Vrouw met zonnebril en hoed

Useful Spanish phrases for your holiday

Planning to go on holiday to Spain? Or maybe you will be travelling through South America? A few basic phrases in Spanish can make your holiday a lot easier and more fun. Even if you only speak a little bit of Spanish, doing so will often get you a smile – and sometimes just that little bit of extra help or kindness. Our teacher Sonia compiled a list of practical phrases for on the road, at a restaurant, or times when you just want to have a chat. This will not only help you get by more easily while travelling, but also make it easier to connect with locals. ¡Vamos!

Conversación básica (basic conversation)

Hola, ¿cómo estás? 
Hello, how are you?

¡Buen día! / ¡Buenas tardes! / ¡Buenas noches!
Good morning! / Good afternoon! / Good evening!

Estoy aprendiendo español.
I am learning Spanish.

Lo siento, no hablo español (muy bien).
Sorry, I don't speak any Spanish / I don’t speak Spanish very well.

¿Habla inglés?
Do you speak English?

¿Podría hablar más despacio, por favor?
Could you speak more slowly, please?

Estoy aquí de vacaciones.
I'm here on holiday.

Soy de los Países Bajos.
I am from the Netherlands.

En cafés y restaurantes (in a café or restaurant)

¿Puedo tomar un café, por favor? 
Could I have a coffee, please?

¿Puede traerme la carta, por favor?
Could you bring the menu, please?

¿Qué me recomienda?
What would you recommend?

¡Esto está delicioso!
This is delicious!

¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does this cost?

¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Can I pay by debit card?

Transporte y lugares (transport and places)

¿Dónde está la parada de autobús?
Where is the bus stop?

¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi?
Where can I find a taxi?

Estoy perdido/a
I am lost.

Disculpe, ¿me puede ayudar?
I'm sorry, can you help me?

¿A qué hora abre / cierra?
What time does it open / close?

¿Tiene una recomendación?
Do you have a recommendation?

Hace mucho calor hoy!
It is very hot today!

¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the toilet?

Frases simpáticas y de cortesía (kind and polite sentences)

¡Qué bonito! 
How nice!

Gracias, ¡hasta luego!
Thanks, see you soon!

¡Nos vemos! 
See you later!

¡Que tenga un buen día!
Have a nice day!

Want to learn more Spanish?

Would you like to be able to say more than a few memorised sentences? If so, take a look at our Spanish language courses. In summer, we offer intensive courses that teach you the basics of Spanish in one week. Ideal as preparation for your trip! In addition, we also offer 8-week courses with one class per week, starting several times a year.

Written by
Sonia Somovilla Carrasco
Sonia Somovilla Carrasco teaches Spanish group courses and tailor-made programmes at In'to Languages.