Are you considering changing your life and start living in Madrid?
If you’re looking to move, even if temporarily, to a city that is full of life, sunny days and many things to do (and don’t forget about tapas!) read on: we’re sure you’ll find additional reasons that will convince you if you’re not yet 100% sure!
Madrid is the capital of Spain and is located right at its heart! Its central position allows for easy access to other major European cities. The city offers a wide range of opportunities for those who choose to call it home. From its prestigious universities, to a vibrant international community, multinational companies and employment opportunities, as well as co-working spaces and modern infrastructure, Madrid has something for everyone.
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Madrid (its history, culture, traditions and much more) as well as the many benefits of living in Madrid!
This guide includes:
Exploring Madrid's top tourist hotspots
For sure that some of the first things you will do once you are living in Madrid is to go to the many touristic spots that the city offers! It’s a great way for you to get a feel of the city vibe and to start falling in love with its history and culture.
So, what are the places that we recommend?
1. Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid) is a magnificent 18th-Century palace that serves as the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
2. La Puerta del Sol (The Gate of the Sun) is Madrid’s central square, which is home to the famous clock tower that marks the countdown to New Year’s Eve.
3. Plaza Mayor (The Town Square) is a grand 17th-Century in the center of Madrid that is surrounded by ornate buildings and is home to many cafes and restaurants.
4. El Museo del Prado (The Prado Museum) is one of the world’s greatest art museums, with a collection that includes works by Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco.
5. El Museo de Reina Sofia (The Reina Sofia Museum) is a modern art museum that houses works by Picasso, Dali, and other famous Spanish artists.
6. El Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) is a beautiful park in the heart of Madrid that features gardens, lakes, and historic monuments.
7. Gran via is Madrid’s main shopping street, lined with shops, theathers, and restaurants.
8. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Santiago Bernabéu Stadium) is the home stadium of Real Madrid football club, one of the most successful teams in European football history.
9. Mercado de San Miguel (The Market of San Miguel) is a lively market in the center of Madrid that sells a wide variety of gourmet foods and drinks.
Madrid's most beautiful neighborhoods: where history and culture meet
Are you curious to find out how living in Madrid feels like? Well, it all depends on the neighborhood you choose to live in!
1. Sol is the bustling heart of Madrid, home to the Puerta do Sol and many shops, restaurants and cafes.
2. Chueca is a lively, gay-friendly neighborhood characterised by many cafes, tapas bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s home to many Museums and several performing arts theaters.
3. Chamberí is a traditional 19th century neighborhood in Madrid’s city centre. The vibe in this area is relaxed and is not an attraction for tourists. It really kept the authentic Madrileño atmosphere.
4. Malasaña is a trendy, bohemian neighborhood known for its nightlife, street art, and independent shops.
5. Lavapiés is a neighbourhood with a tremendously diverse history, associated with movements of the working class, immigrants and counter culture. As a result, this neighbourhood today is represented by over 80 different nationalities, offering a variety of restaurants and tapas bars, art exhibitions and music.
6. Salamanca is an upscale neighborhood with high-end boutiques, art galleries and elegant architecture.
7. Retiro is an upscale neighborhood surrounding Retiro Park, with many luxury hotels and high-end restaurants.
8. La Latina is one of Madrid’s oldest and liveliest neighborhoods. This picturesque neighborhood is characterised by narrow streets with tapas bars, restaurants, and squares with beautiful churches.
9. Gran Via is the main shopping and entertainment district of Madrid, with many theaters, cinemas, and large chain stores.
Renting in Madrid: finding the ideal home for you stay
When it comes to renting in Madrid, you’ll find options for different needs and budgets. The rental prices in Madrid highly depend on location, size, and condition of the property.
When searching for a house in Madrid, you should consider what is the lifestyle you are looking for: do you want to live next to your university or place of working? Do you wish to be next to public transportation? Do you want to be right on the nightlife areas?
As you just read, in Madrid you can find a multitude of stunning neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics and peculiarity. The most in-demand areas in Madrid are Salamanca, Chamberí, Retiro, Sol and Malasaña, which tend to have higher prices due to their central location and proximity to tourists attractions. Renting in Madrid usually goes from 400€ to 2000€ per month.
