Madrid Stories: A Blog by a Local

From September 10-13, the galleries of Salamanca and Salesas open their doors for free. Here's how to pair top contemporary art with a proper draft vermouth.

If you're planning a trip to see Shakira live in Madrid in 2026, you're about to combine one of the biggest concert events in Europe this year with a visit to one of the continent's most exciting capitals. Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is closing out its record-breaking run with an extended residency in Madrid — her only European stop — and thousands of international fans are already building their itineraries around it. This guide covers everything you need t

Back in late July, we published a guide on traveling to Madrid during wildfire season. Two weeks on, the picture has changed a lot — and almost all of it is good news. Here's the update. The Sierra Oeste Fire: From Emergency to Aftermath The huge blaze that merged three fires west of Madrid — the one that triggered a national emergency and forced tens of thousands of evacuations — is no longer active. Spain's national emergency for the Madrid, Ávila and Toledo region was lift

¡Hola! If you thought Madrid only dazzled with its culture, vibrant food scene, and bustling streets, get ready—because Wednesday, August 12, 2026, is about to bring an absolute masterpiece to our skies: a Total Solar Eclipse! This isn't just any regular sunset. A total solar eclipse is a rare cosmic phenomenon where the moon passes perfectly between the earth and the sun, completely blocking the sunlight for a few breathtaking minutes. Daytime will briefly turn into twilight

Is It Safe to Travel to Madrid Right Now? What You Need to Know About the Wildfires Hearing news about wildfires in the region of Madrid and across Spain can cause concern if you have an upcoming trip scheduled. Should you cancel your trip? The short answer is no. Madrid’s city center is completely safe, fully operational, and welcoming visitors as usual. However, the situation does require extra planning if you intend to take day trips into nature or travel by train to surro

It’s official! Following the unprecedented success of last year’s inaugural game, the roar of the crowd, the gridiron strategy, and the pure thrill of the NFL are returning to our home turf this 2026. Madrid is officially cementing its place on the global map of major sports with this second international series game, and we finally have all the essential details! Whether you’re a die-hard Falcons or Bengals fan in the U.S. planning to cross the pond, or a local Madrileño eag

Pope Leo XIV’s visit brought central Madrid to a standstill in May 2026: the road closures, the metro stations affected and how the city coped.

What the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 meant for the city: the Caja Mágica, the clay-court atmosphere and how Madrid lives its two weeks of tennis.