Looking for the best bookshops in Madrid? As someone who has visited the city hundreds of times – and who recently started a BookTok and BookTube channel after being a lifelong bookworm – I wanted to share my personal take on Madrid as a destination for book lovers. From independent bookshops and local writers to novels set in the city, this guide also includes a map with 35+ literary locations so you can save it and navigate Madrid like a pro.
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Madrid for Book Lovers: The Ultimate Literary Guide
Madrid is a dream destination for book lovers – especially if you speak or are learning Spanish – because the city is filled with bookish gems that are often hard to discover online. From historic bookshops and literary cafés to hidden museum stores stocked with Madrid-inspired reads, the city invites you to slow down and get lost between the shelves. With countless places offering books in different languages and genres, Madrid caters to every kind of reader. Whether you’re searching for rare editions, English-language novels, travel inspiration, or beautifully designed coffee-table books, Madrid truly delivers.
As a lifelong bookworm who recently launched a BookTok and BookTube channel – and with my love for #Madrid being no secret – creating a dedicated book-lover’s itinerary for the city felt only natural. With so many unique bookshops where getting lost in the world of books becomes a memorable experience, I’ve gathered all my favorite bookish spots into a Google Maps list that you can easily save and explore at your own pace.
If wandering through bookshops is your idea of happiness, these are the places you shouldn’t miss in the city of Madrid.
The Best Bookshops in Madrid
While Madrid is full of fantastic bookshops, these five are currently my personal favorites. Two of them are the best places in the city to find books in English, one feels like a tiny museum filled with bookish magic, another perfectly blends books with travel and adventure, and the last offers a little bit of everything – making it easy to find something special no matter what you’re looking for.
In-Verso
My current favorite bookshop in Madrid is In-Verso. I stumbled upon it while shopping in the city and immediately fell in love with its beautiful interior and thoughtfully curated book selection. The staff are incredibly friendly and deeply knowledgeable about books, which makes every visit a pleasure.
In-Verso offers a wide range of titles in both Spanish and English, so if I could only visit one bookshop in Madrid, this would definitely be the one. They also host book events and readings, and I’m hoping to attend one next time so I can share more details. You can find this bookshop on IG as @inversolibros.
Since the shop is relatively new, it doesn’t appear in most travel or bookstore articles yet, which made discovering it all the more exciting.
Address: C. de Augusto Figueroa, 21, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Miguel Miranda Bookshop
Miguel Miranda Bookshop is a tiny, atmospheric hidden gem and one of the most charming literary spots in the city. Downstairs, you’ll discover rare editions, while the upstairs space is filled with vintage books – mostly in Spanish. Prices aren’t displayed, so you have to open each book to find them, a small detail that only adds to the shop’s quiet sense of magic.
Address: Calle Lope de Vega, 19
Librería Desnivel
Arguably the best bookshop in Madrid for travel lovers, Desnivel specializes in travel literature, guidebooks, adventure writing, mountaineering, and outdoor exploration. It’s the first place I recommend to anyone who shares my love for the Pyrenees and adventure travel in Spain.
The shop is also wonderfully dangerous for book lovers, offering an irresistible selection of bookish souvenirs and outdoor-inspired merchandise – perfect for finding unique, handcrafted gifts from Spain.
Address: Plaza de Matute, 6
The Secret Kingdoms
The Secret Kingdoms is the ultimate destination for English-language books in Madrid. If a title is trending on BookTok, chances are it’s on their shelves. Fantasy and romantasy fans in particular will feel right at home here. While the shop highlights what’s currently popular, it’s also a fantastic place to browse all the Goodreads favorites in one convenient spot.
Address: Calle de Moratín, 7
La Central de Callao
One of Madrid’s most popular and centrally located bookshops, La Central de Callao isn’t my personal favorite among Madrid’s bookshops, but thanks to its central location, it’s easy to include in any Madrid itinerary. The shop gets quite busy in the afternoons, but it offers a great selection of books, mostly in Spanish.
Address: C. del Postigo de San Martín, 9, Centro, 28013 Madrid
Pasajes Librería Internacional
Pasajes is a must-visit for anyone seeking international and foreign-language books. The shop offers an excellent selection of titles in English, French, German, and other languages, spanning a wide range of genres. It’s a long-standing favorite among expats and international readers living in Madrid, making it the perfect spot to discover books from around the world.
Address: Calle de Génova, 3, Chamberí, 28004 Madrid
My go-to platform for discovering audiobooks is Libro.fm, which I love because it supports independent bookstores around the world.
Popular Madrid Bookshops You Can’t Miss (+ Full Map)
Beyond my personal favorite bookshops in Madrid, the city is full of spots every book lover should check out. Two of the most popular are Casa del Libro, a true Madrid classic. Though I personally prefer shopping on their Spanish website since they carry one of the largest selections of titles in the country.
Another trendy destination is Librería La Mistral, a small but beautifully designed space that combines books with a café. It’s conveniently located near many major landmarks, making it an easy stop on any Madrid itinerary. I especially enjoyed their selection of Japanese books and the golden-edged classic editions, though overall it’s not my go-to spot – but definitely worth visiting at least once.
For vintage and second-hand books, ReRead is a must. With several locations across the city, you can explore a wide range of pre-loved titles and rare finds.
On the map below, you’ll find 35+ booklover destinations across Madrid. No matter which neighborhood you’re staying in, there’s always a new bookshop around the corner waiting to be discovered. Save this map for later here.
Hidden Literary Gems in Madrid
One unexpected highlight for book lovers is the Museo de Historia de Madrid. While the museum itself is well worth a visit, its souvenir shop is a true hidden gem. The shelves are filled with novels, guidebooks, illustrated histories, and stunning coffee-table books – all focused exclusively on Madrid.
It’s an incredibly handy place to find books set in the city or by Madrid-based writers, something that can be much harder to track down in regular bookstores crowded with thousands of titles. Many of the books are available in both Spanish and English, making this museum shop one of the best spots to discover international, city-focused reads.
Another fascinating destination for bibliophiles is the Imprenta Municipal, a lesser-known Madrid museum with free entry. It’s a delight for anyone interested in the art of printing and illustration in Spain. During my visit, the museum featured small exhibitions dedicated to different illustrators, and a charming reading corner stocked with free books for children, adding to the experience’s warmth and charm.
Vintage Books in Madrid
If you’re looking for hidden bookish gems and budget-friendly reads in Madrid, Ábaco Libros Usados (address: Calle del, Librería, C/ del Gral. Álvarez de Castro, 3, 28010 Madrid) is the coolest vintage bookshop in the city – perfect for anyone who loves giving second life to pre-loved books. They offer titles in both Spanish and English (though the selection of Spanish authors is much broader), and you can often find real treasures for just 3–4 euros. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt because you never know what you’ll end up discovering.
Best Books About Madrid
Whether you’re planning a trip, reminiscing about time spent in the city, or simply want to travel through Madrid’s streets and history from the comfort of your home, these books will transport you straight to the heart of Spain. From royal history and hidden alleys to fiction brimming with atmosphere, there’s something for every reader.
If you’re planning to go bookshopping in Madrid, I also recommend checking out my post on contemporary Spanish writers – so you’ll know exactly what to look for while exploring the city’s charming bookshops.
Illustrated Atlas of Madrid History by Pedro López Carcelén
A beautifully crafted visual journey through Madrid’s history, Illustrated Atlas of Madrid History traces the city’s evolution from its earliest days to the vibrant capital it is today. While designed with children in mind and a perfect choice for those seeking Spain’s top children’s books, it’s equally engaging for anyone interested in Spanish history. The book combines detailed maps, illustrations, and insightful commentary to bring neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks vividly to life, making Madrid’s past accessible and captivating for readers of all ages.
Madrid: A New Biography by Luke Stegemann
Another fantastic book about Madrid that feels like a conversation with the city itself is Madrid: A New Biography by Luke Stegemann. He weaves together history, politics, culture, and personal observations to create a vivid portrait of the city. It’s a fascinating read that provides deeper insight into Madrid, making it especially rewarding to explore its top landmarks and neighborhoods afterward.
Spanish Fashion in the Age of Velázquez by Amanda Wunder
Spanish Fashion in the Age of Velázquez is a perfect coffee-table book for anyone fascinated by Spain and Madrid. It offers a captivating exploration of fashion, power, and identity during the country’s Golden Age. Focusing on the era of Velázquez in Madrid, the book uses clothing as a lens to reveal court culture, social hierarchy, and political symbolism in 17th-century. A must-read for art lovers in Spain.
Al umbral de la Plaza Mayor by Olivier Sterckx
This atmospheric book centers on one of Madrid’s most iconic spaces: Plaza Mayor. While it’s only available in Spanish, the edition itself is beautifully produced, combining history, urban storytelling, and cultural observation.
Madrid Hidden Gems by Mark and Peter Besas
If you love Madrid and, like me, have visited the city countless times, it’s time to discover its hidden gems. Perfect for curious travelers, Madrid Hidden Gems by Mark and Peter Besas is a guide that goes beyond the usual highlights, uncovering lesser-known corners, secret streets, and unique spots that reveal a different side of the city.
Madrid in White by María Morenes
If you’re looking to enjoy snow in Spain, this coffee-table book offers a visually striking and poetic portrayal of Madrid through a softer, quieter lens. While I love visiting Madrid in December, actual snowfall is quite rare, which makes the snowy cityscapes in the book all the more captivating. It’s especially appealing to photography enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates aesthetic, story-driven imagery.
Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom
Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom is an international bestseller. This historical novel, set in post–Spanish Civil War Madrid, weaves a gripping tale of espionage, moral tension, and intrigue – all while vividly capturing the atmosphere of the city, allowing you to experience Madrid from the comfort of your own couch.
An Englishman in Madrid by Eduardo Mendoza
Set in Madrid just before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Riña de Gatos (also published in English as An Englishman in Madrid) is one of the city’s most famous novels. Eduardo Mendoza masterfully weaves satire, intrigue, and sharp social commentary, vividly bringing to life a city on the brink of chaos. I recently picked up this book at one of Madrid’s vintage bookshops, and I’ll be sharing my thoughts on it soon.
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As a fellow book lover, I enjoyed reading this post a lot:) Will definitely think of it when I get the chance to visit Madrid again. And love the book tips as well!
I wish I had seen this before my trip to Madrid – saving for next visit!!
What a wonderful guide! I had no idea there were so many hidden gems in Madrid.
I love posts like this! These bookstores look like museums from another century! Love the photos
as a fan of bookstores (i used to work in borders myself), this would BE HEAVEN for me
I must admit I don’t visit bookstores much anymore. I read my books on my iPad. But when I do visit, it brings a peaceful reminder. And the bookshops in Madrid look like charming stops. And a great way to find books we would not find at home! Love when a cafe is offered as well.
I enjoyed reading your post. Today, when bookstores are vanishing, it is interesting to see so many bookshops in Madrid! The five you have chosen look spacious and comfortable to visit and browse and have a cup of coffee with it if it has a cafe! Will look them up when I visit Madrid next.
This certainly is a comprehensive guide to all things books and bookstores in Madrid. I would like to read more about the hidden gems of Madrid. I can’t say I’m charmed by Madrid like I am some other Spanish cities so it would be good to see some amazing places there.