The full guide
A typical day
Time | What happens |
|---|---|
7:00 to 9:00 | Breakfast: coffee and toast or a pastry, often standing at a bar |
10:30 to 12:00 | Mid-morning snack (almuerzo in some regions), a second coffee |
14:00 to 16:00 | Lunch, the main meal of the day |
17:00 to 18:30 | Merienda, an afternoon snack, especially for children |
21:00 to 23:00 | Dinner, usually lighter than lunch |
Part of the reason is the clock: mainland Spain uses Central European Time, the same as Paris and Berlin, despite being further west, so the sun sets late.
Shops and services
Place | Typical hours |
|---|---|
Small shops | About 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:30, Monday to Saturday |
Supermarkets | About 9:00 to 21:30, Monday to Saturday |
Malls and big chains | About 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, all day |
Restaurants | Lunch about 13:30 to 16:00, dinner about 20:30 to 23:00 |
Government offices | Mostly mornings, by appointment |
Bank counters | Mornings; some services only at set hours |
Hours vary by region and town. Tourist areas and big cities keep longer hours, and some regions allow more Sunday opening.
Summer hours and August
Many offices and businesses switch to jornada intensiva in July and August, working roughly 8:00 to 15:00. In August, a lot of small businesses close for two to four weeks, and cities like Madrid feel empty while the coasts are packed. Plan official paperwork, repairs and medical check-ups for other months.
Sundays and holidays
Most small shops close on Sundays. Bakeries, newsagents and some supermarkets open in the morning. Public holidays work like Sundays, and some towns have their own local holidays; see the fiestas and public holidays planner.
Making it work
Eat a bigger lunch. It makes late dinners easier and the menú del día is great value.
Use the afternoon. When small shops close, it’s a good time for exercise, work calls or a rest.
Book appointments early in the day. Offices are fresher and queues shorter.
Frequently asked questions
Do Spaniards really have a siesta?
Most working people don’t sleep in the afternoon, but the long lunch break survives in many businesses, especially in smaller and hotter towns.
Can I find food at 6 pm?
Yes: tapas bars, cafés and bakeries serve snacks all afternoon. Full restaurant dinners start later.
Related reading: Why Spain Eats So Late: A Guide to Spanish Daily Rhythms.
