CEFR A1-A2
Spanish Sightseeing Phrases: Tickets, Tours, and Cultural Sites
Spanish-speaking countries are some of the world's most visited tourist destinations. These phrases handle the standard interactions at museums, monuments, cultural sites and tour groups across Spain and Latin America.
What time does it open / close?
/ cierra?
IPA /a ˈke ˈoɾa ˈaβɾe / ˈsjera/
ah keh OR-ah AH-breh / SYEH-rra
Universal opener. Many Spanish museums close one weekday (often Monday); always confirm before visiting.
How much is the entry?
cuesta ?
IPA /ˈkwanto ˈkwesta la enˈtɾaða/
KWAN-to KWES-ta la en-TRA-da
'La entrada' is both the entry and the entry ticket. Some sites have multiple entry prices (general, student, senior, child); ask if you qualify for a reduced rate.
Is there a discount for students / seniors?
Hay descuento estudiantes / mayores?
IPA /ˈaj desˈkwento ˈpaɾa estuˈðjantes / peɾˈsonas maˈʝoɾes/
EYE des-KWEN-to PA-ra es-too-dee-AN-tes / pehr-SO-nas ma-YO-res
Carry student ID; many Spanish museums offer significant discounts. Senior discounts vary; the cutoff age is often 65 but can be 60 or 70 depending on the site.
Two tickets, please.
, .
IPA /dos enˈtɾaðas poɾ faˈβoɾ/
dos en-TRA-das por fah-VOR
Standard ticket request. For more specific tickets: 'dos entradas para adultos' (two adult tickets).
Can I take photos?
?
IPA /se ˈpweðen toˈmaɾ ˈfotos/
seh PWEH-den to-MAR FO-tos
Many Spanish museums prohibit flash photography; some prohibit photography entirely; tripods are usually banned. Check before raising your camera.
Where is the [bathroom / exit / gift shop]?
/ / ?
IPA /ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbaɲo / la saˈliða / la ˈtjenda/
DON-deh es-TAH el BAN-yo / la sa-LEE-da / la tee-EN-da
Universal sightseeing query. 'Bano' in most of Latin America; 'aseo' or 'servicios' in Spain. 'Tienda de regalos' or 'tienda del museo' for the gift shop.
Is there a guided tour?
Hay guiada?
IPA /ˈaj biˈsita ɡiˈaða/
EYE vee-SEE-ta gee-AH-da
'Visita guiada' is the standard Spanish for a guided tour. Some sites offer audio guides ('audioguia') as an alternative.
What time is the next tour?
proxima ?
IPA /a ˈke ˈoɾa es la ˈpɾoksima biˈsita/
ah keh OR-ah es la PROK-see-ma vee-SEE-ta
Is the tour in English?
?
IPA /la biˈsita es en iŋˈɡles/
la vee-SEE-ta es en een-GLES
Major tourist sites in Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico City, Buenos Aires almost always offer English tours. Smaller sites may only offer Spanish; check before booking.
Could you recommend something to see in [city]?
recomendar []?
IPA /me poˈðɾia rekomenˈdaɾ ˈalɣo ˈpaɾa ˈbeɾ en/
meh po-DREE-ah reh-ko-men-DAR AL-go PA-ra ver en ...
Polite. Locals are usually generous with recommendations; opening with this question often gets you better suggestions than the standard tourist circuit.
I would like to buy souvenirs.
souvenirs / recuerdos.
IPA /me ɡustaˈɾia komˈpɾaɾ suβeˈniɾs / reˈkweɾðos/
meh goos-ta-REE-ah kom-PRAR soo-veh-NEERS / reh-KWER-dos
'Recuerdos' is the Spanish word for souvenirs (literally 'memories'). 'Souvenirs' (loaned from French via English) is also widely understood.
Is this the queue for entry?
fila ?
IPA /ˈesta es la ˈfila ˈpaɾa enˈtɾaɾ/
ES-ta es la FEE-la PA-ra en-TRAR
'Fila' for queue in Latin America; 'cola' in Spain. Both understood across the region.
Regional notes
Spain
Major Spanish museums (the Prado, Reina Sofia, Sagrada Familia, Alhambra) require advance booking online; turning up without a ticket can mean a 2-3 hour wait or being turned away. The Alhambra in Granada requires booking weeks in advance during peak season. Many Spanish museums offer free entry on Sundays after a certain time or on national holidays; check before planning.
Mexico
Major Mexican sites (Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Tulum) have variable opening hours; arrive early to avoid heat and crowds. Many sites have separate ticket lines for Mexican nationals (cheaper) and foreign visitors (more expensive). The INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia) operates most major archaeological sites with standardised pricing and procedures.
Argentina
Buenos Aires museums and cultural sites are increasingly using online booking. The Recoleta Cemetery is free to enter; most other Buenos Aires sites have moderate entry fees. The peso has high inflation; ticket prices are recalibrated quarterly.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Should I book Spanish museum tickets in advance?
For the major sites yes - the Prado, Reina Sofia, Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, Park Guell, Real Madrid stadium tours all reward advance booking. Walk-up entry is sometimes possible during off-peak periods but unreliable for the headline sites. Smaller museums and provincial sites can usually be visited without advance booking.
Are guided tours worth it at Spanish-speaking sites?
At major archaeological and historical sites, generally yes - the cultural and historical context is substantial. Major Spanish art museums have excellent audio guides as an alternative. For modern art and contemporary sites, audio guides usually suffice. The cost differential is real (guided tours run 15-40 euros vs free or 5 euros for audio guide); the educational return is usually proportionate.
Is it OK to take photos in Spanish museums?
Varies by museum. Many allow photography without flash for personal use; some prohibit photography in specific galleries (especially temporary exhibitions due to copyright); a few prohibit photography entirely. The rule is typically posted at the entrance. Always check before raising your camera.
Can I use my phone for photos in churches?
Most cathedrals and churches across the Spanish-speaking world allow photography in the main nave for personal use. Some restrict it during religious services. The sites with the strictest rules (the Sistine Chapel-style prohibition) are usually clearly marked. When in doubt, look for the prohibition signs or ask staff.