Living in Madrid

Living in Madrid, Spain’s cosmopolitan capital

The Spanish capital Madrid – with 3.3 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.5 million. There are hundreds of thousands of expats in Madrid, many of them native English speakers from Britain, Ireland, Australia or the United States. Others living in Madrid have immigrated from throughout the hispanic world, making it a truly cosmopolitan city. 

Choosing a neighbourhood when moving to Madrid

Many families living in Madrid choose to settle in the historic centre of the city whilst others choose upmarket neighbourhoods such as the Barrio de Salamanca or La Moreleja. The best family neighbourhoods in Madrid have plenty of little squares with playgrounds. In recent years, there has been steady growth in the suburbs, which are connected to the city by excellent rail and bus systems, and are a popular choice for families moving to Madrid.

Things to do with kids when living in Madrid

There are plenty of fun activities for kids and free attractions for families living in Madrid, from the elegant fountains and landscaped gardens of the famous Retiro park to the Prado Museum which houses works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. There’s also plenty to explore in the surrounding countryside, not to mention the capital is a mere 45-minute drive from several winter ski resorts popular with expats in Madrid

Education for international families living in Madrid

For expats in Madrid looking for the best education for their children, the public schools in the city are excellent and are supplemented by state supported schools which offer a good education at a nominal cost. The Ministry of Education also introduced a bilingual programme a few years ago and some Spanish schools now operate as bilingual schools. For those who wish to retain ties to their native cultures or study in their native language while living in Madrid, there are numerous reputable international schools teaching in English, German and French.

Learning Spanish in Madrid

Moving to Madrid as an expat is an exciting adventure, and the best way to truly integrate is by learning the language and diving into local activities. Madrid offers countless meetups and opportunities to connect with locals, but why not start preparing before your move or supercharge your learning once you’re here? With italki you can learn Spanish online with natives and certified teachers who offer personalized lessons tailored to your goals. Settling in Madrid is exciting, but navigating daily life—whether it’s handling paperwork, ordering coffee, or making local friends—is much easier when you speak Spanish, and with italki, you can learn at your own pace with professional teachers and community tutors anytime, anywhere.

For more in-depth information about making Madrid your next home, visit our MumAbroad Ultimate Guide to Moving to Spain.

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