Best Rooftop Terraces In Madrid
Amy Shia takes a look at some of the best terrazas and rooftop bars and pools to enjoy in Madrid
HOTEL EMPERADOR
When it’s sizzlingly hot in the city, where should you go? Madrid has a wide array of rooftop bars, some with pools, some in bars, some in hotels, some with great food and funky reggaeton. The choice is plenty, so we pick out the best for you to kick back, lounge and luxuriate – with a margarita in hand.
Spectacular panoramic views of Madrid at sunset? Yes. Rooftop pool? Yes. Open to the public? Yes. Cocktails, food and DJs spinning the decks whilst you relax and unwind with some friends or a loved one? Definitely, yes. Located right in the city centre on Gran Via, this hotel boasts one of the best rooftop terraces in the city.
From the tenth-floor, you can enjoy the fabulously Sky bar which boasts over 300 varieties of cocktails and the company of a tour guide to point out the landmarks you can see from the hotel’s advantageous position. If you’re looking for the creme de la creme of experiences from a rooftop terrace in Madrid – this is it.
Highlights: Great view, big pool, hammocks. Non-guest entry Mon-Thurs €50, Fri-Sat €63; Chill rating: 10/10; Fun rating 6/10.
Gran Vía 53, 28013 Madrid; +34 91 547 28 00; www.emperadorhotel.com/en/terrace. Open: pool Mon-Sun 10am-9pm, terrace Wed-Sat 7pm-2am, Sun 1pm-11pm.
HOTEL OSCAR
This hotel rooftop terrace is located in the heart of Chueca in the centre of Madrid and has a beautiful skyline view. If you imagine yourself dipping your toes in cool pool, lounging on elegant white couches amongst other beautiful people and chatting the night away – this is the place for you. Take advantage of the special packages on offer on weekdays, €35 euros for 3 hours usage of the swimming pool with towels, changing space and glass of cava! This is the place where the grown-ups come to play.
Highlight: unique exclusive/casual atmosphere; Chill rating: 4/10; Fun rating 10/10.
Hotel Oscar, Plaza de Pedro Zerolo 12, 28004, Madrid; +34 900 818 320; www.room-matehotels.com/es/oscar. Open Mon-Thurs: pool 10.30am-7pm, terrace 7.30pm- 2am.
ATICO 11
Stepping on Ático 11’s terrace reminds you of the popular wedding destination, Santorini in Greece or the surf town, Ericeira in Portugal. The lush blue and white decor and gorgeously bronzed Madrileños give it a Mediterranean feel whilst the breath-taking views over Madrid include the Cibeles. No pool but there is an excellent lunch menu, exquisite decor (featuring wood panelling) and chilled atmosphere which would make this place a compulsory daytime visit.
Highlight: Excellent Bloody Mary; Chill rating: 5/10; Fun rating 8/10.
Atico 11, Hotel Iberostar Las Letras, Gran Vía 11, 28013, Madrid. +34 915 23 79 80; www.hoteldelasletras.iberostar.com. Open daily 5pm-1am.
NH HOTEL SUECIA
A clandestine gem amongst the treasure trove of hotel terraces and bars in Madrid. This terrace boasts comfy seats, an excellent bar and a relaxed, casual vibe. No entrance fee is required for non-guests which is always a bonus, and this place is an excellent alternative to the neighbouring Bellas Artes (also famed for its terrace with tremendous view). There is no pool but The Hemingway bar in the hotel is also another hidden delight: Inspired by the famed American novelist and featuring leopard-skin decor, sumptuous red velvet couches and cushions and prohibition era-style drinks – there is no place like it in Madrid.
Highlights: €12 inc. drink, funky DJs; Chill rating: 6/10; Fun rating 9/10.
Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera 4, 28014, Madrid; +34 91 051 35 92; www.casasuecia.es. Open daily noon-1am.
GYMAGE
The only non-hotel in our list also has the cache of being the first urban resort in the city and sits above a gym (hence the name), which is a wonderful excuse to get both your workout in before the sun sets. Overlooking Plaza Soledad Torres Acosta below, you feel as if you’re in a lush, grassy oasis right in the middle of the urban jungle. You can enjoy the sun all year round through its solarium and also have some lunch and dinner if you also feel peckish.
Highlight: Cocktails; Chill rating: 7/10; Fun rating 8/10.
Gymage, Calle Luna 2, 28004, Madrid; +34 915 320974; www.gymage.es. Open Sun-Thurs noon-1.30am; Fri-Sat noon-2.30pm.