Back
No image description provided

Campus Corner: Skates That Glide, Souvenirs to Hide & Warmth Inside ⛸️🔥

Veronica Drahos - Wednesday, April 8
 Campus Corner 

Welcome back to The Campus Corner! Every two weeks, we bring you closer to the people behind your program—not just as your experience team but as locals who love sharing the best of Madrid. We want to build a more personal connection with you and help make Madrid feel like home.

In each edition, you’ll find our favorite spots, from hidden cafes to campus must-visits. Whether you're looking for a brunch spot or just curious about what we love around the city, we hope our picks add something special to your day.

Let’s keep exploring together—enjoy this edition and we'll see you in the next one! Guiño

Meet Juanpe

Born in Argentina, raised in Spain, and with some Italian (fake) and French (really fake) in my last names, I’m the Associate Director for the MCXI and MDCB programs.

What does that mean? Honestly, still figuring it out, as I started in the position a couple of months ago only, but so far, it has been very fun and very hectic. 

Before this, I studied History and International Relations and worked at the UN in New York, first, and later, here. One of the projects I enjoy most now is Immersion Weeks. This year I'm travelling to Shanghai, and before, I went to Amsterdam, Cape Town and Ghana. Amsterdam and Cape Town were incredible—but Ghana was unforgettable. My first IE trip, my first time in Africa, and honestly one of the best experiences of my life.

Outside of work, I’m either sharing a cold beer with friends, soaking up the sun on a terracita, or cooking a big meal for people I love. And when everything lines up just right, I fire up the grill for an Argentinian asado—the greatest invention known to mankind. Rainy season and cold won't stop me, and I already have a couple planned for Christmas; the only way of showing love is through commitment, and commitment to asado, the greatest thing there is. 

Some things I enjoy:
📖 The Brothers Karamazov – A heavy but beautiful read. Still not sure if it leaves me feeling more hopeful or more existentially lost—but I keep going back to it.
🌞 Paseo del Pintor Rosales – My go-to spot in Madrid. It’s not about the views or the food—it’s just where I go to pause and watch things grow (props if you got that reference).
🎵 Mumford & Sons– My all time favorite band; good ole' stomp & holler, very 2010s, but they have been with me since I was very young, and they will be, probably, forever. If you don't know them, start with Babel, my favorite album of theirs.

🎉 The Grand Finale: Cabalgata de Reyes Magos de Madrid

📅 Date & Time: Sunday, 5 January 2026, starting around 18:00 from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz. 

📍 Route: Paseo de la Castellana → Plaza Dr Gregorio Marañón → Plaza de Colón → Paseo de Recoletos → ending at Plaza de Cibeles (around 21:00). 

🎊 Why it’s for you: It’s not just a children’s parade—imagine dazzling floats, lights, candy‑throws, and the city itself cheering in the New Year. Perfect for a group outing with fellow international students once the exams are done.

🧣 Pro‑tip: Arrive early (from ~16:00 if you want a good spot), wrap up warm, and use metro (traffic’s blocked). The final fireworks at Cibeles make for a memorable midnight‑ish photo opportunity.

Mini Madrid Moments: The €1 Souvenir Hunt

Looking for a small-but-mighty Madrid gift to take home (or just collect for yourself)? Three of our favorite coffee corners are hiding surprisingly cute souvenirs right by the door; and yes, you’ll need that €1 coin! Or multiple!🪙

• Klare Café – Brunch spot by day, aesthetic magnet always. Look for charming prints of Madrid — minimalist, monochrome, and just the right kind of souvenir.

• Hotel Avani Madrid – In the area for a coffee or a cocktail? Don’t miss the souvenir machine tucked by the entrance — filled with Madrid-inspired mini prints made to travel.

• Kon Kafé – Taking a stroll through the center? Be sure to stop by — this spot has the Christmas edition of the beloved souvenir machine, filled with festive flair.

If coffee runs through your veins: Naji Specialty Coffee 

Famed for its creamy pistachio latte, this café offers a unique twist on your caffeine fix as the new go-to spot in Malasaña. Enjoy artisanal pastries and vegan treats in a minimalist, industrial-chic setting. Whether you're diving into textbooks or catching up with friends, Naji provides the perfect backdrop.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00; closed on Mondays. 🥐

  • Recommendation: The creamy pistachio latte ☕

🍽️ Winter Feasts Worth Booking

Hosting family over the break? Or just craving a sit-down meal that feels like a warm hug? These three spots are perfect for winter catch-ups — hearty, local, and best enjoyed with a table full of people. Just don’t forget to make a reservation — these gems fill up fast!

• KŌTE: Korean and Japanese BBQ – This is not your average buffet. At this sleek Korean BBQ, staff grill premium cuts tableside — from bulgogi to wagyu — so you get all the flavor, none of the fuss. Great for family feasts or big groups who want to try everything. Just make sure to book ahead!

