The best rooftop bars in Madrid

Recently renovated with a sleekly exclusive edge, Radio ME Madrid Rooftop Bar in Plaza Santa Ana is a top choice for drinks in the city, where relaxed terrace lounging in the late afternoon can lead to a DJ-hosted party come nightfall. Surround yourself with beautiful people as well as a 360° degree panorama of Madrid’s unique skyline, while enjoying fabulous cocktails and classic Spanish tapas. The bar’s stylish VIP bar is also an option to fulfil your ambitions of mingling with Madrid’s most glamorous celebs.

For modern luxury accompanied by more 360° views, La Terraza de Oscar is another gem. Located near Gran Via atop the Room Mate Oscar Hotel, La Terraza has both Balinese beds and cosy lounge areas, perfect for lying prone beside the pool and revelling in the cool design throughout the terrace and interior space. The pool, open during the day from 10.30am to 7 pm and free for guests, is also accessible to the public for a price of €40-60, inclusive of a towel, a tequila shot and a glass of cava. After dark, expect the place to liven up as the volume rises and various crafted cocktails are whizzed up at ever-increasing speed, especially on the weekend.

Bringing the jungle to the skies is Ático 11 at Hotel de las Letras, a cosy oasis in the city centre with exotic greenery to complement those jaw-dropping terrace views. Alongside a solid tapas menu and cocktail list, Ático 11 is known as one of the top bars in Madrid for its memorable Mojitos and G&Ts as well as its charming, well-serviced atmosphere. Come nightfall, expect crowds to emerge and upbeat music sessions to get underway. If you’re looking for poolside vibes, however, consider booking accommodation at the 4-star Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via which offers a pool on the roof of the same building.

Meanwhile, atop The Hat Hostel beside Plaza Mayor, you’ll find one of the hippest spots to chill in the city, known as The Hat Rooftop. Boasting a young, fun and interesting clientele of travellers who filter up from the dorms below, The Hat Rooftop is a unique social hotspot to enjoy any time of day, but particularly at sunset, for coffee, beers and cocktails.

If it’s a pool day you’re craving, the centrally-located Axel Hotel Sky Bar is one of the top rooftop gay bars in Madrid to stay open all year round, featuring pool heating in winter. Come in the summer and you’ll be equally satisfied with lounging in the sun before cooling off in the pool with a view. When you get thirsty, make a beeline towards the trendy bar area which hastily transforms into a lively meeting place come sundown.

Visible from the Calle de Alcalá, with its stand-out plunge pool and overgrown vegetation, El Cielo de Alcalá at H10 is an impressive terrace retreat with stunning views of its own. From your sun lounger on the 8^th floor, soak up the rays as well as impressive panoramas over El Retiro Park and the city’s historic centre. After taking a dip and/or a nap, whet your appetite with the bar’s selection of delicious Mediterranean tapas and craft cocktails.