Aug 1

Aug 1 Madrid, Spain

Studying Abroad at New York University in Madrid, Spain

What to expect in Madrid during the summer? Small showers, kitchens, apartments with no air conditioning, and amazing professors! Madrid is a city that is full of life and amazing food, that constantly makes you feel like you need more time in order to see it all and take it all in!

Site specific opportunities: Even with all the day trips around Spain, The Basque Country (Bilbao), San Sebastian, Toledo, Granada, and Sevilla, it's always important to remember that studying abroad isn't only fun and games, and actually requires a lot of work and studying!

Is the city easy to access from residence halls, home stays, and the NYU site? What is the best way to access the city? The Subway and the bus are your best bet. Taxis are reliable and ubers are an option, but I would suggest investing in a monthly bus/metro pass. You'll have to schedule an appointment to get it, because they print you a personalized card with your photo on it, but it only takes a few minutes and it's definitely worth it! You truly can get anywhere you want to go with the pass and its about 20 euro a month.

You can also use the "hail-o" app to hail a cab if you need to get somewhere quick. Remember, there is a flat rate of 30 euro to the airport from anywhere in the city (the airport is roughly 20 minutes from the city center) so don't let anyone try to rip you off!

What are relationships between locals and NYU students usually like? Spanish people are typically very warm and welcoming but they don’t like it when you sit in their café's using their wifi for hours on end… onetime my friend and I were studying in a café in Malasaña and one of the employees actually turned the router off to get us to leave…

What are some unique classes there that students would not be able take at NYU in New York? The Masterpieces in the Prado class with Carmen Sierra was arguably one of my favorite classes to date. Carmen is the queen of the Prado and I will remember that class for the rest of my life.

What are the travel options and to where would you most recommend? Subway, Bus, Ryanair, Ave Renfe – but don't purchase insurance if there is a change you are going to miss your train, you won't get a refund (trust me, I'm speaking from experience).

If you are 21, renting a car with your friends and going on a road trip is another AWESOME option for travel that I would highly recommend!

Shopping

Calle Serrano
Gran Via
Mercado de Motores (flea market)

Night Life

Areia
Rococco
FABRIK
La Chapandaz
Kapital
Moon Dance
Velvet
Joy
Dubliners
Gabana
Le Boutique
El Tigre

Places to Visit

Buen Retiro Park
Plaza Mayor
Plaza de España
Temple of Debod
Palacio Real
Palacio de Cristal
El Rastro - Sunday Morning (La Latina)
Mercado de San Miguel
Puerta del Sol
Museo del Prado
Museum Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Church of San Fermin de los Navarros
Plaza de Cibeles
Puerta del Alcala
La Tabacalera
Ruben Darío Subway: 5 minutes from Calle Serrano
Puente de Arganzuelal
El Palacio Real

Places to Eat

The Little Big Café
Federal Café Madrid
Taberna Almendra 13 (Tapas)
La Casa del Abuelo (100 years old)
Cappuccino (Café - Puerta Alcala)
Restaurante Lateral (Tapas, Outdoor Seating)
Casa Julio (Tapas)
Tortillas de Gabino (Mexican)
Essay (Tapas)
Restaurante Botín (Dinner - Opened in 1725)
Rooftop: Circulo de Bellas Artes (Reservations for dinner, Cocktails)
La Carmencita
Goiko Grill
Tierra
Faborit (Smothies)
La Bicicleta (Coffee)
Mur Cafe
Fit Food (Acai Bowls)
Juicy Avenue
San Guines (Famous Churros)
The Good Burger
100 Montaditos