Moving to Madrid - The BEST City in Spain 

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Absolutely love Madrid for a million and one reasons. Especially because it’s such a great walking city with all its different and charming neighborhoods, its spectacular escaparates and the variety of its museums. The Sorolla museum, the Museo del Romanticismo and the Madrid history museum. Also love the little artisan markets that pop up in plazas on the weekends. You go, Stewart and viva Madrid!

Trying to remember the name of the bar near to Palacio Real where you can book a table for a few hours and put your feet into cold, sanitised water while you drink a cold beer. One of Madrid's hidden secreta. We were there last year. I lived in Ventas, Av Donostiarra, then in La Latina, and i couldn't agree more with those highlights. Daughter now lives near Atocha

I have to be honest, as a Brit who lives in Sussex, I’d love live to Spain or Portugal, especially somewhere like Galicia, but I wouldn’t live in Madrid if you made me mayor, unbearably hot in summer, and nearly as cold as the UK in winter. I hate London too, and Madrid is another metropolis, I like the countryside, and I’m happy to put up with not having every convenience on the doorstep.

Moved to Madrid last November. Love it more than i thought i would. For such a big city all the Barrios can feel kind of smaller and cosy as you get to know them. Got to know so much of the city because i get around by bike. Not a very cycle friendly city for bikes, one way streets and fast shared lanes with cars , but find the drivers very respectful in general. Pay 340€ a month for a big double room in a shared house (rare) with front and back patio garden, in cuatro caminos/bellas vistas, a very Latino/Philippino/muslim neighbourhood with great cheap shops , especially fruit and veg and ethnic products. Down into the city centre only 15 minutes, half an hour to climb back up, but if im lazy the wonderful metro system is only 60 cents a journey and the bike goes free (outside busy hours) . Also medium distance trains have been free for the past year so if the city gets overwhelming an hour later i can be in Cercedilla or el escorial and the wonderful green hills of the sierra at no cost, bike also free. Barajas is a great airport. And even though winter nights and mornings are very cold its mostly dry and the afternoon soon will usually warm you up. The parks are the best! Great character barrios like la Latina, lavapies, Malasaña, Chamberí and chueca really make it a wonderful city to live in. Im from Dublin i can attest that my home city is a much more violent place than Madrid, and way more expensive. Love the xmas atmosphere, churros, fried boquerones, vermut and the rastro atmosphere on sundays. Not only is madrid the best city in spain its easily one of the best large cities in Europe. In my opinion, london, paris , berlin and rome pale by comparison. Negatives would be the volume of traffic, the heat of july and August (which i plan to avoid,) and queues in undermanned supermarkets. The people however are very very nice for such a big and hectic city, especially if you speak Spanish. Well policed. There is a very touristy area around plaza mayor where restaurants and cafes are a bit of a rip off and obviously the lack of beach would be a bummer for some . Sunsets at the palacio/templo debod/parque del Oeste are simply sublime. So many free events and days for museums, lots of birds in all the trees and a 3 course indian meal with a drink costs me 8.50 in Lavapiés. Watch your pockets anywhere between sol and tirso molina/embajadores and you should be fine. The detailed architecture is unrivalled. Look up and find ornate statues and frescos everywhere . Unassuming, ancient churches are spectacular inside. Will be the perfect place to live once the spanidh people get pedro, podemos and co. And run all this agenda 2030 bullshit out of the town. Will that happen , who knows. Also the women are very beautiful, stylish, confident and intelligent compared other places in europe😂. Ok , thats MY detailed rundown. Madrid, a safe , affordable, eclectic city , that despite being intense and densely populated, can feel relaxed, bright,.fun and always entertaining.

You know that I love Barcelona but I could live in Madrid or Valencia without any worries. Madrid was extremely clean a few months ago. I was surprised also about how clean the metro was. Can’t hide it, I miss Spain, the people and the FOOD!

Thanks for showing us your city, I wish our neighborhoods were more walkable and lively here in the USA. Please continue the great content.

My daughter lived in Madrid for nearly a year in 2018/19 & love it. We visited twice & really liked Madrid. Lots to do. The big museums & Royal Palace free at certain times. Used the Metro a lot.

I agree , Madrid is our favorite city in Spain and that is why we are moving there next year. All the cities is Spain have their beauty and charm, it's hard to pick just one.

Thank you for touring Madrid. I worked for a year in Madrid in the 90’s and I loved it. I am from Texas so I am adapted to heat. The people were very nice to me at work and and in the city. Hope to go back soon for a visit.

I visited Madrid some years ago and thought the architecture was beautiful. We used the tour bus and it was really good. Sadly we didn't have enough time to visit Retiro Park. Thank you so much Stuart

Thanks Stuart! Great video. My wife and I lived in Madrid for 18 months and loved it. We miss it!

