For those who like looking without truly seeing, walking without thinking and see themselves as mere useful cogs - benches are, in fact, useless objects in a big city. However, for many Spanish people, benches are the last paradise for contemplation and hope in places where there is no time for such 'waste'. Benches are an invitation to stop. They are a place to turn our backs to cars, buses and motorbikes and watch inwards. Benches take us to invisible places inside our heads. They help us watch passers-by as if we are watching a movie. A movie featuring real, everyday characters. And those sitting are actors as well. They become both audience to and player in a huge live theatre. The drama is built frame by frame, minute by minute. This is the way that life passes for those who contemplate the invisible. The bench helps us to look outwards to the city and inwards to ourselves, and to watch the great cinema that is the city. And a city like Madrid is full of amazing stories. foto by Eneida Serrano

Matadero is a contemporary creation center, a charming place to go at night to see the concerts and architectural lights. It always has an interesting program going on.

The city’s old slaughterhouse, now an art centre. It’s a monumental project that somehow manages to survive the financial crisis. They organize interesting exhibitions, talks and other activities. The perfect excuse to go for a walk around the southern side of Madrid.

Nice restaurant...Nearly everything on the menu is from small, local suppliers.

A piece of Egypt in the city centre. This temple, a gift from the Egyptian government, was taken stone by stone from the valley flooded when the Aswan Dam was built. It’s a great place for a picnic in the summer. You can enjoy the sunset and the (grey) skyline of Madrid.