34 top terraces in Madrid

This rooftop bar and restaurant is so close to the iconic Telefónica building that you'll feel you can reach out and touch it. To get there, you've got to go up to the ninth floor of the NH Collection Gran Vía hotel (at the corner of C/Montera), where you'll be greeted with various spaces including a cocktail bar and comfy sofa area. There's also a menu of nibbles brought to you by Chef Javier Muñoz Calero (who some will know from Nubel or the Forus Barceló rooftop), which is perfect for summer afternoons and nights. Give yourself plenty of time because this is one of the places to be. 

With a 360-degree view of the Madrid skyline, La Terraza at the Emperador Hotel is the best spot to sample creative cocktails from bartender Luca Anastasio, one of the world's most renowned and influential mixologists, and creator of new concepts and the latest trends in the world of mixology. Great for warmer or cooler weather, with a covered area and another in the open air, La Terraza boasts a style by the prestigious interior designer Nacho García de Vinuesa, whose work is best defined by the term eclecticism.

Inside the glorious El Retiro park, surrounded by trees that give it a special microclimate, Florida Retiro is one of Madrid's favourite places to be when the weather is fine. It doesn't matter what time of day or night you go: the outdoor bars offer drinks and eats for all tastes, and the rooftop is an amazing space for music and classy cocktails every evening.

Something good is happening in Madrid: there are more and more ways to enjoy the city from above it, and this rooftop terrace is one of the best pieces of evidence to prove that. Ginkgo Sky Bar is on the top floor of the five-star hotel VP Plaza de España Design, and although it's not on Gran Vía, its terrace with swimming pool offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire Madrid skyline, from the Royal Palace and the Casa de Campo to the neighbourhoods of Austrias and Malasaña. 

Ella Sky Bar boasts some pretty spectacular views that reach from the Cuatro Torres in the north to the nearby Royal Palace, and with the legendary Callao neon on the Capitol building in the foreground. The non-stop menu is a balance between traditional dishes, internationally influenced sandwiches and plenty of finger food. Get up to the Ella Sky Bar by taking the wonderful double-iron-doored lift up to the building's tenth floor. It's open from 10 am, and in addition to the regular menu, there's a Saturday morning brunch, which makes for a perfect start to the day and the weekend.

Raimunda opened on June 5, 2020, and since then their reservation book has been jam-packed. Once you do manage to get settled in on the terrace with a capacity of about 50 clients, you can order from a menu via QR code for either lunch or dinner during the week (the timetable opens up a bit more at weekends). To go with your drinks, they've got some fantastic nibbles, including 'tequeños' with avocado and pomegranate mousse, halibut tacos, prawns with spiced rice ... And, of course, there are plenty of house classics like potato puff pastries with chipotle sauce and a creamy Russian salad with roasted sweet potato and tobiko.

Doñaluz reopened its terrace as of June 5, 2020, but only if you have a reservation, so if you want a spot, get booking now. And once you're in, be sure to get there on time, as you'll have a maximum of two hours until the next sitting starts so that more people can enjoy not only the views but also the excellent cuisine and cocktails. All customers can check the status of hygiene and disinfection processes through special software.

A new spot opened in early summer 2020 on a plot of more than 1,000 square metres, where the lush vegetation that surrounds you on the pet-friendly garden terrace might lure you in even more than the yummy Russian salad. Meat lovers note that you can savour delights cooked on the grill over coals such as a tomahawk steak that's been matured 45 days or a sizzling beef burger. There's room for all tastes on the menu, which has something for any time of the day the kitchen is open. You might just be more in the mood for a lighter bite or a more hearty option that you can take your time to enjoy. 

El Cielo de Alcalá is on the rooftop terrace of the H10 Puerta de Alcalá Hotel, and with its panoramic views of Madrid, it becomes one of the city's favourite hangouts in the warmer months. The small but spectacular plexiglas pool does on occasion steal the spotlight from the 360-degree views you get from your location just a stone's throw away from Puerta de Alcalá and a few metres from El Retiro park. Relax with a cocktail, or add tapas or brunch to your order if you're more than thirsty at this spot where people come to see and be seen.

At This authentic garden of Far Eastern delights is located in a villa, where the decor teleports you straight to Suzhou, with a wall that emulates the traditional windows of this Chinese city famous for its gardens. In the shade of walnut and ash trees, the terrace at El Bund is an intimate, cool and quiet space that makes for a romantic dinner setting or spot for the first drinks of the night, thanks to the play of light and candles.They serve a wide repertoire of cocktails, among them 18 types of gin and tonic, and many other signature concoctions waiting to be discovered.

Hidden in the heart of the headquarters of the COAM (Official College of Architects of Madrid) and with the elegant interior design and meticulous savoir-faire that is expected of such a place, you'll find this space that's backed by the stellar restaurant group En Compañía de Lobos. The culinary efforts at Bosco de Lobos, whether you're going for a pleasant brunch or a casual snack, sitting at an indoor table or taking a spot on the chic terrace, gravitates toward Italian cuisine. Risottos, pasta dishes, carpaccios and the most authentic Milanese come together in a space with wide appeal.

