It is now end of November and the semester is already over. In the last three months I got to experience living the Spanish life. Now I can’t believe I have to leave one of the most beautiful cities in Europe in almost one month! In this Blog I want to share with you some impressions I experienced and recommendations during my stay so far — Enjoy!
Tapas isn’t only the most popular Spanish food, it is served at any bar as a side dish. One of our favorite places to go is Inclan Brutal Bar near Sol where you’ll get very good tapas for cheap prices. Madrid is full of cafes, restaurants and bars but as one of the most expensive cities, the prices are a lot higher than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, the food is one of the best experiences I had!
For vegetarian and vegan food I would highly recommend the area Malasaña. One of my most favorite brunch spots: Ojalá. Good service and prices and the food is incredible!
If you’re on a budget: Whether you want vegetables, fruits, meat and fish – Madrid’s many markets have the freshest groceries.
One of the most beautiful parts of the city is the Paseo del Prado next to the Parque del Buen Retiro. The avenue is known for the Golden Triangle of Art which encompasses the Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornamisza and Reina Sofía. You can either spend some hours enjoying one of the current exhibitions or a whole day in the Museo de Prado and its big art collection. Most exhibitions are free for students but if you’re in the mood to enjoy some time outside just walk around. A walk through the Parque del Buen Retiro, the Palacio Royal or the small streets you’ll find in each district. After a stroll through the city it is always a good idea to watch the sunset at the Egyptian Templo de Debod. For shopping I like to go to Justicia, Serrano and the area around Tribunal. It’s not as crowded as the city centre with Gran Via and Calle de Fuencarral — these are more quiet areas with boutiques, individual stores and vintage shops.
One of my favorite daytimes in Madrid are the evenings. The best thing to do after a long day at university is to catch up with friends at a bar or restaurant until late at night. The atmosphere is almost impossible to describe: the streets are crowded, people are talking, drinking, eating and having the best time. Just go to La Latina, Lavapies or Malasaña and your evenings is going to be incredible. For a drink Círculo de Bellas Artes is the most wonderful rooftop-terrace. It is a beautiful location with an amazing view all over the city centre! (Still, in November Spanish people enjoy their evenings outside, wrapped in coats surrounded by radiant heaters.)
There are quite a lot parties organized by the association Citylife Madrid which is nice because a lot of students will be there. There’s always a big party at the beginning of the semester and other weekly events like Salsa dance and parties. One of Madrid’s most famous and biggest night clubs is Teatro Kapital where each one of the 7 floors has a different music style. It’s normal to pay between 10€ and 20€ for the entrance in a night club, even at the student party’s. Despite the range of clubs I am more likely enjoying the nights in a bar with friends: chatting, having drinks at 100 Montaditos and strolling through the streets at night. On Tuesdays there’s a beer pong tournament at Nomad Club and karaoke which is also a nice location to go during the week.