EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: MADRID

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN MADRID

Like fish and chips in England, and gelato in Italy, bocadillo de calamares is a quintessential must-eat in Madrid. Fresh squid rings are coated in flour and deep-fried in olive oil until they’re brown and crispy. Once they’re tucked into a fresh hunk of bread, your bocadillo de calamares is ready to eat. Squid sandwiches are best when they’re made to order so never buy one that’s been pre-made. Madrileños have been known to eat bocadillo de calamares for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner – so it’s always the right time of day to eat one in Madrid.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Madrid

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Madrid:

• Cocido Madrileño: Try the most famous dish of Madrid! This is a delicious and filling three-course chickpea stew. First, you get the flavorful soup, then the chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the meat.
• Callos a la Madrileña: Try Callos a la Madrileña to really experience the delicious flavors of Madrid. This is a traditional savory stew made with beef tripe, chorizo, and blood sausage.
• Patatas Bravas: Patatas bravas are fried potato cubes that are covered in a spicy tomato sauce and garlic mayonnaise. You can find them at any bar in the city, making them a perfect snack for social settings or even just to enjoy before meals. 

BEST DRINK IN MADRID

Like Ferrara’s aceto balsamico di modeno (balsamic vinegar), Spain’s aceite de oliva, (olive oil) is good enough to drink. The country’s dry, hot climate makes it perfect for cultivating olives, which Spaniards have done for more than 3,000 years. In fact, Spain hosts some of the oldest olive trees on earth and is the biggest producer of olive oil in the world, far exceeding that of both Italy and Greece. Every home has a bottle of aceite de oliva on the counter at the ready for drizzling on tortilla de patatas at breakfast, salads at lunch, and over fish or grilled vegetables at dinner. See if you can match a typical Spaniard’s annual 2.5-gallon consumption of olive oil.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Madrid

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Madrid:

• Tinto de Verano: On a hot day in Madrid, Tinto de Verano is the drink you’ll want to enjoy. The name translates to "summer red wine," and it consists of a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon-lime soda that is a light and sweet favorite of locals!
• Chinchón: Chinchón is an anise-flavored drink that comes in both sweet and dry versions. It's a traditional drink that is often served after meals, so trying a glass is a great way to experience the local culture.
• Limonada Madrileña: This is a classic drink with a fun tradition! Limonada Madrileña is made with wine, lemon, sugar, and sometimes pieces of fruit. It's famously served during local festivals, so keep an eye out for some to try! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN MADRID

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home to Real Madrid, one of the winningest and popular football teams in the world. A tour of their 80,000-seat stadium can take up to four hours but is worth the experience. You’ll discover this world-renowned venue has played host to the European Cup/UEFA Champions League four times, the European Nation’s Cup, the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro final. A tour includes the dugouts, where some of the world’s best players have waited their turn on the bench, presidential box, press room, changing rooms, player’s tunnel, trophy room, and of course the club shop where you can outfit yourself in fan gear.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Madrid

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Madrid:

• Museo Nacional del Prado: If you love art, this is a must-see! The Prado is one of the most famous art museums in the world, housing an impressive art collection of Spanish masters like Goya and Velázquez.
• Parque del Retiro: Enjoy a relaxing break at this beautiful park in the city. The Parque del Retiro is a huge park in the city center with a beautiful lake where you can rent a rowboat for an exciting afternoon. It is a great place to people-watch, jog, or just relax with your study abroad friends!
• Mercado de San Miguel: Enjoy a food lover's paradise! This historic covered market has been transformed into a modern food hall where you can try a variety of different tapas and drinks from various vendors. 

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