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

One of my favourite places to enjoy a beer bathed in orange lights and layered walls. They used to give concerts downstairs. Unfortunately they got recently banned due to boring local regulations - hopefully, live music will return soon amongst their palm trees and tropical lights.

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.

Secret cocktail bar set in a 17th century library. From the outside, it looks like an old charming bonsai shop. You can only access with reservation. To make the experience even more exclusive, visitors must enter a secret code in a small and discreet door.

One of the most interesting contemporary art galleries in the city located in "Las Salesas" area.