Lifestyle in Madrid

With old-world charm paired with contemporary chic, you can look forward to numerous entertainment options and a fantastic lifestyle in Madrid, despite the landlocked capital’s lack of sun-soaked beaches.

The Spanish siesta is slowly dying out in Madrid, but the nightlife that traditionally accompanies this culture remains as active as ever. If you adopt this aspect of Spanish culture, you may find yourself also sleeping less than the recommended seven hours on weekdays.

The Spanish capital is filled with charming pavement cafés, restaurants, lively bars and nightclubs. There are several much-anticipated annual events in Madrid, excellent shopping options, and a number of cinemas and theatres which put on productions all year.

If you have children in Madrid, you’ll also have no problem finding something to do, with everything from the Madrid Zoo to an urban beach to keep the little ones entertained.

Things to See and Do in Madrid
Children’s Entertainment in Madrid

Shopping in Madrid

Quality goods from various shops, markets and malls make shopping in Madrid both exceptional value and endlessly diverse compared to other major European capitals. Shoppers can find everything from leading Spanish and international designers to unique vintage treasures.

The Salamanca district in the northeast of the city is where leading Spanish and international designers display their wares, and Chueca is a popular part of town for boutique shops and high-end bargains. For high-street fashions and regional foods, try El Corte Inglés. The Rastro market every Sunday is also excellent for antiques and jewellery.

Eating out in Madrid

Late dinners and extended lunch breaks define eating out in Madrid, which has a dining culture unlike anywhere else in Europe. The long siesta dividing the Spanish workday traditionally meant later hours and a populace that is especially active at night. Although this convention has changed somewhat, many who work in Madrid still take an extended lunch break and leave the office at around 7pm or 8pm, having dinner at around 10pm. Some tourist-focused establishments offer earlier dining options to accommodate international visitors.

Many of the restaurants in Madrid stay open for the siesta and close when everybody returns to work. Restaurants that do close for an evening break generally open after 8pm, with the busiest time for the city’s favourite spots being about 10pm.

In addition to typical local delicacies, dishes that are popular in other regions of Spain are easily available. One of the ironies of life in Madrid is that you can order some of the best seafood dishes in Spain, despite the city’s landlocked location. Although cheap street vendors abound, the best food in Madrid is typically found at sit-down restaurants.

Nightlife in Madrid

The nightlife in Madrid is among the best in the world, with a variety of lively cafés, bars and nightclubs there for you to discover. Some of the most popular nightlife venues borrow from local influences, such as traditional tablaos with flamenco dancing. From hidden bars in Malasaña and Chueca to raucous clubs on the Gran Vía, plenty of conventional nightlife venues exist for you to let your hair down.

Sports and outdoor activities in Madrid

While it may be better known for its built structures, Madrid has a fair amount of green space that facilitates numerous outdoor activities in the city. The Casa de Campo is one of the biggest inner city parks in Europe, and the Madrid Zoo and the Madrid Amusement Park are nestled within it.

The best known among these green spaces is arguably Buen Retiro Park at the edge of the city centre. It used to be a royal garden in the 17th century and was first opened to the public in 1800. Today, you can see people jogging and having picnics around the large artificial lake.

It is also a sporting city, hosting world-famous football (soccer) teams Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in their respective stadiums. Real Madrid plays at the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Atlético Madrid calls the Riyadh Air Metropolitano home. Tennis fans will enjoy watching the Mutua Madrid Open, an ATP Masters 1000 event held annually at La Caja Mágica.

Active people will be able to join one of the local sports clubs in Madrid, go running in one of its many parks or conquer the hiking trails just outside the city. Cycling is one of the great activities, as the city has many cycling trails you can enjoy alone or with family. The park alongside the Rio Manzanares is also a popular outdoor place.

Meeting people and making friends in Madrid

Expats from around the globe will find that meeting people and making friends in Madrid is much easier when you tap into the city’s active international community. Finding shared interests gives you a natural connection point, whether it be through sports clubs, cultural events, or hobby groups. Volunteering with local charities is another avenue for making friends with people who share your values.

The Meetup app hosts groups that cater for interests like language exchanges, hobby or social groups, and professional networking events. Business networking events are particularly active in Madrid, given its status as Spain’s economic centre.

Useful links

• Meetup Madrid
• Madrid Expats
• Madrid Wanderers
• Facebook: Madrid Expats Group