SAVOR AND READ IN STYLE
Madrid is a best place to enjoy a truly classical read. Aside from churros, paella, tapas, jamon teeming with wine and olives, the city was once a literary quarter where famous literati of the 16th and 17th century have lived and written.
If you want a place of serenity to read literary works from ancient (Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Cervantes etc.) to contemporary poetry and novels, while enjoying a sip of coffee and good food, Madrid's cafe bookshops are the perfect boltholes for you!
Nothing can beat the vibe of an ideal curl-up café coalesced with vintage atmosphere as you delve into a pile of classics.
Tucked away in the busy streets of Madrid Centro, La Central is not only a bookshop housing 70,000 volumes on philosophy, history, social science and literature, but also a place to chat, unwind and indulge yourself in their variety of food offerings. You can choose from the menu of its café-restaurant/El Bistro (salads, desserts, quesadilla, hamburgers, pizza) or the concoction of liquors from the cocktail bar/El Garito.
Aside from an array of best sellers, the place is a haven for book lovers. The building itself is a 19th century structure that was recently refurbished. The architecture inside this buzzing café is the highlight. The wall of the atrium is decorated with giant embossed letters (where names of renowned authors are scrambled) and vivacious graphic arts, while the cocktail bar resembles a brick vault from the Medieval period.
Book presentation, signing, live music concerts and workshops are also held in the crypt of the building. Indeed, the three-storey bookshop is any bibliophile’s dream!
DIRECTIONS:
Postigo de San Martin Street 8, 28013 Madrid, Spain, Five-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, nearest metro station: Callao
Contact number: 00 34 917 909 930
Timetable:
Library:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
on Sundays and public holidays: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Bistro
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 - 00.00
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 - 01.00
Sunday and holidays: 10:00 – 22:00
The Garito:
Open during presentations and events
