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Madrid at a Glance
Outstanding Feature
Madrid is a vibrant capital city that combines a rich historical heritage with a dynamic modern lifestyle. It offers world-class museums, beautiful parks, and an exciting nightlife. The city is also known for its excellent public transportation system and welcoming atmosphere for international students.
| Best... | |
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| Restaurants & Bars |
Restaurants: Casa Lucio (famous for 'huevos rotos'), Botín (the oldest restaurant in the world), and DiverXO (Michelin-starred experience). Budget-friendly options: 100 Montaditos (cheap tapas and beer), Takos al Pastor (great tacos at a low price), and La Sureña (affordable seafood dishes). Bars: El Tigre (budget-friendly tapas bar), Salmon Guru (creative cocktails), and Mercado de San Miguel (great tapas and wine selection). |
| Museums |
The Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza form the 'Golden Triangle of Art.' Also, the Sorolla Museum is a hidden gem. Students often enjoy free or discounted entry with a university card. |
| Cultural sights |
The Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Templo de Debod, and Gran Vía are must-visit spots. The neighborhood of La Latina is perfect for experiencing Madrid's traditional charm. |
| Hangout spot | Retiro Park is perfect for picnics, walks, and boat rides. Malasaña and Lavapiés are trendy neighborhoods full of cafes and bars. |
| Opportunities to meet people | Meetup groups, language exchanges, and university-organized events provide excellent opportunities to socialize. The Comillas Student Associations and Erasmus Madrid groups frequently organize activities for international students. |
| Events |
San Isidro (May 15th), La Paloma Festival (August), and the Three Kings Parade (January 5th) are iconic local celebrations. Madrid also hosts large music festivals like Mad Cool and Primavera Sound Madrid. |
| Nature Spot |
Nearby escapes:
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| Good to Know... | |
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| Job Opportunities |
Many multinational companies have offices in Madrid. English teaching, internships, and part-time jobs in hospitality are common for students. Beware that you need a legal permit to work in Spain. |
| Pharmacy/Health Services |
It is imperative that international students who are not covered by the Spanish social security system come from their respective countries with complementary insurance against illness, hospitalisation, accidents, civil liability and repatriation and, depending on the case of each student, covering the entire period of their stay at Comillas Pontifical University. |
| Supermarket |
Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl are the most popular options. |
| Hotels/Accommodation |
NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding and Barceló Torre de Madrid are great choices for visiting staff members. Students can find accommodation through platforms like Spotahome. |
| Transport |
Madrid has an extensive metro, bus, and train network. The Abono Joven card provides unlimited transport for students under 26 at a low cost. The Cercanías train connects Cantoblanco campus directly to the city center. |
| Important National Days |
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| MUST-KNOW |
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