Visit Madrid - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Madrid, Spain

The Best & Worst of Madrid, Spain. From fantastic tapas bars and nightlife to cultural opportunities galore like the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and the Palacio Real there are so many things to love about Madrid... But a few things you might not like about Madrid, like your need to speak a little Spanish, not knowing which train station to head to to visit the cool day trips and a few other little things. Overall Madrid is amazing and well worth visiting.
Filmed in Madrid, Spain
Copyright Mark Wolters 2014

[dredoc]

I came to Madrid for vacations and see some work issues 7 years ago; haven't moved since! There are many awesome cities in Europe, but not necessarily to live. Madrid is an incredible city to live in. The day to day is awesome. I LOVE MADRID!

[prbatin]

I absolutely love that you said 'your lack of Spanish', rather than 'their lack of English'. That is the right way round, you are visiting *Spain* - the people are fantastic, so any communication issues are certainly not on them.

[harryrubin]

If you could add a like then you should add one specifically for the people of Madrid. I've been to a few places in Europe, but the people in Madrid are bar none the nicest Europeans I've ever met. They won't simply help you find your path they will invite you to a party, if it is going in their direction. Although any European can be equally as nice, I found the Spanish attitude towards a good time very tranquil.

[ThePablobcn]

Absolutely agree. It has no sense visiting Madrid and not to spend one whole day to visit really wonderful cities like Segovia ( my favorite ), Toledo or Avila. But even closer, you can find Aranjuez, Alcala de Henares and, above all, El Escorial. El Escorial palace and monastery is the reason why Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is like a stone gigant full of art, history and mistery. It was once the center of the world and was built at the peak of the spanish empire. It is very easy. If you have not visited El Escorial, simply, you have not been to Madrid. 

[alexeiromanov]

My FAVORITE city in the world is, MADRID. Gorgeous Mysterious and Sensual city. Salutations from, USA!

[NordikFilm]

I think native english speakers tend to overrate the international usability of their language.

[beekgirl]

Hi! I am a Spaniard and I completely agree with your opinions, about the English skills we're working on that. Almost all young people around 30 knows now the language ;) The Paella thing though is true, better go to Valencia cause that is not traditional madrilian. You should take pork specialities such as chorizo, morcilla, oreja... which is more Castilian (cultural region Madrid's at) on the typical taverns. If you are muslim or vegetarian there are veggies you can try too like peppers, tomatoes or potatoes with different sauces. Cheese (manchego) is a good reccomendation too. Cheers everyone 😊

[pablotoor]

In spanish speaking countries happen the same that happen in english countries, people don´t really have the urge to learn some other language because ours is widely spread around the world too (20 countries)... we watch tv channels, tv shows and movies, read books and news, etc. from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain, etc, etc.... (there are even international awards in different fields).. we share a lot of things among our spanish cultures.... and when we are on vacation there are always a spanish tourist service available, so most people learn it only if they need it to work or study abroad... it is not the same in countries like sweden or netherlands where everyone can speak english because their culture and language is really narrowed down to their own country.

[Starkardur]

I went to Madrid in 2007 and Barcelona in 2008 and I felt like more people spoke English in Madrid than they did in Barcelona which was kind of suprising considering Barcelona gets more foreign tourists.

[andybliss]

Madrids weather is great. I went in the summer when it was 38c and it didnt feel too hot because there is no humidity there

[andeez]

You should do a vid on Segovia. The aquaduct is nearly 2000 years old, it has a castle where Isabela lived and a gothic cathedral, not to mention that the suckling pig (cochinillo) is one of the finest meat dishes in Europe.

[jibeneyto]

I'm from Madrid and I approve this video.

[kikorevueltajusto]

The issue with Americans, and most of English-speaking people is that they expect the people from wherever they go to speak their language. Spanish people when the go to, for example the US, they try to speak English, they try to adapt themselves and learn from the place they are going, and that's a big issue on your culture, I can tell you from my own experience, i am a spaniard who has been living here for 2 years due to NATO, and the people here don't try to understand you, now for me, the language is not an issue because i learned English, but i know of many cases of English-speaking people that went to live to Spain, and they didn't learn any Spanish because they spoke English there as well.

[juanvegadesoto]

I'm from Madrid and I have to say this is one of the few videos that really gets what Madrid is. Thank you for this!

[asatourianR]

another thing to love about Madrid. Real Madrid! I love my RM. hala Madrid y nada mas.

[LauseMarkA]

Thanks so much for these videos. I've watched a lot of them. I love Paris (who doesn't?), but I honestly think Madrid may have it beat in several ways. It's great not to be lost in a sea of tourists. Walk the city when you have the time. If you open a map, people will come up to you to ask if you need help. The people are nicer than in any other big city I've visited. I did find that most of the people I encountered really wanted to practice their English on me, but when you need the Spanish, a little bit goes a long way. In fact, we loved our last visit there so much that we're going back as soon as our work schedules permit it.

[barvdw]

If you visit Segovia, try to take a local train. You can get there by long distance bus, or by high speed train in less than half an hour to an out of town station, but if you're even slightly a railway fan, the 2 hour trip via the old line is worth it. Rumours say it might close, though...
I loved Madrid, and you're right, the people are great, the food is, too, and there are many interesting sights. I didn't use public transport in the city, as I walked all the way from Chamartin station to the city centre, making some detours to see the stadium of Real, the Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and had great fun.

[miguelf]

This city has got the best nightlife in the world.
Absolutely amazing.

[Dutchified]

Great tips as always. I'm in Madrid for the 7th time and I just love it. Such a great vibe and plenty on offer. I'm going to do a street food video for my channel.

[clarity]

I'm going to Madrid for the first time in 6 weeks. Can't wait, even less now that I've heard your recommendations!