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A complete guide for students
Universities in Madrid
Madrid is home to more than 10 major universities - get the key details on each in this handy guide and find out which one is best for you!
Things to do in Madrid: a student’s guide
Home to some of the world’s best food, several globally renowned universities and a legendary cultural scene, Madrid really is the perfect student city. From museums to tapas bars, stunning gardens to royal palaces, there’s always something to do inbetween lectures.
If you’re heading to the Spanish capital for your studies, this guide will help you make the most of your stay without breaking the bank, giving you the lowdown on the best things to do in Madrid on a student budget.
Arts & culture
Madrid’s artistic scene is second to none and one of the city’s biggest attractions. Its best museums and art galleries are conveniently located close together on the "Paseo del Arte", with several offering free entry on certain days – perfect for thrifty students!
Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is Spain’s foremost art museum and one of the top museums in the world. An endless treasure trove for art lovers, it houses a huge collection of European art dating back to the 12th century.
Some of the names you’ll find walking through the many corridors of the museum include Goya, Bosch, Velázquez, and El Greco. Admission is also free at all times with a valid student ID card, so there’s no reason not to pop in.
Reina Sofía Museum
Just a 10-minute walk down the road from El Prado lies the Reina Sofía Museum, another world-class art museum featuring modern and contemporary works, with a focus on Spanish artists.
Picasso’s Guernica is a highlight here, along with works by fellow Spanish artists Dalí, Miró, Gris, while there’s also international names like Munch and Braque. As with El Prado, you can get in for free with your student ID card.
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
The final stop on the Paseo del Arte, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum houses a diverse and extensive collection of international art ranging from the 13th to the 20th century.
All sorts of famous artists – Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh, to name a few – are found here. You still need to pay for a ticket as a student, however you can enter for free on Mondays and between 9pm–11pm on Saturdays.
Food & drink
Along with its museums and galleries, Madrid’s food scene is one of the city’s biggest draws. And if you know where to go, you can enjoy some amazing local dishes without paying tourist prices.
San Miguel Market
To really get a feel for Spanish cuisine, San Miguel Market should be your first port of call. This bustling food market has an infectious energy and all the classic foods you associate with Spain: ham, cheese, chorizo, calamari, olives and oysters.
More than seven million people visit San Miguel Market every year, so you can expect a few crowds. Still, it’s a great place to grab a quick snack, stock up on fresh ingredients or sip on sangria as you watch the world go by.
Tapas bars
As a student in Madrid, tapas bars are your best friend! Here you can pick and mix classic comfort dishes like Spanish omellete, patatas bravas, meatballs and garlic shrimp without spending a fortune.
There are hundreds of bars throughout across the city, with some of the best areas for tapas being La Latina and Lavapiés. Look out for bars that offer a free tapa with your drink to get the most for your money.
Restaurants
If you fancy a change from tapas, Madrid has some amazing restaurants where you can enjoy a more substantial meal. Two of our favourites are Takos al Pastor for its cheap and delicious tacos and Rosi la Loca for its fusion foods and quirky decor.
A handy tip to help keep costs down: look out for chalkboards outside of restaurants promoting the menú del día (set lunch menus), which include two or even three courses at prices as low as €10.
Looking for accommodation in the city? Check out our handy guide to booking student housing in Madrid.
History
From its winding alleyways and lively plazas to its magnificent royal palace, Madrid is steeped in history at every step. The best way to soak this all up is to simply wander through its streets, though there are a few particular sites worth checking out.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The largest functioning palace in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid is an architectural marvel. Completed in 1764, the palace boasts over 3,400 rooms, including lavish banquet halls and intricately detailed frescoes, as well as some beautifully manicured gardens.
Not only that, but the palace houses an impressive art collection with works from Caravaggio, Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. EU and Latin American citizens can enter for free between 5pm–7pm from Monday to Thursday.
Temple of Debod
Did you know there’s an ancient Egyptian temple nestled in the middle of Madrid? Gifted to Spain in 1968, the Temple of Debod dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was used as a place of worship.
Today, the temple serves as a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and pools of water that reflect the ancient structure, it’s a favourite spot to watch the sunset.
Plaza Mayor
The heart of Madrid’s historic centre, Plaza Mayor is the most iconic of the city’s many squares and a great place for people-watching. Originally built in the 17th century, it’s played host to everything from bullfights to royal ceremonies.
Here you can cool off in the shade of the cafes and restaurants that line the square, ideally with a cup of coffee or glass or beer and a bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) which the plaza is famous for.
Nightlife
Madrid’s nightlife is the stuff of legend. Known locally as the city that never sleeps, nights out in Madrid start late and run through to the early hours, taking place everywhere from rooftop bars and flamenco centres to music venues to superclubs.
Malasaña
Based in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Gran Vía, Malasaña is one of the main areas for nightlife and the kind of place where you can find just about anything: quirky bars, vermouth taverns and nightclubs that stay open until 6am.
