When I landed in Madrid nearly three years ago now, one of my first orders of business was to figure out where the city’s poetry community hung out. And I have to admit, it wasn’t as easy as I had expected, given Madrid’s reputation as a romantic and literary city.
But with time, I found some incredible little corners of the capital that attract talented and passionate poets from around the globe. Here are some of my favorite spots.
Desperate Literature
Photo courtesy of Desperate Literature
Desperate Literature is one of those cozy little bookshops that make you feel instantly at home. But they offer more than just books (in Spanish, English, and French)—they put on events like poetry readings, chess nights, intimate concerts, and meet-the-author nights. Poets of all walks of life gather in this tiny space to connect, exchange ideas, and perhaps enjoy a cheeky glass of whiskey. Check out our full-length post about Desperate Literature here.
- Address: Calle de Campomanes, 13
- Metro: Ópera or Santo Domingo
- Facebook & Instagram
- Phone: 911 88 80 89
El Intruso
Photo courtesy of Poetry Slam Madrid
Just off Gran Vía, this venue is spacious with a unique layout: designed in an L shape, one area is lined with couches and the other, the stage and dance floor—unlike other poetry hotspots in the city, Intruso Bar is first and foremost a place to cut a rug under the neon lights ‘til the sun comes up. On Mondays they have jam sessions (that usually lean towards jazz and R&B) and on weekends they have scheduled concerts, comedy shows, and you guessed it, poetry readings.
The first Wednesday of each month, El Intruso lends its stage to Poetry Slam Madrid, where 12 poets give 3-minute performances. It’s just 6 euros and includes a drink, and anyone can sign up here (first come, first serve): participarslam@gmail.com. It’s a buzzing community of young, international artists that you don’t want to miss.
Vergüenza Ajena
Photo credit: camareroponmeunverso.blogspot.com
Any time I see a place that calls itself a “bar-librería,” I’m already sold. Vergüenza Ajena does it all: delicious homemade food, well-priced drinks, a laidback atmosphere with friendly service, and events that lure in the poetry community (namely readings). If you go on a night where there’s no event planned, there are hundreds of books to keep you occupied. I also hear the salmorejo is the best in town.
- Address: Calle de Galileo, 56
- Metro: Quevedo or Moncloa
- Phone: 912 97 70 34
Café Libertad 8
Photo credit: lanocheenvivo.com
You’d be hard-pressed to find anything else like Libertad 8 in the capital. It’s a traditional, no-frills bar where primarily Spanish artists gather to do nothing more than share their love of music, poetry, painting, storytelling, photography, and more. It’s neither hipster nor pricey, despite its prime location in the buzzing Chueca neighborhood. Skip the tourist crowd, grab a glass of cava, and meet the passionate poets of Madrid.
- Address: Calle Libertad, 8
- Metro: Chueca or Banco de España
- Facebook & Instagram
- Phone: 915 32 11 50
María Pandora
This gorgeous, borderline-creepy bar is dedicated to two things: champagne and poetry. Inside, you’ll feel like you’re in a haunted mansion: every inch of the walls is covered with sinister sketches, the tables are adorned with misshapen melted candles, and each piece of vintage furniture is unique.
The space functions as a stage (albeit a small one) for poetry readings, microteatro, and literary chats several nights of the week. Sign up for an event, order a glass of bubbly, and if you get there early enough, grab a window seat. Oh, and don’t forget to begin or end your night of poetry with a visit to the park just in front, Parque de las Vistillas. Check out our full post on María Pandora here.
In addition to frequenting these amazing spaces, you can also connect with Madrid’s poetry community by joining Facebook groups such as Poetas en Madrid, following pages like Poetry Slam Madrid, and staying in the loop on all things culture on Madrid’s official website for cultural events in the city.
Best Cafe-bookshops in Madrid, Round 2! - Naked MadridNaked Madrid
[…] coffeeshop, it still deserves a spot on this list of literary cafés. It also holds events such as poetry nights, microtheater, and book readings. Check out our full article on María Pandora […]