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Madrid is the capital of Spain as well as the largest city in the country. Located in the heart of Spain, this wonderful city is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage. With several galleries, museums, and statues adorning the city centers, there is a reason why art buffs come here. But that’s not all Madrid has to offer. Madrid, Spain is the Spanish soccer hub and also one of the most alive nightclubbing cities in the world. Thousands of college students come here every semester to see all of this and much more in one of the most ethnically exotic city.

Madrid Pictures

Things to do in Madrid

Madrid is a cultural experience waiting to happen. Many fine works of art housed in galleries and museums are located here. Some of the best museums to visit include the Golden Art Museum Triangle, which is home to three of the finest galleries. These are Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art, and Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center. They have pieces by Monet, Goya, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Mondrian, and Bacon. The National Archeology Museum, Museo de Lazaro Galdiano,and Museo de América are also located here. Major landmarks that shouldn’t be missed are the famous bear statue at Puerta del Sol, Catedral de la Almudena, and Templo de Debod; an Egyptian temple, located in one of Madrid´s most beautiful parks.

Nightlife in Madrid

Spain is known for having some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. Madrid tops all of that. You won’t find many other places that have been dubbed “mucha marcha”, the Spanish term for “The city that never sleeps”. Particularly around holidays don’t be surprised to see people out and about until 5 or 6 in the morning. And this isn’t just the college crowd, although this is definitely a draw to students to come here to study. Particularly in the U.S. where the drinking age is 21, here it is fairly loose and you most likely won’t be carded at any clubs or bars. (Always keep some sort of identification on you anyways as a safety precaution.) Try a night party bus tour or a concert to get the best all around vibe of this place!

Colleges and Classes in Madrid

Madrid, as well as many other cities in Spain, does not offer many courses in English or any other language other than Spanish. Unlike in other European countries that cater to semester abroad students, Madrid requires students to be intermediate in Spanish to attend most schools, even for a semester. Once here, taking a Spanish cooking course or art history course might be a good suggestion. Why not take advantage of where you are and the wonderful history? Learn a little more about the history and culture that you’re in, you will be remembering this place and experience for the rest of your life.

Travel From Madrid

The eurorail trains can take you anywhere in the country to all of the main cities. Go over to the coasts of Barcelona or Valencia and enjoy the sandy beaches. France and Portugal both border Spain and each have equally as stunning cultures and heritages to visit and explore. The Straight of Gibraltar, which connects to Africa, is also very close by. Studentuniverse.com can help with cheap flights and eurorail tickets as well as hostels.

Madrid Study Abroad Tips

• Many people speak English, however it is a good idea to have a Spanish phrase book with you.
• There is a great and efficient metro and bus system in the city.
• The currency in Madrid is the Euro.