The Making of Madrid
The Making of Madrid is a podcast about Spain's capital, exploring the city's history, landmarks, and cultural quirks. Hosted by journalist and tour guide Felicity Hughes, it offers practical insights for visitors, expats, and anyone planning to stay in Madrid. Episodes blend storytelling with useful tips for understanding the city beyond the typical guidebook.
Episodios
A Walking Tour of Puente de Vallecas
In this episode, I take you on a self-guided walking tour of Puente de Vallecas: one of Madrid's most fascinating and overlooked working-class neighbourhoods. From its industrial origins and Civil War history to flamenco, Venezuelan street food, and one of the best sunsets in the city, this is a full day out that will make you see Madrid differently.The difference between Puente de Vallecas and Vi
Hemingway's Madrid with Stephen Phelan
Go to any historic bar in central Madrid and chances are Don Ernesto will have enjoyed an alcoholic beverage there. But Ernest Hemingway's love affair with the city went beyond watering holes - though obviously he loved a drink or ten! In this episode I speak with journalist Stephen Phelan about the writers' strong connection to Spain's capital. Stephen gives tours on Hemingway's M
Guide to the Rastro
Tumbling down the hill in downtown Madrid, El Rastro flea market is chaotic, historic, and endlessly entertaining. Join me for a complete guide to Madrid's oldest Sunday market, covering its fascinating history from medieval slaughterhouse to modern bargain-hunting paradise, with insider tips on where to find the best antiques, how to haggle like a local, and which hidden corners offer the most au
A New History of Madrid with Luke Stegemann
Luke Stegemann's 'A New biography of Madrid' has been a hit with both the Spanish and English language press. An ode to a city he has much affection for, it's a lyrical read that delves into the history of the city from its origins as an outpost of the Emirate of Cordoba, to the heart of a vast Catholic Empire, to its present day as a modern European city. In this interview we tried to cover as mu
Present Arms!
The Royal Armoury at the Palacio Real recently reopened to the public. To celebrate, I put together this episode featuring some of the highlights of the collection. From the cute armour worn by Carlos I's dog to the full suit made for Felipe II's marriage to Mary Tudor, I cover stories connected to the powerful Habsburg family before finishing up with a look at the newest items on display: beautif
Gluten Free Madrid
Unable to eat wheat and worried about a trip to Madrid? Worry no more! Event photographer and videographer Gareth Sewell knows better than most about this subject: despite being diagnosed as having Celiac disease a few years ago, he has continued to go out and enjoy the restaurant scene. In this interview we talk about why Madrid is still a great destination if you can't eat wheat, the vocabul
Sistine Chapel of Tile Art Reopens
Los Gabrieles on Calle Echegaray has finally reopened after more than 20 years, and it was worth every minute of the wait. In this episode, I dig into the history of one of Madrid's most spectacular bars and the remarkable renaissance of commercial ceramic tile art in the city during the 1920s.Places mentioned in this episode:Los Gabrieles, Calle Echegaray 17, Barrio de las Letras — no reserva
A Black History of Madrid
What does Madrid's history look like when you include the stories that have long been left out? In this episode, I sit down with activist and tour guide Kwame Ondo. He's spent years piecing together the hidden history of Black people in Spain — from pre-Colonial trade routes and the time of Al-Andalus, through to the slave markets of Seville and the abolitionist movement of the First Republic — to
Madrid in 3 Days: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
Planning your first visit to Madrid? This episode contains a three-day itinerary designed to give you an authentic taste of Spain's capital city. On day one, you get oriented with the city's historical background, day two covers art, while day three takes you shopping. But nothing is set in stone: alongside big-name attractions, I give you lesser-known alternatives to suit your individual needs: f
Guide to Malasaña
Graffiti-spattered yet elegant Malasaña is filled with achingly cool boutique shops and hidden treasures. Once seedy and even a little dangerous, it's been transformed for better and worse in the past few years by gentrification, making it a safer, yet increasingly chichi destination. While its heart is in Plaza Dos de Mayo, the great thing about Malasaña is that it sprawls across a wide area, so
Fitness in Madrid with Marietta Sandilands
How healthy is the famous Mediterranean diet really? And where can you stay fit in Madrid without breaking the bank? In this episode, I chat with personal trainer and nutrition coach Marietta Sandiland about navigating health and fitness in Spain's capital.In it Marietta shares the surprising truth about changing dietary patterns in Spain, where to find the best fresh produce, and how Madrid&#
Where to stay in Madrid: neighbourhood guide
To get the best out of a stay in Madrid, it's important to stay in the right area. This episode covers the advantages and disadvantages of all the main barrios (neighbourhoods), so you can make an informed decision. It's an honest guide, so there are a couple of areas I recommend avoiding, but you'll have to listen to find out where they are. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE c
