Last Updated on June 20, 2023
It is a well-known fact that Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Spain is full of tourist attractions, vibrant landscapes, and fun and kind people that gather there to capture the essence and culture of the locals.
Madrid is the second-largest city in Europe and is full of fantastic things to see and activities to do. The city has a specific agenda for every type of visitor. The city is filled with interesting architecture, that is a mixture of modern infrastructures and historical landmarks that date from centuries ago.
Walking around the city and getting to know the main attractions is not the only thing you can do in Madrid. If you want to make the experience completely immersive, the best way to do it is to dare and learn the language. Spanish is the official language of the country, and it is one of the most spoken languages of the world.
There are plenty of Spanish courses in Madrid that can be suited to your specific needs and interests. With the right guidance, Spanish is not as hard as it seems! Learn to communicate with the locals and make the most out of your trip to Madrid. It could be the adventure of a lifetime.
Any excuse is valid! If you are a curious tourist with time to spare or if you have a specific goal with the language and want to study in Spain or sit for an international exam, there is a course specifically designed for you.
It is advisable to take at least three weeks of intensive lessons in order to gain the most out of the experience. But this doesn’t mean only sitting in a classroom. The best way to learn is to talk to the locals and discover the culture of the country.
Madrid is prepared to receive millions of tourists per year. The city has a lot of iconic places that you can’t miss if you are fortunate enough to go there. Here are some of Madrid musts:
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the mayor public space located in the center of Madrid. Life revolves around it at every hour of the day. Its main attractions are the spectacular view and the surroundings.
It is the perfect place to start touring around Madrid. Nearby and around the square, you can find many local shops and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.
The structure of Plaza Mayor dates back to the 15th century. It is part of the Spanish Property of Cultural Interest due to its historical value.
Everybody knows where Plaza Mayor is. It is the perfect location to meet up with locals or tourists and enjoy the city.
Parque del Buen Retiro
This park means “Park of the Pleasant Retreat.” If you find yourself a little overwhelmed and tired of the chaos and the city lights, this is the place to go. It is located at the edge of the center of the city, and it is a beautiful, green space that extends for almost 350 Acres.
Within the park, you will find galleries and sculptures that will surely take your breath away. There are also fountains and a fantastic rose garden. The gorgeous lake is the perfect spot to chill and maybe enjoy a picnic immersed in nature.
Make sure to check the cultural agenda because there are plenty of events and activities hosted at the Parque del Buen Retiro. Most events consist of outdoor music concerts, book fairs, and dancing groups.
It is perfect to go for a run or watch the sunset while enjoying a cold drink.
Paseo de la Castellana
La Castellana is the Main Street in Madrid. It is the axis of the city, as it cuts it vertically from South to North. The street starts in Plaza Colón and ends at the North ring road. It is perfect for walking without getting lost and observing the architectural contrast of the buildings of the city.
If you walk through La Castellana, you will see modern business buildings, international embassies and Spanish palaces, and even the city’s soccer stadium, Santiago Bernabéu.
All the major public means of transportation go along this street, so it is an accessible meeting point for tourists.
Museums
As said before, one of the major features and particularities of Madrid is its history and cultural environment. The city is filled with museums of all sorts.
The Paseo del Arte or Art Walk is a tour that will take you to the three most important museums of Madrid so you can learn to appreciate the captivating art of the Spaniards.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia has a wide collection of Spanish art from the 20th century. The Prado Museum, the most popular and well-known of the city, has national and international masterpieces that you have to see.
If you are more interested in history than in art, there are also a lot of options available. The Museo de América is a great opportunity to learn from the interaction of Spain with the native civilizations of America and the colonization period.
Some Tips
Now you know, Madrid is full of things to see and to do. Image how rich the experience would be if you could also master the language! The possibilities are endless. Check the Spanish courses available in Madrid given by some of the best international schools in the world.
Make sure to seek information beforehand to make your trip more enjoyable. If you get lost within the city or need help, do not hesitate to ask the locals. They are friendly and accustomed to tourists.
When in Madrid, do as Madrileños do. Make sure to respect the culture and the city. The more time you spend there, the more you will understand it.
If Madrid makes you fall in love with Spain and you can’t wait to visit more cities in this fabulous country, make sure to pass through Barcelona.