At Inlife, we understand that moving abroad and looking for a place to stay can be stressful and demanding but we are here to make the rental process faster and easier. We offer a wide selection of apartments in various neighborhoods across Madrid and we will help you find the perfect house that meets your needs and expectations.
A look at Madrid's most famous Universities
Madrid is home to several prestigious universities! If you’re still a student, and are considering to start living in Madrid to do your bachelor, masters or a semester abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to study in one of these famous institutions and enrich your knowledge.
Are you interesting in studying in Madrid and you want to find out more about these institutions? Here it goes!
1. Universidad Complutense de Madrid is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain, with a wide range of faculties and departments.
2. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid is a leading technical university in Spain, known for its engineering, architecture, and computer science programs.
3. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is a public research university with a strong reputation in the social sciences, humanities, and health sciences.
4. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is a private university with a focus on business, economics, and law, as well as engineering and social sciences.
5. Universidad de Alcalá is a public university located just outside Madrid, with a history dating back to the 15th century and a wide range of faculties and departments.
6. IE University is a private university with campuses in Madrid and Segovia, known for its business, law, and international relations programs.
7. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos is a public university with several campuses in the Madrid region, known for its social sciences, humanities, and engineering programs.
8. Universidad Pontificia Comillas is a private Jesuit university with a focus on business, law, and social sciences, as well as engineering and theology.
From Madrid to everywhere: the perfect hub for exploring Spain's diverse regions
Prepared for yet another benefit of living in Madrid? Did you know that this city has the perfect location that allows you to travel all around Spain?
Madrid is located in the center of Spain and is well-connected to the rest of the country through an extensive network of highways, trains, and buses. This makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other parts of Spain, whether you’re interested in visiting the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, the mountains of the Pyrenees, or the historic cities of Andalusia.
Moreover, from Madrid, you can easily take a day trip or weekend getaway to many other parts of Spain. For example, you can visit the Royal Palace of the Alhambra in Granada, explore the medieval streets of Toledo, or experience the vibrant culture of Barcelona. You can also take a high-speed train to cities such as Seville, Valencia, or Bilbao, all of which have their own unique attractions and charms.
In addition, Madrid is also well-connected to other countries in Europe through its international airport, making it a convenient starting point for trips to other parts of the continent.
Madrid on a plate: a food's lover guide
You’re still unsure about living in Madrid and are curious to find out more about the traditional cuisine?
In this section, we’ll guide you through the most traditional dishes and we’ll give you recommendations regarding what to try once in Madrid and where to eat during the first days of your stay!
1. Cocido Madrileño is a stew made with meat, vegetables, and chickpeas, often served in several courses.
2. Huevos rotos is a dish of fried eggs with ham or chorizo and potatoes, often served in a skillet and meant to be mixed together.
3. Bocadillo de Calamares is a sandwich filled with fried squid rings, usually served in a bread roll.
4. Churros con chocolate is a popular snack consisting of fried dough pastries dipped in thick hot chocolate.
5. Tortilla Española is a Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions, often served as a tapa (small plate).
6. Patatas bravas are fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
7. Gambas al ajillo are shrimps sautéed in garlic and olive oil, often served as a tapa.
8. Croquetas are small, breaded and fried balls filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ham, chicken, or cheese.
9. Tostas are slices of bread topped with various ingredients, such as tomato and olive oil, cured ham, or cheese.
Where to eat in Madrid?
1. Mercado de San Miguel: this historic market is home to dozens of food stalls selling a wide range of traditional Spanish dishes, such as tortilla, jamon iberico, and croquetas.
2. La Bola Taberna: this traditional restaurant first opened in 1870. Here the codico madrileno is a must-try!
3. El Sur: this elegant restaurant in the Salamanca district serves traditional Spanish dishes including Paella, tortilla and various tapas.
4. Casa Salvador: located near the Reina Sofia Museum, this historic tavern is famous for its huevos rotos
5. Chocolateria San Gines: this historic cafe near the Puerta do Sol is famous for its churros and hot chocolate, which are the perfect treat on a cold winter day
The evolution of Madrid: a journey through time
Madrid has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over a thousand years.
It was founded in the 9th Century AD by the Moors, who ruled much of Spain at the time. They built a fortress called the Alcazar, which still stands today and is now a museum.
