The Best Rooftop Bars in Madrid

When I first came to Madrid, I was amazed by the number of swanky rooftop bars there is here. I feel as though in the UK rooftop bars are less well known, maybe because of the weather, the extortionate prices… or maybe its because I don’t get out enough that I think they’re not well known, which would make more sense. Anyway, wow! The rooftops here in Madrid are great for a relaxed afternoon soaking in the sun, a classy evening with friends, a chilled cocktail or a night out with the girls and guys! Any time I visit the rooftop bars here, I feel super cool and classy. I’m one of those girls who walk through the entrance and look over my shades, scanning my surroundings pretending like I’m in some sort of movie. But anyway, while I fantasise that I’m cool, please read all about my favourite rooftop bars in Madrid and at least visit one on your travels.

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Okay, so the rooftop bar you mustn't miss out on when travelling to Madrid has definitely got to be Círculo de Bellas Artes, as the trendy terrace has the most amazing views of the busy city. There are plenty of barstools and tables as well as lounge-style chairs on cool artificial turf perfect for chilling, drinking and waiting for the beautiful sunset of Madrid. The entrance fee is 4 euro’s which is worth the long elevator ride to the top!

Locate - Calle de Alcalá,

Picalagartos Sky-Bar

This place is just amazing for a 360 skyline view. Yes, the food and drinks are a tad on the pricey side, but I do think it's worth it as everything is delicious (I know from eating the leftovers of friends plates as the portion sizes are rather big!). The quintessential rooftop terrace has a fancy bar which serves various cocktails and gins. I think that maybe this is one of the best places to relax outside with a group of friends and enjoy the evening with one too many bottles of champagne… forgive me I’m English… 

Locate - C/ Gran Vía, 21

The Hat

The Hat in fact actually happens to be a pretty cool town-house hostel roughly 4 minutes walk from Tirso de Molina and Plaza Mayor. As if the location and wasn’t good enough, their almost-hidden rooftop bar looks over Madrid's most classic buildings. Its got a very relaxed atmosphere, smart décor... oh and of course lets not forget a variety of delicious Spanish tapas on their menu from tostas to tortilla .. AND COCKTAILS!

Locate - Calle Imperial, 9

Mercado San Antón

This market has 3 levels of tasty tapas, food stations and cooking demonstrations, the perfect place to socialise. You can get a fabulous view of the cool Chueca neighbourhood with a beer in hand, on the rooftop terrace bar. There is seating outside if you’d like to soak in the sun and seating inside; great for the colder months. I recommend this as a place to start a fun evening with your friends.

Locate - Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24B

Riu Rooftop Bar 360º

This multi-level rooftop is stylish and spacious sitting on top of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, 360º which was renovated recently. Your welcome to visit during the day and night. I recommend going just before it gets darker so you can enjoy both the day and evening views over the city. My favourite part is obviously got to be their glass walkway in which it feels like your almost walking in the air. It's also a great place for an Instagram photo! The entrance cost is roughly 5-10 euros and free if you’re a hotel guest. I can’t forget, on the lower level there is the ‘De Madrid al Cielo’ nightclub which is great if you want a 1…or 2 more cocktails! 

Locate - Calle Gran Vía, 84

El Viajero

El Viajero (which means ‘The Traveller’ ) has stylish décor with a rooftop bar to check out the neighbourhood of La Latina. Even though it is in the centre of Madrid, it gives off a ‘secret spot kinda vibe’ as it can be less busy than some of the other places around. Their menu has a nice selection of food from burgers to pasta. Not to mention, I live in this neighbourhood so this place comes in handy when I’m too lazy to cook which I would like to pretend isn’t often…

Locate - Plaza de la Cebada, 11

Gourmet Experience

I believe this is one of the first Rooftops I visited when moving to Madrid. You can enjoy some amazing views without having to spend money on food or drinks if you're penny-pinching. However, this is called the Gourmet Experience so your in the right place if you’d like to savour some of the local delicacies or food from the rest of the world. Although its a little expensive, the portion sizes are good and the views are stunning. It's a nice place for a view with a drink and friends.

Locate - Plaza del Callao, 2

Dear Hotel

My boyfriend lives super close to the Dear Hotel rooftop bar, which means its as near to having a garden as we will get! So our rooftop (I wish)… has a pool for the hotel guests which admittedly is quite small, but has a spectacular lookout of the heart of the city and its surroundings. The location is easy to navigate to most of the well-known sights. I really think this is great for chilled cocktails or lunch in the sunshine!! 

Locate - Calle Gran Via 80 

Please tell me about your favourite rooftop bars here! I’m always looking for new views of Madrid.

"My favourite way to rise above the BS? Rooftops."

— Unknown