Experience in Madrid, Spain by Eliana

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

Living in Madrid is wonderful, it is very safe to go out, it has an amazing transportation system, lots of shops, cafes, bars, a great nightlife.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

I am not a student anymore but I work with students and I know that they can go anywhere in a minimum of time, they have a lot of choice of things to do, people are friendly and they have fun.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

Madrid is still cheap if you compare it to London or Paris, for example, a beer on a terrace will cost exactly half the price that you could pay in Paris

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Madrid? Is there any advice you can give?

It depends on the accommodation, but regarding the rooms we have more choice now than some years ago, but you have to be careful because it can vary from landlord to landlord, some rooms could be awesome and some others not nice at all, so if they can get someone to help them choose and advice could be a lot easier.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I love tapas, you can easily have a good meal for not too much, again if you go alll the time to tourist places it may cost more but in districts like Chamberi or Arguelles the prices are lower and the quality good

What places would you recommend visiting in Madrid?

Of course the Plaza Mayor, Sol, Tribunal, the Prado Museum, the bull fighting ring, Museo Reina Sofia, Museo Thyssen, the districts of Arganzuela, the Retiro Park, etc.

Is it good to eat out in Madrid? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes of course, as I said tapas, sangria, tinto de verano are awesome,

If you go to calle Toledo you have several typical Spanish bars where you can eat well.

Is the nightlife good in Madrid? Where is good to go?

Oh yes. You have to go to Momma Bar, Garamond, discotheques like Keeper, Kapital etc.

What advice would you give future students heading to Madrid?

Something students are not used to is that they need cash when they first rent a room and they believe they can pay by transfer or credit card which can be a problem.