The Local's Guide to
Madrid, Spain

W
ell hello there traveler! Bienvenidos to the Newslang blog! You’ve come to the right place for all things language and travel. However you ended up reading this, we’re happy to have you aboard and even more excited to accompany you as you’re planning your trip abroad.

I’m currently living in Madrid and am happy to provide some insider tips and local spots you can enjoy when you visit the beautiful capital of Spain. It’s a metropolitan city full of history, culture, and of course, delicious food and drinks. But if you’re looking for those hidden gems, start scrolling as I’m sharing my favorite spots in Madrid.

What To Do In Madrid

Museo del Prado is a must-see in Madrid
Once you’ve settled into your accommodations, it’s time to hit the streets and start exploring. As the capital of Spain, there is no shortage of activities or sites to explore. Looking to get in touch with your artistic side? The city has dozens of world-renowned art museums. Interested in getting a taste of the European shopping experience? You’re in for a treat as Spanish fashion is second to none (and the prices are fairly cheap!). Regardless of what it is you’re looking for there will be something available to suit your needs! Here are a few of my favorites places, including some local spots as well as a couple of tourist ones, you can’t miss on your trip:


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Where to Eat In Madrid

Taberna Tempranillo has great wines and great olives.
Now for the good stuff.

Europe is known for its cuisine and Spain is no exception. Your taste buds will be delighted in Madrid as there is no shortage of cheese, jamon serrano, churros, and fresh bread.

If you want to live like a local while you’re here, the first lesson is food related.. Mealtime is not rushed (nor is anything in Spain) and is meant to be an opportunity for conversation and to spend time together. The main Spanish style of food is tapas, a type of sampler dish that encourages the table you are with to order several plates to offer your palette the best chance to try everything.

Meals tend to be a bit smaller than we are used to in the states, but this also means that you have more chances throughout the day to eat. And of course, to wish everything down is a nice glass of Spanish red.

The People Of Madrid

Spanish people are some of the most interesting in Europe
Now the people. Spanish people are some of the most interesting that you will meet in Europe.

They have an affinity for the simple pleasures in life and will always happily share a beer or a tapa with you. Conversation may be a more charades involved affair. Although the knowledge of English has drastically increased within the last 10 years, many people won’t know all that much. They love the opportunity to practice and will gladly speak in some form of Spanglish if you’re trying to get in some Spanish as well.

Keep a smile on your face and try your hardest to pronounce the words properly and you will have some quick friends. The other thing to keep on your radar is that Spanish people stare. A lot. It is something normative in the culture and in no way, shape, or form. It can be slightly off putting in the beginning, but as with most things, just do as the locals do and you’ll fit right in. A smile goes a long way in any culture.

If you’d like to prepare and practice your Spanish vocabulary before your trip to Madrid, download and use the Newslang app. Newslang is an inventive learning app for iOS that turns your daily news reading habit into an educational activity to bolster your foreign language vocabulary. It’s currently available in Spanish so you can explore and indulge in the culture, sites, and cuisine the moment you arrive in Madrid.