Librería Santa Bárbara Madrid

Used Books and More

Catherine from Madrid

About me I am from beautiful Vancouver, Canada, but am now an English teacher in Spain. I have been a passionate solo traveler for nearly two decades and love everything food, art, and travel related. I also enjoy photography and writing about my travels. Nothing brings me more joy than to wander around a new city meeting people and embracing the local culture. It has brought so much to my l...
"Librería Santa Bárbara, a charming bookstore in Madrid's Plaza de Santa Bárbara with a unique collection of used books, city maps, and art prints!"

Plaza de Santa Bárbara is one of my favourite corners of Madrid. Just at the Alonso Martínez metro station, in one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the city, the plaza is constantly buzzing with its great bars and terraces to have a nice, relaxing drink in the sun. I hate to admit that I have sat in and walked through this plaza numerous times before I noticed perhaps the cutest little bookstore — the charming, independently-run Librería Santa Bárbara. 

The small kiosk, fitting in perfectly with the vibe of the area, is home to a beautiful assortment of used books covering many different subjects like history, philosophy, art, and poetry. I especially love their collection of books about Madrid, which contain some incredible photography and stories about the city.

But it’s not only old books you can find at Librería Santa Bárbara, they also have some amazing historical city maps for sale, which would be so nice on the wall of your home, as well as some gorgeous art prints of the Madrid metro, perfect for framing. Visitors to Madrid can also pick up some nice souvenirs here, like magnets and postcards. 

With over 2000 books on display in Librería Santa Bárbara at any given time and stock changing over regularly, you can’t come here with something specific in mind, or you might be disappointed. However, the best part about this little place is simply coming to browse and finding treasures you never knew you wanted.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Madrid Spotter Catherine

About me I am from beautiful Vancouver, Canada, but am now an English teacher in Spain. I have been a passionate solo traveler for nearly two decades and love everything food, art, and travel related. I also enjoy photography and writing about my travels. Nothing brings me more joy than to wander around a new city meeting people and embracing the local culture. It has brought so much to my life to step out of my comfort zone and experience all of the wonderful things the world has to offer. I have traveled throughout North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East and there are still...

About this spot

Plaza de Santa Bárbara

Book:

10

609077365

Sep 20, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Galería de la Colecciónes Reales

Royal Luxury

This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, tapestries and carriages.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

360° Rooftop Bar

Madrid from the Skies

For 5 euros, paid at the ground-floor, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

Masala Darbar

Spice Up Your Life

All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

Serrería Belga

Old Sawmill, New Gallery

Escape the crowds of Madrid’s famous art museums and explore Serrería Belga, a repurposed sawmill turned vibrant art space with diverse exhibitions!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

Museo del Traje

History Through Fashion

The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

Latino Arepa

Venezuelan in Barceló Market

Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 12, 2025

Taverna Sacromonte

Wine in Madrid’s Chinatown

"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 12, 2025

Mercato Italiano

Italian Aperitivo in Madrid

"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 12, 2025

Toma Café 2

Coolest coffee spot in Madrid

"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 12, 2025

Caramelos Paco

Sweets for Madrid

"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 10, 2025

CaixaForum Madrid

Beautiful art space

"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 10, 2025

Casa Gonzalez

Madrid deli and drink-ies!

"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 10, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Madrid app Home
Madrid app Home
Madrid app Map
Madrid app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

266 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
26
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters