Lucia's Experience in Madrid, Spain

What attracts you to living in Madrid? Would you recommend it? What’s it like?

If you like being out and about all day, doing things, discovering places, landscapes and people, Madrid is full of surprises. Not only will you find everything that a big city usually offers, but you can also discover a range of natural mountainous areas too.

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What’s the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

The diversity of students in Madrid is wide-ranging; there are people from all over Spain and the world. The atmosphere is really good and you can meet all types of people, whether they be similar to you or quite different.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

Being in a capital city the prices are quite high compared to what you would find in the rest of Spain. However, you can always find cheap places to go for food, drink and nights out. Spain is also pretty cheap compared to its neighbouring countries anyway in terms of going out to eat and drink.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation? Do you have any advice?

There is always accommodation to let so you won’t have any problems finding something. What is difficult, is trying to find a flat that is both cheap and central.

What’s the country’s food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Gastronomically, Spain is amazing, especially if you’re looking for nibbles while having a beer or wine, or looking for paella (Valencia) or roast pork (Segovia). Madrid offers all the typical dishes of Spain. I recommend going to “Cañas y Tapas” where you can have the typical dish of “Huevos Rotos (broken eggs) with Serrano Ham”.

What places do you recommend visiting in Madrid?

Everyone talks about “Madrid de los Austrias” (the old town) in the centre of the city. You can also visit the mountain ranges surrounding Madrid which are a little further out from the centre of the city, but here you can enjoy the nature it offers, bathe in the river and take in the views of the mountainous landscape (Manzanares el Real).

What about eating out in Madrid? What are your favourite places?

If you’re looking for Asian food, the Chinese restaurant in Plaza de España (España Square) is great. If you want to eat cheap food like tapas, there is: La Sureña, 100 Montaditos, Cañas y Tapas etc.

Where do you recommend for nightlife in Madrid?

You can start the evening in the Las Letras neighbourhood for a few beers and shots, and then end up in clubs like Zoológico and Fabrik.

If you are in Madrid in the summer, I recommend going to the local neighbourhood’s festivals where you will find concerts and a really good atmosphere.

Do you have any advice for future students in Madrid?

Enjoy yourself, and don’t turn down any opportunities or experiences that Madrid offers.

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