Madrid Books

Finding English books in Madrid can be difficult unless you're willing to pay a bundle. If you're looking for a specific English title, the mega-chain book stores like El Corte Inglés or Casa del Libro will be your best bets. If you're just browsing, check out some of the smaller bookstores located throughout C. Huertas, or at the Cuesta de Moyano Sunday marketplace.

Casa del Libro, Gran Vía, 29 (☎90 202 64 02; www.casadellibra.com), This sprawling bookstore is your best bet for English titles. With three floors and multiple sections, Casa del Libro has the latest bestsellers and hundreds of titles. As Spain's largest bookstore chain, it also has locations nearby at C. Fuencarral, 119 and C. Alcalá, 96. Gran Vía. Walk west down Gran Vía. Prices vary. Open M-Sa 9:30am-9:30pm, Su 11am-9pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Berkana Libreria Gay y Lesbiana, C. Hortalez, 64 (☎91 522 55 99; www.libreriaberkana.com), This gay and lesbian bookstore in the heart of Chueca is an excellent source of information about GLBT events and parties throughout Madrid. Some titles focus on sexuality, but there are other options including poetry, religion, education, and even GLBT-friendly comics. Chueca. From the Chueca stop, turn around, make a right on C. Augusto Figuroa, and make another right onto C. Hortaleza. Prices vary. Open M-F 10am-9pm, Sa 11:30am-9pm, Su noon-2pm and 5-9pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning. GLBT
Altair, C. Gaztambide, 31 (☎91 543 53 00; www.altair.es), If you're looking for excellent travel guides, Altair is your best bet. This travel bookstore with titles of locations from all over the world has a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Argüelles. Walk north up C. de Hilarion Eslava, make a right onto C. de Melendez Valdes, and make a left onto C. Gaztambide. Prices vary. Open M-F 10am-2pm and 4:30-8:30pm, Sa 10:30am-2:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.