4 Amazing Rooftop Bars in Madrid

Are you ready for the weekend and the warm temperatures summer brings along? I sure am, especially after discovering some of the most amazing rooftop bars in Madrid. A challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable task. After all, Madrid has more bars than Sweden and Norway (together!) or so I’ve been told!

There’s one (or more!) for every occasion. An after-lunch coffee with colleagues, a tinto de verano in the afternoon with friends, or a cocktail evening with the besties, you’ve got it. And if you want to do a rooftop hopping session like we did, go ahead and do it! It’s the season for it after all! Continue reading to find out more about my top 4 Rooftop Bars in Madrid, and a couple more on my to-do list for next time!

THE HAT’s HOSTEL ROOFTOP

One of the chicest hostels in town couldn’t exist without an equally amazing rooftop bar. Open from 6 pm The Hat‘s Rooftop Bar will transport you to a chill beach bar thanks to the hip decor and the lovely staff. A bit pricier but still reasonable. Perfect for a chill with your friends on a warm summer evening, beer or sangria in hand. It’s small and cosy so make sure to get there early or you may have problems finding a place to sit. They also have proper exclusive dinners on Tuesdays during May, June and July (40 people max.) for 50€/person the set menu (incl. wines).

You’ll find them in:
Calle Imperial 9, Madrid
(A short walk from Sol or Plaza Mayor)

EL JARDIN SECRETO DE SALVADOR BACHILLER

In the heart of Madrid, right up Montera Street, there’s a Salvador Bachiller store that has much more to it than the eye let’s through. If you take the lift to the 2nd floor, you’ll be greeted by a lovely hostess. If you are lucky, they’ll let you through immediately, if not you’ll get a chip that will blink when your table is ready. Either way, the wait is absolutely worth it.

On the pricier side (there’s a minimum spend of 8€ per person), this hidden oasis of a rooftop terrace is a delight. Super exclusive place, it’ll make you feel like a VIP. Every detail taken care of. Greenery and flowers everywhere, and even a swing, it’s a garden in all its glory, the envy of Edward Scissorshands. To go with it, the drinks menu comes as a papyrus roll in a birdhouse, and a lovely food menu in fashionably deteriorated brown leather blocks with old photos of Madrid. It’ll make you want to take it all home with you. It is specially wonderful on extremely hot summer days. Thanks to the water sprinklers, El Jardin Secreto de Salvador Bachiller is kept fresh and cool even at 40ºC.

Besides the most refreshing Organic Iced Tea, delicious cakes and pastries, ice cream and other delicacies are on offer. So much yumminess you’ll have trouble picking just one.

You’ll find them in:
Calle Montera 37, Madrid
(Right off Gran Via Metro station or
up the street from Puerta del Sol)

ROOFTOP BAR @ THE PRINCIPAL MADRID HOTEL

The priciest of them all. The Principal Madrid Rooftop Bar is popular among sunset lovers for its exceptional location. Facing Plaza de Cibeles and the Telecommunications Palace, it provides a unique view over some of the city’s landmarks. This stunning view is worth the 5€ (+20% for sitting on the rooftop terrace) bottle of water. They also have deck-chairs and a flowing pool available for those looking for a full-on luxurious time. After 5 pm the café closes, becoming a chill out longe. Cocktails and other mixed drinks start to flow in a truly cosmopolitan and elegant scene. Perfect to start a night out in town, or as after-dinner drinks.

You’ll find them in:
Calle Marqués de Valdeiglesisa 1 (corner with Gran Via 2)
(A short walk from Metro Plaza de España, Gran Via, or Sevilla)

GAU & CAFÉ
(UPDATE 12. Aug. 2017: Unfortunately closed indefinitely. I’ll keep you posted if it re-opens!)

Also known as Terraza del Gaudeamus, Terraza de la UNED, or Escuelas Pias by the locals. This rooftop bar is actually the cafeteria at the building of the National University of Distance Education in Spain (UNED). And for as little as 2.80€ you can get the biggest most delicious glass of Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon soda) I’ve ever tried! Even tho Gau & Café is a popular rooftop bar in Madrid for an afternoon coffee, they also serve dinners. A set menu costs 28€ per person and for an extra 7€ you can have open wine/soft drinks/water bar.

[TO BE CONTINUED…] with Room Mate Oscar Rooftop Bar, Terraza del Hotel de las Letras & Sky Night Bar at Hotel Silken Puerta de America.