Studying Spanish in Madrid: 2026 destination guide

Madrid is a large inland capital, so Spanish fills your day instead of the sea: in the metro, the markets, the neighbourhood cafés and the tavern where you end up for vermouth on a Sunday after El Rastro. It is a dense, cosmopolitan city of historic quarters, major museums and busy public squares, and it suits students who like long evenings and plenty going on. The neighbourhoods differ a lot in character, from the old royal core to Malasaña and La Latina. You study and live in the one around your school and accommodation, and the rest of the city is a metro ride away. Madrid is much bigger than a coastal or provincial town, so expect a capital's scale and energy.

Closest airport

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)

Region: Community of Madrid, central Spain
Setting: Dense inland capital with large parks

City size compared to other cities in Spain

3,506,730 inhabitants

3.5M Madrid

87k Toledo

52k Segovia

59k Ávila

599k Málaga

841k Valencia

1.7M Barcelona

234k Granada

Madrid suits you if

Want Spanish around them in daily errands
Plan museum visits after class
Enjoy late dinners and long evenings
Like tapas and raciones in local taverns
Want summer hiking in the Sierra de Guadarrama
Prefer city parks to a beach

Look at another destination if

Want sea and sand between lessons
Prefer a small, quiet town
Need a low-budget housing market
Dislike busy, crowded central streets
Want a slower, early-to-bed routine

Alternatives nearby: Barcelona

View schools in Madrid

Spanish language schools in Madrid

9 schools offer Spanish courses in Madrid. Prices, reviews and what each school is like are below.

Expanish Madrid

9.8 Excellent · 583 reviews

General Spanish from €140 per week 20 lessons per week

Stay from €360 per week Host Family, single room

Max. 12 per class

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Jaleo

9.8 Excellent · 191 reviews

General Spanish from 20 lessons per week

Max. 8 per class

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Estudio Sampere Madrid

9.6 Excellent · 159 reviews

General Spanish from €131 per week 20 lessons per week

Max. 9 per class

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AIL Madrid

9.6 Excellent · 1000 reviews

General Spanish from 20 lessons per week

Max. 9 per class

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Eureka

9.6 Excellent · 186 reviews

General Spanish from 20 lessons per week

Max. 10 per class
5 min from the historic centre

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Academia Contacto Madrid

9.4 Excellent · 168 reviews

General Spanish from €143 per week 20 lessons per week

Stay from €230 per week Shared Flat, single room

Max. 10 per class

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Tandem Madrid

9.4 Excellent · 241 reviews

General Spanish from 20 lessons per week

Max. 12 per class
20 min from the historic centre

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Don Quijote Madrid

9.0 Excellent · 252 reviews

General Spanish from €152 per week 20 lessons per week

Stay from €329 per week Shared Apartment, single room

Max. 8 per class
22 min from the historic centre

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Proyecto Español Madrid

General Spanish from €175 per week 20 lessons per week

Stay from €180 per week Shared Apartment, single room

Max. 10 per class

View school and prices

What students say about Madrid

Madrid earns its praise from students for how easily it fits around a class timetable. Guided tapas tours take students into bars and food stops they might never have found alone. A metro stop close to school keeps the rest of the city within reach. Students also speak well of the neighbourhoods where they studied.

Students rate the destination Madrid

9.8 / 10 (286 reviews)

Social life10

Safety10

Transport9.8

Language practice10

Things to do10

I'm a student from a school in Florida who attended Don Quijote for 6 weeks in a program for my university at the A2 level! I absolutely loved everything about my experience and would do it again in a heartbeat! All of the professors that I had were absolutely incredible and looked out for everyone they taught, and the small class sizes definitely helped with that. I had Alberto and Sergio for basically my whole time and they were the absolute BEST! They are great teachers and people and also gave great advice on restaurants, stores, and basically everything in Madrid! Beyond the professors, there's also a really great student to student atmosphere! Not every student is American or English-speaking, which was a fun experience and forces you to speak more Spanish and not rely on English as a crutch. It's also how I gained a friend from China, and we only text each other in Spanish! I really feel like I learned a lot and am much more confident in my speaking, listening, and writing skills. As long as you show up to class and are willing to learn, you will have a great time! I genuinely looked forward to class every day, even if the 9 am start felt a little too early sometimes. I 100% recommend Don Quijote to anyone looking to improve their Spanish skills and immerse themselves in Spanish culture!

