To celebrate the Puertas Abiertas (open doors) art festival on May 31, this episode explores the history of Usera: how it went from being a quiet rural area to one of Madrid's most multicultural and creative districts. In it I talk about how the area resisted Nationalist troops during the Civil War, controversies over the name of its most famous estate and where most of its Chinese population hails from. The first of a three part guide to Madrid's Usera district, this one is close to my heart as this is my barrio (neighbourhood)!Further reading/watching:Colonias of MadridShanty towns in MadridEspacio Oculto organizes the Puertas Abiertas festivalVideo (in Spanish) about Qingtian, where most Chinese in Usera hail from

It's the fiestas de San Isidro right now and to celebrate Madrid's biggest festival, here's a video of me discussing typically Madrileño terms with my husband Sergio de Isidro. Here you'll find out about festival food, how to dress as a chulapo and chulapa, how to dance the chotis and much more! Oh, and you'll also meet our gato (cat), Jiji, the most Madrileño member of our household!

In this episode, I sit down with Katharine Cannings, a teacher, author, TV presenter, and entrepreneur who's been running Fun Box English for 18 years. Katharine shares insights from her new book, Fluent Families: A Road Map to Your Bilingual Home, drawing on both her professional experience teaching English through storytelling and her personal journey raising bilingual children in Madrid. From debunking common myths about language acquisition to offering practical strategies for multilingual families, Katharine provides a refreshingly flexible approach to raising children who can navigate multiple languages and cultures with confidence.

To celebrate the launch of my new guidebook, this episode takes a close look at three featured destinations in Quiet Madrid: Campo del Moro gardens, the Museum of Arts and Traditions, and Cine Dore cinema. Here, I take a deep dive into the history of each of these places and give tips on how best to enjoy each experience. All of these off-the-beaten path attractions are far from your usual tourist traps and provide a welcome respite from the tumult of Spain's capital city.

Not all Madrid attractions are worth the hype! In this episode, I reveal the most overrated spots in the city—and where you should go instead. From overcrowded markets to underwhelming landmarks, I’ll break down why some famous places just don’t live up to expectations. But don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging! I’ll also share my favorite underrated gems—hidden museums, quiet art spaces, and secret squares that most tourists miss. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of Madrid, this episode will help you explore the city like a local.

Did you know Madrid produces some cracking wine? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Daracott, co-owner of Madrid & Daracott and host of The Spanish Wine Experience podcast, to find out more about Madrid’s wine scene. From an exploration of the region’s Garnacha and Albillo wines, to why local wines are still hard to find in Madrid’s bars, we covered a lot of ground. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious about Madrid’s food and drink culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Join me for a wild ride through Madrid's most rebellious festival - the Burial of the Sardine. From rotten fish and royal mishaps to Franco's ban and Goya's artistic legacy, discover the surprising story behind this unique Ash Wednesday celebration that turns Lenten solemnity on its head.

In today's episode, I'm diving into the fascinating world of Madrid's street names and the stories behind them. From ancient traditions and local legends to controversial changes in modern times, street signs tell us so much more than just how to navigate the city. Join me, as I uncover the tales behind some of Madrid's most intriguing street names, starting with a neighbourhood that button-makers, reformist mayors, and even beloved fictional characters have called home.

In this episode, I sit down with the presenter of Spain to Go to settle the burning question of which city is better. Daniel has lived in both Madrid and Barcelona so he's a great person to weigh in on this debate that runs the gamut from speaking Catalan, to beach life, to architecture, to the cost of living. Not one for football fans!

From 16th-century duels to modern-day issues with gang violence, discover how societal shifts, economic challenges, and cultural factors have shaped crime in the city.