Experience in Madrid, Spain by Javier

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

I was born here, so my opinion isn't fully objective, but I'll try my best.

I think living in Madrid is really interesting. It is a very big city, and there is ALWAYS something to do, or some place to go out to, it doesn't matter the day of the week.

Madrid is a modern city, but you can also see old arquitecture and monuments. And I would absolutely recommend Madrid. It is a bit expensive, but if you can get away with that, don't hesitate more and come!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

As I previously said, there are plenty of things to do here, loads of activities and places to visit, go partying, etc.

You can't get bored here, and there will always be a place in Madrid you haven't visited yet.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

It depends on whether you live in a residence, or a shared flat. But letting accommodation out of the equation, you can do fine with 400-500€.

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

No it's not. There are some areas like Argüelles where you can easily find a flat that someone is willing to share.

Or, you can also go for a residence (you'll have more party there). I have friends in one called Chaminade. You can do pretty much whatever you want, while you respect others, so it is really a very good residence (others maybe won't let you go out till some hour. It sounds crazy I know, but be careful when choosing).

However, residences are more expensive than flats (1000€) but you'll have breakfast, meals and dinners included, so you can discount that from the 400-500 budget I mencioned before, unlike you chose a flat; in that case, you'll spend that 400-500, and another 200-300 for the renting.

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

You can find plenty of variety here, so don't worry about it.

And obviously, don't leave Spain without trying paella, tortilla de patata, gazpacho, cocido madrileño...

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What places would you recommend visiting in Madrid?

I have never really done tourism in Madrid, so I'm not the most indicated person for this, but there are some places you should definitely visit, such us El Retiro, el Palacio Real...

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

There are some places such as 100montaditos, or Kubo king, where you'll get to eat cheap and drink beer, although I also like for that two places that are pretty awesome for that: Indalo and El Tigre. There are all franchises, so you'll find several of them throughout Madrid.

Ah, and a trick. Some "Domino's Pizza" such as the one in Franco's Rodriguez, or the one in Alonso Martinez offers buffet libre of soda drinks and pizza for 6, 75€.

You're welcome.

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

Nightlife here is awesome. It doesn't matter what music or kind of people you feel comfortable with, there is a place suitable for you. If you like reggaeton, you can go to Nuevos Ministerios, and you will find some discos, such as La Nuit, Rococo, Tartufo... If your kinda alternative, you can go to Independence club.

If you're an electronic music lover, such as myself, you're obliged to go to Fabrik, the biggest disco in Spain, and one of the best in Europe. There is also one that just opened called LAB, with a fantastic atmosphere. You can also go to La Riviera.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Madrid?

Never stop learning, be curious about everything, and discover every inch of Madrid, because it's a wonderful city with lots of opportunities.

Don't conform with the places you'll go at the begining, always try new things, I think that is one of the things that characterizes Erasmus spirit.