I’ve been in Madrid for about five months, and let me tell you, it’s THE best city in Europe! I’ve traveled extensively to many different countries, and in terms of living, entertainment, and travel, nothing compares to Spain. Madrid, in particular, is one of the safest cities I’ve experienced, especially outside the tourist areas. Living here has been amazing because life is so relaxing. Since school isn’t very demanding throughout the semester, there’s plenty of free time for personal growth.
I was able to stroll through Parque de Retiro, grab coffee with friends, enjoy a nice rooftop in the evening, and dine at the many restaurants any day of the week. Also, everything is so cheap for a city, it is incredible how much I was able to do as it wasn’t a burden spending money. People take their siestas seriously, so shops close during the day, and on Sundays, everything shuts down! But you can still find activities to do. Traveling is convenient with trains that take you all over Spain at really affordable prices. Traveling abroad is also cheap since everything is so close. Public transportation is incredibly convenient; you don’t need to Uber much because the metro gets you across the city in minutes. It’s clean and reliable.
Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a place for it here. From my first impressions to today, I couldn’t have anticipated the countless experiences I’ve had. I’ve made the best memories, friends, and had incredible experiences on this trip. I 100% recommend studying abroad during college, especially in Madrid, as I now have a deep sentimental attachment to this city.
If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and I will for sure help you in any way possible!