What this tool does
Spanish opening hours are non-intuitive. A shop that opens "10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00" means you have to leave the street between 14:00 and 17:00. A museum that's "open daily" may close Mondays entirely. The Prado and Reina Sofía have completely different Monday policies.
This tool gives you a real 24-hour schedule for your city, marking the open and closed periods for your target activity.
City-specific notes
- Madrid / Barcelona: Closest to European norms. Most shops 10:00–14:00, 17:00–20:30. Museums often 10:00–20:00 with no closure at midday.
- Sevilla / Granada: Stronger siesta. Some shops close 14:00–18:00. Many restaurants only open 13:30–16:00 then 20:30–23:30.
- Bilbao / San Sebastián: Earlier rhythm. Pintxos culture means bars are busy 19:00–22:00. Shops close on Sundays.
- Pueblos / rural: Aggressive siesta. Some close 13:30–17:30 or even longer in summer heat. Many close Sundays.
Frequently asked questions
Do museums really close Mondays?
Many do, especially state-run museums. The Prado closes Mondays but stays open late Saturday. The Reina Sofía does the opposite. The Thyssen is open every day. Always check the specific museum.
What about Sundays?
Sundays: most shops open later (11:00) and close earlier (14:00 or 15:00). Supermarkets are open in cities. Many family attractions closed Mondays but open Sundays.
When is dinner really served?
Kitchens open 20:30 in tourist zones, 21:00 in residential, 21:30 in Andalucía. Sitting down at 19:00 is unusual and you'll be the first diner.
Limitations
Schedules are typical patterns. Specific businesses deviate. Always verify the day-of via Google Maps or the official site — especially for state museums which sometimes close unexpectedly.