Planning a trip to Madrid? Explore these incredible bookstores—from centuries-old treasures to modern hidden gems. Which one will you visit first?
Sure, football and tapas steal the spotlight in Madrid, but the city’s got a soft spot for books, too.
Whatever your thing is: fiction, old books, or artsy reads, one of these bookstores in Madrid has something you’ll love.
Libros para un Mundo Mejor
Leading the list of Madrid bookstores is one big on fiction, Libros para un Mundo Mejor. This spot has such character, from the cute, random objects like the tricycle outside the tall yellow building to the wooden boxes sitting on stools.
On the shelves, you’ll find plenty of Spanish books, with some French, English, and Italian options. Don’t forget to bring your old volumes along; they’ll buy them from you to resell or donate to places in need, like nursing homes and schools.
San Ginés Book Shop
The quaint street of Pasadizo de San Ginés leads to one of Spain’s oldest bookstores, the San Ginés Book Shop. Dating back to the 17th century, this semi-outdoor store deals mostly in antique and second-hand books, many of which are very reasonably priced.
Much of San Ginés Book Shop’s collection sits outside on small tables and shelves, protected by the tiny overhang of the roof. There’s also an inner box room with additional books, just in case they don’t have what you’re looking for outdoors.
Miguel Miranda Bookstore
Miguel Miranda Bookstore has a timeless charm that makes you forget about modern Madrid. A true antique bookshop in every sense, it was first founded in 1949 and became a fine gathering place for intellectuals on Prado Street before moving to Lope de Vega Street sometime later.
The interior is a work of art, with its winding spiral staircase and walls drenched in prints spanning two floors. The books are mainly in Spanish, but you’ll come across some in English as well.
The Secret Kingdoms
A relatively new spot in Madrid’s Literary Quarter, Secret Kingdoms is an English-language bookshop with something for both kids and adults. The relaxed, homey vibe here is unbeatable, made even better by the friendly owners and cute touches like the beige seating right in the center of the store.
Secret Kingdoms is actually the biggest bookstore in Madrid, covering an impressive 125 square meters. If you’re sticking around for more than a day or two, swing by for one of the author nights or storytelling sessions for children.
Pasajes
Love languages? Then Pasajes might just be your kind of bookstore. Spread across two floors, one level is entirely dedicated to books in different languages, like English, German, and French. They specialize in literature and philosophy, with the occasional educational option like essay collections.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior; the two spacious floors are more than enough to keep you browsing for hours. Everything is neatly organized by author and topic, so finding what you’re after won’t be hard.
Enclave de Libros
Nicely placed between Lavapiés and Barrio de las Letras, Enclave de Libros is a go-to spot for critical and politically focused reads. The shop is run by a friendly Spanish-Italian couple who are always happy to help visitors find something that fits their interests.
Not only is Enclave de Libros great for picking your next read, but it’s also a lively hub for discussion, hosting everything from seminars to exhibitions, where people come together to share ideas and debate.
Berkana
For anyone on the hunt for LGBTQ books, Berkana in the Chueca district is the place to go. A symbol of freedom and expression, Berkana has long been loved by Madrid’s LGBTQ community for its vast collection of essays, bibliographies, guidebooks, and more. They also sell themed merch like flags, mugs, and other bits.
You’ll easily be able to spot Berkana as you stroll down C/ de Hortaleza; just look out for the bright pink facade. When you enter the narrow, hallway-style space, you’ll see books lining both walls, with some even hanging on a fence surrounded by green leaves.
PANTA RHEI
PANTA RHEI is every art enthusiast’s dream. Their catalog is all about creativity, with books covering photography, graphic design, advertising, and illustration. They moved to Calle Hernán Cortés in 2005 to grow their range, and they’ve done a pretty great job of it.
The bold red-and-white tones, along with the sleek lighting, bring a stylish energy to the interior. Lately, they’ve also opened the store up for artists to showcase their work, which fits perfectly with the themes of the books they stock, so keep an eye out for an exhibit when you’re there.
Rafael Alberti Bookstore
A long-time favorite of the Argüelles district since 1975, Rafael Alberti Bookstore’s array of more than 25,000 titles may make the space feel cramped because there are just that many, but it gives the store an extra layer of personality.
Rafael Alberti Bookstore is the ideal location for discovering poetry, art, and humanities books. It’s also known for its presentations and storytelling sessions, which can be hugely beneficial if you’re feeling uninspired in your search.
Librería Dedalus
Librería Dedalus started out in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1971 and eventually made its way to Madrid in 1983. A hive for books on Latin America in general, as well as modern and contemporary art and humanities, you can find covers here in Spanish, French, English, German, and more.
Although Librería Dedalus has been open since 1983, you wouldn’t think it; the space is so well maintained, with impeccably arranged shelves. The sculpted heads dotted around the shop are also a quirky touch you’ll appreciate.
Pérez Galdós Bookstore
If you find yourself near Gran Vía, pop into Pérez Galdós Bookstore, where you’ll be surrounded by over 20,000 rare and out-of-print books, plus the occasional new title. Taking its name from the legendary author Benito Pérez Galdós, the shop captures a vintage appeal reminiscent of his era.
After just a few minutes of browsing, you’ll notice the collection leans toward a socially progressive angle. Even if you can’t find the book you’re looking for, ask the person working there; the collection is much larger than what’s visible on the shelves.
Opar
Opar in the Salamanca district is as niche as it gets, with its gothic and horror literature selection, including rare and independent titles by authors like Poe and Lovecraft.
But it’s not just the collection that sets it apart, it’s the location. Hidden away on the second floor of a building, it feels more like someone’s apartment, thanks to the double-paned windows and parquet flooring.
Librería García Prieto
Librería García Prieto is distinct from other antiquarian bookstores in Madrid for its remarkable lineup of rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
With a classical feel and friendly staff you could talk to for hours, you’ll feel right at home in Librería García Prieto. Considering how old the books are, many of them are fairly priced, unlike other antiquarian spots , which tend to jack up the prices.
Pérgamo
Hailed as Madrid’s oldest bookstore, Pérgamo almost went out of business some years ago until it was taken over by a group of young booksellers who revitalized it by blending traditions with fresh cultural energy.
Pérgamo prides itself on its diverse titles, from historical works to social sciences. Don’t think that just because the book you want isn’t in the big window display, they don’t have it. Head inside and check; you’ll be surprised at what you can find.
Librería Desperate Literature
One of Madrid’s hottest international bookshops, Librería Desperate Literature has you covered with a well-curated mix of books in English, French, Spanish, and more. From famed sci-fi titles to something more specific, like Eastern religions, whatever piques your interest, they’ll likely have it in stock.
Librería Desperate Literature also has a space set aside for kids looking to improve their language skills. On top of that, they occasionally host literary events in their shop, although they’re currently in the process of moving locations.
Casa del Libro
The chances are that if you’re stuck trying to find a book and can’t find it anywhere, Casa del Libro most likely has it. Known as Spain’s main bookstore chain, they have multiple locations across Madrid, but their main store is the one on Gran Vía.
With four nicely stocked floors to explore, there are books here on just about any topic you can think of, along with some additional products for sale, like maps. The elevator makes moving through the levels easy for everyone, including those in wheelchairs.
Librería Bardón
They just don’t build antiquarian bookshops with this kind of allure anymore. Established in 1947, this tightly packed shop where every title fits like a puzzle piece is now run by the third generation of the Bardón family.
Expect to stumble upon some old finds here, even some 18th and 19th-century prints. As tempting as it might be to snap a pic, the staff asks that you don’t, so just enjoy it with your own eyes.
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