Amazing school! I did a 2 week intesive course in 2024 before my B2 DELE exam and the AIL school was so hopeful getting me exam ready and I passed my exam with ease. I also completed 100+ horas of evening classes since then, working on C1 material. It´s been so useful. I just finished my course but I´m sure I´ll return one day to prep for the C1 exam. More importantly than this, I made so many great friends from all over the world who are also living and working in Madrid. The teachers I had (Maria, Maria, Raquel, Cristina, Jose) were so much fun and brought great energy to class and gave such good insights into spanish culture. The admin team (Sonia & Camilo) were incredible and super flexible when I wanted to cancel/reschedule a class. And always welcomed me with a smile at the desk when ever I walked in. Before leaving, I wrote a card and bought them a bottle of whiskey as a small representation of the thanks I wanted to give for an amazing experience at AIL Madrid. Hopefully I´ll be back in the future. Hasta luego chicos :)

I had two of my kids working as Summer interns at Tandem Escuela Internacional de Idiomas in Madrid. They came back delighted. They said the environment was very professional while relaxed and very fun. Best quality of language teaching in town. And the location is superb in a beautiful and safe neighborwood in the very center of Madrid.

My short time at Expanish Madrid was great. Our teacher was super engaged with us, fun, and effective. Our class was never boring. The front staff and administrator were warm and easy to talk to. The school is in a great part of Madrid, safe with upscale shops. I walked or took the metro to get there, with 2 stops close by. The students formed friendships and hung out together outside of school. My Spanish improved immensely!

We had a wonderful experience with AIL Madrid for our annual language immersion trip last Christmas. Four months later, our group is still speaking fondly of the knowledgeable guides and the engaging city activities. Having travelled from Brighton, UK, we especially appreciated how the admin team went above and beyond, particularly when assisting us with a medical emergency. While there was a minor lapse in engagement with one host family, the overall quality of the program and the school's professional communication made the trip a success. We are happy to recommend them for school groups.

Starting this language journey in beautiful Madrid was such a great experience. From day one, I was welcomed by so much energy and enthusiasm, which made me feel right at home. The atmosphere was incredibly motivating, with people who are truly passionate about learning and teaching. The teachers are highly engaged and supportive, and you can really see how much they care about helping you progress and reach your goal of learning Spanish in an effective and meaningful way. I felt so inspired by this experience that I’ve already booked my next course—this time for a longer stay. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a fun, motivating, and truly effective environment.

I spent a week in March with Expanish in Madrid. It was my first time with the school and I was very pleased with the whole experience. Morning classes at A1.1 level with Alexandra: she is a very good teacher. Patient, able to explain clearly, enthusiastic, she made lessons fun and taught me so much in one week. I also had 2 hours of classes in the afternoon: 3 were conversation classes, and 2 were outside exploring Madrid landmarks in Spanish. I liked how structured and organised the lessons were. I hope to do another course with Expanish again this year.

Jaleo Spanish School is excellent. The school is co-owned by former teachers (if you’re lucky, sometimes they still teach!) and has excellent staff all around. You can feel how seasoned and adept the teachers are… The classes fly by, it’s truly based on conversation and speaking. You begin to feel more comfortable in a safe space communicating. I am so grateful to Jaleo for advancing my Spanish so quickly. It has made existing in Madrid (which is not new to me) feel homey, and more familiar because I can talk to people! I plan to return continuously and utilize their virtual options. I highly recommend committing to your assigned Spanish level for the allotted weeks, it’s worth the effort!

Marisa

18_24 Jul 2026

10

"They also gave great advice on restaurants, stores, and basically everything in Madrid!"

Darah

Jun 2026

10

"I made so many great friends from all over the world who are also living and working in Madrid."

Ricardo

May 2026

10

"in a beautiful and safe neighborhood in the very center of Madrid."

glena

May 2026

10

"The school is in a great part of Madrid, safe with upscale shops."

Diana from United Kingdom

Apr 2026

10

"the engaging city activities"

BP

Apr 2026

10

"beautiful Madrid"

Lin

Apr 2026

10

"Two were outside exploring Madrid landmarks in Spanish."

Samantha

Mar 2026

10

"It has made existing in Madrid feel homey, and more familiar because I can talk to people!"

