Activities - What to Do

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We craft original guides rooted in our firsthand experiences and thoughtful planning. Each article blends deep research, insider tips, and evocative imagery to inspire and inform. Whether you're mapping out your next trip or dreaming from home, there's something here for every explorer.

The Custodia of Toledo, a towering gilded silver monstrance, being carried through flower-lined streets during the Feast of Corpus Christi procession, with crowds watching from decorated balconies above.

Toledo! The Feast of Corpus Christi (and More...)

The Custodia of Toledo carried through the streets during the Corpus Christi procession A Special Week in Toledo Most visitors to Toledo, Spain see the city in its normal state. But one week out of the year is very special and in 2026 the week-long celebration runs from May 31 through June 7, with the main procession on Thursday, June 4. If you're visiting during this time, you're in for a special celebration. Whether you are visiting this week or not, be sure to read to the

May 145 min read

A towering festival figure known as a cabezudo, with an oversized painted head, wearing a houndstooth jacket and red neckerchief, photographed from below against a bright blue sky with Madrid apartment buildings in the background.

Celebrating San Isidro in Madrid – Updated for 2026 (May 15)

Chulapos dancing the Chotis Celebrating San Isidro in Madrid If you're traveling to Madrid during the first half of May, you're in for a treat! The feast of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro, is on May 15th and during the days leading up to it you'll get to see locals getting into the spirit. Click here to get the Essential 5‑Day Itinerary & Travel Guide — the exact plan I use to help travelers experience the city at its best. The Chotis The photo above is of Chulapos dancing

May 46 min read

Sevilla! Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

La Giralda, Cathedral Bell Tower, Sevilla, Spain Sevilla Travel Guide Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia, Spain, is a city steeped in history and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning architecture, flavorful tapas, and lively atmosphere, it offers a perfect destination for travelers. This guide will help you make the most of your time in this enchanting city, highlighting key attractions, historical context, and practical tips. Iconic Landmarks Key Terms Before we delve into

May 313 min read

Francisco de Goya's El Dos de Mayo (The Second of May 1808), showing Spanish civilians in fierce close combat with Mamluk cavalry soldiers during the uprising against French occupation in Madrid, on display at the Prado museum.

What Is Dos de Mayo? The Story Behind Madrid's Most Important Holiday

El Dos de Mayo (The Second of May 1808), by Goya (cropped; on display at the Prado museum) Many Americans treat Cinco de Mayo as little more than an excuse for a margarita, and it's easy to assume that Spain and Mexico share the same foods, holidays, and traditions. After all, Spanish is spoken in both countries. But the two cultures diverged centuries ago, when Spain colonized what is now Mexico, and their histories have followed very different paths ever since. Nowhere is t

Apr 214 min read

A dramatic bronze-toned sculpture of a winged figure displayed in a dimly lit gallery space, with “Salvador Dalí” signage on the walls indicating the entrance to the Dalí Infinito exhibition at Palacio de Gaviria.

Palacio de Gaviria Reopens With “Dalí Infinito”: Madrid’s New Must‑See Exhibition

Installation view from ‘Dalí Infinito’ at Palacio de Gaviria. Image courtesy of the exhibition site. Madrid just added a major new cultural stop to its map. After years of limited use, the Palacio de Gaviria has officially reopened its doors with a long‑term exhibition dedicated to Salvador Dalí – and it’s a standout. Palacio de Gaviria: A Little History Behind the Palace Long before Dalí arrived, the Palacio de Gaviria was already one of Madrid’s great showpieces. Built

Mar 272 min read

Shakira Madrid September & October 2026: Dates, Stadium Info, & How to Get Tickets

Medellín, Colombia - Photo Credit: Nicolas Gerardin Shakira Madrid September 2026 Shakira is bringing her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour to Madrid in a way the city has never seen before. A multi‑night residency in a custom‑built stadium will anchor her only European residency in September and October 2026. Demand is already enormous, and nine dates are now on presale. Confirmed Concert Dates Shakira now has nine scheduled shows in Madrid: September 18 September 19 Sept

Mar 272 min read

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Guide: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Interior Photo of Santiago Bernabéu Taken During the Tour Several Years Ago Whether you live in Madrid or you're just visiting, there's a good chance that you'll have a reason to go to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. You might not have thought so. Read on to find out whether this should be on your itinerary and if so, how you might get there. But first, take a few seconds to view the photos above . The cover photo and the first two photos in the gallery were from a visit we m

Mar 258 min read

Madrid! Holy Week, a Week of Traditions

Holy Week Procession in Madrid Religion in Spain and Madrid As a student I occasionally attended Catholic mass in Madrid, occasionally in the almost never sense of the word. That was in the years from 1986 through 1990. I didn't see many people my age in church. A quick google search really didn't inform me much at all. Depending on the source, the percentage of spaniards who consider themselves to be Catholic varies greatly with the highest statistic I found being 95%. Other

Mar 236 min read

Watercolor illustration of traditional Madrid dancers in Plaza de la Villa during Día de la Almudena, with a woman in a red polka-dot dress and white mantilla in the foreground holding white flowers, surrounded by couples in folk costume against a backdrop of historic arched buildings and Spanish flags.

Top 5 Things Tourists Shouldn’t Miss on Día de la Almudena in Madrid

Chulapos and chulapas in traditional Madrid dress bring Plaza de la Villa to life each November 9, with music, dance, and centuries of folk tradition. Madrid has a way of surprising you, even when you've lived there. During my two years studying in the city, November 9th (Día de la Almudena) came and went without me ever actually experiencing it. Both years, our school took advantage of the holiday to organize excursions outside the city, so while Madrid was celebrating its p

Nov 7, 20255 min read