Living in the north of Madrid.
An English-language guide to living in the north of Madrid: how to get around, where the districts begin and end, and the local customs that puzzle newcomers.
Getting Around the North: Metro, Cercanías and the Big Interchanges
The north of Madrid is tied together by two interchanges, Plaza de Castilla and Chamartín. Learn those and most journeys become simple.
The Northern Districts at a Glance: Chamartín, Tetuán and Fuencarral-El Pardo
Three districts cover most of what people mean by north Madrid, with a ring of separate towns beyond them. Each has a different feel.
Monte de El Pardo: The Forest on the City's Doorstep
A protected forest covers roughly a quarter of the municipality of Madrid. Much of it is closed to the public, but the open parts are a short trip from the northern districts.
The Christmas Lottery: Why the Whole Country Stops on 22 December
Spain's Christmas draw is a shared ritual as much as a lottery. Newcomers are often invited to chip in before they understand how it works.
La Quiniela Explained: Spain's Football Pools and How They Differ From Betting
La Quiniela asks you to predict a list of football results as home win, draw or away win. It is a pool, which makes it a different thing from a bet at fixed odds.
Why Multi-Match Predictions Rarely Pay
Getting one result right is hard enough. Needing several at once shrinks the chance far faster than most people expect.
Gambling Rules in Spain for Newcomers
Spain regulates gambling at national and regional level. A newcomer mainly needs to know the age limit, who the regulator is and how to block themselves if needed.