Travel Tips to Spain: Madrid

Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The architecture reflects the Moroccan style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.

Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is also widely spoken here. Over the period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasnt changed the values, traditions, manners and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames; the first surname can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. Take a small gift along when visiting someones house. Save the flowers for special occasions. Dinner is generally taken very late in the night. People wear casuals most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places.

Madrid is an ideal place to learn Spanish, a language spoken by more than 400 million people around the world. The city's cultural richness, nightlife and climate will turn your academic stay into an unforgettable holiday. If you're planning on staying for a semester you should consider to save money on accommodation by staying in one of those nice cheap apartments available for students or even one of the numerous B&B in Madrid.

Sitting out on a sunny day, looking up at the blue sky while you try all sorts of tapas is the best way to enjoy the city. Luckily this is a common scene in Madrid, where it rarely rains and which boasts lots of hours of light all year round. Madrid is a beautiful city!