain. Good food, there is in La Alberca el Museo del Jamón, you can guess what is it about. Try the jamón there and the iberian balls, they are beyond heavenly. In the very front of that place there is another good restaurant and in the main square you may try the fried frog legs, great too. Other places worth to be visited are Siega Verde+Ciudad Rodrigo, (try the farinato there, is amazing), Béjar+Candelario (if you go in winter is better) and having a walk around Ledesma, a medieval town with it's city walls. Alba de Tormes, San Felices de los Gallegos are other beautiful villages. Around La Sierra de Francia are a lot, so you can spend as much time there going from village to village and enjoying yourself in it, making the route of water or the route of wine. In Alba de Tormes you will be able to see the relics of Santa Teresa, which includes her arm, kept in a case that you might now as the Thanos Guantelet.
Zamora is an small city that you will be able to visit in one day. The cathedral is less nicier than the Salmantinian one but is still wonderful. They have some villages around, Mombuey, Benavente, Puebla de Sanabria that are wonderful. Beware on Zamora about the distances, because Zamora city is 1h away from Salamanca by car, but the province is big and stuff are widespread. Toro is a wine region, so you can enjoy some local wines. Not the best in the country but quite special in their taste. Spicy Morcilla is from here, give it a try. Aswell the Arroz a la zamorana (zamoranian style rice).
Ávila is aswell a beautiful city that can be seen in one day. Has a wonderful medieval wall and a lot of history. Steak there is cheaper. from a local variety of beef called morucha, different type of steak, highly recommended. Follow local advice to where to eat, you will love the outcome. Don't miss out the yemas of Santa Teresa.
In the province of Ávila, is highly recommended Madrigal de las Altas Torres. That's an awesome medieval town to see. Another picturesque villages are Arenas de San Pedro, Guisando and Arévalo.
Valladollid is the biggest city of the region. So you will find plenty of cultural activities to do. I sless beautiful as a capitol than the rest but on the other hand you have bigger and more relevant museums. In Valladolid there are The House-museum of Cervantes, the national Architecture museum, a nice catherdral aswell..., but you will love going out to eat pinchos there. IMPORTANT: Don't miss out Los Zagales. It is too incredible. La Tasquita is another pincho bar that is out of everyone's mind. Go early to this places, they ALWAYS get crowded. And aswell don't miss out Alarzon, and try their Torrezno. Jero is another top option aswell for pinchos. You may need from two to four days depending on your taste in museums, the city is not the best to walk around from the whole region upfront you.
In Valladolid province you can't miss Tordesillas. Full of history, they have the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara. Try to buy tickets online, with the covid season was complicated, maybe now is easier to get them on site. That place is just gorgeous, with a crazy chapel that must be seen. Close to that village is Simancas, a nice village with a wonderful castle. Lamb (called Lechal, because is slaughtered when is still lactant) in the province of Valladolid is mandatory. There are a lot of castles in Valladolid (it was briefly the capitol of Spain and was one of the main regions of Castile) and it's just amazing to wander around with the car. Olmedo has a Theme Park of historic buildings, nice village too, try to visit Mot'as castle if possible. Rueda is a village there knows for it's wines. Get a load of them.
Every of those places are between 1h and 1:30h away from Salamanca, so I suggest to use it as your base of operations, because is easy to reach south, west, north-west, north-east and east from there.
León is another awesome city, two days is needed, don't miss Casa botines, is amazing.. Food there is amazing too. Don't miss the Botillo and their pincho zones, and the Parrila Louzao meat. Aswell plenty stuff to do, if possible, go to Astorga, the old chocolate center of Southern Europe. Has a beautiful palace and is a very nice place to go. You may try there the Maragato cocido, and therefore Stewed frog-legs in tomato sauce typical from La Bañeza, a close village. Chocolate there can be a different experience, try chocolate with jamón, you won't regret it. Ponferrada is another place to go in León, and Las Médulas, where they have a very expensive high quality steak restaurant called El Capricho. Is expensive but their meat is superb. Read about that place.
For Burgos you will need time. That region is awesome. The rice morcilla is from there, don't miss it. It's the coldest part of Spain so be ready to enjoy freezing temperatures since early autumn. Don't miss aswell the Olla podrida, and it's province. Monasterio of Santo Domingo of Silos, Covarrubias, Lerma, Orbaneja del Castillo..., amazing places to visit.
I am tired of typing, so yeah, maybe in another time I will continue. The beauty of this regions is 1)road trip, 2) historical/art approach, 3) Food/wine. And don't miss the local cheeses of the places, Cruz del viejo/Pata de burro (it has two names) in Valladolid, Valdeón blue cheese in León, Burgalese white cheese, better with honey and nuts, Hacienda Zorita's creamy cheese from Salamanca, Goat cured and semicured cheeses from Zamora... And don't miss cuajada, my favourite dessert. I could stay for hours, it's a very rich place with many stuff to see. It can be ambitious, but with time and a car can be out of mind of a trip.
A quick reminder, Salamanca, Zamora and Leon are not technically Castile, but León, so you will notice the difference inmediately. It's part of Castile as a kingdom, but not as a region, there are historical nuances, whatever. And be ready to use the Google translator because you won't understand crap deep in the villages, and the dialects from south to north change drastically. Almost no one knows english eben in the touristic zones, much less on the local places. If they are old, they may know french, I don't know if that is useful to you.
And yes, beware of gypsies, although you most likely won't see any in this regions, they are more packed in their own ongoing stuff.
Don't miss going out for tapas at León Barrio Húmedo, very close to the Cathedral and ask like the locals for very tiny beers or wine, you get the same tapa and you can visit 15 different bars instead of 7 or 8.
Rent a car and move around to visit places like Zamora, Santo Domingo de Silos, Arlanza, Las Huelgas Monastery, Frías, Las Médulas (ancient Roman gold mine), Picos de Europa, Lago de Sanabria, Pedraza, Aranda de Duero (google this places to see pictures) etc etc... and of course don't miss the most known places as Ávila Salamanca, Toledo, Segovia, Burgos, León.
This IMHO is one of the best possible road trips you can do in Spain.
I used a taxi in Valencia to get to the Lladro tienda. The cab driver didn't know about the actual store just the factory, so I had to show him where to go. I got a free ride from him, because I, a foreigner, knew something g about his city that he didn't. Lovely man!
Tapas as an activity sounds similar to brunch in the US. Not a food, but a gathering for food.
It frequently involves visiting multiple bars as often they have their own speciality and the connoisseurs will eat the speciality of the house before moving on to the next one. Particularly in cities where there are many places serving tapas.
Your hints to bad paella experiences are appreciated. How to spot those "restaurants that specialize in rice"?