At GoStudySpain, one of the universities we work with is the Complutense University of Madrid- one of the oldest in the world, as well as one of the most prestigious. Founded in 1499, around 4000 foreign students study there each year. The University has many student clubs and organizations, which often arrange events to welcome foreign students. Choose from a Semester course, an Intensive course or a Summer course. Here is a quick guide to the capital city itself…

Facts

• As well being the biggest city in Spain, with a population of 3.3 million, it is also the third largest city in Europe.

• It is located in the centre of Spain, on the Manzanares river.

Museums

Madrid is famous for its many museums. Known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums are three of the most famous, all housing artwork.

Plazas

Madrid’s central plaza, the Plaza Mayor, is the main city square. Located nearby is the Puerta del Sol, another famous plaza. Both are constantly bustling and busy- ideal locations for eating tapas, enjoying a glass of wine or simply people watching.

Parks

Madrid is full of green spaces and parks- it actually has the most number of trees per inhabitant in the whole of Europe. The most popular is the Buen Retiro Park, which has a lake upon which many people go boating, as well as a gallery and various sculptures.

Weather

Madrid has a Mediterranean climate: winters are cold but summers are boiling hot.  The hottest month is August, with average highs of 32˚C, and the coldest is January with lows of 3˚C.

Food

Typical Madrid dishes are cocido madrileño (Madrid stew), which is a stew made with beef, chickpeas and vegetables. Also popular is the bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), which is usually served up with a cold beer.

Fun facts

• The city is home to the Spanish royal family- did you know Spain had a royal family? The current reigning monarch is King Felipe VI, and the family live in the Palacio Real.

• Due to its high economic activity, Madrid is considered the financial centre of Southern Europe

• Famous people born in Madrid include singer Enrique Iglesias, Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz and Spain football captain Iker Casillas.