Rooftop Bars in Madrid: 8 Places to Drink with a View
The Spanish capital, Madrid has more than 3.4 million residents and is the second largest metro city in the European region. It is also the center of culture, business, and entertainment in Spain with a vast array of historic buildings, museums, and art galleries to explore. But one of the best things about it is the rooftop bars in Madrid.
Why just go to a local cocktail bar for drinks when you can enjoy the view of the city from a sky bar or rooftop bar? Enjoy the Madrid sunset while sipping signature cocktails at a Madrid rooftop bar on the Hotel de las Letras, Picalagartos Sky Bar, or the perfect rooftop bar at de Madrid al Cielo. You may notice that most of these bars are on Gran Vía because it is the most popular street in Madrid.
From atop one of the hotels or other buildings in one of the rooftop bars in Madrid, you can see the stunning views of medieval architecture, church spires, and plazas. The famous Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de España, Plaza de la Cebada, and Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, and Plaza de Callao are all beautiful sites to see from one of the best rooftop bars in Madrid.
The natural scenes you will get to see from a rooftop terrace in Madrid are also stellar. The city skyline not only has some amazing architecture but also has almost 250,000 trees, a number which is only second to Tokyo. Some of the parks you can see include El Retiro, Parque del Oeste, and Parque El Capricho to name a few.
Whether you are out sightseeing or shopping in Madrid, it is nice to stop and enjoy a drink. You will not want to have to worry about your luggage while you are chilling out on one of the bar stools in any of these awesome establishments. It is hard to relax and enjoy yourself if you have to keep an eye on your belongings. Find a convenient luggage storage site nearby to leave them with and then marvel at the view!
De Madrid Al Cielo
What's it like:
If you want to see Madrid from the top while sipping fantastic classic cocktails, De Madrid Al Cielo 360 Degree Rooftop Bar is where to go. Located on the 26th and 27th floors, the city never looked so beautiful. Besides drinks, you can also enjoy a variety of foods from hot tapas like potato wedges and pizza to desserts like cheesecake and chocolate guanaja.
The bar is on the 26th floor of Hotel Riu Plaza España and is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 AM until midnight and Thursdays through Saturdays they are open until 2 AM. When you reserve your ticket, it gives you access to the 360 Degree Sky Rooftop bar, the Terrace, and the Eden Gastrobar. Be sure to visit the glass walkway where you can see the world at your feet.
Our recommendation:
We strongly recommend getting a Rooftop Express Pass that lets you skip the line because this place is popular, even with the locals. Another recommendation is to try the Zacapa en las nubes (in the Clouds), which is made with Zacapa 23 rum, Belshazzar red vermouth, lime juice, sugar, honey, and cotton candy.
Location:
Hotel RIU Plaza C/ Gran Vía, 84, 28013 Madrid, Spain
WXYZ Bar
What's it like:
This stunning bar on the 11th floor of the Aloft Gran Via Hotel invites you to drink, eat, swim, and dance all night long as it has one of the coolest rooftop pools in Madrid. Part of the bar area is covered and multi-leveled with a sleek and stylish design. You can enjoy the casual atmosphere with friends or mingle with strangers who may become new friends.
The rooftop terrace is an urban oasis and perfect for a sunset drink and plunge in the swimming pool and you will find that the people there are mostly locals. It is not a head-banging super loud bar but you can enjoy some music and drinks with a view of the Madrid skyline including the Royal Palace. It is one of the most popular on Madrid's rooftop scene.
Our recommendation:
This is a great rooftop bar but you will need a reservation, especially on the weekends. While you are there, you really should try the tacos cochinita with avocado and pico de gallo or the Aloft burger with melty cheddar cheese. For dessert, honeydew melon or a slice of banoffee pie with salted caramel ice cream. The drink list is not long but there are about a dozen wines you can try.
Location:
C. de Jacometrezo, 4, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Sky Cocktail Bar
What's it like:
Sky Cocktail Bar has one of the largest swimming pools in the city. Located on the 10th floor of the Hotel Emperador, you can enjoy a dip in the huge pool during the summer season while sipping a cold beer or margarita. This is considered to be the most exclusive terrace and rooftop bar in Madrid with lounge sofas and a view of the entire city.
There is a small cover charge for those who are not guests of the hotel but with the live music and Mediterranean fusion dishes with a stunning pool, it is worth every penny. They even have a solarium with sun loungers, a dressing room, and Balinese beds that you can reserve.
Our recommendation:
Like most of the rooftop bars in Madrid, you need to book a space. If you want a Balinese bed or sun lounger, you will need to book way in advance. We recommend you go ahead and get the bed because it includes a bottle of Moet Ice, a plate of fruit, and towels for the pool. The snack bar has a variety of tasty treats to compliment your drinks and you get free soft drinks all night long.
Location:
C/ Gran Vía, 53, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Ella Sky Bar
What's it like:
On the top floor of one of the most emblematic buildings in Madrid with an open-air terrace that gives you spectacular views of the Four Towers and Royal Palace. You can see all of Old Town Madrid from the entire terrace because of its central location. And it is within walking distance of Plaza Mayor.
