Study Abroad Goals

Many students studying abroad here in Madrid are looking forward to being able to easily travel to other European cities on the weekend. I on the other hand intend to stay in Madrid as much as possible because it is very important to me that I learn Spanish and become familiar with the city during my time here. At the moment I am trying to comprise a list of places in Madrid of activities and places I want to visit in order to provide me with a sense of community here and make me feel like a real Madrileño. Madrid is an incredible city and has a plethora of incredible historic sites, museums, cultural centers, restaurants, and more that it seems like a daunting undertaking for a brief semester. Nevertheless, I am determined to accomplish as much as possible. I have created two lists so far: the activities I want to participate in and places I want to visit. 

Actividades: 

1. Take Salsa Classes at Baila con Estillo
2. Run around city parks in the morning 
3. Attend Idioma Cambios 
4. Attend a cooking class 
5. Have a picnic at Parque del Buen Retiro  

 Lugares: 

-Museums  

1. Thyssen 
2. El Prado
3. Reina Sofía 
4. La Casa de Lope de Vega 

-Historic/Cultural Sites 

1. El Palacio Real 
2. Palacio de Comunicaciones
3. La Catedral De la Almudena
4. Casa de América
5. Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales 

-Restaurantes/Cafes 

1. La Negra Tomasa (Cubana bar) 
2. San Ginés (Chocolateria) 
3. La Mallorquina (Bakery)
4. Eat at Sobrino de Botin (Dinner)
5. Eat at Taberna Txacolí (Tapas) 
6. Ruda Cafe (Coffee)

-Shopping 

1. Rastro 
2. Go to the Boutiques in Malasaña 

I intend to add more items to the list as I go but for now this is my bucket list while in Madrid. Deséame suerte!