Commonly praised

The student found the area safe and appreciated its upscale shops
Nearby metro stops made getting around convenient
Madrid is described as beautiful
Explored Madrid landmarks during afternoon classes
Enjoyed tours discovering Madrid's hidden treasures, tales, and tapas.
The city was convenient to explore after class

Common drawbacks

A blackout disrupted transportation during the group’s arrival.

Compare reviews of language schools in Madrid

Weekend trips from Madrid

Madrid sits in the Community of Madrid, in central Spain, and its historic towns make easy day trips. Toledo (72 km) and Segovia (92 km) are a high-speed train or bus ride away. Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez have regional trains, while Ávila and El Escorial have rail and bus links. Manzanares el Real and the Sierra de Guadarrama suit a full day outdoors. Salamanca, Seville and Granada are longer journeys, better saved for a whole weekend.

The cathedral, Alcázar and El Greco Museum all sit inside the walls. Take the AVE from Atocha or a bus, and plan a full day.

High-speed trains and buses both make the run from Madrid. Plan a full day, and save room at lunch for the local speciality, roast suckling pig.

A regional train takes you there for the day. The town's story is tied closely to the history of the Spanish language, which gives a language student a reason to visit beyond sightseeing.

A regional train from Madrid brings you to this old royal town. The palace and landscaped gardens by the river fill an easy day out.

Trains and local connections run from Madrid, so the trip works well as a day out. The mountain-edge setting makes it a cooler, greener change from the city.

Ávila has rail and bus connections from Madrid. The walls and cathedral are the main reasons to go, and together they fill a day trip.

The range lies north-west of Madrid and is a national park. Manzanares el Real, home to the Mendoza Castle, pairs mountain scenery with a bit of heritage in one full day.

Cuenca is less than 1 hour from Madrid by train, according to Madrid tourism. That makes it workable as a long day, or you can stay overnight.

Salamanca suits an overnight or weekend visit.

Seville is under 2.5 hours from Madrid by train, so a weekend gives you time for the historic centre and its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Granada is about 3 hours from Madrid by high-speed train. Plan a weekend there.

Places students often explore

Student life in Madrid

Class ends, and the afternoon is yours. Most students head for a museum, a long walk through a historic quarter or a table at a tavern where raciones arrive halfway through the conversation. The central sights, museums and old neighbourhoods are close enough to explore on foot, so a free afternoon rarely needs a plan. Madrid has a large international population, so your friends will come from all over the world. Everyday errands still happen in Spanish, in shops, markets and neighbourhood cafés. Ciudad Universitaria adds a student layer of faculties, halls and green space. Madrid suits a short course as well as a longer stay. Once you settle near your school, you can reach the other neighbourhoods easily and spend your evenings in whichever one fits your mood.

Getting to know the neighbourhoods

Austrias

The historic core of the city. Choose it if you like old streets and major landmarks within easy reach of daily life.

La Latina

Known for tapas and local festivals, including the La Paloma celebrations in August. On Sundays it fills up for El Rastro, and vermouth follows the browsing.

Lavapiés

A culturally diverse neighbourhood, and a good fit if you like a mixed crowd around you.

Malasaña

Associated with vintage shops and alternative culture. It suits students who like browsing secondhand racks before an evening out.

Chueca

Known for its shops, culture and dining. It is a good pick for a relaxed dinner after class.

Barrio de Salamanca

A district for dining and nightlife. Several schools sit here, so students based nearby can walk to class and eat out locally in the evening.

Ciudad Universitaria

The university and student area, with faculties, halls and public green spaces. It gives you a look at the campus side of Madrid.

What everyday student life looks like

Tapas and vermouth with friends in central markets
Live music, salsa, jazz and flamenco in the evenings
Municipal markets and supermarkets for everyday shopping
Picnics and sports in city parks
Theatres, cinemas and galleries after class

What students say about Social life

My first month at AIL Madrid was an unforgettable experience. I stayed in the school’s accommodation, and everything was well-organized and comfortable. The staff truly took care of us, and I felt safe and supported from the beginning. I really enjoyed learning Spanish, especially because our teacher made the classes so fun and engaging. Her positive energy helped me fall in love with the language even more. The school also organized activities at night, which made it easy to meet new people and enjoy the beautiful life in Madrid. These activities gave me the chance to discover the Spanish culture in a fun and friendly way.

