UK holidaymakers heading to Spain have been warned about two common mistakes that could cost them more and make them stick out as tourists. Locals have revealed that restaurants opening for lunch before the typical Spanish mealtime of 2.30pm to 4pm are likely "tourist traps".
They advise avoiding these places if possible. Additionally, tourists are advised not to eat at restaurants serving paella for dinner, as it's traditionally a lunch dish. The Spanish day usually starts at 8am, with lunch between 2pm and 3pm, reports Birmingham Live.
Most of the city closes during this time, except for tourist sites, and reopens at 5pm. Dinner is typically served late, around 10pm. An online travel guide warns: "Lunch will typically begin at 2pm, although at a stretch can start at 1:30pm in some places."
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From 4pm onwards, restaurants usually stop serving lunch as they run out of options on their 'menu del dias'.
The guide also suggests taking advantage of set menus at lunchtime, which are better value for money. It says: "Restaurants set themselves up to feed you big at lunchtime. So stay away from the tapas bars and small bites and take advantage of set menus. Usually 3 courses around 10-15 euros, a menu del dia is far better value for money. That's including a bottle of wine and dessert."
"Most Spanish people are on a never-ending quest to search out the best menu del dia in their neighbourhood." On weekends or holidays, when kids are off school and adults aren't working, it's normal for lunches to go on for up to four or even five hours, say tourism experts.
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