There are many places to study around the city, including the many parks (a lovely option in summer) as well as cafes, bars and libraries, some of which are open into the early hours of the morning for those longer revision sessions.
1. INHISPANIA’S LIBRARY (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 19:00)
Our school also has its own library (named “La Biblioteca”) which is open every week day for students. It’s wide, open windows overlook the charming city below, coupled with its comfy sofas, stylish plants, and natural lighting; it is the ideal working environment. Having the library in the school, not only means that you don’t have to travel far to class if you want to work before your lessons, but it’s the best place to complete your homework after class, whilst you are still in the zone and Spanish ‘mode’.
In addition, there is free internet access, a vending machine, a coffee machine, and you can make use of the photocopy machine for a very small charge (starting from €0.10 per page).
The library itself holds many books that students are welcome to take home on loan (€10 per book) which will be refunded once the book is returned. There are books not only focussed in the learning of the language with Spanish grammar and vocabulary exercises, but also about Spanish art, gastronomy and the history of Spain, as well as Spanish literature and novels. Reading in Spanish is a great and fun way to improve your language capabilities and expand your vocabulary, so why not take out a book today and start advancing your Spanish?
2. CAFÉ DEL ARTE (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 00:00)
Café del Arte offers a peaceful and relaxing place to study. With many hanging plants, warm lighting, and cozy seating, this café is my favourite place to study when I’m in the trendy area of La Latina. It holds its name ‘café del arte’ not without reason. You can order incredibly intricate designs in the foam of your coffee, from 3D cats, to personalised names, and beautiful hearts. This café also has delicious brunches to offer!
3. LITTLE BIG CAFÉ (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 19:00 / Saturday & sunday, 10:00 – 19:00)
While this café might be ‘small,’ it is certainly not without character! It is one of the most charming spots to study, with friendly staff, and tasty food from smoothies, cakes, breakfasts and delicious lunches. It isn’t often very busy, so it’s a great place for quiet studying!
4. FEDERAL CAFÉ (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 00:30 / Satuday 9:30 – 01:00 / Sunday 9:30 – 17:00)
Whilst this place might be known for its incredible, ‘instagramable’ brunches, the downstairs is a hidden gem for the studious. With its cosy interior, comfortable seating, sturdy tables, and tasty coffee, it makes for the perfect place for studying or taking work calls. For those warmer and sunny days, it also offers lots of outdoor seating.
5. MONKEE KOFFEE (Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 20:00 / Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 – 20:00)
One of the coziest coffee shops in Chamberi that is renowned for personally getting to know its customers! In addition to its exceptional customer service, they also offer incredible coffee as well as possessing a delicious bakery section. The exposed brick, and leather sofas make this a relaxed and stylish place to work, but the long wooden tables also make it a great location for group revision sessions.
6. LA CIUDAD INVISIBLE
This trendy bookstore-come-café is just the place for those looking to get some work done. Its large interior is perfectly suited for big groups, as well as individuals who fancy reading a book from its in-house library. You can also enjoy food from their delicious, healthy menu as you study or read away!
7. CAFÉ DE LA LUZ (Monday – Thursday, 10:00 – 2:00 / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 – 2:30 / Sunday 10:00 – 1:00)
Situated in the heart of Chueca, this snug and homely cafe is a great destination for those wishing to switch off from the outside world. Whilst this place is a bit eccentric and reminds me far too much of my grandmother’s sitting room, it is a charming place to fall deep into a book, or to work in a cozy room in the centre of Madrid. If you fancy a bite to eat they also offer a variety of toasties, cake and soups.
8. LA BICICLETA (Monday – Sunday, 10:00 – 00:00)
This cool, retro café in Malasaña is a great place to study. Not only do the hanging bikes make for a fun and edgy interior, but the wooden tables, sofas and natural lighting make it an ideal place to study or hang out with your friends. The brunch menu and cocktails are also a must try at this very ‘chilled out’ café.
