This expansive park, reminiscent of Central Park, offers a variety of activities like sunbathing, dining, photography, and more. One of the highlights of our visit was renting a rowboat for €6 on the central lake. It was a fun way to explore the park’s beautiful architecture and enjoy the outdoors. The park also has quiet, scenic areas that are perfect for relaxing and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Great shopping district right across the road from the school. While having a good amount of basic stores such as Zara, Sephora, and Brandy they also have stores such as Brownie which are small Spanish owned boutiques that are great for clothing that you might not be able to find in the states. I particularly really liked the store Subdued, it was a good mix of Brandy, Zara, and Pacsun all in one store for very reasonable prices.
As a class, we toured the Bullfighting Stadium, and many of us chose to attend a fight that evening. A local sitting near us helped explain the traditions behind the sport, which gave us a deeper appreciation for it. The atmosphere was intense and culturally rich, but be warned it can be very graphic, as the bull is repeatedly stabbed and eventually dragged away by horses. While it’s not for everyone, it was a powerful and uniquely Spanish experience.
Our class attended a flamenco show during one of our school days, and it was a really memorable experience. The performance gave us appreciation for the skill, discipline, and emotion involved in this traditional Spanish art. The dancers were incredibly precise and expressive, combined fast footwork, dramatic gestures, and intense facial expressions to tell a story. The live music with vocals, guitar, and rhythmic clapping added energy to the performance. Many of us were surprised by how emotionally moving the show was. It gave us a meaningful glimpse into Spanish culture and left a lasting impression.
El Rastro is Madrid’s biggest flea market, held every Sunday in La Latina. It’s perfect for students looking for cheap finds and a fun local experience! There's many different food options around too, you can enjoy a delicious lemonade while you walk around! Also a great spot to shop for souvenirs and gifts for loved ones!