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

[@prbatin1]

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.

[@dredoc1]

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!

[@woltersworld]

+dredoc I love the city. it is just amazing.

[@Scandilady]

Madrid is fabulosa. I went there for a year and stayed 6, ab fab, never ending Aventura, gracias Espana fabulosa !

[@dann551]

My wife and I are going To Spain, Madrid for two weeks at the end of May. We both speak native Californian's and Speak English and Spanish fluently, Cant wait! :)

[@kasrakr7404]

dredoc yo I got questions,do you think it will be good to live and work there ?

[@alexeiromanov2250]

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

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

You're in every Spanish videos

[@harryrubin1089]

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.

[@woltersworld]

Harry Rubin I really love Madrid and the Madrilenos. Such fun nice people

[@casrvsfv3172]

Thank you for your words, you should tell me next time you come to Madrid, I'll invite you to a party!!!

[@jibeneyto91]

I'm from Madrid and I approve this video.

[@Manaki]

+jibeneyto i dont and iam also from Madrid

[@bjorkalaniss]

+Enrique Gonzalez Yes and no....Complaining about the public transport when Madrid has one of the best, I would say in the world, it´s absolutely fantastic all the options you have to get to the airport if you compare with the rest of the cities in Europe, not all the European capitols have a subway in the middle of the city like Madrid. And then the weather, I don´t know what idea americans have about Spain, but people in Europe we know that Spain has a fantastic summer, and the winter is as cold as in the rest of Europe, which it´s great as you can enjoy all the seasons through the year.

[@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.

[@Endless_Horizons2007]

2023 update: everyone speaks English in Barcelona now. Not just because of foreign tourists, but also because there are tons of expats and other foreigners who barely speak Spanish.

[@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.

[@oneirosIdream]

This is awesome advice! Thanks Andres :D

[@annedonnellan6876]

Alcala de henares worth a trip

[@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.

[@miguelf246]

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

[@clarity1984]

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

[@litoornelas6409]

how was your trip? I'm going in 5 days for my 1st time :)

[@christian6353]

How was your trip? I'm going back in 10 days :D

[@TravelingSAfrican]

Whenever I plan a trip this KZbin channel is always my first stop. Keep up the great work :)

[@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.

[@lucacardoza2533]

the people in paris are truly horrible

[@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!

[@woltersworld]

+Juan Vega de Soto awesome to hear it! Thank you!

[@asatourianR]

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

[@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 😊

[@jimmcfarlane5611]

Pero porque debieras Los Madrilenos hablar Ingles? Soy de Escocia y estoy aprendiendo Espanol.

[@bichonce4049]

@@jimmcfarlane5611 hombre tampoco está de más saber inglés o cualquier otra lengua. A mí lo que me molesta es cuando gente de otros países visitan España y les molesta que no hablemos su lengua. Es como si un español se va fuera y exige que se le hable en español. O como la señora esa británica, que se fue de vacaciones a Benidorm y pidió que le devolvieran el dinero porque no le gustaba que hubiera españoles 😂 😂 😂 😂 Lo grave es que Thomas Cook le dio la razón y le devolvió el dinero.

[@orukpe1]

@@bichonce4049 pues muy mal hecho. El tema es que los ingleses son muy prepotente naturalmente

[@andybliss5965]

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

[@lyyndsstclaire11]

Madrid Weather its Great?, jajajjaja, its rubish. The best Weather its in Andalucia and better people.

[@robert111k]

@LYYNDS STCLAIRE, paleto andaluz (Andalusian hillbilly) detected.

[@lyyndsstclaire11]

liars in sight. Mentiroso Castellano a la vista. La Garduna.

[@kathrinscharrer3923]

Absolutely. I can't stand 28 degrees in Valencia, but I can stand our normal 38 without humidity

[@kikorevueltajusto582]

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.

[@kc2815]

That is true but often times people from other countries aren't able to learn the language before visiting. English has become so universal that you go to Portugal which is right next to Spain and you're way more likely to find someone who speaks English than someone who speaks Spanish. Same with Spanish if you go to central or south America. You can get around almost anywhere in any country just knowing one language. If you go to Europe and want to do a bit of traveling outside of the country you are arriving at you would have to learn multiple languages which is not always practical especially if you are there for a short time.

[@bigbuggie5]

Blue Rain Even after living in the U.S. for 10 years.

