Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Andorra. This micro-nation is sandwiched between Spain and France and is often overlooked by travelers. It’s about three hours by bus from Toulouse or Barcelona, and we think it’s worth checking out. Before you go, make sure you know what NOT to do when you visit Andorra!
Don’t Miss Out on the Best Things to Do in Andorra
For a small country, Andorra has a lot of fun things to do.
- Skiing in Andorra is fantastic and much more affordable than skiing in Switzerland and France.
- Summer hiking is also a favorite pastime here; there are some great trails around. If you are scared of heights, you should choose your hike carefully. The Tibetan Bridge is probably not for you!
- Shopping brings a lot of travelers to Andorra because of the low taxes. This means there are a LOT of shops and it can look overwhelming, but it’s a shopping destination! The prices in Andorra are quite reasonable, as well.
When planning your trip to Andorra, make sure you pack the right gear for the things you want to do. Of course, you can buy ski clothes, but you want to make sure you are prepared for whatever activities you are planning. Remember, Andorra is at a high elevation in the Pyrenees Mountains, so it can be chilly in the summer. Make sure you have layers packed for any kind of weather!
Don’t Forget to Plan a Spa Day
Thermal spas are also a big draw to Andorra and should be on your Andorra itinerary. Caldea is the main spa in town, and you can’t miss the unique building that looks like the Shard in London. There are spas all over Andorra, though, and some people just hit the spas day after day.
Don’t Miss Andorra Museums
Since Andorra is so small, you can really see a lot. Andorra has some fun museums to check out, including the National Automobile Museum and the Museum of Miniature. There’s also the
Postal Museum, which is funny as the mail from Andorra goes through France or Spain; they don’t have their own post. For a more historic attraction, Casa de la Vall is the original Parliament building of Andorra and was built in the late 16th century.
Don’t Miss the Photo Spots
There are two photo opportunities to see when you visit Andorra. One is the view from the bridge over the river that goes through town. The other famous photo to get in Andorra is the Salvador Dali melting clock sculpture, The Nobility of Time. Since you will rarely get a passport stamp entering or leaving, this is your “proof” of visiting Andorra!
Don’t Try to Arrive by Train or Plane
Unless you are driving, the only way to get to Andorra is by bus. There is no train line or airport here. If you are prone to motion sickness, make sure you have your Dramamine because Andorra is surrounded by mountains and winding roads.
Don’t Listen for French or Spanish
The official language of Andorra is Catalan. It is not French or Spanish. You will still hear a lot of French and Spanish spoken around town, as well as English, especially in the tourism industry.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Catalunya Spain
Don’t Worry About Safety
Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world, so safety should not be a major concern for your trip. In fact, there are some pretty strict laws in Andorra, so you can’t beg in the street, sleep in the street, play music in the street, or upset your neighbors. All of these rules make for a pretty safe environment.
Don’t Miss Out on Local Food
Before Andorra became a tax haven and financial center, it was very agricultural. They still have a lot of local meats, including rabbit and chicken. My favorite meal in Andorra was trout with a ham sauce. The desserts are good too, especially the local version of creme brulee.
Don’t Forget You’re Not in the EU
Andorra is not part of the European Union, nor is it part of France or Spain. It’s an independent nation, although they do use the Euro as their official currency. This means it’s also not always covered under European roaming plans, so you might get a shock from your cell phone bill. Check with your carrier before you leave!
Don’t Annoy the Locals
Andorra has some interesting laws and rules that travelers should take into account. For example, you cannot beg for money, you cannot annoy your neighbor (they have an organization to help with neighbor issues), you probably will need to get permission to do any busking as well, also on a side note, best to know that you will be using either the French or Spanish post due to Andorra not having their own mail system.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Andorra is a fun little micronation to visit between France and Spain. Whether you are into shopping, skiing, or spas, you’ll find something to do when you visit Andorra. Visiting Andorra is a nice change of pace from other more touristy destinations in Europe. Need more travel tips for visiting this part of Europe? Check out these blog posts!