Best rooftops in Madrid

Madrid may not have the soaring towers of New York or Hong Kong, but its wonderful collection of classic redbrick rooftops and varied architecture means that sometimes only a bird’s eye view will do. This is particularly relevant during the long hot days of summer, where a cooling breeze on a rooftop is sometimes the only thing that can make it bearable. Here’s our guide to some of the best rooftops in the Spanish capital.

Casa de Granada
Calle del Doctor Cortezo, 17, 6th floor
Nearest metro: Tirso de Molina

Come for the views, not the food. This small café is situated on top of an average looking apartment building close to Tirso de Molina metro. You have to ring the buzzer for the 6th floor to be let in, then take the rickety elevator up to the top: great for intimidating first-time visitors by making them think you’re taking them to some kind of crack den. When you step out of the lift, however, you’re suddenly in your typical homely Spanish café. It gets crowded at the most popular times (around sunset and during sunny weekends), so try and get there early: otherwise you’ll end up on the interminable waiting list for one of the more popular seats on the terrace. The food is distinctly average, so while away your time with a beer as you watch the sunset over the red-tiled rooftops of La Latina.

Gaudeamus
Calle de Tribulete, 14
Nearest metro: Lavapiés

A rather more sophisticated affair than you might expect in the bohemian district of Lavapiés, the Gaudeamus café sits at the top of the UNED building, home to exhibitions, film festivals and much more. There’s usually a bit of a wait for a table, but there’s a chilled out atmosphere, excellent mojitos and a great view over the southern part of the city from one of the highest buildings in this area.

La Casa Encendida
Ronda de Valencia, 2
Nearest metro: Lavapiés, Embajadores

One of Madrid’s best libraries, exhibition spaces and cultural centres, La Casa Encendida also benefits from a fantastic rooftop garden which gets hugely popular during summer. While there’s no café here, there’s nothing to stop you bringing along a drink and a bite to eat, or just sitting and enjoying the skyline. Be sure to check out the art exhibitions on the way down for a great display of contemporary art from all over the world.

Circulo de Bellas Artes
Calle de Alcalá, 52
Nearest metro: Sevilla, Banco de España

One of the most impressive and ornate buildings in Madrid, this historic location plays host to films, plays, exhibitions, cultural events and much much more. Founded in 1888, it has always been a home for the arts – Picasso even studied painting there. Enjoy a drink in the ground floor café, take in a show, then take the special elevator up to the roof to see some of the most spectacular views of the city.

The Penthouse, Hotel ME
Plaza de Santa Ana, 14
Nearest metro: Sol

Overlooking the Plaza de Santa Ana, one of the liveliest plazas in the city, this is an uber-trendy rooftop bar on top of a stylish hotel (formerly the famous Reina Victoria). Entrance is 10 euros, and the drinks aren’t cheap, but you’ll be rubbing shoulders with Madrid’s young, trendy and moneyed – you might even spot a Real Madrid footballer or two. Plus you can enjoy excellent views over the Plaza and neighbouring Huertas.

Hotel de las Letras
Gran Vía, 11
Nearest metro: Banco de España, Gran Vía

In a prime location at the start of Gran Vía, this arts & literature-themed hotel is host to one of the most sophisticated roof terraces in the city, enjoying fantastic views of Madrid’s most famous street and the surrounding area. Full of comfy hammocks and bean bags for lounging on, it’s a great place to watch the evening draw in or to look down on the hustle and bustle of nightlife in the centre.

Serrano 41
Calle de Serrano, 41
Nearest metro: Serrano

One of the funkiest and longest running clubs in Madrid, Serrano 41 is home to some of the city’s hippest and richest party-goers. Every Thursday night is Erasmus night, where foreign students across the globe come to party till the early hours. Open until 5.30am during summer weekends, this is a great place to watch the sun go down… then watch it come up again a few hours later.