Curing Your App-etite: The "It" Apps to Use While Living in Spain

Adjusting to a foreign culture can be an isolating and daunting task. Personally, the exhaustion from constant language translation made me question if engaging in conversation was worth my energy. During my first weeks, I remember feeling drained after an average day. Soon this language barrier caused a slight loneliness. However, I understood that the only way to change my current unhappiness was through purposeful action. 

This feeling of disconnection is a common experience when one relocates to a new community. Luckily, living in the 21st century allows those living abroad to connect with others embarking on similar journeys or welcoming locals through the use of social media and other applications.

Below are the apps and resources I personally used to immerse myself.

Events and Entertainment 

Dice is the perfect app for anyone who lives for live music and events. It helps when hunting for concerts, festivals, or secret underground shows. The app provides personalized recommendations based on your selected music taste and it lets you book the tickets directly! Plus, it gives you real-time updates on sold-out events or last-minute announcements.

For electronic music lovers, I would recommend RA Guide (Resident Advisor Guide). From underground concerts to massive festivals, RA Guide curates your feed and gives you detailed information with artist profiles and venue info. Buy your tickets right one the app!

CityLife Madrid is great for recommendations on the best events, restaurants, and activities. Plus, with a small fee, you get access to exclusive discounts, letting you enjoy everything from tapas to tickets for less. Additionally, the app can help support your transition to living in Spain through their resources like Facebook groups for expats, SIM card assistance, and more.

Where to Go and How to Get There

Want to know Europe's version of Yelp? Surprisingly its Google Maps; your little pocket companion. You’ll get local restaurant reviews, attraction recommendations, and the hidden gems that locals love. Want to know when the café's siesta is? Google map has the info. 

Uber no more! Bolt is Europe’s version of our beloved Uber. Bolt provides cars, scooters, and even e-bike to get you around the city. 

And if Bolt's sometimes surge pricing has scared your pockets closed or trains nearby are fully booked, BlaBlaCar will come to the rescue. Blablacar is a long-distance carpooling app which lets you ride-share between cities. Personally, it has cut down my travel costs and saved me in a last minute crisis. You get to meet other travelers, share a ride, and can even bla-bla a few good stories along the way. 

Madrid Munchies

Too Good To Go is a mobile app that connects users with restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and other food establishments to purchase unsold food at a discounted price. Its goal is to combat food waste by offering “surprise bags” of extra items that would otherwise be trashed. If you've been eyeing a local pastry shop, chances are they are using Too Good To Go. You can browse nearby offers, reserve a bag, and pick it up during a designated time window. The app is super popular in Madrid and it provides affordable meals while promoting sustainability.

Learn the Language

DeepL is the translation tool that gets it right, offering super accurate, natural translations that go beyond the basic word-for-word. It understands certain cultural nuances that google translate can't pick up. 

No-brainer here: Duolingo! Duolingo has made my Spanish learning fun as the requirements for a daily streak goal are bite-sized, and effective. It’s gamified structure and contact adding capabilities allows for a little friendly competition.

Things to Remember

The key to overcoming that initial feeling of loneliness and disconnection is action, and these apps provide the tools needed to build a sense of belonging. From finding new places to visit and eat, to joining local expat communities or accessing useful services, these resources make Madrid feel more like home. In a city full of new faces and experiences, these are the digital companions that will guide you through the process, offering not just practical help but the support of a global community all at your fingertips.