In the 16th Century, Madrid became the capital of Spain under King Philip II. During this time, many of the city’s most iconic buildings were constructed, including the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor, and the Puerta del Sol.
This city played an important role in the Spanish Civil War in 1930s. The city was held by Republican forces for much of the war, but was eventually captured by General Franco’s Nationalist Army in 1939. Franco ruled Spain as a dictator for almost 36 years.
After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain transitioned to a democracy, and Madrid has since become a thriving cosmopolitan city! Today, Madrid is home to over 3 million people and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Experience the rich culture of Madrid: traditions and festivals you cannot miss
If you are planning on living in Madrid in the future, you should know that there is a wide range of celebrations and festivities that you cannot miss!
Here are some of the main traditions and celebrations that you can experience in Madrid during your stay:
1. Flamenco: this iconic Spanish dance form is closely associated with Madrid and is performed in many venues throughout the city.
2. Corrida (bullfighting): While controversial, bullfighting is a long-standing tradition in Madrid and is still practiced at the city’s famous Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
3. Festa de San Isidro (San Isidro Festival): this is the biggest and most popular festival in Madrid, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Isidro. It is celebrated every year in May and includes traditional music, dance, food, and a pilgrimage to the Saint’s shrine.
4. La cabalgada de Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men Parade): Also known as Epiphany, this festival is celebrated on January 6th and features a parade with three kings riding camels through the city, throwing sweets and small gifts to the children in the crowd.
5. Carnaval (Carnival): Madrid’s Carnival is celebrated in February or March and features street parties, and fancy dress competitions. The most famous Carnival event in Madrid is the parade on Gran Via, the city’s main avenue.
6. Semana Santa (Holy week): Also known as Semana Santa, this religious festival takes place in the week leading up to Easter and includes processions and other religious events.
7. La Fiesta de La Paloma (La Paloma Festival): this festival is celebrated in August and is dedicated to the Virgin of La Paloma, the patron saint of Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood. It includes music, dance, and traditional food, and is one of the most popular neighborhood festivals in the city.
8. Fiesta del Orgullo (Madrid Pride): this is one of the biggest LGBT+ festivals in the world, and it takes place in the Chueca neighborhood in June or July. The festival features a parade, concerts, parties, and other events celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
From bars to clubs: exploring Madrid's famous nightlife scene
Madrid is the perfect destination for those who enjoy music and nightlife! Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with friends or a night of dancing and socializing, Madrid has plenty of options to choose from:
1. Bars: Madrid offers everything from traditional tapas bars to modern cocktail lounges. The city’s bar scene is particularly lively in neighborhoods like Malasaña, Chueca, and Lavapiés, where locals and tourists alike gather to socialize over drinks.
2. Clubs: For those who love dancing and live music, Madrid also has a thriving club scene. Some of the city’s most famous clubs include Kapital, which has several floors of dance floors and bars, and Joy Eslava, a historic venue that has hosted performances by famous musicians and DJs. Other popular clubs include Fabrik, Teatro Barceló, and Sala But, all of which feature a variety of music genres and styles.
In addition to bars and clubs, Madrid is also home to several live music venues, theaters, and cultural centers that offer performances throughout the year. The city has a vibrant arts scene, and there are always plenty of shows and events to enjoy, from concerts and plays to dance performances and art exhibitions!
Conclusion: what are the benefits of living in Madrid?
To sump up, Madrid offers a multitude of benefits for those who are planning on living in Madrid in the future. Whether you are a student, digital nomad, or young professional, living in Madrid can represent a good opportunity for your career and/or future goals.
Many people already are looking forward to living in Madrid, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your stay in Madrid and discover what this vibrant city has to offer!
Need help finding an apartment?
At Inlife, we want to help you finding the perfect house in Madrid that meets your needs and expectations. We offer a wide range of services and benefits that make the rental process easier and more convenient, such as:
1. Get to know your potential new home in Madrid in a live video call from anywhere in the world!
2. Get any help you need from our team of local advisors – they will help you find the perfect new home for you and assist you during the whole process.
3. Search through thousands of listings, verified by our team!
4. Take advantage of a safe payment system, where you’ll have 24h after check-in to let us know if the house is exactly what you were looking for! If not, we will help you find a new home.
At Inlife, we are committed to providing tenants with a valuable platform for finding a room, residence or apartment in Madrid. What are you waiting for?