Love Madrid! Been there 9 years ago and definately will visit again in the near future. It is a place full of history, excellent museums, numerous parks and a great "movida" - a city that never sleeps!

Hi, thanks for the lovely video. Its a great city to live. I am argentinean and lived there from 2002 to 2009, you've been arround my neiburhoods. I lived 200 metrers from Plaza Espania and in Arguelles too. I live in Wales since then. Thanks a lot you brought me a lot of memories back. Gus

I totally agree with you Stuart and on the topic of going off the beaten path...Isabella and myself always ventured away from touristy areas and we found the best bars and restaurants....good times! Thanks for the video Stuart!

Loved, loved, loved the walk down the Madrid streets. Brought back so many great memories. Thank you so much!!

Wow Stuart. What a fantastic video. It certainly brought back many memories from when I lived there for a while back in the late 80's. Other than looking a bit cleaner than it did, it appears to me to be exactly the same as I remember. Can't wait for your next out and about vid in Madrid.👍👍👍

Anorher fabulous video. Madrid looks amazing.

There is a lot to see in Madrid as a tourist. I always love spending a couple of days there before heading out.

Luved the content! Really enjoy walking along with you. Keep them coming! Watching from the US midwest.

What a treat! Thanks for showing us around. Loved your personal history as well.

Stu, excellent! I have spent a lot of time in Madrid and lived in Europe a-lot of years. In my eyes Madrid is the best city overall. I will be there in a few weeks for a short visit.o

Very Very glad I don’t live in a city. Madrid however does look a lot cleaner than many others I have visited over the years.

Although I'm a Barcelona lover, I do think that Madrid has a lot to offer as well. Did live in Madrid for a few years in the late 80s and did enjoy it. You have brought back many good memories. Waiting for your negative points about Madrid to see if we agree.

Como madrileño me encanta ver tus vídeos Stuart, si algún dia nos cruzamos te invito a una cerveza! 🤗

Thank you Stu for a very informative non touristy video! I never was that interested in Madrid but you certainly made it sound interesting. Our cities here in the USA are not as lively or interesting.

On my yearly travels to Spain, I always make it a habit to stay in Madrid for several days. I love the city, the food, architecture, cleanliness, terraces and the transportation.

Great video ❤ Thank you for the tour. Can’t wait for the next one.

I'm back in Sydney after 1 year in Madrid and miss Madrid alot. I hope to semi retire there.

Hola Stuart, just watched your latest vlog and i have to say I was very impressed with your presentation and information with regards to Madrid 👏 never been there before only ever been to Barcelona ,and I thought that was an amazing city ,but maybe I should visit Madrid it looks quite amazing. And you also looked like you really enjoyed making that video well done Stuart .cheers Steve🍷

In one word Fabulous Stu

Lo mejor que tiene Madrid son los trenes de cercanías hacia los pueblos de alrededor con una frecuencia cada 20 minutos

GREAT VIDEO! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Thank you sir.

Thanks, Stu. I have visited several times to visit relatives. So much to discover and explore. Theater, music, dance, zarzuela, art, excellent food, history. I could go on. Friendly residents. Proximity to the country as you noted is super. Will look for your video on what is not so great! Appreciate your videos. Thanks!

Just number one top of the list head of the heap king of the hiiiiiiiiiiiiill Madrid, Madrid dubidubi dubida I don't like big cities but grew up close to Madrid and got used to it, to miss it to bits some times.

Excellent video regarding the Pros of this city. Eagerly waiting for the Cons video. Thank you for creating these videos and sharing your insights

Maybe that will be in the next video, but you did not mention the cost of housing in Madrid. Except for Barcelona, it is the highest in Spain. Rents and purchase price for housing are sky high. That may be driving factor for salaries to be higher in Madrid. The nice areas (barrios) are crazy and even in the less desirable area it can get high priced. It is a very walkable city (maybe not in August) with a lot of open/green spaces. Yes, the cultural experience is great and the night life fantastic, but some other cities like Granada or Seville offer great living at 60% of the price. I live in another smaller city and feel that the old saying "it is a nice place to visit, but I would not want to live there" applies.

Not only because I was part of the Transport for London network (TfL) for three years, and know the difference to other cities in the western world because I have travelled to a variety of cities and countries on this planet, I've never ever come across, a better organised and operated public transport system/network than the one in London. London, which is in fact, beside Moscow, the largest city in Europe. Until this day, since I've left London in 2019, I am, for a very good reason, proud to have kept London moving in this, the best ever Public Transport Network at least in Europe, and that my experience outstands those of many others when it comes to public transport on the European continent! I found the Barcelona public transport network for example bad when I first visited Barcelona in 2017, but again, that's when one is spoiled with London public transport just "normal". Even the Londoners complaining a lot about their public transport, they quickly realize how advanced it is compared to other places while they are visiting other large cities. But at the end of the day, us living in Spain now, we, or I, get/got used to it because the nice things here definitely weigh out those sort of things 😊, and when you live in Rome, (or Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla....) you do it like the Romans 😅

Great video!!! Thanks so much :)

Loved the video, will definitely have to visit Madrid 😊 I think it's a couple of hours from Valencia which is whete I often travel to visit family. 😊

Love Madrid, thank you for the very informative video Stu.

