Madrid has magnificent rooftop bars, and you’ll find them perched atop unexpected places. Here’s round one of my favorites. What’s more, all of these places are within walking distance from one another, so you could turn this list into a rooftop bar crawl if you had the whole day to spend atop buildings, watching the sky change colors. Here’s a list of Madrid’s best rooftop bar.
Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars
1. Gau&Café: on top of a university
Considered one of 8 Hidden Gems in Madrid by the Guardian newspaper, this rooftop bar truly deserves first place on my list. Tucked away on a side street in Lavapiés, Gau&Cafe rests atop one of UNED University’s historic campus buildings. As you enter the university and walk up four flights of stairs, you’d never imagine that Gau&Café would be so chic, inviting and beautiful–you’d never even know it was there. The space is divided into two sections: one for drinks, and one for dinner. In the drink section, you can order a delicious 8€ hamburger. If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, do make a reservation (the menu features lots of local, seasonal products, namely zucchini, cous cous, eggplant and hummus dishes).
Address: c/ Tribulete 14, 4th floorMetro: Lavapiés
Web
2. Casa de Granada: on top of a residential building
At home in the sky, this rooftop bar holds a special place in my heart as it will always be the first rooftop I ever went to in Madrid. Casa de Granada is essentially a regular Spanish restaurant, situated on a roof that has outdoor seating and an enclosed area. Nibble on traditional Spanish dishes as you look out on Madrid’s short-story buildings, plazas, and terracotta-tiled roofs. You may also catch women hanging clothes out to dry and maybe even listen in on the neighbour’s telephone conversation. Although Casa de Granada has recently renovated, it’s maintained its nonchalant style which is what makes it fun. When it comes to food, you should stick to the Spanish staples—croquetas, huevos rotos, pimientos de padrón, calamares, you name it.
Address: c/ del Doctor Cortezo, 17, 6th floorMetro: Tirso de Molina or Sol
Web
3. Mercado de San Antón: on top of a gourmet market
This gourmet market is the hipper version of its uber-upscale pedestrian competitor, Mercado de San Miguel. In other words, Mercado de San Antón is infinitely cooler and more enjoyable. First of all, it’s in Chueca (enough said). Secondly, it has three floors and therefore much more seating area. And then there’s a stunning rooftop bar, perfect for people-watching! What’s more, the rooftop bar’s prices are reasonable; a glass of wine costs the same as at any other bar on street level. So why not pop up to the roof and have your drink there? Sometimes they have free live music too.
Address: C/ Augusto Figueroa 24, 3rd floorMetro: Chueca
4. Tartan Roof: on top of Círculo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Building )
The sky is the canvas atop this fine arts institution. Overlooking the Castellana and Plaza de Cibeles, and perched on top of the exquisite Circulo de Bellas Artes building, it’s no wonder why Tartan Roof has the most breathtaking views out of all on this list. For 3€, anyone can go up to the roof to have a look. The fee is waved if you have dinner reservations (an absolute must). My friend’s earlier post says it all here. This is also a really popular place for cocktails, though slightly expensive, you’re paying for the view, not the drink itself. The first time I went to this roof was on Día de la Música (Music Day). The Azotea (rooftop) was participating by holding a free swing and tap dance performance. It was incredible to be up there looking out on Madrid’s skyline.
Address: c/ Alcalá 42Metro: Banco de España or Sevilla
Web
Madrid’s best roo
If you’re looking for more, here’s Madrid’s best rooftops, Round 2 and Round 3!
And feel free to let us know about your favorite Madrid rooftop bars!
absolutelyabbie
Daph! I live this:) this blog is amazing! I think casa Granada got a make over since I have been there. If that photo is of casa Granada it looks 100% safer than before. Hope I get to Madrid soon to check some of these places out! Keep up the awesome job blogging!
absolutelyabbie
Daph! I live this:) this blog is amazing! I think casa Granada got a make over since I have been there. If that photo is of casa Granada it looks 100% safer than before. Hope I get to Madrid soon to check some of these places out! Keep up the awesome job blogging!
