Arriving in June with the expected warm climate, it made sense to take advantage of the abundance of rooftops Madrid. Through recommendation and research (which obviously means visiting such establishments and sampling the alcoholic beverages they have on offer) here is a list of a number of rooftops that are a must see when in the Spanish capital.
La Cocina De San Antón
Situated in Chueca, this rooftop lies above a fantastic food court which provides plenty of tasty treats. However, make your way to the very top and you will enter the eye catching terrace. You will need luck on your side to get a seat in the imeditate outdoor terrace. Although, fear not, tucked away is an indoor area with a retractable roof to offer the feel of the outdoors with the rays of sun topping up your tan and like all great places when it is hot in Madrid you have the intervals of cooling mist keeping the temperature just right.
If you are after something funky, cool and appealing to the eye, along with reasonably priced drinks, this one is a must! Keep an eye out for the shirts that the staff wear!
Location: 28004, Calle de Augusto Figueroa
Círculo de Bellas Artes
It has to be said that the view from this rooftop is SPECTACULAR! This is one of the best locations to catch the sunset with a view of the entire city. It is most definitely worth the entrance fee of €3, whether you want to relax on the lounge chairs and soak up some sun, watch the sunset or enjoy food and drinks looking out over the bustling streets.
Location: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid
The Hat Hostel
Yes that is right… A hostel! Do not be put off by the thought of cheaps 12 bedroom dorms and bunk beds, this hostel is all things trendy. The rooftop is part of the hostel, yet open to the public. It has free access but be warned at peak times (such as weekends) you are likely to be asked to wait. I can guarantee this one is worth the wait! Once at the rooftop it is a perfect spot to chill out with your friends. If you are feeling fruity why not treat yourself to the Hat’s unique cocktails in a bag.
Location: Calle Imperial, 9, 28012 Madrid
Gymage
It’s not all about great food and drinks with Madrid’s rooftops. What first seems like a perfectly ordinary gym soon turns into an exquisite rooftop/garden/terrace/bar and pool that becomes one of the hottest spots in town during the summer (quite literally hottest when it reaches 37 degrees)! That leads to be the best part about this rooftop, the pool. If you feel like cooling down, enjoying the view, having a bite to eat AND sipping on a drink this is the place for you. Gymage is open all week from 12:00-0:00, and all this rooftop greatness is completely free and open to the public!
Location: Calle de la Luna, 2, 28004 Madrid
By Ben Clements, current intern at BeMadrid and student from Bristol, England
