The Best Rooftop Bars in Madrid

Madrid versus Barcelona, the eternal debate between Spain’s most famous cities has raged on for decades. However, what the Spanish capital lacks in coastline, it surely makes up for with captivating views from its rooftops. From sky-high swimming pools to sky-scraping lounge bars, there are plenty of mesmerizing vistas to get lost in throughout downtown Madrid. For travelers in search of the tastiest tapas and sangria, look no further for the ultimate guide to the best rooftop bars in Madrid.

View from Ginkgo Sky Bar

Known as azoteas (pronounced ‘’ah-tho-teh-ah’’) in Spanish, rooftops abound throughout downtown Madrid yet not all are created equal. While many of the most popular rooftops charge a cover to access their stairways to Heaven, there are a few free gems that tend to fly under the radar. Given that Madrid is the most elevated capital in Europe (657 meters above sea level), mesmerizing views of the mountains and cityscape are sure to await you no matter which rooftop you pick.

Most Iconic Location: Circulo de Bellas Artes

Perched atop Circulo de Bellas Artes, one of Madrid’s most renowned cultural centers, sits a rooftop bar of the same name and nearly equal fame. Built in 1880, the multidisciplinary space has been attracting creative minds from musicians and dancers to artists and directors for over a century, especially after the inception of its solarium-turned-rooftop. You’re sure to be enchanted by the iconic panoramic view which includes the Metropolis building across the street, a sight that has certainly graced more than a few social media travel feeds. 

To reach the rooftop, buy a ticket from reception in the lobby of the CBA and ride the glass-enclosed elevator up to the 7th floor to visit the viewpoint of your dreams (no advance reservations accepted). 

Address: Calle Alcala, 42

Entry fee: 5€

Price range: €€€

LOveliest Weekend Vibe: GinkGo Sky Bar

Looking for an Ibiza island vibe while in the mountains of Madrid? Then, Ginkgo Sky Bar is the closest you’ll ever likely get. Situated right on Plaza de España, one of Madrid’s most famous squares, this opulent rooftop has everything you could need for a perfect night underneath the stars. Featuring world-class DJs, live musical performances and dance shows, Ginkgo has just the atmosphere you need to turn up once the weekend comes around, from their daytime tapas bar to their nighttime terrace bar. However, unlike in Ibiza, you will have to adhere to a polished dress code, meaning no tank tops, shorts, flip flops or beachwear.

To get to the rooftop, make your way toward the Hotel VP Plaza España Design and find the clearly-marked street entrance for Ginkgo. To skip any lines, try to book a table in their restaurant in advance or wait like everyone else to visit their glass-enclosed bar. Once the sun sets, however, be sure to make your way out to their open-air terrace to snag the best seats and the best views.

Address: Plaza España, 3

Entry fee: Free with meal (45€ minimum/pp to reserve a table) or 4€ from Sunday to Thursday 8€ on Fridays and Saturdays plus public holidays

Price range: €€€

Best Year-Round Pick: Terraza Santo Domingo

The crown jewel of Hotel Santo Domingo, this immaculate terrace should be your top pick when in downtown Madrid and don’t know where to go as it’s open every day for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Terraza Santo Domingo rests on the 7th floor, providing travelers with uninterrupted views of the cityscape throughout warmer months. In colder weather, the rooftop is draped with a retractable cover to better insulate from the outside chill but the all-glass walls make sure that you can still appreciate the scenery. No matter if you visit in summer or in winter, you’ll be delighted by the alluring skyline in the distance.

Book a table in advance to get better seating or simply walk into Hotel Santo Domingo and take the elevator up to the top floor to snag a place, come rain or shine.

Address: Calle San Bernardo, 1

Entry fee: Free

Price range: €€

Most Prime Spot: Ella Sky Bar

If you’re longing for an elegant dinner out on the town, Ella Sky Bar should be at the top of your bucket list thanks to its high-quality cuisine and central location. Located just across the street from Plaza Callao, one of Madrid’s most prominent public squares, the sky bar takes up the top two floors of the building, with the glass-lined restaurant below and the open-air terrace above. Why not reserve a table for dinner at sunset and then make your way up for a cocktail, just in time to see all the city lights come on? It’s sure to be a feast for your eyes and your palette.

Graciously, the venue accepts reservations for lunch or dinner, after which clients are granted access to the rooftop and its cocktail bar. Travelers without reservations will have to pay up to get up so it’s best to book your spot in advance instead.  

Address: Calle Gran Via, 42

Entry fee: Free with meal or 12€ without purchases

Price range: €€

Best-Kept Secret: Doña Luz Restaurante

Just a hop, jump and skip away from Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s most famous square, lies this often-overlooked gem, Doña Luz. Albeit not as well-known as its competitors, you’d still be hard-pressed to find this enchanting terrace empty on any given night. Adorned with polished wood finishes and lush greenery, the rooftop makes the ideal refuge to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center only a few meters away. You’ll be equally enamored by their extensive selection of Spanish wines and high-end liquor choices so if you’re seeking an idyllic rest stop for lunch or dinner, set off to one of Madrid’s best hidden secrets. 

To uncover this unexpected oasis, go to the Hotel B&B to be buzzed in and take the lift up to gain access to views right in the heart of downtown Madrid.

