Here, the views aren't just a bonus—they're the reason to go
Madrid looks completely different from above.There are free rooftop terraces in Madrid thatlet you enjoy the city without paying an entrance fee—just head up there and let yourself be amazed. If you know where to go, you can enjoy some of the city’s best attractions without breaking the bank.
But keep in mind, there’s an important caveat: at some rooftops (which are spaces set up on a building’s rooftop or upper terrace, usually bars or lounge areas), you can go up for free, butif you want a table in the best spots with views, you’ll usually have to buy a drink. And that’s the key to really making the most of them. Plus, if you’re more into quiet spots and prefer to get away from the noise of downtown, Madrid also has perfect viewpoints for unwinding.
Where can I see Madrid from above for free?
El Corte Inglés Callao
Heading up to the rooftop terrace at El Corte Inglés in Callao is one of those plans that never disappoints. You’re right in the heart of the city, and in a matter of seconds, you go from the hustle and bustle of the street to a spectacular panoramic view of Madrid.
From here, you have a direct view of Gran Vía and some of the city’s most iconic buildings. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the light begins to fade and the sky grows dark.
The terrace is located on the9th floor, inside the Gourmet Experience Gran Vía. It’s open from10 a.m.to 10 p.m. (it closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays); you can have breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner, or just take a stroll.The best part is that there’s no minimum purchase requirement, soyou can enjoy the views completely free of charge.
Lizard-eater
Located on the top floor of the NH Collection Gran Vía hotel,Picalagartosis one of Madrid's most famous rooftop bars. And yes, you can go up for free.
But here’s the catch: if you want a table with one of the best views in Madrid, you have to order a drink. After all, it’s a restaurant, and the best seats are reserved for those who plan to have a drink or a meal.
Even so, you can go up, take in the skyline, and decide whether it’s worth staying or not. That’s why it’s still one of the free rooftop bars in Madrid worth checking out. It’s open from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM Monday through Friday, while on Saturdays and Sundays it opens an hour earlier, at 12:00 PM, but closes at the same time, at 1:00 AM.
The best way to get there is by metro to Gran Vía (lines 1 and 5), or even on foot from Sol, since there are also commuter trains in Madrid-Sol and a wide variety of buses that connect directly to the area, such as lines 001, 002, 1, 2, 3, 46, 74, 146, and several night buses like the N16, N18, N19, N20, or N21
The building in which it is located is in the Neo-Baroque style; it was built in 1918 and designed by Julio Martínez Zapata and José López Sallaberry. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Valle-Inclán’s novel*Luces de Bohemia*, which mentions a famous tavern called “Pica Lagartos.”
The Sky of Montera
El Cielo de Montera is located in the heart (and at the very top ;)) of Madrid. While it’s primarily a cocktail bar, you can also pair your drink with their wide variety of pinchos and tapas, which look absolutely amazing—making it a very versatile option among Madrid’s free outdoor terraces.
Admission is free to explore the venue, but there’s a €10 charge per person to access the rooftop—an amount that’s later deducted from whatever you order there (basically, you’re going to have to buy something no matter what).
As for the atmosphere, children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult until 9:00 PM. After that time, the venue is for adults only. Also, children 12 and older must pay admission (the same €10, which is applied toward a drink).
The hours are also quite flexible depending on your plans: during the week, it’s open from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, while on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open from 1:00 PM until 1:00 AM—perfect if you want to transition from an afternoon hangout into the night. On Sundays, it’s open from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, ideal for a more relaxed outing with great views.
As for getting there, it’s also very easy because it’s located in a very central area, accessible by metro from Sol, Gran Vía, or Sevilla (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5), as well as commuter trains at Sol (C3, C4A, C4B, and C4) and buses such as the 1, 52, 147, 150, or 001, making it easy to get there from anywhere in the city without any hassle.
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