Madrid - The Coolest Capitol in Europe

During the winter of 2023-2024, I had the opportunity to visit Madrid with a couple of my college friends, and we had an absolute blast. It's a city that truly has something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, a history buff, a party animal, or just a broke college student looking for an adventure.

Public Transit: Getting Around Madrid

The public transit in Madrid is amazing and can take you wherever you want to go. The metro system is very extensive, but we noticed that it tended to get pretty crowded during peak hours, especially on Linea 1 and during football matches. Despite the crowds, it was a reliable and easy way to navigate the city. It was fascinating to think about the civil engineering behind it, Madrid's metro is one of the deepest in Europe, a real feat of underground construction to build a massive network beneath such a historic city.

For instance, the Cuatro Caminos station on Line 6 is the deepest in the network, with its platforms located nearly 50 meters (164 feet) below street level. The system, which first opened with a single line in 1919, has grown to be one of the largest in the world, with over 290 kilometers of track. This massive expansion over the past century required engineers to use advanced tunneling techniques to navigate the city's dense urban core. The result is a clean, efficient, and well-designed network that gets over 700 million passengers a year where they need to go.

Food & Nightlife: A Culture of Tapas and Late Nights

The tapas culture in Madrid was awesome! I would highly recommend going to the La Latina neighborhood, where the streets are lined with endless tapas bars. We were on a student budget, so we mostly opted for smaller apetizers on the go rather than splurging on fine dining.

For those unfamiliar with it, tapas is more than just a type of food; it’s a way of socializing. The culture is all about hopping from one bar to another, having a small drink (like a glass of beer, wine, or vermouth), and getting a small, complimentary dish of food with it. Sometimes the tapas are simple, like olives or a slice of tortilla española, while other bars serve more elaborate small plates. It's a very communal and relaxed way to eat, allowing you to try a wide variety of dishes and socialize in a lively atmosphere.

The nightlife was a huge culture shock coming from the U.S. In Madrid, the night starts late. Instead of a hard-and-fast start time, it’s a gradual progression. People typically head out for dinner around 9 or 10 p.m., then maybe to a quiet bar for a drink or two. The real "party" doesn't kick off until after midnight on weekends. This is when clubs and music venues start to fill up, and the energy becomes palpable. The night typically lasts until 5 or 6 a.m., with people often grabbing churros with chocolate on their way home as the sun rises. We, on the other hand, did the very American thing and found a Mcdonald's at 5 a.m. for a late-night snack. We found ourselves in the Barrio de las Letras, a great area for bars and nightlife. A personal recommendation is to join a pub crawl with a reputable hostel if you're in the right demographic; it's a great way to meet people and get a feel for the scene.

Architecture & History: Old Meets New

The history of Madrid's location is pretty interesting. It's in the middle of a semi-arid plateau with limited natural resources, but it was chosen as the capital by King Phillip II in 1561 to centralize power. This history is visible everywhere you look. The city started as a small Moorish fort in the 9th century and has grown into a modern metropolis, creating an incredible mix of architectural styles. The sheer age of the city is evident in the foundations and older buildings, and it was cool to see how modern structures were designed to integrate with—and not compromise the integrity of—the historic fabric of the city.

A fantastic example of this is the area around Plaza Mayor. This beautiful, grand square was once the site of bullfights and public executions, and its construction dates back to the early 17th century. Today, it is ringed by historic buildings, but beneath the surface, there's modern infrastructure and public spaces that make it a vibrant part of city life. The contrast between the old brick and stone facades and the contemporary shops and cafes inside perfectly encapsulates Madrid's approach to its past.

Another great example is the Royal Palace. While it appears as a singular, imposing structure from the outside, its construction spanned several centuries and involved multiple styles, from Baroque to Neoclassical. What we don't see are the careful preservation techniques and structural upgrades that allow this historic residence to function as a modern state building and a tourist attraction for millions of people. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder of the continuous effort to maintain a city that is simultaneously ancient and new.

Language & Accessibility: A Little Spanish Goes a Long Way

I would highly recommend learning a bit of Spanish before you go. You don't need to be an expert, but knowing how to order food and ask for directions will definitely help. English is understood in touristy areas and near the airport, but locals and business owners will really appreciate the effort if you try to speak their language. We found that a little effort went a long way in making connections. Also, be aware that Spanish spoken in Spain is a bit different from Latin American Spanish in terms of pronunciation and some vocabulary. We had no issues with paying for things; credit cards and cash were widely accepted.

Overall Impression & Recommendations!

Our trip to Madrid was an unforgettable experience. The city has a way of captivating you with its history, food, and endless energy. If you're planning a visit, here are a few things I'd recommend:

• Embrace the late-night culture: Don't rush dinner or a night out. Adopt the local rhythm, and you'll find the city truly comes alive after dark.
• Walk everywhere you can: You'll discover hidden plazas and beautiful architecture around every corner that you'd miss on the metro!
• Visit Retiro Park: It’s the perfect place to relax, people-watch, and escape the urban bustle for a few hours!
• Visit in Fall or Spring: While we went in December & January, it was a bit cold for walking at night, but it definitely was better then the scorching summers!