Are you trying a study abroad program while in college? Then you’re in the right place because this is the article to help you check off some experiences while you’re abroad. Studying abroad especially in Madrid, Spain is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re spending a whole year in the city or just a few months, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you. From dancing until dawn at Spanish nightclubs to savoring delicious tapas at local bars, Madrid offers a rich variety of activities that will make your time in Spain truly special.

This ultimate Madrid study abroad bucket list is packed with must-try experiences that focus on making the most of your time in Spain. Ready to make the most of your study abroad adventure? Dive into these exciting activities and start checking off your Madrid bucket list today! For a more detailed bucket list on landmarks and places to visit, let me know in the comments for another post!

Bucket List Experiences

Picnic At Retiro

Retiro Park, one of the largest and most well-known parks in Madrid, is the perfect spot for a picnic. With vast fields and numerous lounging areas, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. People come here to read, set up blankets, play sports, and bask in the sun. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket, and enjoy a relaxing day with friends, surrounded by the beauty of the park. This is definitely a popular activity for study abroad students. If not a picnic, you can tan on the lawn, play sports, and just chat away in the nature.

Useful Tips:

The park is busiest on weekends, so for a quieter experience, visit on weekdays.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, especially in the summer.
Check out the park’s landmarks, like the Crystal Palace and the boating lake.

Eat Tapas

Tapas are a cornerstone of Spanish culture, and no visit to Madrid is complete without indulging in these delicious small dishes. Enjoy a leisurely evening with friends, sharing tapas at a table outside on the bustling streets of Madrid. Try a variety of dishes, such as patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and gambas al ajillo, and savor the flavors of Spain.

Useful Tips:

Tapas are typically enjoyed with a drink; try pairing them with a glass of wine or a refreshing tinto de verano.
Many tapas bars offer free tapas with your drink, so explore different bars to find your favorites.
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the locals or the bar staff.

Check Out a School Club/Event

Being at a completely new school in a new environment, it’s essential to see what the new school offers. Look at posters around campus for upcoming events and check your school email for updates on new activities. Trying out a school event or joining a club can help you immerse yourself in the school culture and possibly make some local friends.

Useful Tips:

Attend orientation events to get a sense of what’s available.
Reach out to school organizations about your interest/meeting times by finding contact information online through the school club directory.
Look at the bulletin boards on campus for informatio on upcoming events.

Go Thrifting at El Rastro

Every Sunday, El Rastro, the largest flea market in Madrid, comes to life. Show up early to explore endless rows of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to unique trinkets. Practice your Spanish by bargaining with local vendors and discover thrifted vintage pieces to add to your new closet.

Useful Tips:

Arrive early around 9 AM to avoid the crowds (it gets extremely crowded).
Bring cash, as many vendors may not accept credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the market is large and can be crowded.

Go to Sala Equis

Sala Equis is a unique bar that used to be an “adult” movie theater but has been transformed into a cinema bar with an eclectic vibe. It’s perfect for cocktails with friends or a casual date. Enjoy cheap drinks and a variety of movies showcased on a set schedule.

Useful Tips:

Check the movie schedule in advance to catch a film that interests you.
Arrive early to secure good seating with a view of the screen.

Get Tipsy Off Sangria or Tinto de Verano

Sangria, a national drink of Spain, is a must-try. Tinto de Verano, another popular drink, is a refreshing mix of red wine and soda. Order these drinks at any restaurant in Madrid and live like a true madrileño/a.

two tinto de veranos and some sunflower seeds

Useful Tips:

Pair your drink with tapas for the full Spanish experience.
Enjoy these drinks on a terrace for a perfect afternoon or evening.
Be mindful of alcohol content, especially if you’re not used to it.

Bike Around in Casa de Campo

Casa de Campo is the largest park in Madrid, a naturespace that is largely underrated and ignored, hiding behind Retiro’s popularity. Rent a BiciMAD electric bicycle and explore the forested areas, large trees, and varied landscapes. The park stretches for miles, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. This park is a must-visit place for Madrid study abroad students, unwind here and get lost in the deep forest areas of this park

Useful Tips:

Download the BiciMAD app beforehand for easy bike rental.
Plan your route to see different parts of the park.
Bring water and snacks for a day of exploration.

Go Clubbing until 5 AM

Madrid is renowned for its iconic nightlife, where clubs are buzzing every night until the morning. Given how interconnected and large the city is, there are endless clubs to visit, each offering a unique atmosphere and music style. Whether you’re into techno, house, American pop, or reggaeton, you’ll find a club that suits your taste. Dancing until the sun comes up is a core Madrid experience, unlike anything in the United States. For a detailed guide on Madrid’s nightlife, how to prepare for it, and the best clubs for study abroad students, let me know in the comments!

Useful Tips:

Clubs usually get busy only after midnight, so don’t arrive too early.
Keep an eye on your belongings and stay with friends for safety.
Check for WhatsApp groupchats/promoter contact information for students to get good deals on entry/drinks.

