10 viewpoints to see Madrid from above
One of the most natural spectacles of any city with relief or tall buildings are its viewpoints. Emblematic, traditional, new-fangled. There is always a choice of places to climb, to gain height above the streets and buildings, to see and to enjoy. Madrid is no different. Or maybe it is.
The city of Madrid has each of these elements. Reliefs, geographical inequalities that are seen as heights in its street map and key buildings that literally put Madrid at your feet. Systematically climbing a selection of Madrid's viewpoints can turn an itinerary with heights into one of the most original ways of getting to know the city.
We dare to give you the keys to find these places, yes, keys. A dozen viewpoints to see Madrid from above.
Temple of Debod
It is an Egyptian construction given to Spain by the African country more than half a century ago that offers magical sunsets over Madrid. At one end of the esplanade of ancient buildings there is a viewpoint that enhances the experience.
Moncloa Viewpoint
It is located in the Moncloa Interchange. It is especially suitable for romantics because every day when the weather is good, the place offers a spectacular sunset. From the viewpoint you can see the Sierra Norte de Madrid, the Arco de Triunfo de Moncloa and its lighthouse.
Moncloa Lighthouse
It is obvious that the communications tower of Madrid City Hall should be one of the key places to see the city from above. The tower rises 110 metres above the street level, although its semi-circular observation deck is 92 metres high. It is the 11th tallest building in the city. From the top you can see the whole northwest of Madrid. It is open on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Gourmet Experience
This is a panoramic viewpoint located on the ninth floor of the El Corte Inglés de Callao building. You don't have to pay for a drink to enjoy the views.
Huerta de la Partida Viewpoint
It is in the Casa de Campo. In the orchard of the same name. The most curious thing about this spot is that it is not exactly an elevated enclave. Its location allows a clear view of the Madrid skyline.
Segovia Viaduct
The views from this urban bridge offer very suggestive images of the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the area of Calle Bailén and the more traditional areas of Madrid de los Austrias.
Fine Arts Circle
It is located on Calle de Alcalá. Access is not free, but for a small fee you can enjoy a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the centre of Madrid.
Cerro del Tío Pío Park
This green space is popularly known as the Parque de las Siete Tetas (Park of the Seven Tits) because of the characteristic profile of its elevations. Some of these heights are the ones that offer the best views over Madrid. To get to the Cerro del Tío Pío Park, get off at the Portazgo metro station. Address: Calle Ramón Pérez de Ayala.
Madrid Cable Car
It is currently closed for maintenance until its reopening in 2026.
It is something like a mobile viewpoint that allows you to see the whole of Madrid. It is a cable car with cabins that connects the Paseo del Pintor Rosales with the Casa de Campo area. The journey takes just over ten minutes, the aerial route is almost 2.5 kilometres long and the maximum height of the route is 40 metres. This original transport system has 80 cabins, each with a capacity for five people.
Palacio de Cibeles CentroCentro
This is a public cultural space in the centre of Madrid, located in the Palacio de Cibeles. Visits to the viewpoint have a price equivalent to that of a city bus trip.
Alternatively, in any case, access to the panoramic viewpoint is free every Wednesday and from the sixth floor windows you have the same views, free of charge.
Well, you know how to convert the experience of a visit to Madrid in a real rush. In a literal sense, of course. Or not.
