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There is nothing quite like sitting back in a café in Madrid, slowly sipping a café con leche, and watching the world go by.

But with so many cafés on offer, it can be impossible to choose where to spend your lazy afternoons. This list provides a short guide to the best cafés in Madrid, each with their own unique charms.

1. Café Central

If you like your jazz, you will find no better place to spend an afternoon or evening than in Café Central. Come in during the day to enjoy a coffee in the ornate surroundings, or stay until after 10pm when the place really gets going with a whole host of live performances by local artists and sometimes some bigger names. The café is located at Plaza del Angel 10, which is near to the Antón Martín Metro stop.

2. Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes

Although the elaborately titled Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes used to be a members-only club, it is now open to the public where you can enjoy a combination of Spanish and Portuguese Cuisine in the atmospheric 1920s surroundings, adorned with artistic statues throughout. It is common to find the capital’s politicians relaxing here during the day, but by night be prepared for a more bohemian crowd. The café is located on Calle Alcalá 42.

3. Café Gijón

This old and historic café first opened in 1888, and quickly became a popular haunt for politicians, artists, writers and poets seeking out intelligent conversation and inspiration within its walls. Famous names to have been regular visitors to the café include Santiago Ramón, Camilio José Cela and Rubén Darío to name but a few. Although you won’t find such esteemed names in their now, you will find some quality food and a fantastic setting, as well as a great outside terrace to enjoy in the summer. Café Gijón is located at Pº de Recoletos 21, which can be found at the Colón stop on the Metro.

4. Café del Foro

Cadé del Foro is now considered one of the trendiest hangouts in Madrid, where it usually offers up live music of some description beginning just before midnight. Whether bolero, salsa or cabaret, there is something for everyone, but it is primarily an evening café, open between 7pm and 3am every day. It is located at San Andres 38.

5. Café Moderno

Café Moderno provides the perfect relaxed hangout from the hectic streets of Madrid. Friendly staff, tasty food and relaxed settings, including a fantastic outdoor terrace, make this a place you can visit any time of the day or evening and feel completely at ease. With its live music and literary recitals, the café also offers a fine selection of coffees to choose from, and cannot be recommended highly enough. It is located at Plaza de las Comendadoras 1.

Photo of Café Central, Madrid originally posted by Daquella maniera