In an interior garden just in front of the Círculo de Bellas Artes is where you'll find Bocanegra, a two-storey restaurant with an outdoor terrace, where you can get a breather from the suffocating summer afternoons and nights Madrid often serves up. The menu features dishes that are great for sharing, and those festive lights add the right touch of informality to a most stately setting.

Between the interior and the exterior, you've got 270 square metres to play in every night of the week, starting from the early evening and into the early hours of the next morning. Located on the tenth floor of the Hyatt Centric Gran Vía Madrid hotel, El Jardín de Diana gives you great views of the heart of Madrid. Chef Raúl Gordillo has designed a tempting 'finger food' menu, signature cocktails and the popular 'sharing cocktails' for you and all your closest friends. 

The Madrid skyline is one of the most beautiful in Spain. And a perfect place to enjoy the view is from the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in C/Alcalá. From the massive terrace there you can see the whole city, its big avenues, famous monuments, green spaces and even the city's skyscrapers, the Cuatro Torres. It's also an ideal spot to have a drink while you watch the sun set, or at night (in high season it closes at 2.30am at weekends) or try some of the delish bites they create in Tartan Roof, the seasonal restaurant from Javier Muñoz-Calero.

This down-to-earth terrace hidden away in the middle of the La Latina neighbourhood has become a Madrid summer must. On the rooftop of the modern hostal The Hat, starting from 6pm (go earlier and you won't find it open), you'll get good views, a fun ambience and chilled draught beers to complete the package. They've also got snacks, such as quiches and toasted bread with various toppings, and on Sundays they've got paella. The simple decor lends itself to this space where you'll feel as comfy as if you were visiting neighbours, surrounded by lovely sunsets and cool folks having a good time. If you want to make a group booking, it has to be done with at least 24 hours' notice.

After several years and many edits, the emblematic Edificio España reopens as part of the RIU hotel chain. The building's original elements have been restored, and the jewel in the crown of this current incarnation takes the form of two sky bars, which are set to wow any visitors and even the most seen-it-all locals. On the 26th floor is De Madrid al Cielo, with a neon 'Movida' vibe; and the other, on the rooftop, affords 360-degree views of the city and boasts a spectacular glass walkway that allows you to feel like you're walking in the Madrid sky.

Up on the rooftop of the NH Collection Madrid Suecia, you're treated to a restaurant, bar, cocktail bar and terrace. At the helm of this setup are heavyweights Lluis Canadell (of the restaurants Lomo Alto and Bocagrande in Barcelona) and Lázaro Rosa-Violán (tops in interior design). Here they serve up Mediterranean cuisine, along with an international brasserie concept for the more haute side of the gastro offer, heavenly five-star breakfasts, and in the bar area, tasty tapas from midday. All this on a rooftop nestled between emblematic buildings, where you can get uninterrupted service from noon to 2am.

If you star in a successful television show, everyone knows you. If you have a Michelin star, every gourmet, foodie or hedonist worth their salt has seen your face or, better still, has eaten in your restaurant on the 24th floor of the Meliá Sky in Barcelona. Across Spain, the Torres brothers need no introduction. But if you need to know more, there's always Google. Whats most important is their maturity and craft, their ode to amazing cuisine, is in Madrid. And there's a terrace. You could get a ticket to Barcelona on the AVE high-speed train, or you could stay in Madrid and enjoy the tasting menu right here at Dos Cielos.

The very staid environs of this gentlemen's club dining room (wear a tie) provide the unlikely setting for a restaurant inspired and originally overseen by iconic chef Ferran Adrià and now run by one of his most illustrious disciples, Paco Roncero. It can boast of three Repsol suns and two Michelin stars. What more can we say?

This terrace is the perfect excuse to wander through the San Antón market, because on its top floor, after checking out the fruit and vegetable stalls and passing by the odd spot for tapas, you get to this space that overlooks the rooftops of the Chueca neighbourhood. It's the exterior of the La Cocina de San Antón restaurant, and there's a bar area that's perfect for enjoying beers, cocktails and snacks. The menu is based on traditional market cuisine that use top-quality raw materials, such as Cinco Jotas Iberian products.

Welcome to the rooftop of the Aloft Gran Via hotel, where you can take in lingering sunsets and the neighbourhood of Los Austrias in the background. If that's simply not enough for you, add a cheese board and a portion of patatas bravas, or really dig in with a burger or tofu wrap before contemplating what you'll have from the brief but attractive menu of signature cocktails and mixed drinks. Bear in mind the pool is exclusively for hotel guests.

Head here for one of the best panoramic views in the entire city. Located on the top floor of The Principal Hotel, with views of Gran Vía, this terrace is open for business from April to October. It's got different spaces, so you can have a meal under the Madrid sky, dining on dishes as rich as the aubergine with Mediterranean flavours or the tuna tataki, crispy shrimp and endless vegetables, among many other items on the menu, and then, if you fancy, grab a cocktail in the bar area without having to take your eyes off that view.

