Madrid

🔥Hotspots

🥖 Food

Madrid boasts a vibrant food scene with numerous must-try spots:

  • Casa Lucio $$ – Famous for its classic Spanish dish, huevos rotos, this restaurant is a local favorite.
  • Taberna El Sur $ – A cozy tavern that serves authentic tapas and is popular among locals.
  • Sobrino de Botín $$ – Recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world, it specializes in traditional roasted meats.
  • Dulcerna $$ – Amazing brunch and café spot in the city
  • Café Gijón $$$ – A historic café with literary roots, perfect for coffee or a light meal in a charming setting.

🍾 Going Out

Madrid’s nightlife is renowned, offering something for everyone:

  • Teatro Kapital – A multi-level club with various music genres, popular for its vibrant atmosphere.  
  • Bar Ciri – A laid-back bar known for its friendly vibe and affordable drinks, ideal for starting a night out.
  • La Riviera – A concert hall and club that hosts live music events and DJ nights.  
  • Café de Chinitas – A flamenco venue that offers an authentic cultural experience along with great food.
  • Any Bar in Malasaña – The trendy neighborhood is packed with unique bars and pubs, perfect for bar-hopping.

⛰ Activities

Madrid is rich in culture and activities; here are some highlights:

  • Prado Museum – Home to masterpieces by Spanish artists, it’s a must-visit for art lovers. ® 
  • Retiro Park – A beautiful park in the city center, perfect for picnics, walks, or renting a rowboat
  • Royal Palace of Madrid – Explore the grand architecture and rich history of Spain’s royal family. ® 
  • Walk Around Malasaña – Discover the vibrant street art, unique shops, and lively atmosphere of this hip neighborhood
  • Flamenco Shows – Experience traditional Spanish music and dance at one of the many venues around the city.

 

💶 Cost of Living

  • Rent
    Madrid offers a diverse range of accommodation options, often at more affordable rates than other European capitals.
    – Student Accommodation – Prices can range from 300-600 euros a month, depending on the location and amenities.
    – Private Accommodation – Typically between 800-1200 EUR per month in popular neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca. There are also some cheaper Neighborhoods like Carabanchel and Vallecas that offer studio apartments for 600-800 EUR a month.

  • Groceries
    Madrid has a variety of grocery shopping options with typical supermarket chains like Mercadona or Carrefour providing a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Like many other cities in Spain, local markets are also present in various neighborhoods for fresh produce and local delicacies.

  • Transportation
    Madrid has a comprehensive public transport system with a monthly transport pass which costs around 54 EUR and grants access to the metro, buses, and light rail. There are also student discounts available for full-time students, making transport more affordable.
    The airport is located around 30 minutes from the city center and is accessible by train or bus most of the time.
    Note that Madrid is also only a 2.5/ 3-hour drive from the Mediterranean Sea, where you can visit places like Málaga or Marbella.