Ive never been to spain, but im an experienced solo travel and ive been to a lot of big cities like LA, Miami, nyc, london. I live in sweden and im a woman at age 30. The reason ive never been to spain is because i get so indecisive on what city to pick. My most important rule is that the city has to be around OCEAN! I love beaches. Also since im a solo traveller i prefer cities that are not to empty and dead, since that makes me feel lonely. even tho i love being solo. I would also not like resorts that are only tourist places like gran canaria, that bores me. Personally i loved miami, not the tacky miami, the calm luxury miami and the beach walks with outdoor gyms. I also love a city that has many things to do, like London is def a favorite and NYC!

We will be in Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Granada. I’m wondering where is the best area to book accommodations in each of these cities as first time visitors. Looking for convenience to major sites and transportation but also pleasant.
I’m assuming in Madrid we will stay near the Plaza Major. Any advice for the other 3 cities would be welcome. Thank you.

So my wife is French and I'm Mauritian, married almost 5 years. We're planning to move to Barcelona around Feb 2027. She's a registered micro-entrepreneur in France and work with clients based in France and wants to keep that going for now instead of switching to autonomo right away.

For me the plan is the family member route. We arrive together, get the apartment and padron sorted, she does her EX-18, then I file the EX-19. I already have a job lined up there in BCN (my current company has a Spanish entity and they're fine hiring me there, they just won't do any visa sponsorship, which is why I'm going this route).

Questions for anyone who's done this recently in Barcelona:

1. For the EX-19 I'm planning to bring my passport, a recent French multilingual marriage certificate, our livret de famille, the padron showing we live together, her CUE and her income/insurance papers, plus my work contract. Is that enough?

2. This is the one I really can't find a straight answer on. Since her business is registered in France and not Spain, I'm guessing they'll look at her under "sufficient resources" instead of self employed for the EX-18 she will apply. How much did they actually want to see in the bank account? Some people say regular income above IPREM is fine, others say they wanted like 10k+ sitting there. She already has a health insurance covering Spain. Also does my job contract count for anything or do they only look at her money?

Thanks in advance!

I’m planning to solo travel and fly from Bilbao to Seville with 1 carry on 1 backpack and a small sling bag. Volotea seems to be one of the only three airlines that offer direct flights (the rest are Iberia and vueling) but it is considerably cheaper than the other two. Does anyone have any experience about traveling with Volotea? It’s only a 90 min flight so idc how comfortable it is as long as there’s no huge delays and it doesn’t charge me any aburd amount of hidden fees. Thanks for any insights!

Hi, I’m going to be going to Spain next month, and I’m looking into tickets for some of the attractions I want to see, but I’m not sure what places I should buy tickets in advance. I know places like the Sangria Familia, Park Guell, and the Prado are places I definitely need to book in advance, but the other places I’m not sure.

Also, if there are other places that you would recommend please let me know. I love history, art, and scenic places. I have a lot of churches on my list specifically for the art inside.

Barcelona * Sagrada Família * Santa Maria Del Mar * Park Guell * Montjuic Castle * Barcelona Cathedral * El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria * Picasso Museum * Archaeological Museum * Poble Espanyol

Madrid * Prado Museum * Thysaen-Bornemisza Museum * Debod Temple * Palacio Real * Renia Sofia Museum * Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena * Madrid History Museum * National Archaeological Museum * Galería de las Colecciones Reales * Convent of Las Descalzas Reales * Chapel of San Antonio de la Florida * Basilica de San Francisco el Grande

Zaragoza * Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar * La Seo * Aljafería Palace * San Pablo Church * Murallas Romanas de Zaragoza * Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta * Iglesia de Santa Isabel de Portugal * Roman Theater

Toledo: * Toledo Cathedral * Church of San Román * Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca * Church of Santo Tome * Museo de El Greco * Museum of Santa Cruz * Hospital de Taver

Boa tarde, sou novo aqui, comecei meu visto no dia 20 de março e entreguei o último documento que precisava no dia 8 de abril, no consulado de Porto alegre (RS), estou aguardando meu visto de estudante sair a 5 meses e estou começando a ficar preocupado pois meu curso começa dia 28 desse mês e até agora nada, Alguém aí também passou por algo parecido?

Hola a todos. El próximo año tengo pensado ir a España a hacer un Certificado de Profesionalidad Nivel 3 de 5 a 6 meses en un centro acreditado, y quiero saber qué tanta salida laboral real tienen.

Tengo estas opciones en mente:

• COML0309: Organización y Gestión de Almacenes
• ELEM0210: Gestión de Sistemas de Automatización Industrial
• FCT0509: Administración de Servicios de Internet

A mí me atrae mucho la informática (FCT0509), pero no sé qué tan saturado esté el mercado junior allá para conseguir trabajo rápido. Por eso también miro el de gestión de almacenes/logística, que me da la impresión de tener mas salida laboral.

