The Making of Madrid

Your guide to Spain’s capital

See another side of Madrid with Lonely Planet guidebook writer Felicity Hughes.

.Journalist Felicity Hughes has been living in Spain’s capital for more than ten years. With a wealth of knowledge at her fingertips, she runs unique historical walking tours of Madrid that show another side to the city.

Recent reviews

Press clippings

Popular posts from the archives

Madrid off the Beaten Track

Updated 19 May 2025 On a visit to Madrid, it’s really easy to fall into the well-trodden paths. While the Royal Palace, the Prado and Retiro are all excellent places to visit, shuffling along with the crowds of tourists, you can feel as if you’re being force-fed a cookie-cutter experience that lacks any authentic flavor. But…

Read More

The Joy of Moving to Madrid

The reality of moving to Madrid can be fraught with stress, so if you’re considering it, it’s great to hear some tips from people who’ve made the switch and come out smiling. Instagram foodie superstar Joy Figueroa is a great example as she’s managed to stay true to her name by maintaining a positive outlook throughout….

Read More

Eight scams to avoid in Madrid

Visitors coming to Madrid are often nervous about being targeted by scammers. A legitimate fear if you don’t understand the language and are reliant on the kindness of bilingual strangers to help you navigate your way around a foreign city. As problems can start as soon as you get off the plane with unscrupulous taxi drivers…

Read More

Where to find a bathroom in Madrid

Updated 19 May 2025 Navigating Madrid’s public restrooms can be a challenging adventure for tourists and locals alike. From historic streets to modern museums, finding a clean and accessible bathroom requires insider knowledge and a bit of strategic planning. Public bathrooms: the awful reality Finding a public bathroom in Madrid can feel like a quixotic quest….

Read More

Recent blog posts

Why Spain Has to Clamp Down on Airbnb

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 impacts…

Read More

From Civil War to Chinese New Year: The Fascinating Evolution of Madrid’s Usera

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”! https://open.spotify.com/episode/7J96NmML0CuVKmKzyCrxkE?si=0e6de5ce1aee432c 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…

Read More

New Audio Tour of the City’s Muslim Origins

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 not…

Read More

Midstream Madrid Itinerary: the Hidden Heart of Old Madrid

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJFCdwg6Xtk&t=2s The Secret Valley Between Two Hills Madrid’s original…

Read More

QUESTIONS?

Want to hear more about my tours? Get in touch to find out more.

Review Your Cart
0
Add Coupon Code
Subtotal