What time do shops close for siesta in Spain?

From 2 p.m. to 5p. m. shops are closed for the famous Spanish siesta. On Saturdays many small shops (i.e. the majority of Estancos) are only open to 2 p.m. Major shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets stay open without a break from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. or in some cases until 10 p.m.



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Tipping in Spain works differently: The customer actually has the option to not leave any tip at all. However, restaurants expect a 10% tip on each bill—although it's not a formal rule, and that percentage is much lower than tipping practices in other countries.

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It is completely normal to be out til 5 or 6, or even til the sun comes up. So prepare accordingly. Take a siesta during the day and have a late-afternoon coffee if you are planning a night out. There's nothing worse than being too tired to go out and miss a fun night in Spain with locals!

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Siestas are common in many cultures, promoting rest and productivity during the day. A short nap can boost alertness, mood, memory, and reduce stress. Keep siestas short, typically around 20 minutes, to avoid grogginess.

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Why do they eat so late in Spain? Spain's famously late mealtimes are due to the fact that the country has been geographically in the wrong time zone since World War II! During all that time, Spaniards have eaten at the same time they always have in regards to the position of the sun in the sky.

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In Spain, tipping is entirely optional and it's not very common. You may see people leaving small change at cafés and bars and, eventually, someone tipping at a nice expensive restaurant. But most of the time, you won't see anyone other than tourists leaving a tip.

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