Slotted in on the ground floor of Oscar Niemeyer’s immense, stunning Copan building, this standing-room-only café is arguably the best old-school spot for coffee downtown. One of a series of Café Florestas, this original Centro location has 38 years of history behind it, with murals on the walls and an air of low-key, old-world nostalgia. It’s tiny, and simple, and it’s open on all sides – more like a hole-in-the-wall coffee stand than a cosy café.

But step up to the counter and order a coffee and you’ll feel just like a local, lined up alongside the Copan residents stepping out into the world for the day and the coffee lovers stopping in for a well-pulled shot. Regulars opt for the creamy espresso, which goes well with a slice of homemade cake – take your pick from orange, coconut or banana (R$6.50).