The Art of Side Questing in Madrid

The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a first-hand account of what it's like on program in Madrid.

Madrid is a gorgeous city filled with ornate architecture and rich history so upon first impressions the first word that comes to mind may not necessarily be fun. It is easy to see all of the major landmarks within a day or two but there is so much more that the city has to offer. It is said that 2026 is the year of the side quest and this is actually the perfect place for that.

The Spanish keep a slower paced lifestyle partly because the sun stays up so late in the summertime meaning there are many more hours to fill up in the day. The key to keeping up the good energy and excitement here is to appreciate the random moments and opportunities in the city. Saying yes to any invitation and maintaining a little creativity and whimsy can lead to some of the more memorable times here because here in Madrid anything feels possible.

Here are some of the best mini adventures for students to go on for a more engaging experience with what Madrid has to offer:

1. Roaming Side Streets

Walking off the beaten path you can find some of the most beautiful views and truly feel like you are in a different world. What a wonderful feeling to find a place that makes you feel small in comparison!

2. Spending Time in Nature

Taking the time to explore the green spaces around town can lead to some of the most intriguing finds. Puente de Arganzuela at Parque Madrid Río is a pedestrian bridge that allows visitors to cross the river offering a unique, shaded experience offering a bit of relief from the bright summer sun.

3. Museum Hopping

From art to natural history the city has it all and it is fascinating to see how much history has taken place on the Iberian Peninsula.

4. Metro Extravaganza

Madrid’s extensive network of metro and train lines can get you from Point A to Point B extremely quickly which keeps the city so connected. This leaves room for the perfect opportunity to confidently explore new neighborhoods.

Are you a high schooler interested in spending a summer abroad with CIEE? Explore our many high school summer abroad options in Spain today!