Madrid

[SOJA]

I'm studying abroad this summer in Madrid. As I type I'm about to board my plane, anyone have any advice? Good bars, restaurants, must-see sights? Thanks for any info

[Davidson Deac II]

Spanish cops are very no nonsense and well armed. Don't attempt to argue with them, especially if you are drunk. :)

[The Saltman]

Spanish girls are hot and hate annoying americans. Goodluck.

[Joscott]

Ah Madrid... definitely some interesting sites there. My fondest memory would have to be getting grabbed by a hooker who resembled an even less attractive Snookie and having to drag her down the street until she eventually let go.

Stayed at Luis XV at Esquina A Gran Via, thats where the hookers are at if you're interested. Of course one of my friends got wasted and got a hooker and they dragged him into a shady building with the meanest looking guy waiting outside. I waited outside just to make sure he didn't get killed...he didn't, just his wallet cleaned out.

This is one of the biggest night life zones with tons of people out, have fun and just explore this area, there are tons of bars and a TGIF Fridays that has free refills (hey, you start to miss free refills), if you get home sick.

I could go on a rant of the famous architecture sites to see, if you are interested, that's what I "studied"

The ride from the airport was really interesting, mainly for the radio. I remember them playing Bon Jovi and even Sweet Home Alabama, they would start the song and then about 20 secs in they would have a conversation over top of it like nothing was on.

Good time, fun place, extremely hot.

[boo7382]

I've been twice. Its freaking awesome. Great bars great clubs and awesome shopping. Make sure tp go eat /drink at plaza mayor. Go to the palace too its cool.

Get some mussels (mejillones) too they are awesome there

[pstall]

Use common sense. Carry smart enough amounts of euro's, have a fully charged cell and don't be the typical American jackass. Latina's love the gringos who can dance and chat them up.

Very hard NOT to have fun in Madrid.

[TheRealDeal]

I had a friend that just died there recently when studying abroad from SDSU.

Be careful and don't go anywhere alone.

[Davis83]

Go the caves and drink your fill of Sangria

"Whiskeria" is the term for brothel

Go to Benidorm this summer (beach)

A pack of "American" cigarettes will cover most cover charges into any club

The night life really gets hopping around 11pm till 4am - so combat nap in the afternoon.

[ladypanther]

Congrats on this trip. Don't forget to study.

[4Corners]

Three people I know very well have been there.

1. My ex gf: She went around 4 years ago and had a bad trip from the start. She was pick pocketed on the rail system and within 1 hour her credit cards were maxed out and ended up losing around $400 in cash.

She said it was a nice place to visit and see the sights but obviously getting robbed on the first day ruined her trip. She was only there a week.

2. A guy I went to HS with went there and had mixed feelings. He, too, was pickpocketed...but caught the guy in action and grabbed the dude and laid him out. He was able to get his stuff back from the guy. No joke. He said it was a cool place but kinda felt like Americans were targeted there, he also told me if I ever go there to wear a chain wallet and don't wear a bunch of graphic t-shirts like a lot of americans wear b/c thats how you are targeted by thieves. This was like 3 years ago. He was there visiting his sister.

3. One of my homeboys went there to study abroad and loved it. He is real artsy and doesn't get fuged up as much as a lot of my friends. He made some friends that he still talks to. He got to go to like Morrocco and Greece while he was there, and also saw a couple Real madrid games. This was like 3 years ago.

[Delhommey]

My one piece of advise would be to go to Barcelona so you can see a real football team.

[SOJA]

thanks to everyone for the advice I really appreciate it

[TerriblePizza]

I lived just NW of Madrid for awhile.

My advice, enjoy the food. Try EVERYTHING.

Gran Via and Plaza de Sol can be a bit of a tourist trap, so if you want to have fun with Spaniards and not get gouged by prices, try somewhere away from those to places.

[JakeFlake]

I hope to go there one day. Never been to Europe. Madrid is on the short list along with Paris, Rome and Dublin.