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Why choose Madrid as a destination for my gap year stay?

When you think of Spain, what crosses your mind?  For most people the world over, Spain evokes things like Flamenco, bullfights, tapas and Sangria. You can find all of that and more in Madrid, the heart of Spain.

Madrid epitomizes all of Spanish culture but it is also a modern, en vogue, cultural metropolis.

Although it has not always been so, present day Madrid is the capital of Spain and it is also at the center of the country both geographically and culturally:  It is a metropolitan city similar to Paris, Vienna and London.

There are a huge variety of cultural and social experiences for you to enjoy and it is guaranteed you won't be bored. You could stay in this vibrant city for years and still be able to find something new and interesting to discover. The life and energy of Madrid is overwhelming. You could accidentally encounter an open air concert in a plaza while simply strolling by, or get involved in a 30-minute conversation with a neighbour who you have not even seen before.

Geographical Situation

Madrid is right in the centre of Spain, which makes it a great starting point for easy travel to anywhere else in the country. It is also surrounded by wide countryside with mountains and fields, which you might like to explore during your stay here. Spain is a country with many geographical and cultural differences within its borders. In this way you cannot compare the North of Spain, where the landscape rather resembles northern Europe, to the dry South of Andalucía, where the Arabic influences are more than evident and the sun is drying out the landscape.

Cultural Variety

Madrid is one of Europe´s most cultural cities. It is home to several huge museums (like the world-famous Prado, the Reina-Sofia, and the Thysszen-Bornemisza) and also many smaller state foundations, which house changing contemporary art exhibitions. Year-round you will find interesting music festivals and art shows, photo exhibitions and independent cinema festivals – which are very often also free!

  Night Life

The pulse of the city is its never-ending “marcha” (the passion for going out and partying), which is unique and cannot be found anyplace else. For this reason the inhabitants of Madrid, “los madrilenos”, are also known as “gatos” (cats) and are found strolling around the city all night long. Madrid also has more bars than any other city in the world. If you have the stamina, you can go out every day and night of the week – but you almost certainly cannot go without partying on the weekend. The Spanish night starts at around 1 a.m. and does not end until 7 a.m. Be prepared for traffic jams at 4 a.m. right in the center of Madrid!