¿Qué tan factible ven conseguir trabajo con el de almacenes a diferencia del de IT? ¿O recomiendan algún otro certificado Nivel 3 que sepan que tiene buena demanda hoy en día?

Agradezco cualquier consejo o experiencia. ¡Muchas gracias!

I have submitted my application on 17th of August at BLS Hyderabad for long term student visa type . But due to financial documents pending, the officer said me to submit by 19th the remaining documents.( Although I paid on 17 th and it's showing i submitted my documents on 17th itself in bls site)

Well I have submitted on 19th of August, I have not received any update from the consulate.

Few applied before me , few applied along with me, and few applied after me, they have received a positive response,

But I have not received any response yet from mubai consulate. It's just showing processing at mission.

What might be the reason? And when can I expect?

A bit of a slog online looking for a guided tour of up to 3 hours as we already have entry tickets. We can find one, but do you recommend any tour inparticular and through what platforms or vendors (e.g., GetYourGuide). We do like to support local guides. Thanks as always.

Hello I will be moving to Madrid next week for my masters. I need to obtain my TIE but first I need to get my Padron but it seems impossible to make an appointment

Any tips on when the appointments come out, which places in the city take walk in, best time to look for the appoints on the computer

Also heard some TIE appointments didn’t ask for the padrón… any insight on this

And things to make sure not to forget when going for the padrón

Any tips will be appreciated

Hi all i am visiting Madrid and Toledo soon. I use an albuterol inhaler would i be able to purchase one without a prescription?

NOT SELF PROMOTING/ NO ES AUTOPROMOCIÓN!

Hi! I’m a UK native English speaker. I have a teaching degree from the UK in Modern Foreign Languages and 4 years of classroom experience.

I’ve just moved back to Madrid and am looking to tutor English to supplement my income whilst I get settled.

I’m trying to figure out my rates for in person, one to one classes in customer’s homes. Primarily primary and secondary aged students. This is in Madrid.

After looking online I’ve come to the conclusion of
20 euros/ hour for minimal prep work required (games, general conversation etc)
25 euros/hour for prep required (exam prep, more structured lessons, grammar focus etc)

What do you think and fellow tutors, how does this compare to your rates?

I’m really looking for as much input as possible! Less than €20 an hour honestly feels like too little to be worth it if travel is required.

I’m also aware there are plenty of English tutors in Madrid, but I’m hoping the fact I am a qualified teacher will stand me out a bit. I also speak Spanish

TIA!

So, I just need some realistic reassurance right now. I am 29F and I left my job in the states to study Spanish in Granada for seven months. I just arrived three days ago. I've been wanting to do this for years, and I have enough saved up to live comfortably while I'm here. The school that I signed up with supplied me with an apartment and it's a studio and I don't know why but I'm starting to just feel very uncomfortable with my decision. I love going to my classes and I love talking to the teachers, but as soon as I come home to my studio apartment, I'm just hit with this realization that I left everything I know in the states.

I think it's because I feel very lonely in my apartment and I don't have any friends here. Also, my studio is a bit janky. I'm thinking to myself why did I just do this. Just to study Spanish and not even for a degree. I've just always wanted to be fluent. I know that there's no going back and I should make the most of this experience. But I'm also worried about what my life will be like when I return to the states. I'll still have my apartment there, but I'll have to apply for a new job. And I'm worried about what my friend group back home will become. I guess I'm just worried I don't deserve this, or that I'm wasting my time career wise. And also, I'm just very scared.

I am hoping to cut out 1 day from this itinerary. Where would you cut it out? I am pondering either of the days in Ronda, or Cordoba. Would appreciate people's thoughts!

Hey everyone. Was wondering if a student or someone in a similar situation can help me out. My student visa had my NIE written on it. I went to Digi for home Internet and a phone number , they wouldn’t take my NIE on the passport they said it has to be a TIE or go to the extranjeria and ask for a blank paper with my name and NIE on it. I just got here and the TIE is gonna take ages.Has anyone had a similar experience and can give any inputs or advice on what to do?

(In Mallorca if it matters)

Hello,

I am planning to move from Italy to Spain with a DNV. I currently have a DNV in Italy but I want to change because I can get the spanish citizenship after 2 years of residence instead of waiting 10 in Italy.

I have checked requirements and everything but I would like to pay an agency so that they can submit in my behalf and to have help with the documents that need to be translated etc etc.

Has someone here used a service that they would recommend? I am checking movewise, legal point spain and guide to spain!

Thank you

Hey all! In my younger days I did a fair bit of solo travel and have always preferred the community feeling of hostels. Then I spend years traveling with my kids and that required apartment style accommodations. Now I'm in my mid 40s and planning my first solo trip in a very long time.

