The best Erasmus city of 2016: Madrid

Madrid is a city that shines; it has that 90s grunge style that gives it a special charm, it is metropolitan and worldly, sophisticated and punk at the same time, electrifying and relaxing... It is one of those places that etch themselves into you and never let you go; a city with a soul of its own. Movies like “The Day of the Beast”, music like that of “Héroes del Silencio” (granted, they are from Zaragoza, but for me they have created the essential soundtrack for Madrid) or Alaska y Dinarama, or experiences like sitting in the warm sun with a very cold beer and a plate of serrano ham give you a special vision of the heart and soul of the city; they will even tell you a bit of what its essence is. So it is not surprising that Madrid was voted the best Erasmus city in 2016. But let's take a closer and deeper look at the reasons that make students love our city. Here are some of the best, a little bite to whet your appetite.

Nightlife

Yes, we’ve already said it, Madrid has an incredible nightlife. It doesn't matter what day of the week it is, you can find people at 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8... in the morning! Yes, some of these people are early risers but some of them are night owls in the city that never sleeps returning home after a night out. From cultural activities to live music, from the classiest of classy restaurants to the smallest joints, bars and clubs of all shapes, sizes and colors, there is never a dull moment in Madrid after sunset (well... nor at any time of the day).

Weather

Madrid is not your place if you are looking for a tropical paradise, but if what you want are beautiful seasons and plenty of sun, this is the city for you. Winter is fresh but not cold, perfect for finding the Christmas spirit and for trying some traditions like having a hot broth at the counter of Lhardy, a Madrid classic that will warm you up during the cold winter days in the center, or chocolate with churros from places like the famous Chocolatería San Ginés. During autumn, the falling leaves give color to the city, especially to its charming parks; during spring the city lights up with greenery and freshness; and in the summer the streets sizzle and everything slows down due to the heat. But most importantly... it’s sunny all the time!

Quality of life

Even though Madrid is a big city, people keep their doors open to everyone, say hello when other people enter a room, and chat with complete strangers while deciding what to order on the sunny terrace of a restaurant. It is a city with incredible cultural opportunities, a great public transport system, activities for all budgets, beautiful parks (which you can walk through without problems even at night). It is a city where you will feel safe at any time of the day or night; where families, young people, and the elderly mingle to create a cohesive community in a very livable city.

Culture

Madrid has everything when it comes to culture. There are masterpieces spread across numerous museums (such as the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofía), restaurants ranging from the most cutting-edge to the homiest, music spanning from the best opera (at the Teatro Real) and zarzuelas (a type of Spanish-style opera) to some of the greatest theatrical shows you can see in small alternative bars, Broadway-worthy theaters with spectacular and extravagant stagings (you'll see them on Gran Vía) to micro-theaters where you can literally feel the actors' breath on your face while you are sitting (or even closer). And even something simpler than all of the above, the city overflows with culture wherever you look – a walk through the center, a stroll through a market or a lunch in a traditional restaurant, a tour of one of its many cultural centers (such as Matadero Madrid or Conde Duque), will put the culture and tradition of Spain at your feet.

That's why we understand that Madrid was declared the best Erasmus city in 2016! It is a city full of energy and life, class and character, tradition and avant-garde. Madrid is a city to experience. But if this doesn't convince you, why don't you take a look at some of the other six Spanish cities that made it into the top 20 of the Erasmus list this year? Seville, Barcelona, Granada, Valencia, Cádiz, Salamanca... they are all there, in 7 of the 20 spots on the list (and that's not boasting). It has never been clearer: Spain is the perfect place to study abroad. So catch the plane, see it for yourself, and tell us about it!