Visiting Madrid is one thing, but could you imagine what’d it be like to live and study here? IE University gives you the opportunity to live out the Madrid experience all while taking your professional career to new heights.
Art, culture, and breathtaking sights
Let’s start with art and culture. Built-in 860 AD, Madrid is well known for its museums and art galleries. Places like the Reina Sofia and the Prado house are famous works of art by renowned artists from Spain and from all around the world. Step into one of these museums and you are stepping into history and culture—take it all in. Near the Prado is the city’s main park, Parque de El Retiro. Commonly referred to as Retiro, visitors go to have a picnic by the lake, read in the grass or visit an art exhibition in one of the park’s museums. Additionally, one of the most infamous statues in the world can be found in the park, the “Fountain of the Fallen Angel.” The statue depicting Lucifer’s fall from heaven was sculpted by Ricardo Bellver and it is the only monument of the devil in the entire world!
Near the park is the beautiful neoclassical stone arch called the Puerta de Alcalá, and further down the street, you’ll see Palacio de Cibeles, which is a gorgeous neoplasteresque complex that houses the Madrid City Council. And once you walk on the main boulevard, Gran Via, you will be in awe of the amazing architecture and buildings. Madrid is vibrant and always full of life, from Sol and Callao to Plaza Mayor and Oprea, there is always something to do or somewhere to go.
If you continue on your downtown stroll, you’ll eventually reach the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is the official residence of the Royal Family of Spain. Take a moment to take in the views and turn around to go inside the stunning Almudena Cathedral, right across from the palace. This beautiful church has a unique mix of architectural styles, colorful chapels and a crypt inside. Nearby the palace and the cathedral is the Temple of Debod, a reconstructed Egyptian temple given to the city as a gift from Egypt. The temple resides in Parque Oeste, which sits atop a hill that has amazing views of the city and is arguably one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
Food and fun
Spanish food is delicious, and in Madrid, you can find some of the best. There are plenty of options for a quick bite, or you can dine in style at one of several Michelin-star restaurants. Madrid boasts the record for the world’s oldest-running restaurant, Restaurante Botin, founded in 1725. The Mercado San Miguel also has an abundance of choices for food and drinks, as well as a lively atmosphere. Gran Via is lined with shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars. But the center of Madrid isn’t the only place for drinks and snacks. Whether you’re meeting friends after class in Maria Molina or you’re catching up on a group project near IE Tower, you don’t have to walk very far to find a bar for a drink and a tapa or to have a quick coffee break.
After the sun sets, it’s time to put on those dancing shoes. Madrid truly is a city that never sleeps, with many bars and clubs filled with music and people until 6 a.m.! The nightlife is plenty and you can pick and choose any vibe you want—from the hipster scene in Malasaña and the charming bars of La Latina to the upscale bars in Salamanca and Goya, you run the night. The great news about Madrid’s nightlife is that the people are friendly and you’ll be able to make many lifelong friends in no time.
Study in the heart of it all
Being in Madrid has its perks and one of the best ones is the chance to study at IE Tower. IE Tower is located in the city’s financial district and is the fifth tallest tower in Madrid (and the seventh tallest in Spain). It’s a space that boasts innovation and entrepreneurship, and has everything that students imagine, from restaurants, cafes, and classrooms to sports facilities, gyms, auditoriums, green spaces, and more. IE Tower is an urban campus for urban individuals hoping to dive into the world of work and make lasting connections. International companies are close by and IE University has partnerships with many in order for students to gain networking opportunities that will pave the way for a successful future.
Madrid is the place to be. With over three million people, and as the metropolis capital of Spain, it’s normal that Madrid never stops moving and that there is always something to do. IE University gives you the opportunity to truly experience all that Madrid has to offer. The city has everything—and as it’s steeped in rich cultural heritage, history and architecture, you’ll fall in love with Madrid and find a reason to stay.