I was fortunate enough to spend the month of June studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and there were many things I loved about the city; here are a few of them!

  1. The Metro System: Madrid has an incredible metro system that was easy to navigate (definitely a couple times we got lost though!) and got us everywhere we needed remarkably quickly. I wish more American cities had public transportation, as the combination of taking the metro and walking allowed us to become more familiar with Madrid and get to visit more neighborhoods than if we had to walk everywhere.
  2. The Work Life Balance: Unlike the corporate culture of America, in Madrid, your job is not usually a large part of your identity. Instead of people just socializing and going out with friends on the weekends, in Madrid you can see everyone going out for drinks daily! The energy there is so much more relaxed than the hustled lifestyle in America.
  3. The Architecture: I love the architecture in Madrid because it’s like a beautiful mix of old and new. You can find grand, old buildings like the Palacio Real and Plaza Mayor, which make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Then there are sleek, modern structures like the Torre de Cristal that show off the city’s modern side. Walking around Madrid is like a fun history lesson, with each building having its own unique story. It’s a perfect blend of past and present that makes the city so interesting to explore.