Visit our NYU in Madrid photo gallery to see images of the program and city.

The City

Madrid has never felt more like a capital city than it does today. You'll find Madrid to be the central hub of modern Spain, with a vibrant urban flair. The locals, known as Madrileños, are a friendly people with a gift for conversation which they carry on openly in many of the thriving nightspots as well as terraces, parks and the streets in warm weather. In recent times the city is a hive of activity, with great investments being made in construction and improvements to the city's infrastructure. Madrid is also the country's business center, with a wide array of banks and international companies in addition to being Spain's fashion capital—a fact easily gleaned from the citizens' tasteful street style and the many trendy boutiques along the Calle de Serrano. Despite the hub-bub of daily life in the metropolis, Madrileños take it all in stride, giving off the impression of being quite relaxed about it all.

Climate

Madrid has a dynamically varied climate—rich, sunny warmth in the summer and a damp cool breeziness during the winter. It might not seem that extreme as the locals make it out to be, however, as winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing, even in the coldest months of December in January. When packing for a semester abroad, whether fall or spring, it's best to bring clothes for layering, which can be easily piled on in the colder months or minimalized on sun-filled days.

Customs

When you are formally introduced to a Spaniard, you should say ‘good day’ (Bueño días señor/señora/señorita) or ‘good afternoon/evening’ (buenas tardes) and shake hands. Spanish men shake hands on meeting and again on departing, whether it’s a casual meeting in the street or a formal occasion.  And remember, mature women should be addressed as señora. ‘Good afternoon’ (buenas tardes) is used instead of ‘good day’ (buenos días) after lunch, which can start as late as 3 p.m. until 9 or 10 p.m. Good night (buenas noches) is usually used when going to bed or leaving a house late at night.

Americans are often confounded by many aspects of southern Mediterranean culture, especially the conception of time: A more relaxed approach is applied to when things begin and end.  What is considered “on time” and “late”, one quickly learns, are not set in stone but rather depend on the when, where, why, and who.  Informal meetings with friends may start after agreed meeting times, while plays and movies start on the dot.  Students used to the hustle and bustle of New York City will find in Madrid a city that, at one moment, is non-stop and, at the turn of a corner, calm and relaxed.

Another cultural contrast to the U.S. is found in tipping:  In Europe, the service charge is included in your bill.  As a result, Spaniards only leave propina (tip) if they wish to reward particularly extraordinary service, usually not more than a few coins.  Tips are not given for drinks in bars or nightclubs.