[@kikorevueltajusto582]

Kevin Colin But you can't blame the spaniards for not speaking English inside their own country. If you go to Spain, you must expect people to speak Spanish. Like the rest of the world expects English to be the dominant language in the US and other countries. I can't expect, if I go to Egypt, people to speak in Spanish to me, even though, Spanish is the 2nd most spoken 1st language on Earth. And about the people that go to the US and don't learn the language, most of them are tourists or people living in ghettos, there are millions of mexicans in the US that know both languages perfectly. The US is strong in that way because it is a country of immigrants, with a lot of diversity, where Spanish has been adopted as the second language, but, with the exception of the latinos, the rest of the US have the same problem with Spanish as the Spanish have with English.

[@kikorevueltajusto582]

Kevin Colin And in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, you are going to find the same issue with English, you made that up

[@andeez4663]

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.

[@OscarSanchez-uk6mk]

Yeah. Segovia is so cool. Half an hour trip from Madrid by high speed trains.

[@LivPeicanni]

Holaaaaa!! Thank you so much to share your love for my city!

[@NordikFilm]

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

[@jaimepena8516]

As well you know english in spain we should know too suposing you are not spanish

[@iLuvAkeys4ever]

NordikFilm I don't think he meant to be rude but native English speakers do have the problem that anywhere they go they can usually find people that speak English. That is why he is saying you won't find it here to so be ready with some native Spanish.

[@casrvsfv3172]

I think people who claim to have received decent education should have no problem with communicating in English. And I'm Spanish, so it's my country that I'm criticising in this case.

[@grantcivyt]

English is incredibly useful when traveling. It's a real privilege to speak English natively.

[@ConsairtinFergus]

I do speak English. What I don't want to speak is American.

[@PatrickJamesUK]

I always love the night-life in Spanish cities. As you say in your video they stay up all night I would also mention they don't drink very much, they sip at drinks slowly. A great thing about Spain, in my experience, is that to be drunk is thought to be rather naff really. I think that late night thing is because in the summer the night is cooler and it is a relief from the heat of the day, so it is pleasant to be awake in that cooler temperature.

[@infomapeche3664]

Thank you! I'll be there in 2 weeks and looking so much forward to 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.

[@thefirstseaquake]

If you want paella go to Valencia.

[@thelion8797]

Que es paella? Tengo curiousidad

[@carlosesteve1986]

Fuera de valencia... arroz con cosas xD

[@thailand_street_traveler]

Mar García-Mochales Cerezo mejor ir a casa de mi abuela :D

[@DIDACbcn52]

You'll find the worst paella of Spain in Valencia. Any spaniard will tell you except the Valencians.

[@dbzgt1987]

I am portuguese and paella here is called "Arroz á valenciana" or "valenciana style rice". It's a good summer dish for me. I enjoy it quite a lot.

[@pkhaulers9084]

So inspiring and can't wait to get there. We're going to visit with a school tour group and am so excited after watching this.

[@thenerdyasian]

Wow. I watched your videos on Madrid around Aug./Sept., 2014, right before I went there to study abroad, and now I'm watching this video reminiscing about my time there. If this was filmed around Nov. 2014 (when it was uploaded), I may have been in the same square when you were filming. Haha. Thanks for the great vids!

[@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.

[@litoornelas6409]

Whats the best way to get from airport to city center?

[@robert111k]

The cheapest way (2€): Bus 200. Then you have subway (5€) airport bus (5€), cabify (around 20€), uber (around 25€) and taxi (30€ flat price no matter your destination inside Madrid). ¿Best price-quality ratio? It depends on your needs and expectations, if you travel alone or with other people... ¿My choice? Bus 200 when travelling alone and cabify otherwise.

[@paolaulysse1166]

I agree with you on the night life. If you love to have fun and go out for drink or clubs then Madrid is deff. for you!! Most of the clubs don't close till the morning since the train station open at 5:30-6 a.m !!! Amazing city!!!!!! and very convenient!

[@nirley6960]

Paola ulysse Yeah, and the we also have what we call "After" which are clubs that open like at 5-6 till around 11-12 to finish off the party if still some energy is left xDDD

[@alyjimenez8883]

I loveeee Spain, I really want to go see my roots. :)

[@leestokes504]

I have a trip planned to Madrid so many thanks for that great, enthusiastic and useful intro, Wolter!

[@Abby-km6vr]

I’m going to Madrid for a school exchange in a few months. I’ve only been learning Spanish for 4 years, so I’m quite nervous! Watching these videos helps me learn as much as I can and be prepared. Thank you for these helpful videos!

[@diet.mountain.dew.]

how was it

[@lisacaracci9315]

thank you for this video i enjoyed it and look forward to seeing madrid!

