Tips for Living in Madrid
By: Rebecca Patrizio
I LOVED living in Madrid, and I hope you will too. The city has so much to offer, whether it's through their rich history, delicious food, or kind people, living here has been such a wonderful experience. Here’s some tips I want to share so maybe your experience will reflect the same kind of excitement when you come to visit or study here!
Immerse Yourself!!
It’s super easy to find your normal likes and dislikes here in the city. I mean after all, we are in the capital of Spain. There are dozens of McDonald’s and Starbucks and just last week I walked in front of a Dunkin’. But guys, there are so many cute restaurants and cafés that have incredible food, snacks, drinks, and more. The Spanish also are doing something right timing-wise. Coffee to-go is of course still a thing but rather, the people here sit and enjoy their coffee. It’s 4pm? Sit outside with your friends and get a latte. Or a matcha (I say this as I just had a lovely blueberry matcha)!
Honestly though, I have even met some cool Spanish people just by striking a conversation in line at a popular bakery, and made a new friend that was trying to teach me how to dance salsa at a discoteca. All I'm saying is take advantage of the opportunity to see new things here! I promise there won't be any regrets.
2. That metrocard they tell you to get at the beginning of the semester, GET IT
For real, just wow. You pay 8 euros a month for unlimited rides. Guys, incredible!! The metro is really nice here, always on time, clean, orderly. It just works. The card that NYU will tell you about before you arrive is so worth it too, but it takes some time to arrive. I was that person that had to wait a week before mine came in and had a regular card. It’s still much cheaper than New York, but the student card is so worth it.
3. Start that Duolingo
I’m not saying it is crucial for you to be fluent in Spanish, but it certainly helps. Knowing the basics can actually get you really far. It’s hard not being able to fully express yourself so (unintentionally) foreigners can come off as rude and therefore people don’t want to help you as much. Just showing that you have the initiative to try and speak Spanish is great, and a lot of people speak English here. But, don’t be fooled, not everyone does (and don’t assume they do).
4. Explore Spain
I didn’t realize how interesting Spain was, which I know sounds crazy, but it’s true! It’s super cool to learn about the culture here and once you get to explore, it’s weird how much you know, AND BEAUTIFUL. From Madrid, there are two common day trip destinations: Toledo and Segovia. I’ve been to Toledo twice and Segovia once. Both towns are about a 30 minute train and are pretty old. Rich in culture, things to see, and house very photogenic things. I also went to Ávila which was about an hour and half from Madrid by train and it had the same vibe, perfect for a day trip. The trains here are so nice, very reflective of the European train system. I got to see Córdoba, Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona which were all very beautiful and easy to get to thanks to the train. I regret not having time to go to Sevilla, San Sebastian or Granada, but you know, I will just have to come back very soon. This is all to say though, it is so nice to see the different parts of Spain while you’re studying or visiting Spain. So just something to think about while here.
*Tip: Download the Omio app or use the website, it’s so easy and helpful
5. Try going to the NYU activities
It may feel like freshman year all over again, but I promise, going to the events is so worth it. Some of the closest friends I made here I met through the events of the first week. Everyone is in the same boat and open to meeting new people. Throughout the semester NYU Madrid is so great at hosting events and sending you local places for you to check out. Even two months in, you can meet someone new and honestly these events aren’t awkward at all!
***SPEED ROUND***
A. If you’re going to El Rastro, bring cash
B. Don’t hop the subway, just not worth it. They do random checks sometimes and like imagine getting caught then yelled at in Spanish
C. Ask to do tax free when shopping!!
D. Try Honest Greens, thank me later
E. Use SkyScanner for your weekend trips, so much easier to find the best price for flights
For more food recs also feel free to add me on Beli or contact me!!