I've had a great experience with Expanish Madrid!! Absolutely loved my stay!! My Spanish has improved a lot while I was there, thanks to the amazing teachers and the positive environment in the school. Furthermore, the school has amazing staff who will assist you with any issues (small or big) you may run into during your stay. I loved the city, the people and the school. Thank you so much for this 10/10 experience!! Unforgettable!!

I attended Estudio Sampere Madrid in 2018 and still think about this place all the time. I found them on Youtube on a whim, and choosing this program was one of the best choices I’ve made in my life. Not only did I learn the language, I gained an immersive experience into the Spanish culture, history, and lifestyle. The skills I gained in Spain have made me competent in my career to this day, and I feel that I could confidently write this review entirely in Spanish, thanks to every single wonderful teacher there (especially my favorite, Raquel). I am forever grateful to Estudio Sampere for giving me a safe place to learn, express myself, and create lifelong connections with fellow students and the people of Madrid.

Sameh

Jul 2025

10

"enjoy the beautiful life in Madrid."

B

May 2025

10

"I loved the city, the people"

Ali

Feb 2025

10

"create lifelong connections with fellow students and the people of Madrid."

How Spanish sounds in Madrid

The Spanish you hear in Madrid is urban Peninsular Castilian, the accent most learners picture when they imagine "Spain Spanish". You will hear it at shop counters, on metro platforms and in neighbourhood cafés, so you use it every day. One local habit is laísmo, where people say "la" instead of "le" for a female indirect object ("la di el libro" for "le di el libro"). Your teacher can explain it, and it will make more sense once you start hearing it in local speech. For your immersion tip, join one of the weekly public English-Spanish exchanges in central Madrid. You split the time between both languages and practise with locals as well as other learners.

What students say about Language practice

AIL Madrid is a solid choice if you’re looking to learn Spanish in the city. The school has a friendly, international vibe, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The classes are small, which makes it easy to participate and get to know your classmates. What stood out most to me was how energetic and engaging the teachers were—they really know how to keep things fun while still pushing you to improve. They also offer a bunch of optional activities around Madrid, which is a great way to practice your Spanish and explore the city at the same time. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to by metro or on foot if you’re staying nearby. Whether you’re doing an intensive course or just brushing up on your skills, it’s a great environment to learn in without feeling too formal.

A Fantastic Place to Learn Spanish and Build Connections! I attended Jaleo Language School for six months, and I can’t recommend it enough! When I first started, I knew about two words of Spanish, but now I feel confident navigating the city on my own and even making friends with people who only speak Spanish. The staff at Jaleo made me feel welcome from day one, and the environment quickly became like one big family. What really sets Jaleo apart is how they create a community. They host a lot of events to bring students together, no matter their level, which makes learning feel both fun and social. My teacher, Cristina, was incredible—she was patient, fun, and flexible with her teaching style, adapting to the different learning speeds in the class. It felt like everyone’s progress mattered. One of the best parts of the experience was meeting people from all over the world. I not only learned Spanish, but I made amazing friends along the way. If you’re looking to learn Spanish and settle into life in Madrid, Jaleo is the perfect place to start. I had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend it to anyone!

We (me, husband, 5yr old daughter) moved here in April 2023 from Houston, TX to stay for 2yrs. I decided to take Spanish courses to help me communicate with others here. So I took the 5 days a week/4hrs per day courses at AIL Madrid. The lessons have helped me tremendously considering that I started out with zero knowledge of Spanish. My professors Edu and Lucia were so friendly and so helpful. I have now re-enrolled back after the summer and am now taking online courses 5 days a week/2hrs per day so that I don't forget everything I've learned. I have also enrolled my daughter for 1hr/wk with Lara who comes to our home to teach my daughter after school. Everything was set up by my Admissions Advisor Diego Lopez who has made the process very convenient for us. Learning a new language is not easy, so having professors who are patient, forgiving, and fun certainly helps with the learning process. I will certainly continue to take classes at AIL Madrid for the 2yrs we're here.

Summer

Jul 2025

10

"They also offer a bunch of optional activities around Madrid, which is a great way to practice your Spanish and explore the city at the same time."

