Can We Talk About Spanish Baños For a Minute? 

Read my 6 tips before you “go”

It’s not exactly my favorite subject, but there are a few things one needs to know before setting foot in a Spanish public bathroom. I’m not writing about this to diss the country, but to share what Ive learned. Many of these observances can apply to other countries too. My advice applies to women’s restrooms, though I have accidentally been in a couple of men’s, but only for a split second!

6 Spanish Bathroom Tips Let’s start with number one. (See what I did there?)

1. There’s a good chance there won’t be toilet paper. I don’t know why it’s in short supply, as stores have plenty. Not every bathroom is like this, but many are. Just to be safe, tuck a little packet of tissues in your bag.I promise you’ll thank me. 
2. There is even more of a chance that there won’t be paper towels to dry your hands. I’ve gotten so used to this, I barely even bat an eye when having to pat my hands dry on my pants. Tissues are really too flimsy for the job, and I haven’t been bothered enough to pack paper towels in my purse. 
3. Soap? HA! That’s a good one! There are often soap dispensers, new ones installed near the old ones. None will have soap. If you do find one with even a drop of soap, consider it a very good day. 
4. You’ll need €1 COINS to insert in the turnstile to even enter the restrooms in some bus and train stations. Both of Valencia’s train stations, Estacion del Norte and Joaquin Sorolla, both require euros. Trust me, it’s worth it.

You may be wondering why you’d have to pay. The Joaquin Sorolla station has got you and posted a sign in Spanish and English to answer your question.

5.  There will be no place to put your bag. There is usually a small damaged area on the door or side wall where a hook used to be, but who knows how long ago that was. I recommend wearing a cross body or backpack. No way do you want to put your bag on the floor! Additionally, if you have your bag close to you, you can easily access that packet of tissues some wise person told you to bring. (wink)

6.  Flushing. I cannot even count the ways, but there are apparently many that will get the job done. Look behind, up, down and around. There will be something, though it might look broken and hardly anything you’d want to touch. You might need to push, pull, press, twist, wave, or in rare instances, pull a chain. I almost had to leave to ask the host at a party how to flush her toilet, but I kept looking and eventually figured it out. Travel is broadening. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I’d love to hear what interesting things you’ve seen – within reason. Please feel free to comment below. We all need some fun reading material — in the loo and out.  

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