Daphne Binioris
Thanks Abbie! and yes, casa granada did get a pretty major facelift. It’s much safer and much less cutre now, you’re right about that hahaha. Would love to see you over here in Madrid soon. It’s been so long!! besos
Madrid’s best rooftop bars, round 2 | Naked Madrid
[…] you’ve just read our first round of Madrid’s best rooftop bars, hope you’re ready for round two! This list includes 4 rooftop bars from different central […]
Madrid’s best rooftop bars, round 2 | Naked Madrid
[…] you’ve just read our first round of Madrid’s best rooftop bars, hope you’re ready for round two! This list includes 4 rooftop bars from different central […]
La Buena Cerveza, all things beer in Madrid | Naked Madrid
[…] few weeks ago, I was running late to meet up with friends at Mercado de San Anton, when a little sign caught my attention: “talleres de elaboración de cerveza” (or in […]
La Buena Cerveza, all things beer in Madrid | Naked Madrid
[…] few weeks ago, I was running late to meet up with friends at Mercado de San Anton, when a little sign caught my attention: “talleres de elaboración de cerveza” (or in […]
Martinis, Margaritas and more | Naked Madrid
[…] Madrid’s Best Rooftops, round 1 […]
Martinis, Margaritas and more | Naked Madrid
[…] Madrid’s Best Rooftops, round 1 […]
Madrid’s best rooftop bars, round 3 | Naked Madrid
[…] hope that by now you’ve already visited and enjoyed some of the ones we’ve mentioned in round 1 and round 2. This third list includes 5 magnificent rooftop bars–all but one of which are […]
Madrid’s best rooftop bars, round 3 | Naked Madrid
[…] hope that by now you’ve already visited and enjoyed some of the ones we’ve mentioned in round 1 and round 2. This third list includes 5 magnificent rooftop bars–all but one of which are […]
San Ildefonso Market, Malasaña’s new food palace | Naked Madrid
[…] Madrid’s best rooftop bars […]
San Ildefonso Market, Malasaña’s new food palace | Naked Madrid
[…] Madrid’s best rooftop bars […]
Chocolates are nice (but this first date is better) Part 2 | Naked Madrid
[…] For more on rooftop terraces in Madrid, check out our series on Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars […]
Chocolates are nice (but this first date is better) Part 2 | Naked Madrid
[…] For more on rooftop terraces in Madrid, check out our series on Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars […]
Madrid Neighborhood Overview | Naked Madrid
[…] Antón–a 3-story gourmet food market offering all types of delicious food and a fantastic rooftop bar. Chueca is also proudly home to one of the world’s largest Gay Pride Parades, as well as many […]
Some of the Best Hotels & their Restaurants in Madrid: Barrio de las Letras (Huertas) | Naked Madrid
[…] run-of-the-mill hotels, as they offer much more than a bed. We look for extra fun; those that boast rooftop bars and great restaurants, or provide pub crawls and free walking tours. When it comes down to it, the […]
Mamma Mia!! Best Italian Restaurants In Madrid, Part 1 | Naked Madrid
[…] Best Rooftop Bars in Madrid […]
There’s a secret rooftop bar at Madrid’s coolest hotel — The Hat. You’re welcome. | Naked Madrid
[…] may be landlocked, but it has some pretty unbelievable rooftop bars, and you’ll find my favorite at The Hat. Why? Because it’s laid-back, central and […]
El Jardín Secreto de Salvador Bachiller – A Secret Rooftop Paradise on Calle Montera | Naked Madrid
[…] of an accessories shop: El Jardín Secreto de Salvador Bachiller. Access to this magical new rooftop bar is still a secret, so enjoy it before the word gets […]
Stunning Local Olive Grove Tour, in English! – Proyectos Los Aires | Naked Madrid
[…] oil (Los Aires Extra Virgin Olive Oil) can be found in gourmet shops such as Oleoteca Murúa at Mercado San Antón. Guillermo and Laura also regularly sell their oil in markets across Madrid such as Mercado de […]
Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars – Round 4 | Naked Madrid
[…] San Miguel in Sol for the tourist crowd; Mercado de San Antón (whose rooftop bar we also love and mentioned in Round 1) in Chueca for the cooler and more urban crowd; and Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapiés for the […]
LOLO Polos Artesanos: Popsicles for grown-ups (and so much healthier) | Naked Madrid
[…] Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars […]
Resources: Madrid’s Rooftop Bars & Pools | BRISA LIBRE
[…] ¨Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars, Round I¨ […]
“De Madrid al cielo y un agujerito para verlo”. (“From Madrid to heaven, with a little hole to still see it”. – Proverb) | A line of thoughts
[…] Coquetas and smoked Salmon. Keep an eye out for the hidden stair case which will take you up to the rooftop bar – a hidden gem overlooking the roofs of Chueca. Prizes are reasonable and it’s not over-run, […]
Where to Take Your Mom in Madrid | Naked Madrid
[…] was stunned by the architecture, vibrant food scene and open-air seating areas. Then there’s Mercado de San Antón in Chueca which is never a bad idea for its gourmet food stands and amazing rooftop bar (check out […]