24 Jan 2026 An impressive, unique combination, imagine; one of the best cities in the world experienced through one of the most enriching experiences of your life: Erasmus.
This love story writes itself, and you'll fall head over heels for the Spanish capital as soon as you experience it for a bit.
For a few months, you'll live and be part of a city with its own soul, dynamic, daring, and that never sleeps. Welcome to your new home. Let's talk about your Erasmus, let's talk about Madrid.
We're going to clear up any doubts you may have, both about the city of Madrid and the Erasmus scholarship.
Here, we'll bring you a little bit of information so you don't miss a thing—things you'll need to know from the moment you set foot in Madrid until you've been here for several weeks.
Are you really wondering? Well, let us help you out and give you a handful of reasons why you shouldn't miss out on this great opportunity of a lifetime; enjoy an Erasmus program in Madrid.
The first reason is the most obvious: it's the country's capital. This alone guarantees a large influx of people, and in Madrid in particular, a great student atmosphere.
Thanks to its academic prestige, Madrid welcomes students from all over the world, regardless of their field of study. And with its wide range of academic offerings, its numerous universities, and its large number of faculties, the number of both local and international students is extraordinary.
All of this translates to the streets, with busy avenues, packed bars, and a constantly dynamic and fun atmosphere. Spain is a country accustomed to tourism and welcoming visitors from all over the world, so if you add to that the friendliness, kindness, and humor of the locals, you have one of the best environments in the world for both living and studying.
Madrid is a modern city, and this is evident in everything you do; from shopping to getting around. It has an excellent public transportation network. Furthermore, this transport will connect you with other wonderful cities, both in the rest of the autonomous community and throughout the country. Just in case you're adventurous and Madrid seems too small for you.
Another positive aspect of Madrid is its cuisine. You should try both the local and national cuisine; although they may seem the same, they are not the same. What they do share are their top-quality ingredients, their flavor, and their high nutritional and healthy content.
From a leisure perspective, Madrid is also the capital of entertainment. The most renowned artists perform here, the biggest shows are offered, and the events calendar is endless. No matter what you like, you're sure to find it in Madrid.
When it comes to culture and history, few places in Europe can compare to Madrid, the epicenter of the world for decades. The history of monarchs, kingdoms, and empires lurks in the corners of Madrid. Plus, its museums and cultural centers are renowned worldwide.
Good vibes, good food, a great location, and... sun! The weather in Madrid is fantastic, and we don't accept the message that it's too hot all the time. No way! The weather here is wonderful, and when it's cold, it's cold. Although it's true that the cold is more bearable when the sun is out.
One of Europe's most important airports, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, welcomes you to the capital. It's a large international airport with advantages such as its excellent organization and proximity to the city center.
To get to the center of Madrid, you'll need to find a balance between how much you want to spend and when you want to arrive. Taking the bus will take a little longer than the train, although it's cheaper. On the other hand, the train is faster, although somewhat more expensive.
If you're looking for something in between, there's nothing like the metro. It's cheaper than the train and faster than the bus. And getting a travel pass is something you'll need anyway to get around the city center, so why not get it as soon as you land in Madrid?
In terms of price, getting to the city center on the Express Bus will cost around €5, while taking the metro will cost around €6. Another option is to take a taxi or other private means of transportation, although depending on the time of day and traffic, the cost will be less than €30.
To get around Madrid's city center without any problems, you need access to the capital's public transportation. The most widely used option is the metro, which has 13 well-organized lines with constant and punctual service. It covers many important tourist spots as well as neighborhoods throughout Madrid.
Getting your season ticket costs €2.50, and the price of the season ticket itself varies depending on the zones you use. As the days go by, you'll discover which lines and zones are best for you, so tailor your season ticket to your travel needs.
The season ticket also covers bus use, which is the most used in Madrid along with the metro. It has more than 200 lines and runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the hours in between, the night lines, or owl lines, are activated, which are reduced to 26.
Another of the most used modes of transport is the commuter train, not to be confused with the metro. The commuter train connects important points in the city and the outskirts. You can combine it with the metro, but don't confuse them.
One of our favorite modes of transport is bicycles. Madrid City Council, through the company BiciMad, offers this service, which is perfect for short trips or exploring large areas of the city.
Tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are. Well, something like this can be applied in Madrid: tell me where you hang out, and I'll tell you what you're looking for. Madrid's neighborhoods are small communities with their own life, offering different atmospheres and types of businesses.
Some of the most interesting neighborhoods—all with their charm—are a must-visit as soon as you arrive in the capital. These are just a few.
-Moncloa/Argüelles. We'll start with the university-oriented area, the one you'll initially find most interesting and get to know the quickest. Prices are lower than in the other neighborhoods, and the atmosphere is practically entirely university-oriented. So you can imagine the atmosphere both day and night, a perfect area not only for studying but also for living and meeting people.
-Malasaña. Everything around us is going up in price, but you have to pay for this great atmosphere. A very vintage, alternative, and lively neighborhood. Here, young people rule, and there's always something going on or something happening. Another place where it's not enough to just visit; you have to experience it.
-Chueca. It's next to Malasaña, so one feeds off the other. I don't need to say much, as it's world-renowned for, among other things, its fantastic gay scene. Lots of music, bars, and pop culture in its streets.
-Lavapiés. A graphic definition of multiculturalism. Lavapiés boasts a unique mix of everything, from the cultural to the commercial. Its medieval streets contrast with its avant-garde venues and traditional taverns. A true melting pot in the heart of Madrid.
-La Latina. If you're thinking about having a beer, you're thinking of La Latina, even if you didn't know it. Plenty of bars, tapas bars, markets, flea markets, and historic buildings like its basilicas and churches dot its streets.
If we leave Madrid and its life aside for a moment, just a second, and focus on strictly academic matters, it's good to know how its university system works.
It uses the Common European System, so it doesn't differ much from how subjects are assessed in the rest of Europe. Its schedule of classes and exams is divided into two semesters: the first from September to January and the second from February to June.
Subjects are usually assessed with a final exam. However, there are other methods, depending on the subject and the faculty, such as continuous assessment based on short questionnaires or assignments and projects, both at the end of the subject and on an ongoing basis. However, this is something you should consult with your subject tutor.
Another concept you should be familiar with is ECTS credits, which give value to a subject, depending on its course load and syllabus. As a general rule, a subject is worth 6 ECTS credits. To give you an idea, a degree has about 240 total credits.
You'll have to go out for a walk, right? There's no better way to get to know the city than to blend in, mingle with its people, and let the atmosphere carry you away. Feel the heart of Madrid beat as you walk through its streets.
But you have to know which streets to choose, depending on what you're looking for and what your heart is asking for. One of our favorite streets is Calle Ponzano. People come here to chat, meet people, and have a glass of wine and beer.
La Sureña, Bar Lozano, La Blanca Paloma, Melo's, or La Llama are just some of the must-visit places to feel like a Madrilenian.
When it comes to partying, to nightlife, things change. The atmosphere is different, so we have to explore different places. But you won't be alone or lost, because that's what we're here for.
In addition to letting yourself be guided by local student and Erasmus associations and groups—groups we recommend joining as soon as possible—here are some tips from us.
Get dressed up and head to Plaza de Santa Ana and Calle Huertas to get a feel for Madrid's nightlife. Don't forget that the entire Sol area, Plaza de España, and Gran Vía are also a hive of activity and fun. In general, any spot in the city center is ready and waiting to offer you the best of Madrid's nightlife.
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