If you want to enjoy a beer or a coffee in style, then pop into the Cafe del Círculo de Bellas Artes, this interesting bistro in Madrid is in a privately funded cultural centre located in a magnificent building on Calle Alcalá. You’ll have to pay €1 to access the centre itself, but it’s a small price to pay for the chance to enjoy the view from the huge windows of the bustling city outside. Inside, there are frescos on the ceiling, enormous chandeliers, ornate pillars and an outsized naked statue by Fernando Botero.

A varied but cultured crowd tend to frequent the Círculo, all enjoying a chat, a smoke or a quiet read of the papers as a small army of expert waiters deliver beers, wines and of course, coffees. If you can brave the traffic fumes outside, a seat on the terrace is not to be missed.