5 Epic Views in Madrid

Wondering what to see in Madrid? This guide fills you in on all the great views you can enjoy in the city!

There’s no Eiffel Tower, no Statue of Liberty, no Arab palace or Catholic church-cum-mosque. Sounds pretty boring, right? Wrong! The best thing about Madrid is that you don’t have a long checklist of sights and monuments to see. Not that there isn’t plenty to see/do in Spain’s capital city– there is enough going on here to last you weeks, months or even years! But you won’t feel that pressure upon your return, as people judge you ask you, “Didn’t you see X?” or “What a shame– I can’t believe you didn’t climb Y!”.

Yet despite the fact that Madrid doesn’t have some of these instantly recognizable views, our city is still pretty amazing and each year famous photographers visit to photograph its many corners. Here are five of our favorite views in Madrid, though there are many more so you’ll have to stick around for our part two!

Looking for where to see some of the best views in Madrid? Here are our top five picks for Madrid's greatest views - the city is full of beautiful spots!

Photo Credit: Fernando Garcia

1. Gran Vía from Above

Although Madrid has its lovely Calle Mayor (Main Street), the action really happens along the busy Gran Vía. To take in the view we recommend visiting the top floor of the Callao El Corte Inglés, where the Gourmet Experience offers an unobstructed look at all of the action. As a bonus, it’s free!

Corte Ingles Callao is home to one of the best views in Madrid.
The stunning view of Gran Vía from Corte Ingles Callao. Photo Credit: Jesus Solana

2. A look at Spain’s most important stadium, Santiago Bernabéu

For football fans it is an absolute must. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of the world’s most important, and with a capacity for over 81,000 fans, one of the world’s biggest too!

3. Templo de Debod – at sunset!

The fact that there is a legitimate Egyptian temple in Madrid seems strange enough, then once you finally make the trek out past the Royal Palace to see it, it’s actually quite small and (dare I say) disappointing. Unless you go at sunset. The dreamy pink and orange sunset seen from this Egyptian temple in the center of Madrid is unlike any other in the city.

Seeing the Templo de Debod at sunset is a must when you're in Madrid, stunning reflections, gentle lighting and an incomparable night sky acting as a backdrop - certainly one of the best views in Madrid
Seeing the Templo de Debod is a must when you’re in Madrid! Photo Credit: Harshil Shah

4. Madrid’s Crystal Palace in Retiro Park

A walk through Madrid’s gorgeous Retiro Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the whole city, should be on everyone’s list anyway, but make sure not to leave without seeking out the slightly hidden Palacio de Cristal – a gorgeous glass palace that shimmers in the sunlight.

Seeing the Crystal Palace shimmer against a backdrop of clear blue skies is certainly one of the best views in Madrid
Not all stunning views are found at night – The Crystal Palace shines wonderfully during the day

5. Madrid from Above

Another thing you can’t miss when visiting Madrid (a city with 300+ days of bright blue skies and sunshine per year!) is hanging out on one of the many amazing rooftop terraces in the city. Whether you climb to the top of the town hall (Palacio de Comunicaciones, pictured) or the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Circulo de Bellas Artes, you’ll be sure to observe Madrid in a whole new way.

The view from atop Madrid's town hall gives you a look at the amazing city skyline.
The view from the Town Hall takes in some of the amazing Madrid skyline Photo Credit: Miguel Diaz

2 Comment

  1. November 12, 2014 at 11:17 am

    In Vallecas there’s a park colloquially known as “Parque de las Tetas” that’s pretty nice for a view of the whole city. Close to Metro Buenos Aires. It’s one of those places you usually wouldn’t go unless you live there.

  2. Monica says
    February 26, 2015 at 9:38 am

    These are all great but Templo de Debod at sunset is my favorite!

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