10 things you didn’t know about Madrid until you studied here

At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe education is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about more than what you learn in the classroom; it’s about the environment that shapes you, the culture that inspires you, and the community that elevates you. There is perhaps no better living classroom for this philosophy than Madrid—a city that pulses with life, opportunity, and a unique blend of ambition and joy.

For our international students, life at ESE Madrid becomes an immersive experience in this vibrant capital. It’s where our mission to cultivate pragmatic dreamers and ethical leaders comes to life. Here are 10 discoveries that our students make, transforming their understanding of Madrid and, ultimately, of themselves.

1. Sundays are for recharging your vision 

In Madrid, Sunday is a ritual. It’s the relaxed energy of El Rastro, the city’s iconic open-air market, or the shared laughter over brunch. At ESE, we teach the importance of balancing action with contemplation, and Madrid’s Sunday rhythm embodies this. Watching the sunset from a rooftop isn’t just an end to the weekend; it’s a moment of reflection, a way to recharge your creativity and vision for the week of classes and projects ahead.

2. The city’s rhythm teaches you true flexibility 

Forget early dinners. Madrid operates on a schedule of its own, with dinners at 9 PM and a vibrant social life that thrives late into the evening. As an ESE student, you quickly learn to master this rhythm. It’s a practical lesson in time management and flexibility—essential skills for any global leader. You learn to balance demanding studies, internship commitments, and networking, owning your schedule like a true professional.

3. A city designed for opportunity 

Madrid’s world-class public transport is more than just a convenience; it’s your key to the city. With a student pass under €10, the entire metropolitan area becomes your campus. This seamless connectivity is fundamental to the ESE experience. Our central location means you can move effortlessly from a class in business strategy to an internship in a top financial firm or a cultural visit to the Prado Museum, making the most of every opportunity the city offers.

4. Community Is everywhere — just like at ESE 

Madrileños are famously warm. Strangers greet you like friends (“amigos”), and conversations spark effortlessly. This welcoming spirit mirrors the environment we cultivate within ESE Madrid. Our intimate, multicultural campus ensures no one is just a face in the crowd. You’re part of a close-knit community, creating a supportive network that makes a global city feel like home.

5. Spanish becomes part of your global identity 

While classes at ESE are taught in English, Madrid itself becomes your most patient language tutor. Ordering a coffee or navigating a local market turns into a daily, natural lesson. Locals encourage every attempt, and soon you find yourself thinking and dreaming in a new language. This is more than a practical skill; it’s ESE’s philosophy of global citizenship in action—becoming a true citizen of the world.

6. It’s a capital city with space to dream 

Unlike other major capitals, Madrid blends relentless ambition with a relaxed pace. This unique balance is invaluable. It’s a city that encourages you to pursue your goals fiercely while also reminding you to pause, breathe, and enjoy life—a principle at the heart of the ESE ethos (“Happiness is Economy”). This calm, focused energy permeates our campus, creating an ideal environment for deep learning and personal growth.

7. Culture isn’t in a museum; it’s in the streets 

Madrid’s cultural life—from spontaneous flamenco shows to open-air film festivals—is a constant source of inspiration. For an ESE student, this isn’t just entertainment; it’s fuel for creativity. We believe that future leaders in business need a broad cultural understanding, and living in Madrid provides an endless education in art, music, and human expression—the very things that inspire groundbreaking ideas.

8. You build a global network, one “café con leche” at a time 

Madrid is a magnet for international talent, and at ESE, your classroom is a microcosm of that global community. You’ll collaborate with peers from dozens of different countries, each bringing a unique perspective. These relationships, forged in study sessions and networking events, are foundational. As we say at ESE, your network is your net worth, and in Madrid, you’ll build friendships that become future business partnerships and lifelong alliances.

9. You learn that business Is done around the table 

In Madrid, a meal is a social event where relationships are built—a long lunch, a round of tapas, a lingering sobremesa (after-meal chat). This teaches a vital business lesson: connection matters. It’s an approach that values relationship-building over transactional encounters, a softer, more effective skill that ESE students carry into their professional lives.

10. You don’t just live in a City; you find your place in the world 

From the bohemian streets of Malasaña to the elegant avenues of Salamanca, exploring Madrid’s neighborhoods is a journey of discovery. With ESE’s campus at the city’s core, you have the perfect launchpad to explore them all. This process of finding your favorite spots—your café, your park, your corner of the city—mirrors the ESE journey itself: finding your unique path and making your own mark on the world.

At the European School of Economics in Madrid, our purpose is to connect your education to the soul of the city. We provide the launchpad, the community, and the philosophical grounding, but the journey of discovery is uniquely yours.

Studying in Madrid with ESE isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about becoming the person you were meant to be—more curious, more connected, more confident, and with a clearer vision for your future. It’s where your personal and professional growth intertwine, and where you learn that your dream isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the blueprint for your life. As we always say, “Your Dream is The Mark.”