• Baldoria – Award-winning pizza with worldwide recognition. Their pies have placed at the Madrid International Pizza Championship and beyond, mixing Italian tradition with bold creativity. Come hungry — and bring people you like to share with.

• La Copita Asturiana – Rustic, cozy, and pure northern comfort. Think fabada, cider, and dishes that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. A hidden spot that feels like a local secret — until the weekend crowds arrive.

🍇 Twelve Grapes at Sol — The Classic Madrid Midnight Moment

When the clock strikes midnight on 31 December, join the thousands gathered at Puerta del Sol to eat one grape at each of the twelve chimes — a fun, spanish tradition to welcome the new year with some hopes, laughs and friends. 

Need to know: Arrive early, the plaza closes in to around 15,000 people with security checks; the metro station will be locked from 18:00 on the night. 

 It’s pure Madrid, iconic, and making it part of your year‑end plan means you’ll hit midnight with the city, not just your sofa.

🍰 Free “Roscón de Reyes” in Sol

On 5 January (from around 12:00 noon), head to Puerta del Sol where Aldeas Infantiles SOS will hand out over 7,500 portions of Roscón de Reyes — plus cups of hot chocolate — as part of one of Madrid’s sweetest traditions. 

🎟️ Free and open to all
💡 Tip: Arrive before noon to beat the queue — it’s popular for good reason.

A classic pastry, a central plaza, and 7,500 reasons to say yes.

Mercadillo del Gato

🗓️ Dates: From 12 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 at Centro Cultural de los Ejércitos, Calle Gran Vía 13, Madrid. 
⏰ Hours: Daily ~11:00–21:00. 
🎨 What you’ll find: Over 60 exhibitors showcasing fashion, artisan décor, premium stationery, natural cosmetics and a special pet‑corner.

💡 Why go: Ideal for finding unique gifts (or treating yourself). Central location, festive but not frenzied — a great way to dip into the holiday spirit between study sessions.

Campus Bites 😋: Ronda 14 

Ronda 14 is one of those rare finds that’s cool enough for your friends, impressive enough for your parents, and cozy enough for a date (without making your bank account cry too much).

It’s a beautiful, slightly wild mix of Peru, Asturias, and Japan. Yes, really. It shouldn't make sense, but it really does.

When to go:
• That group dinner you’ve been “meaning to plan” for weeks
• When your family visits and asks for “something local but different”
• Third dates (or fourth, or five-year anniversaries, you get the vibe)
• When you need a reason to wear something that isn’t sneakers

  • Recommendation: The gyozas de anticucho (spicy, smoky, and gone in two bites), go fresh with the tiradito in creamy ají amarillo, and go bold with the gunkan de huevo trufado, it's a tiny umami bomb.

🎄 Happy Holidays from Madrid!
As the city wraps itself in twinkling lights and the scent of cinnamon, we hope you find a moment to rest, recharge, and maybe discover a new favorite corner of Madrid. Wherever the break takes you may it be full of good food, great company, and a little magic. ✨
See you in the new year!

⛸️ Blades, Balance & Holiday Beats — Where to Ice Skate in Madrid

Whether you're graceful on the ice or just there for the tumbles and the vibe, Madrid’s rinks are open and sparkling. Here's where to glide into the season:

🧊 Plaza de España — The heart of “La Navideña” with lights, food, and a solid 450 m² to show off your slow turns. Perfect post-market spin.

✨ Plaza de Colón — A classic winter spot (800 m²!) right by the Serrano shops. Big rink, big atmosphere — best enjoyed at sunset.

🎨 Matadero Madrid — A cultural corner with its own icy flair. Bigger, breezier, and perfect if you like your skating with a side of indie.

💡 Pro tip: Weekdays = fewer kids. Gloves required. Hot chocolate afterwards strongly encouraged.

📢 A call to YOU! 📢

Madrid is full of amazing spots, and you've bee here 7 months now so who knows them better than you? 😉Whether it’s your go-to café for studying, the best late-night bites, or a hidden gem for weekend brunch, we want to hear about it!

💬 Drop your favorite places by pressing the button below and tell us why you love them! We’d love to showcase student-recommended spots—because the best places deserve to be discovered and shared! 🔥

Thank you for spending a little time with us!
We hope these recommendations add a spark of inspiration to your week. Now it’s your turn – pause for a moment and reflect on your day.

Whether it’s a “10” kind of day or one that could use a little lift, remember that tomorrow is a fresh start. We’re here to help make your time on and off-campus feel like home, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or tips with us, too.

If you're having a rough day, here is a cat video to try and make your day a tad better. Ojos de sonrisa 

Until next time,  
⭐ Your Campus Corner Team ⭐

Can’t find that spot we mentioned?

We know your inbox is packed, no worries! You can easily revisit the Campus Corner's past editions right HERE 😉
We're working on improving the site, so stay tuned for updates!