Season Two Preview
Season two of The Making of Madrid is on its way! Before the new episodes drop, I'm taking you behind the scenes with a roundup of my five favourite episodes from season one. From the wildly popular "Overrated and Underrated" episode to a deep dive into Madrid's hidden Islamic heritage, literary culture, and the story of a remarkably powerful woman in 16th-century Spain, this pre
Fruity Christmas Special archive episode
In this fruity festive issue from the archives, I reveal all about the history of the madroño or strawberry tree and explain why it's part of Madrid's iconography. I also delve into why Spanish people eat 12 grapes at New Year along with the bongs from the clock in Sol. This is an archive episode from 2024. For an updated blog post based on the episode, visit the Making of Madrid, there
Christmas in Madrid archive episode
In this festive episode of Making of Madrid, I take you through the magical experience of Christmas in the Spanish capital. From bustling holiday markets and dazzling illuminations to the rich traditions of El Gordo lottery and Three Kings Day, discover everything you need to know to enjoy the festive season in Madrid. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about how the city celebrates,
Saving Madrid's Trees with AmyJo Doherty
Madrid's plazas are being systematically stripped of trees. In this last episode of the first season of The Making of Madrid, musician and activist AmyJo Doherty (sister of Pete Doherty) shares the story behind the "No a la Tala" movement—a campaign fighting to preserve Madrid's green spaces against development projects that prioritize tourism and construction over the city's
Kevin Ingram on the Conversos
Narratives surrounding Spain's Jewish converts to Christianity and their descendants (known collectively as conversos) understandably focus on the victimization of this community. Historian Kevin Ingram shifts the perspective a little by asking what role they played as innovators in modern Spain. In the latest episode of the podcast to coincide with the presentation of his book Converso Non-co
Madrid's Hidden Islamic Heritage 2/2
Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the
Madrid's Hidden Islamic Heritage 1/2
Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the
Autumn reads with David Price
David Price, owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop in Madrid takes us through some autumnal reads. He also discusses his personal essay about his love affair with Madrid that was published by Ybernia press in the recently released Stray Cats compilation as well as the Guide to Madrid’s Literary District, a book he and I launched last year.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Be
Is Madrid Still Worth Visiting?
Overtourism has become an increasing problem in Madrid with rising accommodation costs, endless queues and growing resentment from locals making tourists think twice before booking a trip. A trip to Kyoto this summer on assignment for Lonely Planet made me view the problem from a different angle as the Japanese city is dealing with similar issues. Is Madrid still worth visiting? Check out this lat
Quiet Madrid: Campo del Moro
Tucked away under the palace is this lush green oasis that not many people stumble upon because the access points are not that obvious. One of the destinations featured in my new book Quiet Madrid, this place is a world away from the Madrid most tourists encounter. For more, visit my blog. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The
A Guide to Usera Part 3: Restaurants
Usera is a foodie's heaven with Chinese, South American and Spanish options galore. Here I've listed all my favourite places to eat out. If you follow my advice, I guarantee you'll eat well and cheaply. For links to restaurants, check my website.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a cop
August Festivals in Madrid
Proof that there is fun to be had in August even though half the city has decamped to the beach! In this episode I introduce three festivals held in Lavapiés during our hottest month. In it you'll learn what a verbena, a vestido chinés and a manton de manila is as well as hear a little bit of my impromptu singing of a zarzuela classic! Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid B
Guide to Usera Part 2: Things to Do
Proof that there is life outside Madrid's M30 ring road, the second part of my Guide to Usera goes into what to see and do in Usera from checking out its groovy sundials, to mooching round Chinatown to cycling by the river. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to
How to Survive Summer in Madrid
My essential Madrid Summer Survival Guide takes you through strategies for enjoying Spain's capital during its scorching summer months. Join me as I explore how to navigate Madrid like a local when temperatures soar above 40°C (100F)—from booking accommodations in the cooler northern neighbourhoods to embracing the traditional siesta rhythm. I'll share insider tips on early morning explora
A Guide to La Latina
In the heart of old Madrid and yet a world apart from the touristy mayhem surrounding the royal palace, La Latina is the perfect place to base a stay in the city. For me, the steeply sloping squares and cobbled streets of the barrio (neighbourhood) offer a tranquil retreat into historic Madrid. By contrast, the bustling Cava Baja and in Mercado de Cebada in the upper section are a foodie heaven. A
