The first few weeks in a new city are full of errands: the flat, the bank, the paperwork, the supermarket that never has what you want. Then one Friday evening comes round and you realise you have nobody to call. Almost everyone who moves to Madrid has that moment.
The good news is that Madrid is a sociable city with a large international population, and there are plenty of ways in. Here are the ones that tend to work.
Do the same thing more than once
Friendships come from repetition. One great night out rarely turns into a friend. Seeing the same faces every week does. Whatever you choose, pick something regular and keep going back for a couple of months.
Language exchanges
Intercambios are a Madrid institution. Bars host evenings where people practise Spanish and English, and other languages, swapping partners every so often. They are designed for meeting strangers, so nobody finds it strange that you came alone.
Classes and clubs
- Spanish classes: you meet other newcomers in the same situation.
- Sport: running groups, five-a-side football, climbing gyms and padel are all popular.
- Creative classes: drawing, dance, photography or improv. Shared effort breaks the ice.
- Volunteering: a way to meet locals as well as other internationals.
Online groups, used well
Community groups and event apps are useful for finding things to do. The trick is to use them to get out of the house, not as a substitute. Pick one event a week and go.
Going out on your own
Plenty of people in Madrid go to the cinema, a concert or a show alone. It feels strange the first time, then normal. Some evenings work better solo than others.
Why a comedy show is a good solo night
- You do not need to make conversation during the show, so there is no pressure.
- Shared laughter is a natural ice-breaker. It is easy to say something to the person next to you afterwards.
- Small rooms feel friendly. You are part of a crowd, not alone in a big hall.
- English-language shows attract other internationals, many of whom are also new.
Tips for your first night out alone
- Arrive a little early, when the bar is quieter and it is easy to chat.
- Sit near the middle rather than hidden in a corner.
- Have one easy opener ready: “Have you been to this show before?” works anywhere.
- Stay for a drink afterwards. That is when people talk.
- Do not overthink it. Everyone in the room came to have a good time.
Our shows as a regular night
Madrid Comedy Shows is a community of comedians who put on English stand-up comedy in Madrid. Our audiences are a mix of people who live here, people visiting and people who have just arrived. No Offense, But... involves the crowd a lot, which makes it a lively night if you come alone. The shows are at Off Latina in La Latina, a short walk from the metro.
If you are still choosing where to live, our guide to Madrid neighbourhoods for English speakers may help, and our guide to things to do in Madrid in English lists more regular activities.
Be patient
Building a social life takes a few months almost everywhere. Madrid is better than most cities for it, because people go out a lot and are used to newcomers. Say yes to things, go back to the places you liked, and it happens. A good first step: pick a date from our upcoming shows and come say hello.
