A pleasantly decorated cafe with huge windows and an interior painted in olive green and lavender, it offers a great selection of coffees, teas, fresh fruit juices, desserts, canapés, and set breakfasts. Come by yourself or with friends, chat or read the newspapers. The clientele is relatively mixed in the mornings and early afternoons (straight and gay) and predominantly gay men at night.

Distinguished by its old wooden ceiling with exposed beams, antique furniture and marble-topped tables, this café has developed a character that only comes with age and long use. You can choose from a wide variety of coffees, wines, beers and spirits. The soft background music helps create a perfect setting for sitting around chatting with friends.

Café & Té is a Spanish cafe chain, ideal for those who need a quick java fix in a relaxing environment, but are loathe to visit international mega-chains like Starbucks or McDonald’s. There are over 150 locations exclusively located throughout Spain, with many in the downtown core. The location at Avenida Menéndez Pelayo, conveniently close to Retiro Park, boasts a sprawling patio. At Café & Té, you can find a great selection of coffees and teas, in addition to healthy shakes and not-so-healthy ice cream and baked goods. The Spanish love and know good bread, and this is reflected in Café & Té’s wide selection of fresh paninis and baguettinis on offer - a nice change from cellophane-wrapped sandwiches. -Veronica Lo

A part of the popular global chain, Starbucks Coffee at Beatriz is one of the numerous cafe locations in the city of Madrid. This 24 hour service is a common hangout among youngsters, the free WiFi and good music being the further add ons.