No end of hideous graffiti, not as bad as Lisbon, but heading that way.

I have lived in Madrid for ten years. The people are extremely friendly and easy going, and no one cares where you are from. Everybody is welcome here. I also lived in Barcelona for ten years but....🤔

.. glad you did a vid on Madrid.

Ok, I might be a bit bias but I agree, especially since it's my home. lol! I don't think many realize there is so much more than the busy tourist area of the centro. As you mentioned, life is in the barrios. I'm 10 min (about 25 on foot) outside the center and I have great parks, friendly neighbors were people look out for one another along with small Mom and Pop shops and fantastic mercado.

fantastic video Stuart!

Hi Stuart Thought your tour of Madrid was brilliant. Off the tourist track and very informative especially as I'm travelling to Madrid next week John , Liverpool

Mil gracias por el video Stuart. Haven't been to Madrid yet but definitely will go .we are in Cudillero at moment until tomorrow don't know if you have been here but sure you would love it .People may be interested if you tell them how they have a unique way of pouring cider .

For a minute there I thought you was in the Bush 🐨 👏🏻👏🏻🤣🤣

YOU CAN SAY IS THE BEST CITY IN SPAIN ITS DEPENDS, SPAIN HAS A LOT OF WONDEFUL CITYS ,,,, THAMKS

We spent a couple of days in Madrid, last February at the US Embassy. Managed to get a driver to go to see the changing of the guard at the Palace. Would like to return when not freezing our backsides off. Very nice walkabout Stuart. Thx

Thanks for the video, I know it costs a lot of effort and time doing those vids. Even though I have never really visited Madrid, only passed through it, It isn't really my cup of tea to be honest. But, maybe it will change the day I come for a visit. I still want to take the AVE from my lovely home city of Valencia to Madrid because I am really interested in that train after I've been undergoing a Train Driver Apprenticeship in the past in Germany and Austria. Cannot wait for your Madrid negative video you announced in this vid though (jajajaja). Keep on the good work. Greetings from Valencia.

Stuart, very good video!

cant wait to visit madrid, im very curios

Always makes me think when number one on the list of reasons to live or visit is that it’s easy to leave.

Hi Stu I see that you showed lots of green spaces which clearly means that there isn't a shortage of rain...The metro is my favourite thing in Madrid...Getting from A to B is a doddle.... Cuenca is also very green and lovely place to live in .. Tony cuenca

Loved your video! Agree with everything except that Casa de Campo is the biggest park. Or do you not consider CDC to be in Madrid? I also think Gran Via can be good for shopping

Since Madrid is accessible for car, bus, and train and non disabled people. I read an article. As of 2007 or 2013 the UN (people with disabilities) such as blindness, hearing, and mobility is a lot Madrid areas/neighborhoods accessible for people that wheelchairs and walkers like me from crub cut aways, accessible hotels, bars, restaurants, museums and much more?

How did you travel from home to the centre Stuart?

Cant wait for that video where you show why it is the worst city. I have my own reasons but I want to see if you share them

No estoy de acuerdo contigo , Madrid es una ciudad increíble , hermosa , maravillosa. pero España está llena de ciudades y rincones a la altura de Madrid, y para mi gusto, más bonitas y maravillosas que Madrid , un saludo mi amigo

Madrid certainly has the advantage of green spaces on Barcelona, that's one thing that's badly missing here, but Madrid has the space for it. At least we have the coast and many national parks nearby :D

Barcelona = flashy. Madrid = classy.

I have to say it's quite difficult to compare best places to live and best to visit. I live in a beautiful part of Northern Ireland,Enniskillen, that is quite often quoted by English broadsheets as one of the best places to live in the British Isles. If you talk to many locals they may disagree. The last few weeks here have been spectacular however as spectacular as anything,anywhere in the world. I said it before but I've never been disappointed wherever I've been in Spain be it major cities,towns,inland or beach resorts. I love Madrid (I'll be back there in a few weeks) but had I to choose one above others I'd still plump for Barcelona. There are lots of things wrong with Barcelona:; the thievery,cost of living amongst others but what,for me, gives Barcelona the edge is the genius of Gaudi. His imprint is all over the city and of course the Sagrada Familia is one of the true wonders of the world (up there with the Grand Canal in Venice). Again that said I've loved everywhere I've been to in Spain and can't wait to see Madrid again in a few weeks. Apologies for being so longwinded.