Imagine sipping a refreshing cocktail in the summertime with your feet dangling in the cool waters of a swimming pool. If you add to that stellar views over the city of Madrid and comfy white lounge chairs, you've got the surroundings at La Terraza del Urban. It's not the cheapest among the city's terraces, but it is one of the most beautiful. Besides, on the top floor of this luxury hotel is where you'll also find the restaurant El Cielo del Urban, a modern and stylish space.

Salmon or beef tartare, grilled sardines and anchovies, a cheese board... You’ll find plenty of tempting snacks and cocktails if you head up to the seventh floor of this hotel. This attractive (wood always gives an elegant air) penthouse terrace is perfect for warmer evenings or for a fresh fruit juice in the morning. Like all of the rooftop hotels around Gran Vía, the cocktails will see you parting with around €15 per drink.

Located just steps from Atocha station, the hotel Only You aims to be welcoming and sophisticated at the same time: a place with that industrial aesthetic but with Mediterranean comfort, designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán. And up on the top floor, along with the restaurant Sép7ima is the panoramic terrace, which gives you stunning views of the Madrid sky as well as a great Sunday brunch. The roof terrace is also home to the Angelita Sky Bar, a unique and award-winning signature cocktail bar. You can accompany your choice of classic, iconic, signature or alcohol-free cocktails with options from the excellent and not at all overpriced menu of nibbles, among which are standout options like the Angelita patatas bravas, the very traditional 'callos' (tripe) and a pad Thai with veal.

These designer suites are located opposite the Royal Palace and so of course enjoy an incredible panoramic view from their terrace. It's especially worth a visit as dusk approaches, to see the enormous palace all lit up. Their tapas menu is on point, the cocktails and drinks go down nicely and the chill-out ambience is perfect for a first date or an easy night out with friends. Space is limited, so it's a good idea to book in advance, just in case.

Room Mate Oscar's is one of the most iconic terraces in Madrid when it comes to hanging around outdoors on long summer evenings or even short winter nights, since it's open all year thanks to temperature controlled environs. The magnificent views of the Chueca neighbourhood, semi-covered pool and bar are a stellar combination, especially in the warmer months, and provide and ambience that could rival that of any Ibiza club.

This restaurant in the Arzábal group, located in the Reina Sofía Museum, invites you to enjoy the art and culture of cuisine, and aims to conquer the palates of not just visitors to the museum but all food lovers, even if you're not heading in to see the art. Arzábal means traditional cuisine with history and an ode to tapas, a gastronomic culture surrounded by walls like wine cellars and with signature cuisine that's able to wow even the most discerning of tastes. The restaurant's beautiful terrace as well as the design of its interior invite you to enjoy Arzábal at any time of the day.

Generator Hostel is one of the cheapest in town; it belongs to the British chain bearing the same name and specialises in quality and inexpensive accommodation. One of the draws is its wonderful terrace, which opens in the morning hours, so you can try a delicious breakfast. Later, their cocktail list is perfect for enjoying hot summer nights in Madrid. You'll find a young and modern environment, but go prepared, because even though the accommodations are cheap, the food and drinks prices on the terrace are a tad high.

Enjoy a relaxed ambience (and lively theme nights with various DJs) and international cuisine at the restaurant in the central Hotel ME. The menu, designed by young chef David Fernández, is seasonal and reflects casual exotisim, as you can see in dishes such as octopus with olive paste, bacon quinotto, Canarian-Nikkei suckling pig, and Peruvian 'causa colorada'. After a decade, the hotel rooftop was reinvented to suit the taste of visitors travelling through, for having tapas with friends, and there's a renovated cocktail bar area with a good handful of original creations. Get comfortable on one of the sofas, whether you're inside or out, and bask in the lovely, carefree Madrid nights.

The old Luna cinema has been converted into this 'lounge resort' that has a gym, a restaurant, a space for events, and an impressive terrace that overlooks the streets of Malasaña. With a bit of a futuristic air about it, the rooftop of this innovative building boasts a bar that serves cocktails, coffee, and shakes/smoothies all day long and all year round. A great place to disconnect from the daily beat of the city. 

The terrace here atop one of Madrid's most emblematic buildings features stelar views. You'll have to go up to the sixth floor of the Palacio de Cibeles, which is the headquarters of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid (City Hall), and also of the CentroCentro cultural space in order to see for yourself. The cocktail menu is extensive and full of premium brands. They've also got a small selection of dishes to share such as croquettes, cured venison, oysters and cheese plates, among others. The terrace is open late in summer (2.30am Friday and Saturday), so you don't have to keep an eye on the clock.

The top floor of the Silken Puerta de América hotel is quite the location for a quiet drink while you enjoy the views of the city. The space was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, and you can see his touch in every detail, such as the semi-circular structure and the glass walkway that connects the different areas. This is a singular terrace in Madrid and one of the most beautiful in the city.

A few meters from the Alonso Martínez metro stop is this terrace that has been getting more and more popular thanks in part to its lovely floral decoration that pairs perfectly with summer evenings. It's located above the Barceló market, and you can savour an ice-cold beer along with their famous 'lobster roll' sandwich, made of prawns, surimi, lettuce, shallots, celery and chili-mayo, a creation by the house chef, Manuel Berganza.