Internship Madrid, a city full of oportunities

The Diversity of Madrid: The city has a very diverse economy, and its main strengths consist of the finance and services sector. With such diversity, the expansion of businesses has gone international. Therefore, the city has a lot to offer to potential interns who declare Madrid as their choice of placement. As the fourth most popular city in Europe, it is also a popular destination for many tourists.

Why go? The city of Madrid is energetic and vibrant, from Puerta del Sol and the Gran Via Boulevard to Plaza de España, Malasana, Chueca, and the brilliant Real Madrid stadium.

The characteristic of Madrid is mostly impacted by its nightlife, with the Spanish schedule generally running later. Especially the locals normally eat dinner at very late hours in the evening. This is usually followed by a stroll around town that often lasts past 4 a.m. One of the most popular areas to go out at night for young people in Madrid is Moncloa, located just next to the University campus.

Other than that, following areas and streets are also recommendable: Bajos de Argüelles, Santiago Bernabéu, Avenida de Brasil, Huertas, Echegaray, San Vicente Ferrer, and La Palma. There are also many popular clubs for young interns, such as Kapital, El Sol, Thundercat Club, Joy Eslava, Sirocco, and Barco, plus much more.

Main Attractions

If you are coming to Madrid, you should not miss the following attractions:

• Plaza Mayor de Madrid: Juan de Villanueva is the architect of the Plaza Mayor, which was completed in 1790.

• Puerta del Sol: This is the center of the radial network in Spain, originally one of the gates in the city (15th century).

• Parque del Retiro de Madrid:

  Park of 118 hectares, created in 1630.

• Palacio Real de Madrid:

  Built in 1734, the official residence of the royal family, although they don't live in the palace.

• Temple of Debod:

  An Egyptian Temple that was rebuilt in Spain, donated by the Egyptian state in 1968.

• Plaza de Cibeles:

  The most popular plaza and symbol of Madrid, created in 1777.

For sure, the city has a tremendous variety of activities, but you might be asking about the cost of living in such a great capital. Here are some starting points:

Accommodation: 240-500 € / month
Mobile Phone Card: 6 € / 1 GB Internet
Transportation: City Bike: 25 € / year
General: 60 € / month
Daily Menu: 10 €
Language Course (Spanish): 330 €

Food & Culture

If there's something you should try, it's the food in Spain! You can enjoy various types of tapas, paella, or tortilla. Everything is worth trying. Take a break and get a coffee at the oldest restaurant in the world, which has been operating since 1725. In various locations, you will be able to watch traditional flamenco dances, which are worth seeing and learning more about Spanish culture.

Cultural Activities: The challenge with Madrid's culture and arts is knowing which activity suits you best. With spectacular sights such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, there are also dozens of other museums, cultural centers, galleries, theaters, cinemas, music venues, and festivals to explore.

Culture Nightlife:

El Rastro: A host to the most famous and biggest flea market in Madrid.

Mercado San Miguel: This market was built in 1916 and re-established in 2009. It offers tapas and cocktail beverages to customers, making it a perfect place for a break and for people to eat lunch and socialize.

El Barrio Malasaña: This district is worth a midnight stroll, where you can explore numerous bars and restaurants.

El Corte Inglés: This offers nightlife with rooftop bars.

5th - 6th January: The procession of the three Holy Kings. Children receive presents on the 6th of January.

3rd of February: San Blas, the patron saint, is celebrated with traditional food and dancing.

3rd and 4th of February: Carnival is celebrated all over Spain with parades and costume parties.

1st of May: International Labor Day.

2nd of May: Dos de Mayo, celebrating the uprising against the French occupation in 1808.

8th - 15th May: San Isidro, the patron of Madrid, celebrated with exhibitions, concerts, and important bullfights.

23rd of June: San Juan is celebrated with bonfires.

15th of August: Asunción de la Virgen.

12th of October: Día del Hispanidad, a national holiday with official parades celebrating "being Spanish."

1st of November: All Saints Day, a national holiday in Spain where some celebrate Halloween but it is not a traditional Spanish custom.

6th of December: Constitution Day in Spain, a national holiday with official events.

8th of December: Inmaculada Concepción, a national holiday celebrating the patroness of Spain.

25th of December: Christmas Day, a national holiday.

28th of December: A day when people play practical jokes on one another, akin to April Fools' Day in many other countries.

If you have completed your Erasmus internship in Madrid and are interested in sharing your experience with others, please write to us at hello@erasmusinternship.com.