There are a number of places you can buy English-language books in Madrid. Some are specifically foreign-language bookshops, others are large bookstores with a number of English books.

Why would you go to an English-language bookshop in our always-connected world? Personally, I travel with my Kindle, a light and easy way to always have a book to read. But English bookshops abroad are a lot more than just a place to buy reading literature. They often have noticeboards which are handy for apartment hunting and people looking for English Teaching Jobs in Madrid and can be a handy way of meeting not only expats but locals who love to speak English, which can be great if you plan on studying Spanish in Madrid. (J & J Books and Coffee is particularly good on that front).

See also: Got Flights to Madrid? Now Take Your Next Steps

1. J & J's Books and Coffee

J & J's is a second-hand English-language bookshop, with a popular cafe upstairs. The books are cheaper than you'll find new, but still overpriced for what are essentially other people's cast-offs. The cafe is a good place to meet English-speakers, though it has a bit of a closed expat vibe to many. Has a noticeboard for personal ads.

Address:c/ Espiritu Santo, 47, Madrid (click for Google Maps)

Metro: Noviciados

Web: www.jandjbooksandcoffee.com/

Facebook: J & J's Books and Coffee

2. Desperate Literature

Taking over the popular Petra's International Bookshop, this new American-run English bookshop Small second-hand bookshop with lots of English books. 

Addressc/ Campomanes 13, Madrid (click for Google Maps)

Metro Opera/Santo Domingo

Web: desperateliterature.com

Facebook: Desperate Literature

3. Pasajes Liberia Internacional

New international books in several languages. Lots of children's books. Has probably the most popular noticeboard for personal ads in Madrid.

AddressC/ Génova, 3, Madrid (click for Google Maps)

Metro Alonso Martinez

Web: www.pasajeslibros.com

Facebook: None

4. FNAC

Mega five-floor store selling books, DVDs, CDs, computer games and other electronic goods.

Addressc/ Preciados 8, Madrid (click for Google Maps)

Metro Callao

Web: www.fnac.es

Facebook FNAC España

5. El Corte Ingles

The omnipresent Spanish department store - they sell everything. There are several branches around Sol, each selling different things. The bookshop is directly on Puerta del Sol.

Addressc/ Preciados 4, Madrid (click for Google Maps)

Metro Sol

Web: www.elcorteingles.es

Facebook El Corte Ingles

6. La Casa del Libro

There are several branches of this bookshop all over Madrid. A good selection of books for learning Spanish.

Addressc/ Gran Vía 29, Madrid

Metro Gran Via

Web: www.casadellibro.com/nosotros/nuestras-tiendas-madrid/9

Facebook None