The best viewpoints and rooftop bars in Madrid

The post is called the best viewpoints and rooftop bars in Madrid, but I actually want to share my favorites in this category here. Madrid is actually full of rooftop bars. But here now is my small selection of tips for a great view and unforgettable moments in Madrid. And the best part is that all of my recommendations fit into a small travel budget because they're largely free.

Gourmet Experience in Callao

This is perhaps one of the most well-known spots, but I still want to list it here because it just has a pretty cool view to offer.

I'm talking about the El Corte Ingl é s department store in Plaza Callao. On the top floor of the building, there is a food court (Gourmet Experience) that serves both Spanish and international food. You can also buy snacks like ice cream and cakes or just drink a Ca ña (beer). In the food court, you have the option of sitting inside or outside on a terrace. From both locations, you'll have spectacular views of Madrid's iconic Capitol building (see photo above), Gran Vía, the Royal Palace, and the Opera House, among others.

The entrance is free. You don't have to eat or drink anything either. If you want, you can just stop by, enjoy the view and take some great photos.

My Favorite Rooftop Bar in Madrid

There are a lot of rooftop bars in Madrid. I have only been to a few so far, but I liked one in particular. The Rooftop Bar of the Hotel NH Collection Suecia. You don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the bar, and you don't have to pay admission (unless there might be an event going on).

What I like most about the Rooftop Bar is, how could it be otherwise, the view. You'll see the Palacio de Cibeles, which houses the city hall, from the rooftop terrace. You can also see some emblematic buildings of Castellana and quite a few rooftops in general because the terrace is so high up.

Drinks may be a bit more expensive than in a regular bar, but the atmosphere is pretty laid back since there are no waiters asking you to order more once your glass is empty. In the evening, a DJ plays cool chillout music to round out the whole experience.

I have to note now that the hotel is being renovated at the moment and will not open again until September. Nevertheless, I'm going to assume that this cool rooftop bar will remain and look similar, if not better. 😉

By the way, right next door there is another rooftop bar, that of the Circulo de Bellas Artes. But I have not tried this one yet myself.

If you prefer to be shown the most beautiful roof terraces of Madrid by a guide, it is possible to join a tour, which you can book for a few days.B. you can book here.

The viewpoint Park Tío Pío

Madrid somehow doesn't have as many real viewpoints as maybe z.B. Stuttgart or Santiago de Chile. But because I love viewpoints so much, I went looking for one in Madrid and found the Cerro del Tío Pío. I was thrilled and that's why this is my absolute insider tip for Madrid.

The closest metro stop is "Buenos Aires" (yes really, in Madrid you can take the metro all the way to Buenos Aires…).

Anyway, after ca. 10 min walk in the park Tío Pío, which consists of several hills. To get the spectacular view of Madrid, you have to climb one of the hills. If you don't want to climb all the hills, just take the one where most people are, that's the one with the best view over all of Madrid.

From the hill you can spot various famous buildings of Castellana, Gran Vía and the TV Tower. You'll also see the Guadarrama mountain range in the background. It looks especially beautiful when there is snow on the mountains.

If you feel like a refreshment, there is of course a small restaurant in the park with a large terrace from which you also have a great view of the city.
And a little tip on the side: Visit the park in the evening, because from the hills you can enjoy the sunset wonderfully..

These were three of my favorite spots in Madrid. Do you also have a? What can you recommend in Madrid?