Madrid’s nightlife is world-renowned, but things don’t get going until well after dark.
By far the best place to be while watching the sunset is one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars, with a drink in hand and tapas on the table. Here are our top-rated rooftop bars in Madrid for quality cocktails, tasty tapas, and breathtaking views over the Spanish capital and beyond.
Azotea del Círculo – El Círculo de Bellas Artes
C. del Marqués de Casa Riera, 2, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Sun – Thurs 10 am – 12:30 pm, Fri – Sat 10 am – 1:30 am
The upscale Azotea del Círculo forms part of the Círculo de Bellas Artes arts and cultural centre, and is as famous for its innovative Spanish cuisine and cocktails as it is for its roof terrace views.
From here, you can enjoy a sweeping 360-degree panoramic view of the city and its most iconic landmarks, including Gran Vía Avenue and the Metropolis building, Palacio de Cibeles, and the four skyscrapers of the financial district.
Azotea’s dinner menu falls on the expensive side (unsurprising, given the restaurant’s prestige) but its cocktail menu is far more budget-friendly at €12 per drink.
Reserve a table to avoid disappointment, especially during summer when the bar is at its busiest.
Ella Sky Bar
Gran Vía, 42, Centro, 28004, Madrid
Mon – Fri 7am – 2am, Sat – Sun 7:30am – 2am
Situated on Gran Vía, Madrid’s main avenue, the chic and stylish Ella Sky Bar is divided into a restaurant and bar area, with large windows on the lower level and the open-air terrace above. This sleek 10th-floor setup creates a cool and chilled-out atmosphere in which to savour a variety of drinks and meals while soaking in the urban landscape.
Ella’s restaurant serves a mix of traditional dishes, gastro snacks, and a gourmet daily menu while its rooftop bar offers tapas, sweet treats, and reasonably priced beer, wine and cocktails (€14 each).
The bar also delivers excellent views over several iconic landmarks, including Plaza de Callao and its Capitol building with the legendary illuminated Schweppes sign.
Weekends are particularly popular, with DJs sets featuring on Friday and Saturday nights. This means that the only way to guarantee a table with an excellent view is to reserve in advance. Click here to book a table and a bottle from 6 pm onwards for €120 (maximum 5 people).
RIU Hotel
Gran Vía, 84, Centro, 28013, Madrid
Daily 11am – 1am / 2am
Situated on the 27th floor of the RIU Hotel, the 360 Rooftop Bar offers sweeping views over the Spanish capital. However, its undisputed highlight is the glass walkway, which offers the illusion of hovering above the city below (something not for the faint-hearted!).
Check out the hashtag #riupeople for a cheeky sneak preview.
Entry costs vary depending on the time and day of your visit. Between Monday and Thursday, non-hotel guests pay a reduced rate of €5 before 5 pm and €10 thereafter. From Fridays to Sundays, entry costs €10 irrespective of what time you visit.
Between Monday and Thursday, you can purchase a skip-the-line rooftop express pass for €10 before 5 pm and €20 thereafter. At weekends, the pass costs €20.
Click here to browse the 360 Rooftop Bar’s extensive drinks and cocktail menu.
Dear Hotel
Gran Vía 80, 28013, Madrid
Daily 2pm – 12:30am / 1am
Perched on the 14th floor of Gran Vía’s Dear Hotel, this Instaworthy rooftop bar offers stunning 360-degree views over several Madrid landmarks. This is the perfect place to enjoy some reasonably priced cocktails and tapas while watching the sunset over the bustling Plaza de España, the Royal Palace and, of course, La Gran Vía.
Its amicably named “Nice To Meet You” Restaurant specialises in Spanish sharing entrees, rice and pasta first courses, and meat and fish second courses, all given a contemporary twist.c
At weekends, the rooftop bar’s ambience is enhanced with music and live DJs. Hotel guests can enjoy the rooftop plunge pool, which offers panoramic city views over the streets of the Spanish capital.
Get the Most out of Madrid with Tipsy Tours
Why wander around Madrid alone when you could discover it with others? Our Tipsy Tapas Tour gathers fun-loving food lovers from all around the world and introduces them to the best of Spanish tapas and drinks in the trendy La Latina area.
Try wines, beers, vermouth & more accompanied by traditional local tapas as you visit five foodie spots the locals keep to themselves!
Book Your Madrid Tapas Tour Today!
Looking for ideas for during the day?
Check out our Madrid Walking Tour!
