To understand the beauty of a place, you need to have seen a sunset there. There’s something magical about the slowly changing spectrum of colored lights shining over beautiful nature and architecture, leaving lucky spectators in awe. If you hadn’t noticed, Madrid is a big city with plenty of beautiful places to see stunning sunsets. In this blog, a couple of highly recommendable locations with breathtaking views will be listed.

1. Templo de Debod Madrid

Templo de Debod Madrid is an Egyptian temple in Parque del Oeste. As a sign of gratitude for the help provided by Spain in saving the Abu Simbel temples, the Egyptian state donated the temple of Debod to Spain in 1968. It was officially opened to the public in 1972. The location in Parque del Oeste Madrid is just beautiful as it provides a view with little obstructions. Most of the time, the temple is surrounded by water which creates an even more stunning effect. If you want to go inside the temple as well, it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. (this also goes for holidays) and is closed on Mondays. The opening hours are subject to change, so always make sure you check before going. The easiest way to reach Parque del Oeste is by either bus or metro. The nearest metro stations would be Plaza de España (metro lines 3 and 10) and Ventura Rodríguez (metro line 3). The park is also accessible by bus via various connections.

Address: Templo de Debod, Calle de Ferraz 1, 28008 Madrid

2. Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío

Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío is located more outside the city center, however you won’t regret visiting it though. The park features elevated areas with nice green grass where you can get a view of the city’s skyline. The place is so peaceful as the sun sets over the horizon, and the best part, it’s completely free. It’s a little hike to get to Cerro del Tío Pío, but it’ll be worth your time. The best way to get there would be by bus, or by getting off the metro at either Portazgo or Buenos Aires (both metro line 1).

Address: Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío, Calle de Benjamín Palencia 2, 28038 Madrid

3. Retiro Park

Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in the city of Madrid. So, there are plenty of spots where you can see amazing sunsets. When you’re at El Retiro Park, make sure to check out the crystal palace. This glass structure reflects the sunlight in such a breathtaking way while it sets. You will also find a huge lake in the park,you can find it by entering through the tunnel after getting off at the Retiro metro station. By the lake, you can find the famous Estanque Grande del Retiro. This structure by the lake is guaranteed to make for some beautiful pictures once the sky is filled with color. If you want to know at what time does Retiro Park close check out the website of the city of Madrid. From April to September it-s usually from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) and from October to March 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

As previously mentioned, the park is quite large so there are multiple entry points. You can get there by metro by getting off at Retiro (line 2), Ibiza (line 9), or Estación del Arte (line 1). If it’s your first time in the park, it would be advisable to go a bit before the sun sets, so that you have time to find the best spot. There are always plenty of people at the park enjoying the same thing. It is really easy to get there so make sure to check it out.

Address: Retiro Park, Plaza de la Independencia 7, 28001 Madrid

4. Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop

Círculo de Bellas Artes Madrid is located in the center of Madrid. The building is a cultural monument and its rooftop features views over the entire city. You can get up to the roof of the building for a fee of about 5€. Once there, you can get a drink or snack and enjoy the amazing views. It wouldn’t be much of a cultural center if you only had a rooftop terrace, there are multiple exhibitions, a theatre, and more also to be found here. There is also a restaurant on top of the building, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner while the sun fades away in the background. If you’re in the city center, you’ll probably not be too far from this gem. If you’re not, the easiest ways to get there are either by metro or bus. For the metro, you should get off at Banco de España or Sevilla. If you’re taking the bus, take any line that stops at Gran Vía or Calle de Alcalá. It might be a bit of a walk, but it won’t be one you’ll forget.

Address: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Calle de Alcalá 42, 28014 Madrid

5. Hotel Riu Plaza España

If you’ve ever been to Plaza España in Madrid, you have undoubtedly seen the Riu hotel. The hotel is located in the beautiful Edificio España and has a total of 27 floors. Luckily for all of us, it’s open to the public. On the 27th floor, you will find the Hotel Riu Plaza España rooftop terrace with a 360-degree-view that will give you plenty of opportunities to feast your eyes. On the terrace, you can find multiple sofas and seats where you can relax and enjoy the sunset. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you will have to pay a fee to go up to the terrace. From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. the fee will be 5€. However, from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. it will cost you 10€. Guests of the hotel have free access. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it’s open until 2 a.m. The latest you can enter is always one hour before closing time. You can easily walk to the hotel as it’s located in the center. Other options include taking the metro to Plaza de España (lines 3 and 10) and taking any bus that stops there.

Address: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Calle de Gran Vía 84, 28013 Madrid

6. Ginkgo Sky Bar Madrid

Ginkgo Sky Bar Madrid is also located at Plaza España. In the restaurant, you can eat Mediterranean/Asian food whilst enjoying the view. Additionally, there is a bar that serves amazing cocktails. At night, you can have a lovely rooftop dinner with live music playing in the background. On the days where there is no live band, there is a DJ present to still provide customers the full experience. You pay a 6€ fee to get up to the rooftop, however, this includes a discount on your first drink. Ginkgo Sky Bar Madrid has a dress code, so make sure not to show up in beachwear. Rather go for a smart casual outfit to prevent any issues. It opens every day at 1 p.m. and closes at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, it remains open until 2 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 2:30 a.m. The easiest way to get to Ginkgo Madrid would be by metro or bus, by getting off at Plaza España. This place is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good atmosphere combined with amazing food and drinks, and to put the cherry on top, a stunning view of the city.

Address: Ginkgo Sky Bar, Plaza de España 3, 28008 Madrid

7. Hotel ME Madrid

The rooftop terrace at Hotel ME Madrid, more commonly known as Radio, features an area where walk-in visitors can come to enjoy the views. Radio offers its customers the option to dine up high in the sky, with the menu consisting mainly of amazing Mediterranean dishes or just enjoy the bar where customers can enjoy a refreshing cocktail. The terrace is open from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. from Sunday until Thursday and from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. If you intend on going for dinner at Hotel ME Plaza Santa Ana, make sure you make your reservation well in time as it’s frequently fully booked. If you’re in the center, walking there would be the fastest option. Otherwise, the hotel is located at a five to six-minute walk from the metro stops Sevilla (line 2) and Sol (lines 1,2, and 3).

Address: Hotel ME, Plaza de Santa Ana 14, 28012 Madrid

8. Hotel Oscar Madrid

The terrace is located on top of the Hotel Room Mate Oscar. The terrace features an incredible bar and plenty of places to take a seat. Additionally, there is an inside area for cold and rainy days meaning the terrace remains open year-round. At the terrace, you can order a drink and get some snacks. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the terrace is the swimming pool. This opens in summer and is free of charge for hotel guests. Visitors can also get access for a 40€ to 60€ fee, including two drinks and a towel. The terrace of Hotel Oscar Madrid is open from Sunday until Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it remains open until 2 a.m. It is said that sometimes you may encounter a waiting line at the hotel. This is why it would be recommendable that you go in time so that you do not waste the opportunity of seeing a sunset from such a magnificent perspective.

Address: Hotel Oscar, Plaza de Pedro Zerolo 12, 28004 Madrid

When are you going to see the sunset in Madrid?

Madrid is a city with plenty of spots to see the sun go down. Picking any of these will definitely leave you in awe. Always make sure to get informed before going to any of the hotels or bars though as opening hours may vary depending on the season. Check out The Rooftop Guide for more amazing rooftops you shouldn’t miss. They provide you with a full description, opening hours and contact details to make your reservation. Thanks to the astounding public transport in Madrid, all of these places are very accessible. Bottom line is, when are you going to see the sunset in Madrid?

– Tristan