Una buena ciudad Madrid, con la mejor infraestructura de metro y trenes de alta velocidad, pero en arquitectura NO es la mejor ciudad de España, ese lugar lo ocupa la ciudad con más turistas internacionales de España, que es Barcelona, pero donde se concentran las tiendas de lujo en Barcelona que es la calle Paseo de Gracia, en calidad de arquitectura de sus edificios NO existe nada igual o que se le acerque en ningún lugar del mundo, supongo que el que ha estado en Barcelona coincidirá en esto. Ni en las principales capitales europeas, ni en EEUU, ni en Tokyo ni en ninguna parte concentra una calidad arquitectónica como en esta calle o en otras partes de Barcelona.

Yep you are right i went to madrid its the best city i visited in spain

Stuart you are bias but so am I , I went all the way to Vancouver to find my my favorite nesting place, I enjoy your videos keep it up

Don Estuarte, profesor real!

It's hard to judge quality of life for others. Was coming back to Madrid from Girona on the AVE and had an interesting chat with a Madrileño that lives in Girona. He bought a low rise house similar to the ones we tend to live in OZ. He's surrounded by majestic greenery and mountains. Loves the mountain bike tracks he's surrounded by.Whilst also being able to enjoy a plethora of bars and restaurants to satisfy his appetite and social needs. As he said. For the price he bought his low rise house in Girona he could probably only afford a tiny piso in a run down barrio of Madrid surrounded by ugly blocks of pisos and pollution. So for him. Girona is the place to be. I guess somebody that can afford the beautiful chalets of La Moraleja and tranquility whilst having Madrid at their doorstep would think otherwise. After not having visited Madrid for a little over four years due to the covid restrictions. I can definately see it becoming tourist central just like Barcelona did quite a few years ago. Less and less authentic bars and shops. And the nightlife dies earlier than I could ever recall. No point hoping the lollies will do anything about it. As they love the tourist dollars.

Con todo el respeto, Barcelona está tres escalones por debajo de Madrid. Zaragoza, Sevilla, Lisboa o Valencia están más cerca de Barcelona que ésta de Madrid. Y la brecha tiende a agrandarse. Madrid es actualmente la ciudad más pujante de España, la más mercantil y empresarial, la más tecnológica, la más dinámica laboralmente, la más cosmopolita y la más atractiva culturalmente. Nadie va ya a Barcelona, eso se acabó en los años 80-90. La comparación con Barcelona empieza a ser ridícula. Saludos.

👍👍

If you could only use the 90/180 rule to stay in Madrid, which months would you use?

Another point in favour - great public transport system.

I’m interested in buying an apartment in Madrid. What so I do?

Stu, Madrid is great, however, for food San Sebastian has the best food in Spain. It has it all from fine dinning to great pintxos in all price ranges.

One thing that confuses me Stuart is that you seem to be selective when pixelating people's faces. I would prefer to see no faces pixelated.

For living - Tax is better than BCN or Valencia.

Yes, "from Madrid to Haven", como dice los castizos.

Usera my favorite barrio in Madrid.

I thought you said you wanted to move away from Madrid??

You forgot one reason: Number one too in pollution levels in all Spain for the 50th consecutive year. Woohooo!!!

I live in madrid, and I don't understand how can you list being in the middle of the country as an advantage? Want to go to the sea? Few hours drive. Want to go to the south, Sevilla or what ever, few hours drive. See Asturias, few hours drive. And so on. Madrid is only close to madrid

An issue I find in every city.....car parking.

And salries in Madrid are not so bad, in comaparison to UK (crap salaries). Salaries in Spain / UK are certainly much lower than US and CH!!

Apparently you have not been to Girona yet...

Nice tour Stu. Madrid looks good for a weekend piss up.....sorry I mean cultural tour:)

you miss the beach and the rest of spain we have also every kind of schools and hospitals, when you go to chueca you forgot to said is the biggest gay area in spain to enjjoy freedom.

Best city my ass. Palma de Mallorca is the most visited city per square mile in Europe & the second most visited city in the world per square mile & in 2023(most tourists ever in the history of Mallorca)it is expected to be the most visited city in the world per square mile....

How much money does the Spanish Ministry of Tourism give you to make all these videos?

Best city my ass.The most shady for sure. Palma de Mallorca is the most visited city per square mile in Europe & the second most visited city in the world per square mile & in 2023(most tourists ever in the history of Mallorca)it is expected to be the most visited city in the world per square mile...

Sevilla Andalucía es muy bella para grabar vídeos y pasear la gastronomía ect ect

I’ve been to Madrid 4 times, and would be happy to go again. It’s a wonderful city to walk in, and the Museum of Archaeology is incredible. Just as good as the Prado.

Madrid looks an amazing city to visit, with beautiful architecture. There did seem to be something missing though - water. No major rivers, lakes in the parks etc, which seems unusual for a capital?