Whether you’re looking for 80s chart-toppers or the latest electronic tunes, there are plenty of venues catering to specific musical genres. Some of the neighbourhood’s most iconic venues are La Vía Láctea, El Penta and Tupperware.
Chueca
A night out in Chueca is a rite of passage for any student in Madrid! This fun-loving neighbourhood is packed with venues where you can dance the night away and also serves as the city’s LGBTQ+ district.
Highlights include the historic Museo Chicote – a place where countless celebrities have passed through over the years – old-school piano bar Libertad 8 and iconic nightclub Teatro Barceló.
Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras – Madrid's Literary Quarter – is another popular student area with an eclectic mix of pubs, bars and discos that stay open until the early hours, no matter the day of the week.
If you’re into your jazz, Café Central is one of the finest venues dedicated to the genre in Spain. Other spots definitely worth checking out include Salmon Guru for its funky cocktails and Mi Madre era una Groupie for its dance floor and retro decor.
Outdoors
Madrid isn’t all culture and history; it also has some amazing parks where you can escape the busy city streets. These spaces are perfect for picnics, strolls and outdoor study when you need a break from the library!
Retiro Park
Based right in the centre of Madrid, Retiro Park is the city’s most famous park and a favourite spot for tourists and locals. There’s plenty to see here, including beautiful sculptures, botanical gardens and historic monuments.
Hiring a boat and hitting the artificial lake to get your photo in front of the Monument to Alfonso XII is probably one of the most popular things to do in Madrid, but don’t forget to pay a visit to the splendid UNESCO-listed Glass Palace too.
Casa de Campo
If you’re looking for a vast green space where you can really escape the city, Casa de Campo is the place to go. This sprawling, 4,257-acre park is five times the size of New York’s Central Park and once served as a royal hunting estate.
With hiking trails, kayak rentals, a zoo, an aquarium and a theme park, you can easily spend an entire day here. There’s also a cable car that connects Casa de Campo to Parque del Oeste, offering some amazing views of the city.
Guadarrama National Park
Not only does Madrid have some great urban parks, but it’s also a short distance from one of the biggest national parks in Spain: Guadarrama. Here you can hike your way through vast forests and high mountain grasslands while keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife.
To reach the park, you can either hop on the bus or train, both of which take around 90 minutes. There are plenty of options for tours but if you want to save money you can easily arrange your own travel and find a hiking route to follow online.
Shopping
Madrid is one of the best cities in Europe for shopping. And while there’s no shortage of luxury stores, you’ll also find plenty of student-friendly options for snagging high-street favourites and vintage items at great prices.
Gran Vía
There’s only one place to start when it comes to shopping in Madrid: Gran Vía. Cutting through the heart of the city, this iconic avenue is right up there with Broadway and Oxford Street among the world’s most popular shopping destinations.
Here you’ll find all the usual high street labels, as well as Spanish brands like Zara and Mango. Even if you’re not shopping, the bustling energy and stunning architecture make Gran Vía worth a visit.
El Rastro
Standing in stark contrast to the big brands and department stores of Gran Vía, El Rastro is an open-air flea market held every Sunday in La Latina. With over 700 stalls, it’s one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
It’s a great place to visit even if you’re not planning on buying anything. That said, you can pick up some cool antiques and souvenirs, all while practicing your Spanish skills as you haggle with vendors.
Las Rozas Village
If you love designer brands but don’t want to spend a fortune, Las Rozas Village is well worth a visit. This out-of-town shopping centre is based around 30 minutes from Madrid’s city centre and easily accessible via train.
The outlet is home to over 100 stores, including student favourites like Lacoste, New Balance, Polo Ralph Lauren and The North Force. Items are priced at up to 60% off, so there’s some excellent deals available.
Madrid: a student city
With an almost endless list of things to do, it’s no surprise that Madrid is so popular with students. From its pulsating nightlife and amazing culinary scene to its beautiful outdoor spaces and abundance of museums, the city does it all.
Have your sights set on the Spanish capital? Check out our handy guide on the best universities in Madrid to find the perfect place to study. Or, if you’ve already secured your place, browse our range of student accommodation in Madrid.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Madrid?
Madrid really has something for everyone. Art lovers can experience the three world-famous museums that form the Paseo del Arte, while foodies can sample local delicacies at San Miguel Market or one of the city’s many tapas bars. For a big night out, head to the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods, before sleeping off the hangover in Retiro Park.
What things can you do for free in Madrid?
Many of Madrid’s most popular attractions are free. Students can enter the Prado Museum and Reina Sofía Museum without paying, while the Royal Palace and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum offer free admission at certain times. Other sights worth checking out are Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park and the Temple of Debod.
Where are the best places to eat in Madrid?
Madrid is home to a huge array of tapas bars that are a great way to eat local without breaking the bank. Some of the city’s best tapas can be found at El MiniBar and Taberna El Sur. For a more substantial restaurant meal, head over to Takos al Pastor or Rosi la Loca.