Morgan

Sep 2024

10

"I feel confident navigating the city on my own and even making friends with people who only speak Spanish."

Morgan from United States

Oct 2023

10

"I decided to take Spanish courses to help me communicate with others here."

What a week in Madrid costs

Courses

per week, from

Evening Courses 4 group lessons a week, from 4 weeks Expanish Madrid: € 47
Academic preparation courses 20 group lessons a week, from 20 weeks Estudio Sampere Madrid: € 100
Pathway Courses Academia Contacto Madrid: € 120
General Long Term Courses 20 group lessons a week, from 25 weeks Estudio Sampere Madrid: € 131
General + Focus Courses 20 group lessons a week, from 32 weeks Academia Contacto Madrid: € 143
General Courses 20 group lessons a week, fixed start dates Proyecto Español Madrid: € 175
Bildungsurlaub 25 group lessons a week, fixed start dates Academia Contacto Madrid: € 265
Exam Preparation Courses 20 group lessons a week Don Quijote Madrid: € 325
General + Private Courses 20 group lessons a week, plus 5 private lessons, fixed start dates Academia Contacto Madrid: € 330
50+ Courses 20 group lessons a week Expanish Madrid: € 475
Prive Exam Preparation Courses 10 group lessons a week Expanish Madrid: € 495
Private Courses 20 group lessons a week Proyecto Español Madrid: € 720

Accommodation

per week, from, own room

Shared Apartment own room Proyecto Español Madrid: € 180
Host Family own room, breakfast included Proyecto Español Madrid: € 220
Shared Flat own room Academia Contacto Madrid: € 230
Student Residence own room, half board, shared bathroom Don Quijote Madrid: € 385

From-prices apply to a 2-week booking outside high season. Book longer and the weekly price drops. Registration fee and materials are not included.

What students say about Affordability

Julia

Apr 2024

8

"There’s cheaper options of better quality out there, especially if you’re staying for a longer period (1 month +)."

Housing is what stretches a budget in Madrid. Daily spending is moderate, so the room you choose does most of the work in deciding how comfortable your trip feels. Food is where you can save: market bars, bakeries and traditional taverns serve casual meals. If you stay for a month or longer, the youth metro pass is substantially cheaper than the standard adult one.

Compare prices of language schools in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

After class, Madrid offers a very full evening: a gallery visit, a plate of raciones at a tavern bar, a walk through a park laid out for kings. Culture, food, social life and green space all sit close together. Which activities run depends on the school, the season and your travel dates.

What to do, by the kind of student you are

The Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are the big three for art. The Sorolla Museum and the National Archaeological Museum add two more options. Matadero Madrid and Conde Duque host exhibitions and performances. Don Quijote Madrid organises a guided cultural walking tour and classes on Spanish museums and art.

Start with a bocadillo de calamares, then work up to cocido madrileño or callos a la madrileña. Tascas serve raciones, and the covered Mercado de San Miguel is a place to sample tapas. Mercado de Maravillas and Mercado de la Cebada are traditional markets for everyday food shopping. Rosquillas de San Isidro and torrijas are the sweet things to look for. Expanish Madrid organises tapas tastings.

Tapas and vermouth with friends in the markets and taverns is one very good way to spend an evening. On Sundays, El Rastro in La Latina fills with browsers, and the bars nearby fill with vermouth drinkers. Nightlife runs through Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina and Barrio de Salamanca, with salsa, jazz and flamenco among the options. AIL Madrid organises a welcome tapas and drinks evening.

Retiro is part of the UNESCO-listed Landscape of Light. You can jog its paths or row on its lake. Casa de Campo has woodland, a lake and sports facilities, and you can cycle or mountain bike there. Dehesa de la Villa suits woodland walks and birdwatching. Beyond the city, you can hike in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, go horseback riding in the nearby mountains, and ski there in winter where conditions permit.

What students say about Things to do

Gabe

Mar 2026

10

"Tandem is located in the heart of Madrid, near the Prado and the Thyssen museums and near the Parque Retiro."

Csilla

Nov 2025

10

"I also loved the afternoon tours with Laura :) to discover the hidden treasures, tales and tapas of Madrid."

Ladan

Jul 2025

10

"Every afternoon, there are fun and engaging cultural activities to explore the city, museums, and local traditions."

