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This popular watering hole has a pedigree going back more than 200 years – Goya sold some of his paintings here. The pub was given a makeover in the 1980s and the owner claims it was the first bar in Madrid to celebrate St Patrick’s night. That was when they started serving Guinness and home-made tortilla , one of the mainstays of an enticing tapas menu. The subdued lighting, mellow music and amiable clientele create an addictive ambience (see La Ardosa).

Located in the trendy Malasaña district, this café and bar is decorated in belle époque style and is one of the oldest cafés in the area. On offer are home-made cakes and a wide choice of coffee. Come early evening for hot drinks or sip one of El Parnasillo’s famous cocktails later on. Snacks are also available.

Manuela as in Manuela Malasaña (see Chueca and Malasaña). The statue of the local heroine is a feature of the lovely late 19th-century decor, which includes mirrors, fluted columns and stucco flourishes. The entertainment ranges from concerts and poetry readings (sometimes bilingual) to discussions and exhibitions by local artists. The friendly staff serves coffees, beers or cocktails depending on the time of day, as well as tapas (see Café Manuela).

The walls of Los Gabrieles are decorated with superb azulejo tiles, dating from the late 19th century when the bar was a brothel and gypsy dancers performed Flamenco here. To appreciate the decor, arrive early; around 11pm the lights are dimmed and Los Gabrieles is transformed into a music bar serving copas and cañas (spirits and beer) to people in the mood to party. Flamenco shows Tuesday nights (see Los Gabrieles).

“The best bar in Spain, certainly” was Ernest Hemingway’s verdict on this cocktail bar. It was in the 1950s and 1960s however that Chicote became really famous, thanks to visiting Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. The bar, which preserves its 1930s decor, is at its best late evening (see Museo Chicote).

A Madrid institution, this large beer hall is the perfect place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing or to begin a night on the town. Both dark beer and lager are available on draught – some madrileños like to mix the two (see Cervecería Santa Bárbara).

This beer and tapas bar owes a good deal of its popularity to its terrace on Plaza Santa Ana. Like Museo Chicote, the Alemana was a favourite of Ernest Hemingway and other expats. Spanish and imported beers (see Cervecería Alemana).

A bar for sherry drinkers who know their fino from their manzanilla, La Venencia opened its doors in 1929 and still does a roaring trade, especially in the evenings when tourists mingle with a loyal local following. Apart from the decor, which is ageing as graciously as the sherries behind the counter, there’s a good selection of canapés and tapas such as mojama (flakes of salty dried tuna) (see La Venencia).

Designed to look like a bar of the early 1900s with Moorish touches, Alhambra is one of the best places to start the evening if you’re about to embark on a tour of the night spots of Sol and Santa Ana. Check out the Andalusian tapas – especially the cured meats and spicy sausage. Drinks are more expensive from around 11pm at weekends (see Alhambra).

Irish bars are incredibly popular with madrileños . This one offers all the usual attractions – long opening hours, pub-grub like roast beef, satellite TV coverage of sporting events and good music. Prices are higher than average but the promotions lessen the pain.