Madrid, by Hand
Don’t be a tourist.
Discover the real creative soul of Madrid.
Private tours designed around craftsmanship, conversation &curiosity.
I’m your guide, Heather Evans, a true local expert
Handpicked by Louis Vuitton to contribute to their Madrid City Guide – recognized for my expertise & insider knowledge. Still currently a valued collaborator today.
Guiding in Madrid since 2014 – over a decade of curating immersive experiences for travelers seeking more than just the typical tourist route.
A direct link to Spain’s creative elite – I personally know the artisans, designers, & trailblazers shaping Spanish craft & style today.
Designer of personalized Experiences for Luxury Hotels – Article on my most recent route for the Palace Hotel through Madrid’s barrio Salamanca.
A front-row seat to Madrid’s evolution – having lived here since 2008, I’ve witnessed the city’s transformation & know its creative heartbeat.
There is a side of Madrid I wish more visitors knew existed.
… which is why I’ve created these Private Tours that explore
Spanish craftmanship & introduce you to the humans who make
Madrid such a creative & inspiring place to live.
Before we begin, I like to learn what you’re curious about so I can create a personalized route with 4 – 5 stops just for you. Sometimes that means visiting Ateliers, Studios and Family Businesses to meet deeply talented Artisans, Designers and charismatic Shopkeepers. Sometimes it’s diving into Independent and Luxury Spanish Fashion Brands – especially great for the fashionistas. And sometimes it’s simply spending a morning being surprised as I take you through enchanting neighborhoods to meet the people who make Madrid what it is.
No fixed route. No script. Just a more personal way of getting to know Madrid through someone who has called it home for the past 18 years.
What to expect:
- A private 3 – 3.5-hour walking experience
- 4–5 carefully selected visits
- Meet artisans, designers, makers, shopkeepers & creative entrepreneurs
- Tailored to your interests before we begin
- Maximum 6 guests
From 300€
Madrid, by Hand
is also the name of my twice monthly, free Substack!
Subscribe to step inside the ateliers of the artisans & creatives shaping Madrid today.
Press & Highlights
Client testimonials
“The tour was hands down one of the coolest things I did in Madrid. Heather knows everyone and everything about the Spanish fashion & artisans scene – she took us to the most incredible boutiques and designers I never would’ve found on my own. It felt less like a tour and more like hanging out with a super-connected friend who just happens to know all the best spots!”
“I was on the hunt for unique pieces for my new NYC apartment, and Heather delivered beyond my expectations. She led me through the most niche corners of El Rastro, introducing me to incredible artisans and collectors with one-of-a-kind finds. It wasn’t just shopping – it was an adventure, full of hidden gems and fascinating people. I left with pieces that have a story, and a whole new appreciation for Madrid’s design scene.”
“My son set me up on a tour with Heather, and I’m so thankful he did – I worked in fashion for years and this was right up my alley. This wasn’t just a fashion tour – it was a deep dive into the minds of Spain’s most daring and creative designers. It could not have been any cooler. I was inspired & it made me see Spanish fashion in a whole new way.”
Cool. Connected. Creative.
Bio
Heather Evans is a champion of Spanish craftsmanship, fashion, and beauty – a true artisanal hype woman. Based in Madrid, she has been curating immersive tours and experiences since 2014 that celebrate Spain’s rich heritage, guiding clients through the worlds of luxury, craft, and style. A current collaborator on the Louis Vuitton Guide to Madrid and deep connections in the Spanish fashion scene, she aspires to be an ambassador and private guide for brands like LOEWE Foundation, SACo, Homo Faber, Círculo Fortuny, Llaves de Oro and Madrid Craft Week. Her work spans writing, interviews, and tours, shedding light on the artisans, designers, visionaries & rebels who shape Spain’s creative landscape. Passionate about slow, intentional, beautiful living, Heather brings history and talent to life, offering exclusive insights into the artistry of Spanish design.
Photo by Carlos Chavarria, from article in Monocle Magazine