Best time to study in Madrid

Madrid has hot summers and cool winters, so the shoulder seasons suit most students best. In May the highs reach 22°C, and by June they climb to 28°C with only six rainy days. September stays warm, with highs of 26°C and five rainy days. July and August are the hottest months, with highs above 31°C and evenings that stay mild. Winter is cooler: January highs are under 10°C, and the Sierra de Guadarrama has snow nearby. May also brings the San Isidro festivities around the 15th. May has the most rainy days in the year, and April, October and December follow close behind.

Month by month

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Rainy days
January	9.8°C	2.7°C	8
February	12°C	3.7°C	8
March	16.3°C	6.2°C	7
April	18.2°C	7.7°C	10
May	22.2°C	11.3°C	11
June	28.2°C	16.1°C	6
July	32.1°C	19°C	3
August	31.3°C	18.8°C	3
September	26.4°C	15.4°C	5
October	19.4°C	10.7°C	10
November	13.5°C	6.2°C	9
December	10°C	3.6°C	10

How to get to Madrid and get around

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the airport for Madrid. Metro Line 8 runs from the terminals to Nuevos Ministerios, where you can change lines for journeys into the city. The ride takes about 12 minutes from T1-T2-T3 and about 20 minutes from T4. Airport transfers to your accommodation are also available as a service. Once you are in the city, the metro has more than 300 stations and links Madrid with many of its suburbs, while buses and commuter trains add to the network. That makes cross-city trips practical, for class or for an evening out.

Getting there: common questions

Yes. The Airport Express Shuttle to the city centre runs 24 hours a day. There is also an airport taxi service with a published flat fare to central Madrid.

Yes. An airport supplement applies on top of a standard zone A ticket.

Airport transfers to your accommodation are offered. Check the individual school pages for the details of each one.

That depends on where you live relative to your school. Central sights are practical on foot, and the metro, buses and commuter trains cover longer journeys across the city.

What students say about Transport

We had a fantastic experience working with Estudio Sampere during our stay in Madrid. They not only designed an academic program that combined a variety of enriching cultural and fun activities, but also carefully assigned each student and chaperone to accommodations that best suited their needs. What truly set them apart, however, was how exceptionally well they took care of us upon our arrival, which coincided with the blackout in Madrid on April 28, 2025. From the director to the teachers and support staff, everyone went above and beyond to ensure that we enjoyed our first day in Madrid, despite the challenges created by the blackout (no communication, no transportation, and uncertainty about when things would return to normal). Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would do it again without hesitation. We highly recommend this school to anyone looking to be well taken care of while learning Spanish in Madrid!

I did a two week intensive course (50+) and I'd like to share my experiences with you. Before arriving in Madrid, I was provided with excellent information and if I sent an e-mail asking any questions I would receive a reply within 24 hours. After arriving in Madrid, I found that the language school was in a very nice building, very modern with all the high tech facilities one could desire. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city just by using the metro or bus. All of the staff are friendly and helpful, and this creates a positive and fun atmosphere. I am in a class with five other students, so there's plenty of opportunity to be involved in the lesson and most importantly to start speaking Spanish. ( I am at A1 level). My teacher is excellent, he understands how to support and encourage the students and also to provide a mixture of activities so that the time passes very quickly. As I am a teacher of English with more than 30 years’ experience, I know what good teaching is and the teaching I have received has definitely been very good. In the afternoons there are activities organized for us over 50s. These activities have introduced us to Spanish culture; they have been most enjoyable. We are a close knit group and we usually go out for drinks or a meal together in the evenings. So, the social side is also excellent. All of the staff at AIL Madrid exude positive energy; they are a very enthusiastic and very engaged in their work and clearly enjoy interacting with an interesting mix of international students. Oh yes, I nearly forgot, there is a lovely cafe in the building with the world's friendliest waitress who patiently listens while we practice our Spanish! All in all, a very positive and very enjoyable experience. I'm looking forward to doing further courses with AIL Madrid

At don Quijote is where I started learning Spanish and I can highly recommend their intensive courses to build a base quickly. The school in Madrid is very close to the Plaza de España and to metro stations. Some nice cafes in the area to have coffee after the lessons and do the homework. Highly recommended!

Marta

May 2025

10

"The blackout created challenges, including no communication and no transportation."

