The Secret Kingdoms

Okay but... This was, hands down, the loveliest bookstore I've been to in Madrid, and I've been to nearly all of them. This hidden gem specializes in brand new English books, which is pretty rare in Madrid, and not only that but the prices aren't inflamed like they are in other independent bookstores, they're actually reasonably priced (literally prices you'd see on Amazon). The owner was incredibly lovely and helpful, the bookstore vibe itself was incredibly relaxed, welcoming and chill. I was frankly surprised by the large selection of the more trendy books, specifically the fantastic romance and fantasy sections, so this is definitely a spot I'll be recommending for years to come. It's also worth mentioning that there's a very large selection of secondhand books in the back, and the cutest coffee and snacks table for prospective clientes. Strongly, strongly recommend checking it out!

This place has a large and wide selection of English books—there’s something for everyone. Plus, they put on events like author signings and have a book club/writers’ group open to all. I wish the store itself had a bit more a curated collection (it’s quite overwhelming choosing between everything, but if you know what you want specifically, it’s perfect).

Shakespeare and Company is a must-see destination when traveling to Paris. One day, in a future not too far away, the same thing will be said of The Secret Kingdoms in Madrid. Yes, it's a phenomenal bookstore. Every single English title you could possibly want lies within this literature fiefdom. The fore room contains a large assortment of books, all neatly alphabetized and categorized. If you're looking for second-hand books, then head to the backroom. These novels will run you a couple of euros each and it's far too easy to walk out with a pile of books you never intended to buy. Buying books and reading them...two very different hobbies. If the title you seek isn't on the shelves, then talk to the staff. They will go to great lengths to order the book you're after. I once wanted an obscure biography of P.G. Wodehouse. They spent half an hour finding me the cheapest edition online. Within a week, I got a text from the owner telling me it had arrived. Not only that, but the price was fantastically reasonable. This is bar none service, given by a group of people who care about their work and their customers. David, Beatriz, Giedre — they're all wonderful. They all love books. I often peruse the shelves, and, as a test, hold a book up to David and ask, "Have you read this?" I've yet to receive a no. Quite the opposite. Instead I get a compelling ten minute summary of the book from David that leaves me throwing my money at him. It's here I discovered some keystone books — Memoirs of Hadrian changed my life. Bookstore snobbery runs deep in my veins. I want my books to be dusty and old, but the bookstores I buy them from to be welcoming and warm. Bastions of literature make me feel a certain way. Sometimes I'll head to one just to enjoy the atmosphere. The Secret Kingdoms is a prime place to do that. They invite you to do so. The backroom has a table with coffee, tea, and various snacks. A few comfy chairs pepper the room — prime places to plant yourself and read, or chat with fellow readers. Then there's the communal aspect. It's not just a place to buy books, but to mingle with others of the same (or tectonically different) ilk. Are you a writer? Go to the weekly writing club. Want to talk about books? Stop by the monthly book club meeting. Mining for the meaning of love? Check out the philosophy club. There's a constant stream of events to partake in. Writers from every crack and crevice of this planet come here to present their work. This place is an English ship amongst a sea of Spanish, where you can spend time with people whose lives are so damn interesting you can’t help but listen to them, mouth agape, as they drop anecdotal atomic bombs that leave you a little wiser and a lot more inspired. The Secret Kingdoms: The books are in English, but the sense of belonging is universal. Everyone is welcome. Everyone should visit.

A delightful bookstore with an even more delightful proprietor! My husband and I brought our three children here (two teenagers and a 6-year old) and we all found loads and loads of books we wanted to bring home. The front room has new books and book-related gifts (tote bags, greeting cards, etc.), while the back room has used books, several comfy chairs, and a table with complimentary tea and coffee and cold drinks. We spent a lovely hour here and will recommend it to anyone traveling to Madrid.

Great bookstore. The new book section was great even had a decent about of kid, teen books. The used book section wasn’t great I felt like it was very old books but we just browsed the kids section in the used book section. The owner Was super nice and we also purchased and American English version of the board game risk. I felt prices were normal