Just 5 minutes away from the chaotic Plaza de Callao, there is a bookshop where you will feel like Belle the first time she got into Beast's library.
Librería Bardón is a must for collectors of ancient and rare books. Founded in 1947 by Luis Bardón López (1897- 1964) it's located at Plaza de San Martín, next to the "Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales", and since its beginnings it's been called "Library for bibliophiles".
Nowadays, it's the antiquarian bookshop of reference in Spain. And their purpose has remained unchanged throughout these 60 years: to find, keep and sell fine, rare, out-of-print books from XIV to XIX century.
Currently they have about fifty thousand copies. Half of them are distributed throughout the original shelves, covering every wall of the shop. Their specialty are early editions, from "incunabula" (books published since the invention of printing to the early XVI century) up to copies of the XVIII century.
So if you feel like traveling in time, and immersing yourself in this amazing library, don't hesitate to visit Librería Bardón. And if you are an antique book collector, Belén and Alicia Bardón, the founder's granddaughters, will help you with everything you need.
Explore Madrid like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
By
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
By
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
By
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
By
"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!
By
"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
By
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
By
"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
By
"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
By
"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
By
"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
By
"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
By
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters