Badajoz, my birth city

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What is it like to live in Badajoz? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It’s a small and very, very pleasant city. I have lived here for the majority of my life, and I love it. It’s not a great, monumental city, it doesn’t have big sites to see, but it is very inviting. The people are friendly and won’t hesitate to help, you have a bit of everything when going out, it’s very cheap and you can eat stupendously. Extremadura is the most unknown region in Spain, but the quality of life that we have here is unbeatable, in my opinion.

What is the student lifestyle like in Badajoz?

Very good. The university campus is always full of people, and the greenery encourages you to spend the spring and summer afternoons laying down in the small parks. The bars in the centre are quickly filled with university students and they make real piña coladas.

How much does it cost to live in Badajoz?

Little, it’s one of the cheapest cities in Spain. The rent prices don’t often reach 200 euros for shared places, and rarely reach 400 euros when living alone. And you can fill the fridge for less than 100 euros per month. The bars are competitively priced.

Was it difficult finding accommodation in Badajoz? Could you give some advice?

I have my own house here, but I know that it isn’t hard work. The dangerous neighbourhoods are in the outskirts, so as long as you don’t go to the outskirts, there are no problems. The best neighbourhoods to live in are Valdepasillas, Casco Antiguo and Pardaleras. San Roque is also a good area.

What is the food like in the country? What are your favourite meals?

Come on, you’re in the home of the Iberian pig… whatever you eat that’s with pork is SUPERB if it’s reared in Extremadura. Ham, loin, chorizo, Iberian spicy sausage, sirloin, pork fillet, entrails, Iberian tenderloin… everything is succulent and delicious.

What places would you recommend visiting in Badajoz?

Now, Alcazaba is gorgeous. It has an enormous park where you can have picnics which is very pleasant and relaxing. Casco Antiguo (the old town) is also pretty, filled with architecturally-interesting buildings such as bars and cafeterias. The Congress Centre and Auditorium is an architecturally-contemporary building that is worth a visit. Castelar Park is a good site to spend time reading or walking. The Contemporary Art Museum usually has some interesting collections. It’s not a big city to visit, but it’s great for walking and living peacefully.

And to eat out in Badajoz? Can you name some of your favourite places?

The Santa María de la Cabeza square has a few bars where you can eat cheaply and in great quantity, they’re also quite good. For dinner, there is Pikando Billete, with cheap and delicious burgers. There is also El Padrino, an Italian restaurant set up like the films that is very well-prices and you can eat luxuriously.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Badajoz?

The Casco Antiguo area, the centre of the city. It’s the one that has the best atmosphere.

What advice would you give future students heading to Badajoz?

Do not get fixated on the idea that it’s a small city, it has a great atmosphere and it is cheap, so cheap, to live here. The people are friendly and welcoming, it is worth spending a few months here. The people that go are left wanting to return.