Lesson 35 – Show Time Spanish – Verano Español

In this week’s show we’re returning to our telenovela, Verano Español. It’s the morning after the night before when Ángel arrived drunk at Iona’s party. Needless to say Laura’s dad isn’t very impressed with Ángel! Laura’s friend Fiona arrives from Scotland and the love triangle threatens to become a square! As usual, in Act II, Mark will help listeners understand the story by working through a series of questions and answers about what happens in this episode.

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Discovering tourist attractions with a map in Spanish

For beginner learners of Spanish, knowing how to use a map and ask about tourist attractions is essential, specially when visiting small villages in Spanish speaking countries. That’s why this blog post will guide you through some useful phrases and vocabulary, organised by topic, to help you use a map in Spanish and explore like a local.

If you think you need some help with the names of the main buildings you can find in a city, remember that we learnt that in a previous episode. Don’t hesitate and revise your knowledge!

When you are ready, don’t forget to listen to the podcast version of this article. We extend the vocabulary and you’ll hear a conversation to continue practising your Spanish. ¡No esperes más!

Asking about tourist attractions

When you’re in a new city and want to find out what’s interesting to see, you can use the phrase:

  • ¿Qué hay de interés en la ciudad? What is of interest in the city?
  • ¿Cuáles son las cosas típicas que se pueden hacer aquí? What are the typical things you can do here?
  • ¿Hay un mapa con las atracciones turísticas? Is there a map with the tourist attractions?

This is a great way to start a conversation and get recommendations from locals.

Common tourist attractions

Knowing how to say tourist attractions in Spanish is very useful, so here are some common tourist attractions you might find on a map in Spanish:

  • Un mercadillo a flea market
  • Un mercado de artesanías a craft market
  • El Museo del Mar the museum of the Sea
  • Una colección marina a collection of seascapes

These terms will help you identify and discuss specific places you might want to visit.

Practical information

When visiting the tourist attractions you find on your map in Spanish, it’s important to ask about opening hours and costs. Here are some useful phrases:

  • ¿Está abierto hoy? Is it open today?
  • ¿Es gratis? Is it free?
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta la entrada? How much is the entrance fee?
  • ¿Hay que pagar? Do you have to pay?

These questions will help you plan your visit more efficiently.

With these phrases and vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to use a map in Spanish and explore tourist attractions with ease. Whether you’re asking for directions or finding out more about the places you want to visit, these Spanish phrases will make your travel experience more enjoyable and immersive.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases during your travels. 

In the next episode, we’ll go shopping and learn some vocabulary and phrases related to that, so don’t miss it! 

Happy Coffee Breaking!

Season 2 – Lesson 27 – Coffee Break French

In this week’s lesson we’re building on the verbal constructions we’ve been learning over the past few weeks and introducing the phrase après avoir fait quelque chose. This lesson also explains what happens when an être verb is used with this construction. Please note that lesson 27 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 67 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.