Madrid rooftops! Up the stairs, here you go!

There’s a side to Madrid that only reveals itself high over the city streets, away from the rhythm of bustling plazas, the swirl of terraces, and the hum of tapas bars. Up here, the noise softens, the air feels lighter, and time slows just enough for you to savor the horizon in a more intimate, cinematic light. Where are these places? In the rooftops where “Madrileños” gather, now yours to explore. More than just a view of the city, they are havens of quiet glamour, inviting you to stay, soak in the atmosphere, and experience moments of pure, effortless magic.

Perched atop the VP Plaza España Design Hotel, Ginkgo is the kind of place where elegance meets energy. Ranked among the world’s best rooftops for its 360° views over the capital, it offers a sweeping panorama of the vibrant Plaza de España, the majestic Royal Palace, and the historic Madrid de los Austrias, the city’s old Habsburg quarter. Amid this breathtaking scenery, the atmosphere is just as compelling: the music is smooth, the cocktails creative, and the Asian-Mediterranean menu bold yet perfectly balanced. Everything flows at just the right, unhurried pace. It’s one of those rare places where the view and the vibe come together effortlessly.

Hidden in the heart of Madrid’s elegant Salamanca district, the terrace of the Heritage Madrid Hotel feels like a whispered secret above the city. Framed by lush greenery and timeless design, it is a place where time slows gently, and locals retreat for a quiet glass of Rioja (a Spanish red wine) or a late-afternoon tea. The atmosphere exudes enduring sophistication: discreet, serene, and impossibly charming. Soft lighting and subtle city sounds complete the experience, creating a haven of understated luxury high above the bustling streets. It’s Madrid at its most refined, a quiet nod to the art of slow living.

On Madrid’s most iconic avenue, at the Hyatt Centric Gran Vía, lies El Jardín de Diana, a refuge that is at once mythic and modern. The goddess Diana watches over a garden of ivy and twinkling lights, while the pulse of Gran Vía vibrates softly beneath your feet. Here, the city feels alive in every direction – vibrant, cinematic, and irresistibly stylish. Sip a signature cocktail infused with herbs and citrus, share a few tapas, and let the skyline carry you along Madrid’s electric rhythm. It is an urban oasis with a soul that is unmistakably “Madrileña”.

Few places capture Madrid’s spirit quite like the Azotea del Círculo. Perched atop the Círculo de Bellas Artes, one of the city’s most emblematic cultural institutions, it offers a panoramic view that stretches from the grand façades of Gran Vía to the distant Sierra de Guadarrama. As you gaze towards the rooftop, the imposing bronze statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, stands watch over the city – a testament to the building’s rich artistic heritage. Order a “tinto de verano” (a refreshing Spanish wine and soda cocktail), breathe in the crisp air, and let the city write itself into your memory – linger in the moment until you feel you’ve touched the very heart of Madrid.