Address: Calle de la Montera, 10-12

Entry fee: Free

Price range: €€

 
 

Most Welcoming Atmosphere: The Hat

For social butterflies seeking to rub shoulders with other travelers, look no further than The Hat, a hostel that caters to backpackers and digital nomads. Every evening, their covered outdoor terrace opens to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy their friendly service and international fare, all just a stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square. Although their rooftop doesn’t provide the best views in Madrid (still, spot the Church of San Isidro in the distance), what it lacks in scenery, it more than makes up for with affordable prices, chill ambiance, and cute decor. 

To venture up to the rooftop, simply go through the hostel’s main entrance and let the receptionist know you’re heading to the bar. Take the elevator up to the 5th floor to get swept up by the homey vibe.

Address: Calle Imperial, 9

Entry fee: Free

Price range: €

Best Place for Happy Hour: Osadia Lounge & Sky Bar

One of Madrid’s newest hotels, SmartRental Collection, has also just graced its skyline with one of its trendiest rooftops, Osadia Sky Bar. Resting high on the 7th floor, the rooftop bar features a swimming pool and is divided into two sections, the glass-enclosed restaurant and the open-air terrace, all done up with sophisticated flair and grandeur. Every weekend, running from Thursday to Sunday, the rooftop hosts nightly events, starting from 6 PM and each is bigger than the last. 

Nevertheless, if you want to take part in one of Madrid’s most exclusive parties in one of its most luxurious locations, you’ll need to book in advance since only the restaurant accepts reservations. To access the sky bar, you’ll have to buy a ticket to the main event first. Get ready to party!

Address: Calle Gran Via, 14

Entry fee: 12-15€ depending on the event

Price range: €€

Most Refined Rooftop: Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant

Situated on one of the busiest intersections in Madrid, Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant is about as posh a rooftop as you can get. Inspired by a tavern of the same name from the literary work Luces de Bohemia by Spanish author Valle-Inclán, the panoramic, open-air terrace is draped in elegant elements infused with bohemian touches. Contrastingly, the interior of the restaurant is decorated with classic influences reminiscent of 1950s Madrid, meaning regardless of where you sit, you’re bound to be surrounded by beauty.

To roll with the other high-rolling clientele, take the elevator up to the 8th floor of the NH Collection Gran Via Hotel to reach the restaurant or to the 9th floor to get to the rooftop. The venue doesn’t take reservations for regular drinks on the rooftop so splurge for a bottle if you’re really dying to snag a spot on this legendary rooftop.

Address: Calle Gran Via, 21

Entry fee: Free (180€ bottle with reservation)

Price range: €€€€

Best Bang for Your Buck: Nice to Meet You Restaurant & Lounge

For travelers who yearn to live in the lap of luxury yet still love a bargain, you can’t go wrong at Nice to Meet You, located at the top of the Dear Hotel. This sky-high lounge right off of Plaza de España offers visitors the perfect combination of splendor and affordability along with nearly unbeatable viewpoints. Take in the lavish decor, complemented by urban gardens, and then get lost in the panorama of the skyline before feasting on the tasty cuisine from the glass-enclosed restaurant or ordering cocktails on the open-air terrace. 

To reach this rooftop, enter the Dear Hotel and ride the elevator up to the 14th floor to get to the restaurant (advanced reservation recommended), and then take the stairs up one more floor to find the terrace (no reservations available). Wander around to discover your favorite vantage point since the rooftop provides uninterrupted views of Madrid’s Main Street and Plaza de España.

Address: Calle Gran Via, 80

Entry fee: Free

Price range: €€€

Best Views in the City: 360º Rooftop Bar

While arguably one of the best rooftops in Madrid, the 360º Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Riu Plaza España certainly has the best story. Housed in the legendary Edificio España, inaugurated in 1953, it was once the tallest skyscraper in the country yet, despite its prime real estate, the building was eventually abandoned and left in ruins from 2006 to 2019. During that period, the iconic building was nearly demolished but, thankfully, Edificio España was spared and converted into the Hotel Riu Plaza España, a four-star hotel offering every guest the opportunity to live lavishly. 

At 27 stories up, the 360º Rooftop Bar is the highest terrace in Madrid, affording visitors almost unprecedented views over the city. However, the thrills don’t end there as the hotel also has a gastrobar and a glass infinity balcony on the 26th floor, the latter of which lets you look straight down to the street below (vertigo, anyone?). If you don’t want to miss out on Madrid’s most elevated party scene come the weekend, make sure to reserve your spot well in advance. 

Address: Calle Gran Via, 84

Entry fee: 5-10€ (Monday to Thursday), 10€ (Friday to Sunday), 10-20€ (express pass)

Price range: €€€€

Final Thoughts

View from Ella Sky Bar

Positioned high in the mountains, there’s no skyline in Spain quite like Madrid’s. Thus, it should be no surprise that the city abounds with rooftops that make the most of the wondrous scenery. This list couldn’t begin to do justice to them all but, especially if it’s your first time in Madrid, you can’t go wrong with the aforementioned list.

In case your favorite picks are already at capacity, however, there are a few honorable mentions that should be on your radar, such as Casa Suecia (Metro Banco de España), Azotea Forus Barceló (Metro Tribunal), La Terraza del Urban (Metro Sevilla), and La Terrassa de Óscar (Metro Gran Via). Madrid experiences sunny weather year-round with very little rainfall except for a few days in winter and spring so regardless of when you plan your trip, you can bet that you’ll be able to take advantage of almost all the pretty vistas you could ask for. How many can you visit? Let me know in the comments!

May you got lost in the wonder,

M