MADRID, SPAIN. Are you debating whether to study abroad in Madrid or elsewhere? These photos will make you stop. Right. Now.
JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE RETIRO PARK
Room of Rainbows exhibit in Madrid’s Palacio de Crystal back in 2006 | via Pinterest
Back in 2006, Korean artist Kimsooja completed an exhibit at the Palacio de Crystal in Madrid’s Retiro Park title “Room of Rainbows”. Even though the exhibit is no longer on, the Crstyal Palace, whose temporary exhibitions are managed by the Reina Sofia museum, is a highlight within the Retiro Park. Looking forward to dropping in on your next run in the park? What a way to get in shape.
Current exhibitions at the Palacio de Cristal are listed at museoreinasofia.es
SOCCER, SOCCER, SOCCER
James Rodriguez | via Twitter
Now, let’s get serious. You’re really coming to Spain for the soccer. Or, if you’re a girl, for the hot soccer players. James Rodriguez, originally from Costa Rica, is just one of the jewels playing for Real Madrid right now.
EL ESCORIAL, FIT FOR A KING
Escorial, Madrid | via all-that-is-interesting.com
El Escorial is a popular day trip from Madrid, often included as part of many study abroad programs. Just a half hour train ride from the city center, El Escorial is the home to the monastery built by King Felipe II back in 1561. The monastery can still be visited today. Here for the spring semester? The world will look rosy.
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EVEN ROSIER WITH HOT GIRLS LIKE PENELOPE
Penelope Cruz | via Buzzfeed
Let’s be honest, you’re a guy and you don’t really care much for the history and Felipe II. That’s ok, Spain has something for you, too: hot Spanish girls. Don’t expect to meet a Penelope Cruz on your first day, but if you look long enough, the perfect Spanish girl can appear.
MADRID AT SUNSET
Madrid Skyline | via Pinterest
Pictured above are two of the four towers that now don the skyline in the Norht of Madrid. Many tourists use the towers as an orientation point visible from many parts of the city. Watch the sun rise and the sun set, Madrid is not called “the city that never sleeps,” but with all its nightlife it should be.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Nightlife Madrid | via Pinterest
Now we’re talking. The nightlife. Look forward to seven-story clubs, in addition to endless bars, and tapas for pre-gaming. No more needs to be said.
CHOCOLATE CON CHURROS
Chocolate con churros | via Buzzfeed
Eating chocolate con churros is on every student’s study abroad to do list in Madrid. You choose: get up early and try them then, or party all night and then go straight from the club to the cafeteria. Buen provecho!
THE REAL SPANISH FOOD
Tapas | via Pinterest
Chocolate con churros is just breakfast (although you can have it at any time of the day, really). Can’t wait to try Spanish ham, cheese, olives, and of course cooked dishes such as paella. Choose Madrid and you can try them all here.
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PICNIC IN THE PARK
Jardin de El Capricho, Madrid | marcp_dmoz
On those warm spring and summer days, bring your picnic to the park with a couple of friends. The Retiro Park is the most well-known option, but if you want to explore, check out the Jardin de El Capricho in the north of Madrid. No food allowed inside, but the Parque Juan Carlos I is right across, and you can snack there.
PARTY BY THE POOL
Hotel Oscar Madrid | via Pinterest
Prefer having a dip in the pool instead. Establishments like the Hotel Oscar boast a rooftop pool where you can sip cocktails, too. A refreshing way to end the day in the summer.
“HIDDEN GEMS GALORE”
Casa Alberto. Barrio de las Letras, Madrid. | via Pinterest
Any travel writer would tell you he is fed up of the phrase “hidden gems”. But students still love discovering them. Walk around the old town, browse through the Rastro fleamarket on a Sunday, sit down and have a café con leche. Ah, the good study abroad life.
YOUR FIRST BULLFIGHT
Bullfight | via The Huffington Post
“Elaborate slaughter” is what one writer in the Huffington Post calls his experience at a bullfight. Whatever your feelings are about the tauromaquia tradition, you can choose to see one or not.
ALL THOSE DAY AND WEEKEND TRIPS
Beach | via Pinterest
Let’s face it. You are interested in coming to Madrid. But how many study abroad students actually spend their weekends in the city they choose to study abroad in. Within two hours, you are in most other European cities, or even at the beach in the south of Spain. Chances are you will have Fridays off, so why not explore? You only live once.