Madrid has a ton of bakeries – since the economic crisis it seems that cake shops are the only businesses that have been thriving, new ones opening each week. Everyone can afford a sweet little treat I guess! Pastelería La Maravilla is one of the best.

They sell savoury empanadas with a variety of fillings as well as having a good selection of bread including sourdough and wholemeal; pastelitos and pastas de té (petit fours) by the weight; whole cakes and classic Spanish delicacies. Their croissants, napolitanas, palmeras and Danish pastries are fantastic too; you can buy them individually or in mini-size by the weight. In the run up to Easter, I suggest you try a torrija – it’s like French toast on steroids! Moving towards Christmas, locals queue up for the Roscón de Reyes.

Next door you’ll find a café which sells products from La Maravilla, so if you want coffee with your cake, it’s at close hand! Also close are Mercato Italiano, Calle Ponzano and the Museo Geominero.