8 Unexpected Reasons to Fall in Love with Madrid

When you think of Madrid, your mind might go to landmarks like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, the famous Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue in Puerta del Sol, Real Madrid soccer, the Prado or Reina Sofía art museums, sunshine, and busy tapas bars. But when you spend a semester studying abroad in Spain’s capital city, you’ll uncover the lesser-known side of the city that we bet you won’t soon forget.

Here are eight unexpected reasons that might make you fall in love with Madrid:

MADRID COMES ALIVE AT SUNSET.

It's no secret that Madrid has a legendary nightlife, but the magic starts long before midnight. The city glows at sunset, and whether you’re watching from the Temple of Debod, a rooftop terrace in Malasaña, or just a quiet street corner, the sky puts on a show almost every evening. Cameras in hand so you can capture the golden light as it bounces off of historic buildings, or simply take in the moment. You'll have plenty of evenings throughout the semester to do both, and watch it from different locations. Some favorites apart from the above are the rooftop terrace at Círculo de Bellas Artes, Mirador del Faro de Moncloa, Retiro Park, and Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío to name a few!

THE CITY'S MARKETS ARE FULL OF CHARACTER.

Madrid’s markets are more than just places to buy food—they’re microcosms of the city’s character and population. The most famous is probably Mercado de San Miguel, but Mercado de la Cebada and Mercado de Antón Martín will give you a more local feeling experience; these are places where vendors greet their regulars by name. In Lavapiés, there's another great market to visit - Mercado de San Fernando, a multicultural space where you'll find bookshops tucked in between fruit stalls and gourmet food stands next to butchers. On Sundays, head over to El Rastro flea market which sprawls through the streets of La Latina. You’ll find lots of treasures where if you take the time to look—everything from vintage leather jackets to handmade ceramics. Each market is very different, so don't think that if you've seen one, you've seen them all; visit a bunch and discover your fave!

MADRID HAS SECRET GARDENS TO EXPLORE.

Quiet green spaces in an energetic capital city like Madrid? Yup! They exist if you know where to look. For example, the gardens of El Capricho in the northeast of the city feel like a secret little oasis. There's a hidden courtyard at Sorolla Museum which is a peaceful spot for lovers of both art and nature. And you can catch some great views over the city's skyline from the rooftop garden at La Casa Encendida. In La Latina, you'll find the charming Prince of Anglona garden - the courtyard of a 19th-century palace. The Orchard of the Nuns is a pretty, shady place to sit for a while. Head east for waterfalls, sculptures, and winding paths in Jardines de la Quinta de la Fuente del Berro. There are many others waiting to be discovered on your wanders through the city.

THE METRO IS A TIME MACHINE.

Madrid’s metro is something pretty special; it isn’t just a convenient way to navigate the city—it’s a journey through history. Under the busy city streets, there are stories, archaeological discoveries, and the famous Chamberí ghost station which has been frozen in time since the 1960s. Now transformed into Andén 0—a free museum—vintage advertisements are still on the tiled walls, and you can see the original ticket booths. Some metro stations double as museums, like Ópera, where you can see an underground archaeological site and a collection of 17th-century underground waterways that were used to bring fresh water into the city. Carpetana is another example, which takes you back to prehistoric Madrid with fossils on display including the remnants of ancient elephants and saber-toothed cats.

MADRID'S CAFÉS HAVE ALL THE VIBES.

While Madrid isn't as famous for its coffee as cities like Melbourne or Seattle, it's a fantastic place for cafe culture! Whether you're after a classic café con leche or the perfectly-pulled flat white, you'll find the perfect café to while away a few hours. Toma Café is excellent for specialty coffees and was part of the initial third-wave coffee scene when it hit the city. Think minimalism, locally-roasted beans, and serious coffee people. If cozy is your vibe, Café de la Luz might be your place. It's a bit more like stepping into a friend's living room in the middle of Malasaña with vintage furniture, homemade cakes, and warm lighting. To sip a coffee where the literary greats once gathered, Café Comercial is your place. It's been going strong since 1887 and many intellectuals have passed through its doors. Try these and then branch out! Part of the fun is finding your own perfect coffee spot through trial and error.

MADRID INSPIRES SPONTENEITY.

One of the reasons that we love big cities like Madrid is that they are full of the unexpected. The best moments often happen when they aren't planned. You might turn a corner and stumble on an incredible spontaneous flamenco performance in Plaza de la Paja. You might be walking through Malasaña and come across a little bookstore hosting a poetry reading. If you're out buying groceries, you might discover a new street art installation or a mural artist at work. Embrace the unexpected and a sense of spontaneity and flexibility, and the city will throw up all sorts of exciting surprises that may end up being some of your best memories!

THE RIVERBANK IS A LOCAL HANGOUT.

The Manzanares River runs through the heart of Madrid and it isn’t just a geographical landmark—it’s a living part of the city. Madrid Río, a huge park, stretches along the riverbanks and it's a favorite hangout spot for locals—to cycle, run, rollerblade, picnic, or just relax or study under the trees for a peaceful escape and some fresh air. There are some eye-catching bridges, public art displays that are constantly rotating, and even an urban beach where you can watch the boats drift by. On warm days, you’ll see students sprawled out on the grass with books, locals walking their dogs, and buskers and musicians setting up impromptu concerts and performances. It's also an excellent place for some people-watching!

MADRID KNOWS HOW TO CELEBRATE.

Spain loves an opportunity for a celebration and, as the capital city, Madrid lives up to that reputation too. Whether it’s the all-night revelry of Noche en Blanco, the extravagant parades of San Isidro, or the colorful Pride celebrations, if there's a reason to gather people together, dance, eat, and celebrate, Madrileños will embrace it. Sometimes even ordinary days in Madrid feel festive, especially when the weather is nice. The plazas fill up with people out for meals in the evenings and you'll hear lively conversations and laughter spilling out of tapas bars with a contagious energy. Take the opportunity to experience different festivals and celebrations and you'll earn insight into life as a local in Madrid.

With a semester in Madrid, you'll have time to peel back the layers of local life and really dig into the experience, discovering your own version of this vibrant city with each wander, encounter, and spontaneous moment that you decide to embrace.