Madrid is Spain’s capital city, and the largest city in the country!

Madrid is located in the center of Madrid Community, one autonomous community of Spain. Madrid is the headquarters for the Spanish government, home to the Royal Family, and the center of Spanish commerce and culture.

While living in Madrid, we encourage you to adopt the culture of a local “madrileño” and immerse yourself completely. Take a siesta, eat dinner around 10pm, and go out and join the rest of the city at 1am.

Madrid is divided into 21 different districts, and each districts have distinct neighborhoods. For an amazing cultural adventure, make sure to check out Sol, La Latina, Chueca, Malasaña, Lavapiés, Moncloa, and Argüelles.  Each neighborhood has it’s own unique flare!

Madrid Flag

On Madrid’s flag, you’ll notice in the center is a bear reaching up to a fruit tree. The is the most iconic symbol of Madrid, and you’ll also notice there is a very famous status of “El Oso y el Madroño” in Puerta del Sol. Sol is one of the most popular and busy plazas of Madrid, and one you can’t avoid!

Spanish Flag

#CISabroadtip: There are plenty of different districts in Madrid that are unique and offer different cultures and flares! Get to know your own district, and then have a friend show you around theirs!

For more information about Madrid and Spain, please visit Lonely Planet. 

Lastly, we would be remiss in our duties if we did not warn you that Madrid is one of the world’s top cities for pickpockets! Please be aware of your surrounding, be alert when strangers come up to talk to you, and always keep an eye, hand, or leg on your belongings to ensure they don’t get snagged!

Here’s a video that can show you what to look out for…