10 best rooftop bars in Madrid
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The Principal Madrid
Screening the Champions League final
The first five star hotel on Gran Vía, Madrid’s main thoroughfare, has a top-notch rooftop bar with sweeping views to match. Ruby-red umbrellas, wrought-iron armchairs and potted olive trees bring sensory hits of the Mediterranean coast; so do the thirst-quenching gin-tónics garnished with aromatics such as orange, lemon and rosemary.
Address: The Principal Madrid, Calle Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 1, 28004 Madrid
Telephone: +34 915 218 743
Website: theprincipalmadridhotel.comGinkgo Sky Bar
Screening the Champions League final
Browse the menu of inventive nueva cocina tapas (sea-bass ceviche, chimichurri-daubed bone marrow) and cocktails at Ginkgo Sky Bar, the crown jewel of the high-kicking VP Plaza España Design hotel, which opened in 2018. The decor of the sprawling indoor-outdoor space strikes a balance between whimsical and sleek, with throwback velvet sofas, mirrored ceilings and a gleaming black-marble bar.
Address: Ginkgo Sky Bar, Plaza de España, 3, 28008 Madrid
Telephone: +34 915 955 512
Website: ginkgoskybarmadrid.comGenerator Madrid
Screening the Champions League final
The beachy, California-dreamin’ vibes of this hostel’s rooftop will have you reaching for tiki drink after tiki drink – such as the Miami Vice, a guilty-pleasure concoction that’s half frozen Piña Colada and half strawberry Daiquiri. Nightly DJ sets, which heat up around sunset, are a magnet for young Madrileños and fun-seeking Generator boarders alike.
Address: Generator Madrid, Calle de San Bernardo, 2, 28013 Madrid
Telephone: +34 910 479 801Heritage Madrid Hotel
This subdued newcomer in the smart Salamanca district lures well-heeled visitors and buttoned-up locals to its seventh-floor terrace for Champagne and craft cocktails against a backdrop of trickling fountains, magnolias and laurel trees. No need to drink on an empty stomach, with acorn-fed ham, white prawn onigiri and steak tartare chopped en el momento on the menu.
Address: Heritage Madrid Hotel, Calle de Diego de León, 43, 28006 Madrid
Telephone: +34 910 887 070
Website: heritagemadridhotel.com
Azotea del Círculo
With its 360-degree views of the skyline – spot architectural landmarks such as the Metrópolis Building, El Pirulí television tower and Cybele Palace – it’s no wonder this bar–restaurant on the top floor of the Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural centre is perennially packed with locals and curious travellers. After feasting on modern pan-Mediterranean tapas, kick your feet up on a day-bed in the adjoining bar space.
Address: Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes de Madrid, Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera, 2, 28004 Madrid
Telephone: +34 915 301 761
Website: azoteadelcirculo.comRadio
The well-dressed rooftop of the ME Madrid Reina Victoria on Plaza de Santa Ana is a solid bet for bumping DJ nights and inventive live performances as soon as T-shirt season hits. You might even spot a local celebrity – the atmosphere (and strict door policy, so no trainers or shorts) make Radio a hotspot for serious people-watching.
Address: ME Madrid, Plaza de Sta. Ana, 14, 28012 Madrid
Telephone: +34 912 764 747
Website: melia.comThe Hat
Locals would just as soon keep you in the dark about the top-floor terrace at The Hat, Madrid’s sharpest design hostel. And who could blame them? There isn’t a more budget-friendly rooftop bar in the city centre, let alone one that’s open year-round, thanks to its greenhouse-like glass enclosure.
Address: The Hat, Calle Imperial, 9, 28012 Madrid
Telephone: +34 917 728 572
Website: thehatmadrid.com- La Cocina de San Antón
Above the hubbub of the Mercado de San Antón, the Chueca district’s popular foodie market, is the eponymous Cocina, a relaxed small-plates restaurant whose expansive terrace provides photogenic views of the barrio’s terracotta roofscape.
Address: La Cocina de San Antón, Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 28004 Madrid
Telephone: +34 913 300 294
Website: esmadrid.comTerraza de Florida Retiro
Most visitors – and a fair share of Madrileños – think the Parque del Buen Retiro, the city’s sprawling green space, is only good for picnics and leisurely strolls, but that all changed in 2016 with the ribbon-cutting of Florida Retiro. This glitzy hybrid space in the heart of the park has a rooftop raw-bar/restaurant and coctelería that’s eye level with the rustling chestnut trees and chirping birds.
Address: Terraza de Florida Retiro, Paseo de la República Dominicana, 1, 28009 Madrid
Telephone: +34 918 275 275
Website: floridaretiro.com- El Viajero
After a morning spent haggling with stall-owners and jostling elbows at the Rastro flea market, give your feet a rest at the nearby El Viajero, an ivy-draped eyrie overlooking the cathedral and people-watching favourite Plaza de la Cebada. Between bites – finger-food hits such as hummus, guacamole and croquettes – cool off with ice-cold pitchers of homemade sangría.
Address: El Viajero, Plaza de la Cebada, 11, 28005 Madrid
Telephone: +34 620 638 159
Website: elviajeromadrid.comScroll down for more photographs of Madrid's rooftop bars...
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Azotea del Círculo
Ginko Sky Bar
Heritage Hotel
Heritage Hotel
ME by Meliá
ME by Meliá
The Hat
The Principal Madrid
Generator Madrid