More Than A Tourist—I Found Independence In Madrid

Culture, connection, flavor, affordability and sunshine—Madrid, Spain, offers a high quality of life, where the world truly expands with opportunity.

During my senior year of high school, I realized that before committing to a major, I needed to find myself and what I truly wanted to pursue. So, I decided to move to Madrid, and after some thought, my sister, Inés, chose to join me. 

I picked Madrid because of my family’s strong ties to the city. They previously lived there and shared their love for the place, giving me a glimpse into its perks and charms.

Settling into Madrid was a big adjustment, but having my own space for the first time gave me room to experience life independently as Inés and I lived separately.

I quickly adapted to the city’s rhythm, balancing exploration with routine and getting to know both Madrid and myself in the process.

Halfway through my four-month plan, which started in August of 2023, I wasn’t ready to leave. I found a job as an au pair near Retiro Park, which allowed me to stay six months longer, improve my Spanish, and dive deeper into Madrid’s culture.

I no longer felt like a visitor. Spain began to feel like home.

The difference between Miami and Madrid was clear—work wasn’t the center of life, but something people did to support living. 

There was a stronger sense of community, and social interactions felt natural. People were more genuine and open in how they communicated, making interactions feel less calculated. 

Whether through events, apps or striking up conversations in cafés, the metro or even on the streets, the city’s lively atmosphere made meeting new people easy.

Madrid gave me the freedom to travel without the stress of extreme prices. With great public transportation, weekend getaways were easy and affordable. 

Whether I was exploring the city, discovering other parts of Spain with friends or traveling across Europe, this accessibility opened up a sense of independence I hadn’t felt before. 

In Madrid, no one stays a stranger for long and every day brings something new to discover, that makes stepping out of your comfort zone feel natural. The city’s openness encouraged me to embrace challenges and new experiences.

I quickly realized that a place is what you make of it. It’s about the connections you build, the perspective you choose to adopt and how you engage with what’s around you. 

No matter where I was or what I was doing, Madrid taught me the importance of being present and open to the world around me.