James Smith, who has lived in the country for over a decade, said witnessing these tourist faux pas has become an almost daily occurrence – but they still make him wince
A British ex-pat who has lived in Spain for over 10 years has shared the cringeworthy things he sees Brit tourists do daily. Sometimes, James Smith is left feeling so embarrassed, he even pretends he’s Canadian.
As the founder of Learn Spanish with James , a popular online Spanish learning platform, James has spent years immersed in Spanish culture across Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica. His unique position as both a Brit abroad and a Spanish language expert gives him a front-row seat to some truly cringeworthy tourist behaviour.
“Living here full-time, you see everything,” James said. “And trust me, some of the things my fellow Brits do make me want to pretend I’m Canadian.” With that insider perspective, James reveals the tourist habits that make locals roll their eyes, and how to avoid becoming ‘that’ British tourist.
1. Refusing to try anything beyond fish and chips
You’ll spot them a mile off: the tourists scanning Spanish menus with genuine panic, desperately searching for something that resembles a Sunday roast. These visitors treat authentic paella like it’s radioactive and ask waiters if they can “just do chips instead” when presented with patatas bravas.
“I’ve watched British tourists in Barcelona walk past incredible tapas bars to queue at an Irish pub serving microwaved lasagne,” says James. “It’s like visiting the Louvre and only looking at the gift shop.”
The Spanish take immense pride in their regional cuisines, from Andalusian gazpacho to Basque pintxos. Refusing even to try local dishes isn’t just a missed opportunity. It’s genuinely baffling to locals who consider food central to their culture.
2. Speaking English but MUCH LOUDER
There’s an unspoken British belief that volume equals comprehension. Watch any tourist interaction and you’ll witness someone ordering “DOS. BEER. PLEASE” while gesticulating wildly, as if the waiter has suddenly developed hearing problems rather than a different native language.
Spanish culture values a more measured approach to conversation. The loud, boisterous style that might work in a busy London pub can come across as aggressive or disrespectful in a quiet Spanish restaurant where families are enjoying leisurely meals together.
3. Treating siesta like a personal inconvenience
Nothing reveals British tourist ignorance quite like banging on shop doors at 2pm, demanding to know why everything’s closed. The siesta isn’t some outdated tradition designed to frustrate holidaymakers, but a practical response to scorching afternoon heat and a valued part of work-life balance.
“I’ve seen tourists genuinely angry that a bakery won’t serve them bread at 3pm,” James observes. “They act like Spanish business owners are being deliberately awkward, when actually they’re just following centuries of sensible tradition.”
4. Dressing like they’re still in Blackpool
Football shirts, flip-flops, and Union Jack shorts might be acceptable beachwear, but wearing them to dinner at a nice restaurant makes most Spanish diners wince. Spanish people generally dress smartly when going out to eat, even for casual meals.
The contrast becomes particularly stark in cities like Seville or Madrid, where locals might dress up for a simple evening stroll. Meanwhile, British tourists rock up to historic cathedrals in vest tops and beach sandals, completely oblivious to dress codes or cultural expectations.
5. Getting absolutely hammered by lunchtime
While Spain has a relaxed attitude toward alcohol, the British approach to drinking can be shocking to locals. Spanish people typically enjoy wine or beer with meals, not as a race to unconsciousness. Watching groups of tourists stumble around historic city centres at midday, shouting and causing chaos, reinforces every negative stereotype.
“Spanish drinking culture is social and civilised,” explains James. “Seeing British tourists treat beautiful Spanish cities like giant outdoor nightclubs is genuinely embarrassing.”
6. Expecting everyone to speak perfect English
The entitlement is breathtaking. British tourists often approach Spanish service staff with zero attempt at Spanish, then act frustrated when communication breaks down. A simple “por favour” or “gracias” goes a long way, but visitors sometimes can’t be bothered with even basic politeness.
This attitude is particularly grating in smaller towns or rural areas, where locals might speak limited English but are incredibly welcoming to visitors who make even minimal effort with Spanish.
7. Complaining about everything being “Too Spanish”
The ultimate tourist paradox: travelling to Spain then moaning that it’s not enough like Britain. These visitors complain about late dinner times, unfamiliar food, different TV channels, and locals speaking Spanish among themselves.
“I’ve heard British tourists genuinely annoyed that Spanish TV isn’t in English,” says James. “They seem to forget they’re guests in someone else’s country.”
James added: “After a decade living here, I’ve developed a kind of sixth sense for spotting British tourists who are about to do something that’ll make me want to disappear into the nearest tapas bar.
“The thing is, Spanish people are incredibly hospitable, genuinely wanting visitors to enjoy their country. But when you see the same mistakes repeated day after day, it becomes frustrating for everyone involved.
“What really gets me is how these behaviours are completely unnecessary. Spanish culture is welcoming and relaxed, but it does expect a basic level of respect and effort. You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish or become an expert on local customs overnight.
“Just show up with an open mind, try the food, learn a few basic phrases, and dress like you’re visiting someone’s home rather than colonising their beach. The difference in how you’re treated will be night and day.”
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