Go Hiking

You should immerse yourself in the Spanish terrains and explore the nature. There are numerous places to hike near Madrid. Even if not in Madrid, there are many beautiful hiking places in the south of Spain, such as Caminito del Rey (requires reservation), and even north closer to Barcelona. Oftentimes study abroad students in Madrid don’t take advantage of the options around the city, given that Madrid is a more urban city to live in.

Useful Tips:

Research and choose a trail that matches your fitness level.
Check the weather forecast before heading out.
Bring a map, plenty of water, and snacks for the hike.

Enjoy Buskers on the Streets

Madrid, being a big city, has hundreds of performers every week on the streets of Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía, playing instruments or performing dances, etc. Stop by and watch, maybe even get involved in one of their special acts! Lots of dancing and good music by local buskers.

Useful Tips:

Carry small change to tip performers.
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Engage with performers and enjoy the spontaneous entertainment.

Try a Too Good To Go Bag

Too Good To Go is an app that focuses on preventing food waste by offering surprise bags of leftover food from various restaurants. The abundance of nearby restaurants and Madrid’s relatively low cost of living make this a must-try experience for study abroad students on a budget. For some boxes there are even offers for a full-course meal with just 5 euros. It’s always a fun surprise and great value for your money.

Useful Tips:

Check the star rating for the restaurants to ensure your bag won’t be terrible.
Check the distance of the restaurant and time of pick-up to ensure you can make it.

Go Shopping in Gran Vía

Gran Vía is a famous street in the center of Madrid filled with large clothing brands and stores, making it perfect for shopping. You’ll find Bershka, Zara, Primark, Pull&Bear, and many more stores with trendy clothing. El Corte Inglés, a popular department store, is also in this area, all super walkable and easy to access. Gran Via is a core street to your study abroad experience as you’ll pass it numerous times walking to and from classes, going out to night clubs, or even picking up souvenirs for your trip back home.

Useful Tips:

Visit on weekdays in the mornings to avoid the weekend crowds.
If the lines for dressing rooms are long, check the other floors for dressing rooms.
Look out for seasonal sales to get the best deals.

Take a Salsa/Bachata Dance Class

Spain has a strong connection to Latin American music, and salsa and bachata are very popular amongst locals. There are many classes, free social dancing events, and much more available for locals. I went to an outdoor event with hundreds of people just dancing—it was so fun! Definitely recommend trying this. Oftentimes study abroad students in Madrid don’t take advantage of the free classes and events because they simply don’t know about them or don’t know how to dance. Don’t worry! These events are perfect for beginners and amateurs to mingle and try something new.

Useful Tips:

Look for beginner classes if you’re new to dancing.
Join social dance events to practice and meet new people.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for dancing.

Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

Madrid’s skyline is breathtaking, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than from a rooftop bar. Enjoy the tall buildings in the bustling city with a refreshing cocktail in hand. With numerous options of rooftop bars available, you can truly take in panoramic views of the city. It’s a sophisticated and memorable way to see Madrid’s nightlife.

Useful Tips:

Check for reservations at more wellknown rooftop bars to avoid lines.
Visit during sunset for stunning views of the city.

Stay at a Hostel

Hostels are an amazing way to meet people organically. They host tons of fun events where you can explore a city even while alone. With bunk bed-style accommodations, it feels like being at summer camp again.

midday in my hostel room – peace and quiet haha

Useful Tips:

Choose hostels with good reviews and a social atmosphere (make sure to read reviews).
Participate in hostel events to meet fellow travelers.
Bring a lock to keep your valuables secure in hostel lockers.

Take a Picture at a Photo Booth

Find a photo booth and take some old-timey pictures for good memories. Europe has many more active analog photo booths compared to the U.S., where digital booths are more common. It’s a great souvenir to take home and remember good times.

photobooth pictures from my solo trip to prague

Useful Tips:

Look for photo booths in popular tourist areas.
Keep your photo strips as mementos of your adventures.
Make sure not to smudge the photo before fully processing the image.

Visit at Least Five Other Countries

With your weekends free, take advantage of your time abroad. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to many places. Europe’s close proximity makes it easier to travel compared to living in the States.

Useful Tips:

Plan some trips in advance to find the best deals on flight or accomodation costs.
Make sure to notify friends/family if and when you’re traveling for safety purposes.
Be open-minded, take trips with new friends and be spontaenous! Who knows what you’ll experience and who’ll you meet.

Make International Friends

Don’t limit yourself to the other students in your program. Try to meet people from other schools, countries, and backgrounds. You become so much more open-minded and can learn a lot from those around you. I made friends with people from Italy, Ireland, Korea, and Latin America. The world is big—don’t limit yourself.

Useful Tips:

Attend international student events and meetups.
Join language exchange programs to practice new languages.
Stay open-minded and curious about other cultures.

Meet/Chat with Local Spaniards

Truly immerse yourself while abroad. Chat with strangers and learn about their lives in Spain. You can improve your Spanish and get a genuine feel for long-term life in Madrid. Be comfortable with uncomfortable situations and meeting new people. Strike up conversations, it is always worth to see if there’s an opportunity for connection rather than never knowing. By starting a conversation with a stranger on a bus in Tenerife, I met some local girls who showed me and my friend around the city where we shared food and spent the day together! Always take the chance:)

Useful Tips:

Practice basic Spanish phrases to start conversations.
Show genuine interest in their culture and experiences.
Don’t be shy, who cares if they don’t take your conversation well. Move on!

