How to make friends in Madrid

There are a number of "Meetup" or "Intercambios" in Madrid which provides an environment to meet people from other cultures. Both usually take place on scheduled nights in bars, oftentimes in Irish Pubs.

"Meetups" are just that, they bring people together and the rest is up to them.

"Intercambios" are billed as Language Exchanges but from the few I've attended there wasn't much exchange going on, eventually people pair-up with people of their own country or speak only one language among the group - usually English. The Spaniards attending these really seem to want to practice their English and so, almost by default, we English-speakers don't tend to try speaking Spanish.

But as I always say, if you can make just one good friend in Spain that'll open the door to all of their friends as well.

Generally speaking, I tend NOT to try to make friends with those of my same culture or even language but sometimes friendships spawn more easily with people of like languages or backgrounds.

If you can get yourself invited to just ONE party organized by Spaniards you're likely IN - even if you don't speak Spanish well. They're very interested in practicing their Spanish, as mentioned earlier, and find different cultures very interesting.

We can't be afraid to make the first move. Spaniards are very social so an invitation to get together for a drink is NOT immediately construed as being a date-offer. This goes both ways. Just because a cute Spanish girl asks an American man (in one example) DOES NOT mean she's interested in you romantically - although, who knows, it may evolve to that later.

Apart from the schedule bar gatherings, there are also a few other social gatherings which take place around Madrid from time to time. You just have to know where to look. Some social groups gather for lunches, dinners, and movies. I, personally, organize such things from time to time and have made some of my best friends here in Madrid in this manner. And those people attending often make new friends as well with others.

Saludos, MadridMan
http://www.MadridMan.com

Last edited by MadridManSpain (2008-11-20 11:33:56)

Hi,

Just arrived! Do you by any chance of any of this sort of Meetups or Intercambios? I speak English, Russian and Spanish (lived in Chile for 3 years). I am very curious about Spain, Madrid and about people here! Thanks for your articles!

I've recently moved to Madrid and I'm hoping to meet new people and have alot of fun.  I'm here on business so unfortunately don't know anyone outside of work.

Sounds interesting. I will be moving to Madrid for work reasons in December and don't yet know anyone so It would be great to attend if possible.