From: IE Business Masters
Date: March 19
Subject: The Campus Corner: Rain, Rain, If You Stay—Museums & Markets Save the Day! 🎨☔


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 Maria Grazia

Originally from Dugenta, a small town (very small!) in the Sannio area, not far from Naples, Maria Grazia came to IE as a student and fell in love with both the school and Madrid. Now, she leads MDCB, MCXI, and TDHR, bringing her passion for learning and leadership to the community.

Curious and always on the move, she loves training, discovering art, and getting lost in a dance floor. A collector of unique finds, she sees personal style as storytelling. With a deep love for good food (pizza above all!), meaningful conversations, and lifelong learning, she finds inspiration in culture, experiences, and the people around her.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

How do you enjoy spending your alone time?A perfect solo day starts with a morning workout—currently mastering a handstand! Then, a great book over specialty coffee. Lately, I’ve been reading Michela Murgia, whose sharp social commentary and storytelling captivate me. If time allows, a visit to El Museo de la Neomudéjar for some avant-garde inspiration is a must.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Coldplay’s Viva la Vida tour in 2008—unforgettable! The energy, the music, and the way thousands of strangers came together made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What is your favorite type of exercise?
Swimming and functional training! I usually swim three times a week (except now—recovering from bronchitis!) and train in the mornings to start my day strong.

Do you collect anything?
Earrings, especially handmade ones—they reflect my mood and personality. I also collect vintage silk shirts, with El Rincón de Tía Jo in Malasaña being my go-to spot.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life?
PIZZA—specifically, Pizza Napoletana! My favorite spot in Madrid? Fratelli Figurato’s Mortadella, Burrata e Limone. Try it, and let’s grab a coffee to discuss how amazing it is! 😊

🎨 Don't miss this:
RAINY DAY EDITION☔️

It’s been raining a lot lately, but don’t let the weather stop you from exploring! Here are some fantastic, free exhibitions you can check out while staying dry:

  • Sala Alcalá 31: A contemporary art space featuring incredible modern art collections.
  • Museo de Historia de Madrid: Step into Madrid’s rich past with fascinating historical exhibits and check out their temporary exhibition. 
  • Espacio Fundación Telefónica: Discover cutting-edge art, technology, and digital culture, with multiple free exhibitions going on at a time

Grab your umbrella and dive into some culture — these exhibitions are worth the visit, rain or shine! 🌧️

Campus Bites😋

Lunch around campus: Ramen Kagura
Craving a heart-warming Japanese meal? Ramen Kagura, located barely 6 minutes away from IE, offers a delightful escape into the world of ramen and more.

Try their Menú del Medio Día (Mon-Fri, 13:00-16:00) with options like Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Curry, Mazesoba, Vegan Ramen... and more! All served with tasty sides. Check out them all out here and slurp your way to happiness! 🍜✨
  • Recommendation: I love to go seasonal, but their tonkotsu ramen is *chef's kiss*. It’s their signature dish and an absolute must-try.

Wine vs. Beer – The Ultimate Showdown

Alright, campus crew—let’s settle an age-old debate: 🍺 vs. 🍷.

Team Beer: Easy to grab, refreshing, and perfect for game nights. Nothing beats an ice-cold pint after a long day!
🍺 Cuatro Gatos – A go-to spot for national and international brews, mouthwatering tapas, and nachos that hit just right. Plus, there’s plenty of space to chill and a foosball table donwstairs for some friendly competition. 🐱

Team Wine: Smooth, sophisticated, and a great way to slow down and savor the moment.
🍷 FUN FUN – A cozy gem specializing in natural Spanish wines, perfect for those looking to explore unique flavors in a relaxed setting.

So, what’s your pick? 🍺 or 🍷? No wrong answers—just good drinks and great vibes!

Market Magic: ✨ Gustoo

Gustoo turns Michelin-level flavors into street-food fun! Located in Madrid’s Mercado de San Antón, they serve up creative, high-end bites without the high-end price.

  • Recommendation: King Prawn Filloa, but honestly anything, feel free to ask for their own recommendations as well

If coffee runs through your veins:
Utøpico Specialty Coffee

This small café in Salamanca is infused with the influence of its Syrian and Yemeni owners. Expect a delightful fusion of flavors with strong nods to Middle Eastern cuisine, don’t miss the Labneh or the Habibi toasts!

Fun fact: They roast their own filter coffee right there, after closing hours, in small batches, ensuring quality in every cup. They even offer training workshops, which you can check out here.

  • Recommendation: For a sweet treat, go for their baklava, it's sure to brighten your day 🌄☀️. And if you're feeling adventurous, check out their drops: bold & innovative. Cardamom latte? Coconut matcha? HMM... YES
  • Student review: I tried the drip coffee and the cardamom latte—both had bold, rich flavors that instantly awakened my senses. As part of the “Arabic” culture while having my coffee, I got the Baklava and it felt like heaven in my mouth! Would 100% go again!

Craving a taste of the Netherlands? 🌦️

HollandBite —just 6 minutes from IE!— brings authentic Dutch flavors to Madrid with freshly made Stroopwafels and Poffertjes. Enjoy them in their cozy shop or take some home. Looking for a unique gift? They also have a selection of Dutch goodies to share! 😉

We Gotta Talk! 🔥 Your Picks, Your City

This week’s top student recommendation is in!
🍪 Check out Panadería Evelia: "Best Venezuelan bakery ever. It’s a Caracas legendary bakery!!"

You can bet we were there first thing in the morning after getting this recommendation. And it made our day 😍 We loved the Dulce de Maracuyá, plus we asked a good Venezuelan friend (a local foodie who's been raving about this place for a VERY long time) and he recommended the Golfeado (in the picture) and Cachito de pavo y queso crema.

Now it’s your turn! Got a favorite hidden gem in Madrid? A weekend getaway spot? A must-try dish? We’re all ears!

📢 Hit the button below and share your best finds! Your tip might just be featured in the next edition. 😉

A call to our... Lebanese students!

Lebanese students, this one’s for you! 🌍✨ Where do you go for the best shawarma, Arabic coffee, or hidden Lebanese gems in Madrid? We want your top picks—restaurants, cafés, and more!

Your recommendations will shape the ultimate Lebanese guide to Madrid. Hit that button, share your faves, and let’s bring a taste of Lebanon to Madrid! 

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 ⭐

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