Madrid: Pros and Cons




     As you may know that I've lived in Madrid for 3 months from summer going into fall. I have to say that there are things I love about Madrid and there are a few things I didn't like about Madrid. Let's start with the Pros first.

                                                                               Transportation system

     I have to give it to Madrid, the transportation system is amazing! It isn't as good as Barcelona's transportation system, but it's pretty damn close! It's very easy to get around using just the metro. Everything is in such close proximity that you can even walk (although I'm a bit lazy and rather take the metro).

     You can buy a card add trips (viajes) which is a little cheaper and buying one trip each time you want to use the metro. When I was in Madrid there was as card you can buy with 10 trips which were the most common to use. The card was like a tiny white piece of paper with a credit card looking strip on the back. However, you can buy a normal looking plastic red card to add trips. The price is slightly more expensive than Barcelona.

    Also unlike Barcelona there aren't any lights in the metro that will tell you what the next stop is so you have to pay attention or you may miss your stop.

  Nightlife

     Madrid has a very active nightlife! There is always something to do and people stay out partying and dancing until 6 (something 8) in the morning! Each neighbor has its own Catholic Saint so when it's the anniversary of a Saint you can best believe that there will be a celebration of some sort outside throughout the entire neighborhood with tons of food and decorations!

  The people

     Some people feel that people from Madrid (or Madrileños as they are called in Spanish) are cold. However, in my experience they were quite warm and welcoming and always willing to help me with my Spanish. I didn't have any negative experiences with the people in Madrid unlike my one negative experience in Barcelona.

  Food
     
    The food was to die for! They really take the time and effort to make sure you enjoy your meal. I ate everything on my plate from Croquettas to Paella you name it! My favorite restaurant was probably Marcela because I love seafood and they made the best! Also eating out was cheaper than eating out in the U.S. so that was another plus! With that being said let's move on to the cons

   Weather

     I'll be honest with you right now and let you know that it's HOT during the summer. You are looking at temps in the 100s with dry heat. I had to make sure I drunk plenty of water. Also in the Winter it's cold with Game of Thrones like snow. The temperature there is quite extreme throughout the year so be prepared!

   No beach

     If you like beaches and want to hit a wave or two don't come to Madrid. Madrid is inland and there are no beaches at all. If you want to see the ocean and show off your new beach body then head on over to Barcelona.

   People are slow

     I don't mean mentally slow. I mean people do things SLOWLY. Although I said that the people are warm which is true, but they take their time to do everything. This includes talking, eating, walking, shopping and banking! be prepared for a much slower pace than how we do things in the U.S.

   Expensive to live

     The food maybe cheap, but living is not. Compared to the U.S. it's still a bit cheaper, but by Spanish standards its expensive especially if you live close to the city center. I was paying almost 800 euros for a one bedroom. Granted the apartment was nice and newly renovated, but it was small and was located in one of the poorer neighborhoods. So imagine if you were in a richer neighborhood closer to the city center!

      Well this includes my list of pros and cons. I say overall it is definitely a city worth visiting (especially for you extraverts!). You will never get bored in Madrid, that I promise you!  Until next time!


Hasta Luego!
 




Comentarios

  1. I hear that Madrid has a beutiful palace can you tell me more about that? Also, the designer stores?

    ResponderEliminar
    Respuestas
    1. Hello. Yes Madrid has the Royal Palace. You can see it but you need to purchase tickets. The king and queen don't actually live in the Palace as it is more symbolic than anything. it's definitely worth seeing though.

      There are so many designer stores in Madrid you would be overwhelmed with having so many options. If you are looking for hard to find brands there is a shop called Nac Madrid. They have all the hard to get items, but there is a ton of other cool stores that will keep you shopping all day long! I hope this helps!

      Hasta Luego!

      Eliminar

Publicar un comentario

Entradas populares de este blog

Finding affordable flights

A Spanish New Year

Violence in Spain