📸 Madrid from a Bird's-Eye View: Where to Enjoy the Best Panoramic Vistas of the City

Madrid is a beautiful city from any perspective, but viewing it from above offers a completely different and spectacular sight. If you are looking for the best panoramic views of Madrid—be it for an iconic photo, a cocktail at sunset, or simply for orientation—here are some essential spots with all the details.

🏙️ Places with Impressive Views (Heights and Terraces)

Terraza del Círculo de Bellas Artes (Rooftop Terrace)

• Location: Center (Alcalá/Gran Vía).

• Key Note: Probably the most iconic view of Madrid. It offers a 360° panorama of the city, including the Edificio Metrópolis, Gran Vía, and the Sierra.

• Access Details: Entrance fee (approx. €5.50). There is a bar and a restaurant.

  📍 Address: C/ de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid.

  
  

Terraza del Hotel Riu Plaza España

• Location: Plaza de España / Gran Vía, on the 27th floor.

• Key Note: Offers spectacular views of the Gran Vía and a famous glass walkway that is a popular selfie spot.

• Access Details: Entrance fee (price varies depending on the time). Features a Sky Bar.

  📍 Address: C/ Gran Vía, 84, 28013 Madrid.

  
  

Faro de Moncloa (Moncloa Lighthouse)

• Location: Moncloa.

• Key Note: A tower structure that offers wide panoramic views of the urban sprawl and the Sierra de Guadarrama—ideal for orientation.

• Access Details: Entrance fee. Check the lighthouse's website [Web del Faro de Moncloa] on the day of your visit for possible closures due to wind.

🌳 Sunset Views and Classical Perspectives (Free or Outdoors)

Templo de Debod (Debod Temple):

• The Key: The views to the west, with the Royal Palace and the Sierra de Guadarrama in the background, are magical and free, especially during sunset.

• 📍 Address: C/ Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid.

Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens):

• The Key: Although it is a side view, the perspective of the Royal Palace from these French-designed gardens is imposing and very photogenic.

• 📍 Address: C/ Bailén, 2, 28013 Madrid.

Jardines del Palacio Real (Campo del Moro):

• The Key: This is not a view from above, but a unique perspective from the base of the Palace. The gardens are expansive and offer tranquility.

• 📍 Address: Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto, 1, 28005 Madrid.

🚡 Alternative Options and Renovation

Teleférico de Madrid (Cable Car):

• Experience: Offers aerial views of the Parque del Oeste, the Casa de Campo, and parts of the city during the ride.

• Important! As of October 2025, the facility is currently closed and under renovation due to comprehensive improvement work.

• 🌐 Current information can be found here: [Web del Teleférico de Madrid]

✅ Key Tips for Enjoying the Views

• Choose the Perfect Time: Sunset is the ideal moment on terraces and viewpoints like the Templo de Debod and the Círculo de Bellas Artes, as the golden and orange light floods the city.

• Check Opening Hours and Prices: Hotel terraces and the Círculo de Bellas Artes have specific entry fees and times that may change. Consult these beforehand to avoid surprises.

• Bring Your Camera or Mobile Phone: You will want to capture these panoramas. A good zoom will help you identify distant monuments.

• Refresh Yourself on the Terraces: If you visit a rooftop in the summer, take the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail or a refreshing drink with the view.

Discovering Madrid from above allows you to appreciate its layout, identify its most important monuments, and simply let yourself be captivated by its majestic urban beauty.

Which of these views would you like to experience first on your next visit?