Jeremy

over_50 Feb 2025

10

"It is easily accessible from all parts of the city just by using the metro or bus."

Andreas

Oct 2024

10

"Some nice cafes in the area to have coffee after the lessons and do the homework."

Is Madrid safe? What students should know

Madrid is generally regarded as a safe place for students, and university travel guidance describes it as an ordinary big city in that respect. The one concern worth knowing is petty theft, as in any busy European capital. It centres on Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the metro.

Good to know before you go

No one can promise safety anywhere. Read "considered safe" as how visitors generally experience the place, not as a guarantee.
Take the normal precautions you would in any unfamiliar place, especially at night and in busy tourist areas.
Check your government's official travel advice for the destination before you travel.
Arrange your own comprehensive travel and health insurance for your stay.

What students say about Safety

I can’t imagine a better place to have completed my semester abroad and advanced my Spanish skills! The personal attention I received from professors due to the small class sizes was beyond valuable, and I felt that they cared not only about my language development but also my experience outside the classroom. The excursions offered by Estudio Sampere were enriching and taught me so much about the local cultures. The activities offered at the school were equally beneficial and helped me foster relationships with fellow students. Located near the center of Madrid, I always felt safe traveling to and from Estudio Sampere, and it was a prime location to then find a restaurant, head to the gym, or go shopping after class. My class schedule was heavily language immersive but allowed me lots of free time in the afternoons and weekends to explore new places and travel. The homestay set up for me through the school worked out amazingly, and I am still in contact with my host. I completed this program through an exchange with my college in the U.S. but would recommend Estudio Sampere to anyone looking to improve their Spanish!

I really enjoyed the school. The teachers were very enthusiastic and the classes were great. The school is located in a lovely part of the city and I felt safe walking there each morning.

I am a teacher from Oklahoma City that found this wonderful Spanish school in Madrid! The staff is happy and welcoming! You will feel at home even though you will be learning with people from around the world!! We speak Spanish since it’s the common language and it soaks in quickly so you will actually learn to talk ! The instructors are super nice and balance grammar with themed conversational topics. The afternoon activities are a great way to make new friends. Our host picks fun activities like going to museums, learning to dance Flamenco, visiting gelato shops, painting tote bags, playing board games, enjoying sangria and famous ham, etc . You get the idea. I came alone and felt super safe and always entertained . Come here and learn while having a ball.

Katryn

Mar 2025

10

"Located near the center of Madrid, I always felt safe traveling to and from Estudio Sampere."

Clare

Oct 2024

10

"I felt safe walking there each morning."

Paula from United States

Jun 2024

10

"I came alone and felt super safe and always entertained."

Shops, food and opening hours in Madrid

Madrid eats late, and your day bends around it. Lunch falls in the early afternoon and dinner comes well into the evening, with local tables often filling later still. Many restaurants offer a menú del día, a set lunch. Between meals, market bars, bakeries and traditional taverns serve casual food at lower cost. Shops follow a similar rhythm. Many central businesses stay open through the day, while some smaller ones close for the afternoon break. Do your food shopping before it or after it, and expect ordinary neighbourhood shops to be less available on Sundays.

Central shops

Many open from 09:00-10:00 until 20:00-22:00
Smaller shops

Some close around 14:00, reopening 16:00-17:00
Sundays

Many tourist-area shops open; neighbourhood shops more limited
Typical lunch

Usually 13:00 to 16:00
Typical dinner

Usually 20:00 to 23:30, local dining often later
Everyday essentials

Supermarkets, neighbourhood food shops and municipal markets
Local markets

Mercado de Maravillas and Mercado de la Cebada
El Rastro

Open-air market on Sundays and public holidays

Frequently asked questions about studying in Madrid

No. Madrid is inland with no coastline. The Sierra de Guadarrama offers hiking in the warmer months, and snow activities in winter where conditions permit.

Madrid is generally regarded as safe, with the ordinary precautions of a big city. The one concern worth knowing about is petty theft in crowded central areas and on the metro.

Housing is the biggest variable in your budget. Daily spending is moderate, and set lunches and market bars keep food costs down.

Yes. Toledo and Segovia are a high-speed train or bus ride away, Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez have regional trains, and Ávila and El Escorial have rail connections, so all of them work as day trips. Salamanca, Seville and Granada are longer journeys, better saved for a full weekend.