[@tamaraperry8858]

Great vid. Totally agree with everything you listed. I love Madrid. I lived there a couple of years ago and heading back there in September for grad school :)

[@rudymc8332]

I keep on smiling when seeing this video and even laugh out loud from time to time: I agree with these mentioned points and share with this passion when he talks about culture.

[@iflyc77]

Spot on. I love Madrid. I found my favorite bar in the world - Madritallica! My friends and I met some of the coolest people bar hopping around town. Everyone was super friendly and everything was pretty affordable even

[@pollymuyt]

How can you say the metro is small? Metro in Madrid is fantastic!! Modern, big, fast... I always use it when carrying my luggage

[@henriquecosta7651]

Thanks, brother! Clear and direct opinions!

[@alexmiyazaki4329]

Madrid en mi corazón siempre!!

[@vivalashona]

Great video😊🙌🏻 I’m moving to Madrid next month after visiting for her past three summers!!!

[@bradlewis9050]

Thanks for the Positive Tips!!

[@xodesireed]

This is so helpful!

[@anaortiz8949]

Im madrileña and we are really open to help the people to visist the city....sorry sometimes some people couldnt speak english well we are bad for foreign lenguajes but we will be ready to help us in all we can do it thanks ad thanks to visit our city nice video I agree with him oly I add Thyssen Bornemisza Museum at the triangle of gold art and San Lorenzo Monastry is amazing graciaaaas

[@ianricyowen4777]

Nice Anna.. I'm coming to Madrid this August.

[@Bajnokable]

Ana Ortiz my name is Bornemissza jajaja would I get a free ticket?

[@alvaroeulalia]

San Lorenzo Monastry is just amazing!!!

[@nugzarmikeladze]

yo voy a madrid en abril y quiero saber donde comer las tapas

[@jaime8920]

jajaja soy de Madrid estoy estudiando en Londres actualmente te falta mejorar el ingles un poquito pero se te entiende genial ;p

[@rick_jhon]

Nice Madrid! En el corazon de España

[@woltersworld]

Max Demian exactly :)

[@davidmendozamendez156]

In Spain we have to pay for shopping bags :)

[@rsavage2856]

david mendoza mendez We do in California too, or at least my city.

[@DIDACbcn52]

we have to pay for PLASTIC bags.

[@jgkl5198]

@@davidmendozamendez156 Se llama CUIDAR DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE. De nada.

[@JavierSanchez-dn4yn]

Paella is not a national dish, is regional. So, you will probably eat the best paella in Comunidad Valenciana (Which is composed by three provinces, Alicante, València i Castellón). Thank you :)

[@GFCordoba]

En realidad se come paella en muchas partes de España. Prospero Merimé contaba la paella que había tomado en sierra morena en la primera mitad del siglo XIX. Una paella es simplemente un arroz hecho en una paellera. Sin embargo, puedo estar de acuerdo en que en la Comunidad Valenciana puede uno comer grandes arroces, entre ellos la famosa (y para mí deliciosa) paella valenciana.

[@leebetita4860]

Many years passed after i be with Spain. This is my Hometown. I want to go there but i think not now. Im proud to be a half Spanish :-) Gracias por estas! #MiAmorEspaña

[@kelly51757]

I can't wait to visit Madrid on May 😍

[@ljlatin03]

Madrid is one of my favorite cities to visit!!

[@ljlatin03]

I will DarkMador any recommendations?

[@joedrzewicki4271]

I havee to say though you bid and comments about the city and people are spot on. Wonderful place.

[@auburn886]

Madrid is my "adopted" home town! I love it there!

[@svrnja]

i will visit Madrid in few days.Thanks for this video ;)

[@giovannig2509]

good video Mark. I'm thinking of going there in April for a week end...do u think that 2 days and half is enough to check out the main things, including maybe the museo del prado? Gracias

[@hummertrish]

thank you for all the info - you are great!

[@thegastrotraveler]

Rather good video. Have lived here for 8 years - it's almost perfect - and in general your thoughts are correct still haha. The crappy terminals 1,2,3 have been improved recently; but still not a patch on the gleaming Terminal 4! I would also say don't ask for tapas. Tapas isn't a size thing in most of Spain - Barcelona and Seville, yes - but it's more the culture of eating: sharing food, going around different bars etc. Raciones are still tapas. You could order a 'media racion', a half size. And paella, yeah, usually bad. Only buy it from an actual paella restaurants - arroceria. Thank you about mentioning the winter! The number of Brits in shorts... haha :)

[@diegoapalategui579]

Tapas and pintoxs are huge dude, specially in the north

[@astartes1213]

Buen vídeo, Wolters

[@martymarty4145]

I think wolter is great. Very unbiased indeed. Dont agree % 100 with everything he says but no one is perfect. Hes very informative especially for the first time tourist.

