Five Tips for Studying Abroad in Madrid

Get out of the apartment. You’re going to make some amazing friends where you’re living. But they shouldn’t be the only people you meet while you are in Madrid. Check out free tango, guitar and all sorts of events at Patio Maravillas or Matadero. Madrid Free is another great resource for free events around the city.

Patio Maravillas © Geolx | Flickr

Get used to strikes. Striking (huelga) is like a national pastime. Spaniards are good at it, and will use any excuse to take to the streets. Last year, they formed strikes against everything from privatizing education to picking up trash in the street. When you’re making plans, always keep in mind that there may be a strike.

Get outside. Between all the beer and ham that you consume (you will), you’re going to need a way to work off all those calories. Check out one of Madrid’s free rock climbing walls or find a pick-up sport. Maybe you may just want to lounge in the sunshine. Retiro Park in the city center is always popular, but if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, Parque del Oeste is highly underrated and the fantastic new Madrid Río follows the river.

Parque del Retiro, Madrid, Spain © Lucidwaters | Dreamstime

Get high. Though they aren’t always easy to spot, Madrid has some amazing rooftop bars and terraces. Alternatively, there is a bunch of hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the city.

Get out of Madrid. Yea, Madrid’s great and you’re going to love it. But there’s a lot more to see in Spain. Toledo, Ávila, Cuenca and Segovia are all easy daytrips. High-speed rail, though a little more expensive, makes Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia only a few hours away. Or try BlaBlaCar to check out the incredible north coast.

Other resources: 365 Things Madrid, Naked Madrid and Cerveza más tapa.

Arganzuela Bridge, Madrid Rio Park © Icononiac | Dreamstime