Inside, you get a gourmet experience at the sophisticated restaurant with panoramic windows. The restaurant menu boasts dishes like veal cheek and mashed potatoes or beef tenderloin with baby carrots. And the grilled sea bass with cava is mouthwatering. There is also a nice lineup of desserts.
Our recommendation:
We recommend you book a table in advance if you plan to eat. And while you are there, be sure to try the carrot cake with lime and honey frosting. It is so creamy and delicious. It goes great with the Sweet Lady cocktail or a glass of wine. They even have champagne.
Location:
C/ Gran Vía, 42, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Nice to Meet You
What's it like:
During the day you can enjoy a sunny lunch with panoramic views of Madrid's skyline from one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city. At night, the party starts hopping and you can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and refreshing cocktails in style. On the weekends, there is a DJ playing the best music in town.
Found atop the Dear Hotel Madrid at Plaza de España on Gran Vía, Nice to Meet You is perched on the 14th floor so you can get one of the best views of the city skyline. Tucked into a shopping center, it is one of the hidden gems of the city. Although there is a pool here, it is for hotel guests only. But the live DJ and electric atmosphere are for everyone.
Our recommendation:
Start out with a dish of warm country chicken salad with strawberry chutney and goat cheese or croquettes with squid in black sauce. Then you can enjoy a suckling pic candied with shallots or a beef sirloin steak tartare. We definitely recommend the brownie with caramel ice cream for dessert. The rooftop bar menu is not as long as some, but you can go downstairs and get it if they do not have what you want.
Location:
C/ Gran Vía, 80, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant
What's it like:
Also on Gran Vía, Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant is a stunning rooftop bar that boasts creative cocktails and delicious Spanish food along with one of the best views in town. The 1950s decor makes this a fun place to drink, make new friends, and enjoy the view. Similar to a sports bar in some ways and a fancy eatery in others, you get the best of both here.
With a great wine selection and skillfully made cocktails and a casual and friendly atmosphere, Picalagartos is the perfect rooftop bar in Madrid. On top of the Madrid Hotel, NH Collection Gran Via, enjoy craft cocktails, a lengthy wine list, and scrumptious food.
Our recommendation:
We recommend you get there early because there are no reservations. It is on a first-come, first-served basis and is one of the most popular rooftop bars so if you get there late, you may as well go somewhere else. This roof terrace is the perfect spot to get some awesome photos of the city centre, the sunset, and the panoramic views of the stunning architecture.
Location:
C/ Gran Vía, 21, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Gymage
What's it like:
A unique concept, this rooftop bar is located on top of the Gymage Fitness Club. This one also has a pool as well as a vibrantly colored night scene with cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks as well. There is a small cover charge for nonmembers but it gives you access to the swimming pool and other amenities. The food menu has something for everyone with sandwiches, burgers, tapas, and desserts.
Right across from the Plaza de la Luna, Gymage is considered a lounge resort and is a popular local hangout. You can work out in the gymnasium, enjoy a show in the event center, and then go cool off in the top floor pool before enjoying some cold drinks. The infinity pool is incredible and looks like you are going to swim right off the roof.
Our recommendation:
If you plan to enjoy some drinks on the rooftop terrace here, you should reserve a table. It comes with a bottle of Moet or whatever you prefer in a large bucket of ice. They have food too with burgers, tapas, and sweets as well as coffee, shakes, and smoothies. Any kind of cocktail you like, you can probably get here as long as the bartender knows how to make it.
Location:
C. de la Luna, 2, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Círculo de Bellas Artes
What's it like:
Also known as CBA, you get some spectacular views on top of the city's best art gallery at what they call their Lobby Bar. First, enjoy a show at the movie theater or a live performance before you head up to the rooftop bar. Over 180 feet above the city, the roof of the CBA is where the locals go to relax after an evening at the theater.
On top of the building, the sculpture of Minerva the Roman goddess of wisdom and art by Juan Vassallo is a special crowning glory and wonderful photo op. The panoramic views, delicious drinks, and the ride to the top in the glass elevator are all so much fun.
Our recommendation:
Your ticket to the roof is included in your ticket to the events and exhibits. However, it is not a reservation so your spot up top is not guaranteed. Get up there early to get a seat. We recommend you check out the artwork even if you are just going there to drink. There are over 1,200 pieces including furniture, sculptures, and paintings.
Location:
C. de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain
The Best Rooftop Bar in Madrid
This is just a short list of some of the most amazing rooftop bars in the city. You can find so many more, many of them on top of Madrid hotels.
One that is unique is the Palacio de Cibeles which is located in the Madrid City Hall. The Cibeles Terrace is a beautiful spot on the sixth floor of the palace where you can have a drink in style. Another place is Oscar's Terrace at the Room Mate Oscar Hotel in central Madrid. Just follow the locals, they know where to go.