[@ggtevez]

absolutely spot on Madrid is fantastic love your info may I add 1 more piece of info the real Madrid tour absolutely fantastic and the main square learnt a lot from a group of school children there I'm a UK tourist and have watched all your videos would love you to come to Birmingham.

[@doyoumind9356]

I'm going to Zaragoza in four months. Planning to head to Huesca and on to the mountains. I'm telling you this under a posting about Madrid !

[@viiijr.jaguar8483]

what a great video and awsome job , i´m thinking do it in my own languge , but it will never be as fun as your way

[@elenafernandez2953]

I am from Madrid and I lived there for Many Years. One of the things I hate about it is that traffic can be hell and it's chaos compared to USA. I still love it though!

[@tj5308]

Elena Fernández, but in the US, there is no public transportation.

[@jvrsainz]

👍🏼 A very good & honest information-video about the capital of Spain ... Yes... 🇪🇸 When you go to Madrid you end up speaking Spanish even if you didn't speak any word before your trip...

[@aquasal3456]

My favorite city on earth

[@altubenaldom2886]

Nice video , thanks for great information ! I have a question about driving and public parking ? Meaning I'm I better on taking transportation or rental a vehicle ?

[@MoishHas]

a very good and informative video

[@jimmcfarlane5611]

Soy Escociaies y fue a Madrid en Abril 2018. He disfrutado mucho

[@gordonchong3580]

Wow. I counted 4 errors/ grammatically incorrect points in 2 short Spanish sentences. But what do I know? I'm a Asian person looking to go to Madrid for the first time. 😜

[@CityWhisperer]

The issues with the Atocha and Chamartin train stations will be gone in a couple of months with the creation of a new tunnel linking both of them. Also, Madrid's main train station is Atocha, so take that as reference.

[@sextantenautico]

estupendo! nos has calado bien , eh! 5*

[@frankfuentes5150]

Thanks for sharing! We will be in Madrid in end of July/early August. Any places off the center that you would recommend for drinks (cervesa) and tapas? I'm fluent in Spanish by the way.

[@D_Marrenalv]

Plaza 2 de Mayo, Plaza Santa Ana, and La Latina.

[@94cityboy]

I also enjoy travelling a lot and I really want to see a lot of countries around the world. I honestly think Woltersworld videos inspire me to try and study abroad or travel to a lot of places. I am also thinking if I can I would want to study abroad in Spain and study in either Barcelona or Madrid but explore cities around the country.

[@adrianoy79]

I am a relatively new fan but I love your videos and the tips you give us for traveling. I really appreciate that. Whenever you are in Germany again, come to Hamburg and visit me ! :)

[@guillemanrique1906]

you have to know that Madrid airport is one of the best of the world in terms of connections (in fact is the gate from south america to Europe), international flight companies and modernity as well as good use of facilities. You can read this fact in the statistics, newspapers , international media and proffesional opinions etc. There are three things that are very true: first of all not all Spain is hot during all the year. And if u come to Madrid u will see that and it is also true that even little towns and villages in the mountains in Madrid have a fresher food sometimes, but I do think there are lots of good quality food markets and cheap and profitable food. And the thing we should be more concerned is the use of the languages specially the english languages that even in big cities are not used with the tourists as we should. However, I think spanish young generations are getting a very international attitude specially after the recession. Cheers! take care and thanks for the video

[@richardlynch8009]

That was well done. I do love Spanish subways... I hate renting cars now that I live here.

[@duranmkultra8292]

Your videos are great! Yes, Madrid is EXTREMELY hot in summer.

[@lisandronavarro3656]

Spain during summer or winter, all year is great to visit.

[@munkeod]

One of the best things has to be the tortilla at Bar Cerveriz next to Mercado de San Miguel. The whole of La Latina is great as well!

[@krugmeister7301]

...Must be beautiful Madrid...

[@teleopinions1367]

I like watching "- la Tierra" on RTVE (Radio Television Española). They have a segment that is all about Spanish food and many times they feature restaurant from and around Madrid among many others. That's wonderful b/c they give you a lot of options where to eat in different parts of the city. They also feature many of the 'Mercados" around the city where you can go and have a snack or buy something to bring to your hotel for a midnight snack or for breakfast instead of going to a big supermarket. One small correction about Ávila, the strongest syllable is the first 'A" instead of "vi." Ávila = \ˈä-vi-lə, -vē-ˌlä\ :-) Everything else is correct, usually you should stay away from the touristy places like any major city. The food is not going to be as good and chances are that it will be over priced. But, los Madrileños son muy guay.

[@alejandrodelatorre2240]

i think you said everything correctly good video man

[@woltersworld]

alejandro de la torre abadía thanks!

[@SpiritusMovens]

Man, what you said about the climate is exaggerrated. It snows in Madrid rarely and freezing temperatures are also rare. And in summer it can get to 40 C, but those are extreme temperatures that happen once in a while...normal daytime summer temperatures in Madrid are 30-35 C, but there is no humidity, so that heat is much better than the one in New York for example.

[@pearljoson450]

great info

[@javierperez2632]

great video

[@harshpatel5280]

I am agree with some of your points. I have been in Madrid for one week but it was mixed feelings for me. Its cool to visit again. It feels sometimes little bit too much liberal 😅 which I am not used to. Little culture shock but overall very lively city!

[@hospodar87]

Good resume but I do not understand why in Madrid should speak in english ! Does London speak spanish for tourists ? So should take little words in spanish.

[@casrvsfv3172]

We should really stop this thing and start learning, for example, why don't you compare spaniards to germans? Don't they speak english in Germany. You can't just know all the languages it's easier to make one common and the one that has more economical influence is English. Half the world speaks English, it's time Spain starts taking it seriously. Or do you speak Dutch when you go to Brussels?

[@Miami_MarkAbe]

I thought the same

[@MiguelT2006]

In Brussels they speak flemish and french, not dutch.

[@MiguelT2006]

Tell that to some british football players coming to Spain, like David Beckham or, right now, Gareth Bale. If a spanish or wherever player or coach go to Premier League, they must speak english from day one, because of press questions. Well, Beckham was playing in Real Madrid about 3 or 4 years and he didn't learn a simple word of spanish. We had to get even to his wife Beckham insulting Spain saying the country 'smells like garlic'. Well, nobody asked Becks to learn spanish. And, of course, he didn¡t try. I guess he did the same when playing for AC Milan with italian and when playing for Paris St-Germain with french. Another example: when David Moist came to Spain to coach after being in Everton, he spent a whole season here (he was fired because of bad results). His press conferences were always with a translator. He didn't even try to learn a simple word of spanish.

[@grantcivyt]

+hospodar87 It's not that people in Madrid should or shouldn't speak English. It's economically advantageous to speak English, so it's surprising when it isn't spoken in major, international cities. It's much the same as being being courteous to customers so that they'll want to return. I know this sort of courtesy is often not present in European cities, but those cities pay an economic penalty. Of course, this only matters when there's a competitive market place that pushes sellers to deliver better service.

[@Sam-Public-UK]

I am in Madrid at the moment. The thing I don’t like is the way you get a ticket for the metro. You have to purchase a card then top up on travel instead of getting a day ticket. I’m used to contactless and Oyster cards in London so it’s a very different and difficult system.

[@erikreyes1169]

Hi Wolter thanks for this awesome video. Question 🙋‍♂️ how’s the taxi transportation in Madrid? Is it expensive? What do you recommend? Thank you

[@nachofernandezramudo1900]

Very good and cheap for European standards.

[@OnTheGoWithCarson]

I'd love to visit Spain! I took Spanish classes for 8 years so I'd like to use a bit of my Spanish :)

[@woltersworld]

Its time to practice ON LOCATION Carson :) with your Wolters World t-shirt as well ;)

[@dbzgt1987]

I visited all continental Spain and you should try to visit Spain. You will get very diferent settings in spanish cities. For example, Granada has moor influence so its architecture seems like you are visiting another country. Barcelona is more european/gothic city and you will fall in love with the city as I have. Coruña is very green as it has mountainous areas blend in with the ocean so its a natural treasure one must see. Its a marvelous country everyone should know about.

[@08lunaluna]

Can you please name some of the outside tapas bars you are talking about?

[@jg-gu8oc]

Yo adoro Madrid.

[@timberwolvesxx7250]

i would love to live there!

[@trombone0190]

Madrid, que gran ciudad.

[@Eva-ed4ed]

I’m Spanish, and I live in Madrid. My main recommendation if you are a tourist is: do not buy any food or souvenirs in the center. The center is a waste of money and absolutely expensive, so if you want to have lunch or are going to have a long day exploring the city, you better bring your food or go to anywhere far away from Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía. You better look for recommended places on TripAdvisor, with all the detail. Oh; and also, don’t even get close to “El Museo del Jamón”. It is supposed to be a good restaurant with high quality Spanish traditional food, but is not. It’s a tourist trap from the bottom to the top. If you want to look for a cheap and good place, ask to any person who lives there, and the people that will know better are probably the married couples, but be sure to not be in a Main Street.

[@andrewvanrhoberts]

This is so awesome. You really inspire me, Thanks for your vids Woltersworld. If I may ask you one question, how did you get started traveling abroad? I am a early's 20's person looking to travel and study abroad but I don't know where to start.

[@martino007]

I am also looking to travel the world possibly studying, working, performing martial arts (Tae kwon do & Capoeira mostly) & backpacking for sure. I want to attempt to go all 201 countries non stop with or without flying. I will be the 1st US citizen to do so hopefully.

[@woltersworld]

***** Started with studying abroad in high school... then college... then did my masters abroad then worked abroad then did phd abroad...worked abroad again... travel everytime I can.

[@woltersworld]

Martin R. Cruz that would be super cool Martin!

[@kcasunxion]

I have a job offer in madrid and i'll be applying for my visa soon. I hope the visa processing will go smoothly. Hola madrid!

[@Whyskyts]

I'm from Spain and i can ensure that paella in any place of Extremadura, Andalucía (specifically Seville but anywhere in this region is great too) or Valencia is MUCH better that in Madrid! :)))

[@TheDopiusklei]

The weather in Madrid? Well, this summer we have not dropped below 36-42° C... like in hell. And if you don´t like the "Tourist traps" please, don´t behave like a tourist!, in Madrid or any other city of the world. Eat where the locals eat, move away from the fast guided tours and explore the city without haste. Eat tapas where the madrileños eat, don´t eat where the tourists eat something like Tapas, you know... Excuse my English, is very bad. :)

[@hipretty]

It's not bad at all. Thank you for this advice! :-)

[@nugzarmikeladze]

¿donde comen madrileños las tapas? yo voy a madrid en abril y quiero saber donde comer

[@thailand_street_traveler]

hipretty I think it is sarcasm!

[@xxxgreen4918]

You can choose in this page! inspiramemadrid.com/tapas-gratis-madrid/

[@clarity1984]

En unas semanas voy a Madrid por primera vez :) Alguna recomendación para comer tapas como los madrileños? Cuáles son tus lugares favoritos? Estaremos alojados por Lavapiés.

[@alvar534]

It's a big mistake to think that madrid is newer than london or paris, for instance, both have been rebuilt almost entirely during the end of the xix and first half of the XX centuries , after wars , revolts, pagues and fires, even monuments as the parliament of london, the Big Ben , most of the grand boulevards of paris are not really old.The same goes for most of the german and polish cities, that were almost completely destroyed during the 2 world war. Lisbon were rebuilt after the big earthquake in the year of 1755 , and i could go on with many other places as well. In madrid you will find neighbourhoods whose street's layout dates back from the XVI century . I'd say that as european capitals , only rome or Athens could boast to be clearly older than madrid (well, maybe prague as well)

[@sz13bigmo]

Avila, Spain. 4:04 accent is on the first syllable. Á - vila.

[@nick101984]

Hello Wolter I really enjoy your videos. Being an American should I go to Southern Europe like Italy and Spain. Compared to going to Germany and England which do you prefer? I know that is a loaded question. But you do seem to like Portugal and Spain a lot, what is your favorite country to visit?

[@casrvsfv3172]

I think you should be more specific because it depends on what you like to do and to see.

[@MrVikingsandra]

I've been living here for 6 months now and I agree with everything you said! That thing that bothers me the most about living here, it's that there are obviously no beaches/no sea. But other than that it's pretty great.

[@bichonce4049]

You have the Manzanares

[@seanp7dc]

lol “it sucks that it’s hot and no beaches” - every uninformed tourist to Madrid. Amazing city, this guy is pretty wrong, with horrendous Spanish pronunciation.

[@Azog150]

​@@seanp7dcyou dont have to be an uninformed tourist to have that opinion. Madrid literally couldnt be further than the sea within Spain - and for many people that is a downside. The parks in Madrid are great though

[@onedirection3510]

Good content! Are you an English teacher there? I’m assuming you live there full time? Thanks.

[@MaxBasedMexican88]

Walter how many languages do you know??