Article published on August 25, 2015 in LF Recommends
Madrid’s Loveliest Rooftop Terraces, an LFStyle Guide
The Penthouse, ME Reina Victoria Hotel
This spectacular Modernista hotel has pampered the who’s who of Madrid since 1923, from silverscreen siren Ava Gardner to acclaimed artists, poets and devilishly handsome bullfighters. The establishment has recently undergone a luxurious Skandi-makeover, complete with sleek minimalist interiors, ingenious in-room “maxi-bars” (the handsomely stocked antidote to a conventional mini-bar’s underwhelming “miniatures and pringles” formula) and topped off with a glamorous rooftop terrace.
Overlooking one of the capital’s prettiest squares, Plaza de Santa Ana, The Penthouse’s indoor/outdoor bar set-up is ideal for year-round libations in the capital. The cocktail list is extensive and lethal, as would be expected from a hotel famously favoured by the (ahem) sober Ernest Hemingway. One of the original hangouts of the city’s thriving terrace bar scene, rub shoulders with the city’s beautiful people whilst gazing out over the impressively twinkly skyline below.
Access is from the 1st floor lift to the right of the lobby – alternatively there is a private lift on Plaza de Santa Ana that zips straight up to the bar from street level (an addition that Hemingway would no doubt have welcomed!)
Plaza de Santa Ana 14
+34 902 144 440
www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/madrid/me-madrid-reina-victoria
Gau&Café
Voted one of Madrid’s 8 Hidden Gems by the Guardian, this discrete rooftop café sits unobserved atop the UNED University’s historic library building (originally a monastery dating back to 1729), tucked just off a winding side street in Lavapiés.
By no means a secret, yet just hidden enough to merit knowing looks from co-conspirators in the know, this beautiful 4th floor space is divided into two chic areas for either casual drinks + street food, or a delicious locally-sourced Mediterranean dinner. Enjoy a chilled beverage observing the popular multicultural neighbourhood below, or a ‘cuppa overlooking the Cupola if you’ll pardon the pun – it’s architecturally breathtaking. Their homemade ice tea and mojitos are particularly popular!
C/Tribulete 14
4th Floor
Rooftop Terrace, Jardines de Sabatini Aparthotel
This laid-back terrace overlooks the royal palace gardens (from whence it takes its name) and the grandiose Palacio Real. Glorious at sunset, the terrace is popular with all ages (like many spots in Madrid, it is extremely family friendly), so the atmosphere is informal and buzzy. The bar opens at 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday and serves an array of cocktails, although the real winner is their selection of Rioja wine with Madrilenian tapas. They also do fantastic (and popular) weekend brunches throughout September, so booking is a must.
Top Tip: Throughout the summer months, the Jardines below host a series of theatrical productions, concerts and dance performances, from traditional Flamenco to more contemporary styles. Book a front row table on the terrace, discretely tucked just metres from the stage – like having one’s very own royal box!
Cuesta San Vicente 16
+34 91 542 59 00
www.jardinesdesabatini.com/en/rooftop-terrace/
La Cocina de San Antón
Sitting atop one of Madrid’s hippest gourmet food markets, San Antón (the cool younger sibling of the prestigious Mercado de San Miguel), this terrace is perfect for people-watching with an afternoon tipple overlooking the narrow streets of Chueca. One of the best value terrazas to be found, with a glass of delicious vino setting you back no more than the going rate on street level (a rarity for sky-high drinking dens with typically elevated prices).
With world-class suppliers living downstairs in the market, it’s hardly surprising that their menu is delicious, with highlights including acorn-fed jamón ibérico, wild boar loin and grandma’s croquettes. An added bonus is the sheer scale of this “urban kitchen” – with 400m² of terrace space alone, the odds are ever in your favour for finding a perch, unlike some of the city’s more compact rooftops – a fantastic find.
C/Augusto Figueroa 24
3rd Floor
HAT
Still relatively unknown despite its proximity to Plaza Mayor, the most intimate of the terraces on my list, HAT is a cosy terracotta-tiled haven overlooking a tessellating sea of rooftops contrasting beautifully with the cobalt of the sky (think Mary Poppins’ chimney sweeps dancing flamenco in the sunshine instead of smoggy Victorian England and you get the picture). The hotel itself is set in a completely renovated 19th Century building and is the very first establishment of its kind to run entirely on Biomass Energy – adios carbon-guilt! Expect tattooed hipster bartenders, low-slung filament bulbs and zesty cocktails in jam jars. Open from 6pm Monday to Friday and all day until Midnight at the weekend – come one, come all – a true hidden gem!
Top Tip: Every Wednesday night, HAT hosts a secret supper club “Cena en las Alturas” in collaboration with gastronomy giants Tricolo. Feeding 40 people 5 courses + wine pairings under the stars for €50 a head, this buzz feels like London’s Forza Win (who kickstarted the pop up supper club trend in 2012) – HAT is one to watch. For more info email eventos@thehatmadrid.com
C/Imperial 9
+34 91 772 85 72
INNSIDE, Melia Suecia
Located next to the historic Círculo de Bellas Artes and near Gran Vía, the INNSIDE was originally opened by the Swedish Royal Family in 1956. This was also the actual home of Ernest Hemingway during a number of years (the gentleman sure did enjoy his drinkin’ and hotellin’), and the Hemingway Daquiri is a delicious tribute that bears his name.
