A siesta (from Spanish, pronounced [ˈsjesta] and meaning "nap") is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those in warm-weather zones.
Do the shops shut in Spain for siesta?
Shops and businesses are often closed from 14:00 to 17:00 during the siesta in Spain. Restaurants and cafés often close a little later for their siesta, from 16:00 to 20:00.
What do modern day siestas consist of for most Spaniards?
These factors explain why one of the many Spanish customs involves taking a nap after lunch. This means that most businesses and stores close between 2 and 4 p.m. so employees can go home, eat, and take a rest from working during the hottest part of the day.
What time do shops close for siesta in Spain?
2pm until 5pmA big surprise for many foreigners is the long afternoon siesta, when most small shops close from 2pm until 5pm. Apart from department stores and many large supermarkets, there is no such thing as afternoon shopping in Spain.
Why is everything closed in Spain on Sundays?
As a Catholic country, Sundays are observed as a holiday in Spain. Today, particularly in these trying economic times, some businesses have chosen to forego the traditional siesta in order to compete with the rest of Europe.
What do tourists do during siesta in Spain?
Is the Spanish siesta healthy?
Siestas are short naps, often taken in the afternoon, that can offer various benefits for health and well-being. Siestas are common in many cultures, promoting rest and productivity during the day.
Are museums open during siesta in Spain?
In the mid-afternoon, many businesses will shut down for siesta time. That said, most museums and tourist attractions remain open. Almost all restaurants are open, since this is when the locals take their lunch break.
Are restaurants open during siesta in Spain?
That doesn't really mean that we are all taking a “siesta” (nap). Nonetheless, you should expect, especially in small towns, local businesses will be closed: From 1 or 2 pm to 4 or 5 pm. As a result, business hours are extended until 8 or 9 pm. Of course, restaurants and bars are open between 1 pm to 5 pm.
Do restaurants close for siesta in Barcelona?
Our professor told us right when we got there that usually, anywhere from 4-8PM, shops and restaurants would close for “siesta” so that the workers could go home and see their family, rest or even nap.
Do things close in Barcelona for siesta?
In a large city like Barcelona, shops tend to close from 2PM to 4PM or a bit longer. But when you are visiting a smaller town in Catalonia, it's not unusual to see their down time starting as early as 1PM and until 5PM.