Why Spain Has to Clamp Down on Airbnb
In this episode, I'll be exploring how short-term vacation rentals are contributing to the housing crisis in Madrid, where locals increasingly struggle with skyrocketing rents and limited housing availability. In it, you'll hear about the human impact of these changes and practical alternatives for responsible tourism. Despite sensationalist reports, Spaniards are not asking for all touris
Guide to Usera Part 1: History
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
Madrileño words with Sergio de Isidro
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 hou
Raising bilingual children with Katharine Cannings
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. Fr
Quiet Madrid launch
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
Overrated & Underrated: Madrid’s Tourist Traps and Hidden Treasures
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 sec
Madrid's Wine World with Luke Darracott
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 lo
The Burial of the Sardine
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.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHS
The Stories Behind Madrid's Most Famous Street Streets
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 th
Madrid vs. Barcelona with Daniel Welsch
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!Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid B
A History of Violence in Madrid
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. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. https://s
The Joy of Foodie Madrid
A chat with Instagram foodie icon Joy Figueroa (aka JoyofMadrid) about the perfect tortilla, her passion for vermouth, the hottest restaurants in town, the best foodie souvenir to bring home from Madrid, the Mercado de Productores farmers' market, cocido and where to eat it, foodie phrases, the city's best foodie markets. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the
Fruity Christmas Special
In this fruity festive issue, I reveal all about the history of the madroño or strawberry tree and explain why it's part of Madrid's iconography. I also delve into why Spanish people eat 12 grapes at New Year along with the bongs from the clock in Sol. Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a
Literary Madrid
In this episode, I discuss the history of Madrid's literary hub, the Barrio de las Letras, and its famous writers. I also share book recommendations set in the city and interview James Hartley, editor of the newly launched Madrid ReviewVisit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps://shr.pn/tiNHSupport The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid,
Christmas in Madrid
In this festive episode of Making of Madrid, I take you through the magical experience of Christmas in the Spanish capital. From bustling holiday markets and dazzling illuminations to the rich traditions of El Gordo lottery and Three Kings Day, discover everything you need to know to enjoy the festive season in Madrid. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about how the city celebrates,
Retiring to Madrid for US Citizens with Marsha Scarbrough
Officially the very first exile to Spain from Trump, Marsha Scarbrough knows a thing or two about life in Madrid as a US expat. This interview covers not only the practicalities but also the fun parts. Marsha is a fascinating character and I'm sure you'll find this one not only informative but entertaining.Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebookhttps:
Halloween vs Día de Todos los Santos
In this episode, I dive into the fascinating intersection of Halloween and Día de Todos los Santos in Spain. I explore the history of these celebrations, from their religious roots to modern controversies over American Halloween traditions making their way into Spanish culture. Along the way, we discuss quirky customs, including spooky plays, cemetery visits, and my personal experiences with Madri
Specialised English Teaching and the Manzanares River with Clare Starkie
In this episode, I sit down with Clare Starkie to explore the intersection of language and culture in Spain, focusing on her work teaching English for the heritage industry. We discuss the unique dynamics of Madrid vs Barcelona, the often-overlooked history of the Manzanares River, and the fascinating prehistoric roots of Madrid. Clare shares insights into specialist English teaching and how it su
Caroline Fish on Juana of Austria and the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
In this episode, I talk with historian Caroline Fish, an expert on Spanish women in diplomacy during the Renaissance. Tune in if you're curious to hear about the life of Juana of Austria and her creation of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales as a center of royal power. We explore how convent life for aristocratic women in 16th-century Spain offered surprising freedom, delve into the role o
Welcome to The Making of Madrid
In the introductory episode of The Making of Madrid, host Felicity Hughes gives a sneak peek into what her new podcast is all about. Drawing on her 12 years of living in Madrid and her experience as a journalist, she shares her passion for the city’s culture, history, and traditions. Felicity introduces listeners to the blend of storytelling, interviews, and travel tips they can expect in future e