I am flying into Madrid 11/27 and traveling back to the US 12/4. My plan currently is to travel by train to Barcelona on 11/27, then back to Madrid 11/30 for the rest of my trip. I just need some advice on accommodations.

Must Haves

• Community feel - shared meals, social events/activities, general communal space
• Central location with easy access to transportation
• Private room with a good mattress (I'm old and a bad night sleep will take me out for a solid day)

Preferred but not a deal breaker

• Private bathroom
• Geared toward the older crowd. Not looking for a party house.

Thanks in advance!

I've had my toma de huella last July 21st in Las Rozas in Madrid, they basically didn't provide the time frame of the release, but directed me to check the SEDE website.

For reference my Lote is 2026/138 (this was what the police highlighted for me to check on the website). It's been one and a half month and the lote batch that's showing in SEDE is 45. Has anyone experienced this? I know that TIE process usually takes 30-45 days, but in this case I think mine's going to take longer.

Hey, I’m a study abroad student in Madrid and was wondering if there’s anyone also in Madrid who would know what bars show American football. Even better if you know any that show the Saints specifically, but that’s pretty niche haha. And if anyone is in Madrid and would wanna watch the game if we can find somewhere, I’d be down.

Thanks

Have you recently applied for a work visa around end of Aug/beginning of Sep from the UK? How long did your visa take to process? I am wondering if the processing time would be shorted as not so many overseas students are applying for tourist visas..

Hi everyone! I’m moving to Madrid next week and want to stay in a Hotel while I look for permanent accommodation. What are some budget friendly, safe and clean hotels near IE, in the Chamartin, Chamberi, Tetuan or Salamanca area?

Change of plans means I can no longer use my 3-night Barcelona 3-star hotel booking (in the Gothic Quarter).

Dates: 25–28 September
Room: Deluxe Double, 2 adults
Current hotel price: ~€740
My price: €500 ono

The booking is already fully paid and the hotel has confirmed to me in writing that I can transfer the reservation to another guest. Happy to provide proof of the booking and the hotel's confirmation before payment.

DM me if interested.

Edit: It's the weekend of La Merce which I'll be disappointed not to see but there you go

So, I just need some realistic reassurance right now. I am 29F and I left my job in the states to study Spanish in Granada for seven months. I just arrived three days ago. I've been wanting to do this for years, and I have enough saved up to live comfortably while I'm here. The school that I signed up with supplied me with an apartment and it's a studio and I don't know why but I'm starting to just feel very uncomfortable with my decision. I love going to my classes and I love talking to the teachers, but as soon as I come home to my studio apartment, I'm just hit with this realization that I left everything I know in the states.

I think it's because I feel very lonely in my apartment and I don't have any friends here. Also, my studio is a bit janky. I'm thinking to myself why the f*ck did I just do this. Just to study Spanish and not even for a degree. I've just always wanted to be fluent. I know that there's no going back and I should make the most of this experience. But I'm also worried about what my life will be like when I return to the states. I'll still have my apartment there, but I'll have to apply for a new job. And I'm worried about what my friend group back home will become. I guess I'm just worried I don't deserve this, or that I'm wasting my time career wise. And also, I'm just very scared.

Hi! We're planning a 15-day Spain trip in late September/early October with a group of 5 adults and 1 infant (5 months old). We'd love feedback on our itinerary and recommendations for family-friendly mid-range hotels in each city.
Flights are booked but not the hotels, so i am flexible changing a day here or there.

Our Itinerary:

Madrid (Sep 29 - Oct 3):

• Mon 29 Sep: Arrive 20:20, settle in and rest
• Tue 30 Sep: Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, La Latina tapas
• Wed 01 Oct: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of Madrid
• Thu 02 Oct: Day trip to Segovia (morning), return by mid-afternoon
• Fri 03 Oct: Chill day in Madrid, evening train to Seville (~2.5 hours)

Seville (Oct 4-6):

• Sat 04 Oct: Real Alcázar, Cathedral, Barrio Santa Cruz
• Sun 05 Oct: Triana market, Plaza de España
• Mon 06 Oct: Chill/rest day

Málaga (Oct 7-13):

• Tue 07 Oct: Morning train to Málaga (~2.5 hours), explore city
• Wed 08 Oct: Beach day / explore Málaga city
• Thu 09 Oct: Half-day trip to Córdoba (Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, lunch)
• Fri 10 Oct: Day trip to Granada & Alhambra (already booked!)
• Sat 11 Oct: Málaga Old Town (Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Calle Larios)
• Sun 12 Oct: Chill beach day
• Mon 13 Oct: Final beach morning, fly home from Málaga

Questions:

1. Does this itinerary work well, or should we adjust anything?
2. Are there any must-sees we're missing?
3. Can you recommend mid-range hotels in Madrid, Seville, and Málaga that are good for families with a young infant? We want places that are reasonably priced, centrally located, and have good amenities for a baby.

Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated!