What I’ve Learned in Madrid: My Experiences

The people in Madrid are incredibly open, warmhearted, and always ready for a good conversation. You end up chatting with people you’ve just met minutes ago – and quickly form new friendships that way. Madrileños have a strong sense of community. It’s easy to fit in here, as people from all over the world live in this city, and this multiculturalism only adds to Madrid's richness.

There’s so much to discover in Madrid, yet it’s very calm, and time seems to slow down. There’s no rush here, so you can really enjoy the moment. The most important thing I’ve learned here is how to live each day with ease and peace. I’m very grateful for that.

Here in Madrid, something is always happening. Every day, on every corner. These are stories that need to be captured. Madrid has shown me how to tell my own life story through colors and painting. This allows me to grow as a person – and every day, I feel a little freer.

Madrid is defined by a mix of neutral tones with touches of mustard, burgundy, and terracotta. And, of course, blue, the famous blue of the Madrid sky. The classic Velázquez sky!

My top tip: Really immerse yourself in the city, get to know the people, and don’t just check off the sights and places listed in every travel guide. Also, explore on foot – it’s easy to get around the central parts of Madrid, and you can cover two or three neighborhoods in a day this way.
One of my favorite areas is Lavapiés, where you’ll find the best bars and a vibrant nightlife. I go to Tasca Barea for vermouth or beer and authentic Spanish food. But you can find gems in other neighborhoods too: El Pato Mudo serves the best rice dishes in town. For patatas bravas, croquetas, and pinchos, there’s only one place: Taberna La Elisa. For delicious cocktails and a relaxed vibe, La Esperanza, a restaurant-bar, is a must.
Sundays are for the El Rastro flea market, perfect for anyone who loves antiques. For more secondhand shopping, the vintage shops Remember Madrid and Johnny and Velvet Vintage offer a tempting selection of unique clothing. As an artist, I can’t leave out Madrid’s museums. My favorites are the Sorolla Museum (currently closed for renovations, with reopening set for 2026), the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Colorful, extravagant, and spiritual – this is how Mexican artist Emmanuel Carvajal describes his style. His work includes paintings, murals, and photographs of famous buildings, which he colorizes in specially created color palettes. He has also collaborated with major tech companies.