The panoramic terrace on the 11th and 12th floors of the hotel hosts several weekly soirees including Balearic Thursdays, 80s hits every Friday for dancing in the moonlight and “Electronic warm-up sessions” every Saturday. Their most popular event is the Sunday afternoon Kanaloa Grooves party (Kanaloa is the god of the oceans in Hawaiian mythology), bringing beachy vibes to revellers in landlocked Madrid.
Marqués de Casa Riera 4
+34 808 234 1953
www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/madrid/innside-madrid-suecia/restaurants.html
Le Cabrera, Casa América
A new arrival on the terraza bar scene last summer which proved intensely popular – and is among Condé Nast Traveller’s favourite new-wave cocktail bars, Le Cabrera at Casa América though not strictly a rooftop terrace, is a stunning open-air cocktail lounge set in the gardens of a sumptuous colonial palace.
Boasting “the best cocktail list in Madrid” according to Lucas Fox Madrid Director Rod Jamieson, and with mixologist Diego Cabrera reinventing well known classics, it’s a good idea to arrive early (by Madrid standards), as the secret is most definitely out. Imbibe in style.
Paseo de Recoletos 2
+34 91 577 5955
La Terraza de Óscar, Room Mate Óscar
Up there with The Penthouse in the glitterati stakes, this en vogue poolside bar is an urban oasis at the heart of cosmopolitan nightlife in the city’s Chueca district. Located on the 8th floor of the exclusive Room Mate Óscar hotel, La Terraza de Óscar is a chic vantage point to watch the dreamy Madrid sunset – head along early to grab a spot with a view. People watching is the buzzword at Óscar, as the action plays out across the astro-turf chessboard-come-dance floor, scattered with Bauhaus style lounge beds. If it is upscale glamour that you seek, don thy stilettos.
Top Tip: Cool off in the scorching August heat of landlocked Madrid by reserving one of just 35 coveted spots by the pool in the day. €20 for a half day or €40 for a full day gets you a divine chaise longue and full use of the facilities. Spaces are frequently reserved weeks in advance (particularly for Madrid’s Pride Week!) so be sure to plan ahead.
Plaza Vázquez de Mella 12
www.room-matehotels.com/splash/
Gourmet Experience, El Corte Inglés
Less of a lounge-terrace and more an inner city stopover to rest weary shopping feet, the Gourmet Experience is set on the 9th floor of Spain’s flagship Corte Inglés on Callao. With a street food market, food court style set up serving international cuisine from a Mexican Taqueria and a champagne and oyster bar to gourmet Pizza there is something for every discerning foodie.
It’s a great lunch option for taking some time out of a busy day in the heat. Gaze out at the iconic Capitol Building and down to the ant-sized folks on Gran Vía far below. Try the Asian fusion tapas by twice Michelin starred chef David Muñoz at StreetXO – innovative and an absolute steal.
Plaza Callao 2
9th Floor
www.supermercado.elcorteingles.es/aptc/gourmet-experience/granvia
Azotea, Círculo de Bellas Artes
The roof of Circulo de Bellas Artes boasts one of the most impressive bird’s eye views to be had in all the land. Take the great glass elevator directly from the lobby (there is a €3 fee to access the space which is waived if you have pre-reserved a spot upstairs). Every single table and lounge bed has incredible views of almost every notable sight in the city, from Gran Vía to the Prado Museum, Barrio Salamanca and scenic Huertas. The terrace is also currently home to trendy spring/summer pop up restaurant Tartan Roof.
I highly recommend going to Azotea early for a serene breakfast before the day heats up, or (if you are brave enough to tackle the hordes) for the breathtaking golden hour – sundowner in hand. Be sure to wander through the gallery on your way back down!
Calle de Alcalá 42
7th Floor
+34 672 557 171
Gymage
This Ibizan style sun terrace sits atop (you guessed it), a chic city- entre gym. Decked out in beachy white, with pillowy lounge beds (and innovative outdoor air conditioning!!), this summery haven makes up for its lack of view with dreamy Balearic chic meets futuristic minimalism.
Ascend into the sunshine after unwinding in their spa, or a particularly gruelling workout, and enjoy a refreshing smoothie, artisanal coffee or something (considerably) stronger. Their food isn’t overly spectacular so avoid making lunch plans, but it’s fantastic for catching up and hanging out over drinks. The interstellar-esque perspex tunnel may be reminiscent of the glass tube in which Augustus Gloop met his demise, but it is in fact a super cozy solarium, perfect for relaxing on Madrid’s rarest of rainy days.
C/Corredera Baja de San Pablo 2
+34 91 532 55 64
For more top tips from our team on living it up in the Capital, check out LFStyle’s Top 10 Bars in Madrid, our Madrid Hidden Haunts and last month’s #DestinationSpain City Guide.