Pottery Cafe

Try out a pottery cafe! While these exist in America, they tend to be more expensive and are often associated with children’s birthday parties. In Madrid, there are many pottery cafes where you can casually paint while drinking coffee or munching on small baked goods. It’s super aesthetic and perfect for fun dates with friends! A popular chain in Madrid to check out is Mama Pottery Cafe, which requires reservations beforehand.

Useful Tips:

Check for any required reservations.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy.
Take your time and enjoy the creative process.

Try 1€ Tacos

When will you ever see tacos this cheap? Imagine, 6 tacos for only 6 euros! These tacos are also some of the most amazing things in the world. The taste is perfect, and I down them so fast. Tiki Taco is your best bet; Takos al Pastor is slightly more pricey (about 1.25 euros per taco) but tastes even more phenomenal. Keep in mind these tacos are pretty small.

Useful Tips:

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
Try different types of tacos to find your favorite.
Share a margherita pitcher with friends for a fun and affordable time.

Churros & Chocolate

San Ginés is one of the most famous spots in Madrid for churros and chocolate. Open 24/7, this iconic store lets you satisfy your cravings at any time. You can try both churros and porras (a thicker version), which I prefer because they soak up more chocolate. Don’t miss this quintessential Madrid experience!

Useful Tips:

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
Try both churros and porras to see which you like better.
Enjoy your treat with a hot cup of chocolate for the full experience.

Eat at the School Cafeteria

Why not try the local school food? See what students at your school eat and immerse yourself in the culture. My school’s cafeteria offers a main dish, side, dessert, and drink, usually at a low cost. It’s a great way to experience everyday life and maybe meet some fellow students.

Useful Tips:

Get to the cafeteria earlier to ensure you find seating.
Try different dishes to get a taste of local cuisine.
Engage with other students to make new friends.

Enjoy a Blues or Jazz Bar

For a night of good vibes, rock to some groovy music at a blues or jazz bar. With new performers every time, you can enjoy different styles and sounds. My favorite blues bar is La Coquette Blue’s Bar—free entry, but come early for good seating as it’s small, and you must buy a drink.

Useful Tips:

Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Explore different bars to find your favorite performers.
Support the artists by tipping at the end of performances.

Solo Trip

Try a solo trip and enjoy the freedom of exploring on your own. It’s an incredibly freeing experience that I highly recommend. I ended up taking three international solo trips because I loved it so much.

Useful Tips:

Make sure to keep account of important documents while abroad.
Embrace spontaneity and explore without a strict itinerary.
Bring a lock for your bag in the dorm rooms.

Pub Crawl

Join a pub crawl to explore different bars and enjoy a free shot at each stop! Pub crawls usually ends at a club, making it a perfect way to experience nightlife in a new country while meeting new people.

Useful Tips:

Stay with the group to ensure safety.
Drink responsibly and stay hydrated.
Talk to others on the pub crawl and make new friends.

Row a Boat

There are many opportunities to row a boat in Spain, such as in Retiro Park (Madrid) and Plaza de España (Seville). It’s a fun and affordable way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the water.

Useful Tips:

Visit during good weather for a pleasant experience.
RSVP beforehand if it is an option to avoid lines.
Bring cash in case they don’t take card (required at Plaza de Espana).
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the shore after your boat ride.

Flamenco Show

Flamenco is a core part of Spanish culture. This emotional and passionate dance is a must-see. Although it’s not my personal favorite, I highly recommend experiencing it at least once.

Useful Tips:

Research and book a reputable show in advance.
Arrive early to get good seats.
Learn a bit about flamenco beforehand to better appreciate the performance.

Celebrate a Holiday

Madrid, being the capital of Spain, hosts incredible celebrations for national and regional holidays that can last up to a week. For religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas, you can witness processions and parades that fill the streets with vibrant traditions. One of the highlights is San Isidro, a week-long celebration featuring fun activities and a fair in San Isidro Park. Keep your eyes peeled for other holidays during your stay in Madrid, as each offers a unique way to experience local culture and festivities. Let me know if you’d like me to create a detailed post about these holidays! I truly believe that understanding the holidays and participating them is a must-do activity for study abroad students to really immerse themselves in their new countries.

Useful Tips:

Research the dates of major holidays before your study abroad term.
Look for the social media/website pages of the holiday calendars for detailed outline of events in the city.
Respect local customs and dress appropriately for religious events.

Conclusion

Study abroad programs in Madrid offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and create unforgettable memories. From celebrating local holidays like a real madrileño to enjoying a serene picnic at the famous Retiro Park, Madrid is a city that caters to every type of student. Embrace the adventure, try new things, and make the most of your time in this captivating city. Don’t forget to share your experiences and let me know if you’d like more detailed guides on any of the activities mentioned. ¡Disfruta Madrid!