In cities around the world, a housing crisis is brewing, and platforms like Airbnb are increasingly being identified as part of the problem. What started as a seemingly innocent “sharing economy” concept has evolved into a force that’s reshaping urban housing markets—and not for the better. In my years living in Madrid, I’ve seen the […]
This is the first in a three-part series exploring Madrid’s Usera district. Look out for upcoming episodes/posts on “Things to Do in Usera” and “A Foodie’s Guide to Usera’s Multicultural Cuisine”! In a city as historically rich as Madrid, it’s easy to focus solely on the grand boulevards and famous plazas of the centre. But
From Civil War to Chinese New Year: The Fascinating Evolution of Madrid’s Usera Read More »
Think you know Madrid? Think again. Beneath the grand boulevards and baroque palaces lies a city with a very different origin story—one that’s largely hidden from view. My new audio tour with Voicemap, Medieval Madrid: A Guide to the City’s Muslim Past, peels back the layers of time to reveal a forgotten history that begins
Looking to escape the crowds in Madrid’s historic center? Just steps away from Plaza Mayor lies a peaceful neighborhood nestled between two ancient hills, where Madrid’s original streams once flowed. This hidden gem offers tranquil gardens, hushed churches, and authentic local spots that most tourists never discover. The Secret Valley Between Two Hills Madrid’s original
Midstream Madrid Itinerary: the Hidden Heart of Old Madrid Read More »
“Kids are like sponges—they’ll just pick up languages naturally!” If you’re raising bilingual children, you’ve probably heard this well-intentioned but oversimplified statement more times than you can count. As Katharine Cannings, author of Fluent Families: A Roadmap to Your Bilingual Home, explains in my recent podcast, there’s much more to raising bilingual children than simply
The Myths and Realities of Raising Bilingual Children Read More »
Madrid’s Lavapiés neighborhood is home to one of the city’s most overlooked cultural treasures: the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares. While this hidden gem lies off the beaten tourist track, offering a peaceful retreat from Madrid’s busier attractions, be warned that on a Sunday, you’ll find it closed when the bustling Rastro market takes
Hidden Gems: Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares Read More »
After eight years of blogging about the city of Madrid, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my new guidebook: Quiet Madrid. A great companion to the Lonely Planet Madrid guidebook I worked on last year, this book features my own photography taken during countless explorations of Madrid’s quieter side, along with tons of insider
Madrid is full of world-famous attractions, but if you only stick to the big hitters, you’ll miss out on some of the city’s most fascinating spots. For every overcrowded tourist trap, there’s a dusty but delightful museum waiting to be discovered. It’s a topic I tackle in my latest podcast, which you can listen to
What’s Not Worth the Hype (and Where to Go Instead) Madrid is a stunning city brimming with history, art, and culinary delights, but let’s be honest—not every so-called “must-see” spot lives up to the hype. In my recent podcast, which you can listen to by clicking on the audio below, I explain why these overpriced
Madrid is an excellent place to enjoy wine, not only because of the variety on offer but also because of the unbeatable prices. It’s a subject that came up when I recently interviewed Luke Darracott for my podcast. “Spain and actually, I would say Portugal are probably the best two in the world for price
