The average building height in downtown Madrid (5-6 stories) may not be as high as in Chicago (30-40 stories) but it is exactly for that reason than any building with more than 4 stories often hide a potentially interesting spot on its top floor. Madrid is full of, sometimes unknown, rooftops so hopefully you’ll discover some you didn’t know before.
Last week I published 5 Skyline Photographs of Madrid and this post comprises most of the locations from which I took the pictures.
What do I mean by best rooftops? I mean the ones that combine the best architectural value by its building and context with the ones that offer the best views (in addition to amazing cocktails and service)*. If you only have a chance to visit limited places in the capital, you would be able to see Madrid completely (N-S and E-W) with this selection. Nevertheless, if you have a little bit of spare time, check out all the other interesting points close to these rooftops in this map.
Which one has the best views in your opinion?
If you had to choose the best one overall, which one would it be?
*See end for other amazing rooftops.
Name: “Tartan Roof”- Círculo de Bellas Artes
Location: Calle de Alcalá, 42 (7th Floor)
Best Views: Metropolis building, Plaza de la Cibeles, City Hall
Best Drink: Red Wine (6€)
Web: http://www.azoteadelcirculo.com/
Brief Description: In my opinion it is the best one of Madrid, it has amazing skyline views. The access is 3€ and includes the inner stair exposition (always interesting). The restaurant is very recent and the food is good. Bring your sketch book here.
Name: La Terraza del Urban- Urban Hotel
Location: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34 (7th Floor)
Best Views: San Jerónimo church, Congreso de los Diputados
Best Drink: Priscilla (11€) non alcoholic, Caipirinha (13,50€)
Web: http://www.hotelurban.com/
Brief Description: One of the best rooftop’s of Madrid. Chic and quiet. Views are nice but the building is the best part. Outstanding service. There is a swimming pool which opens during the day.
Name: The Penthouse- ME Hotel
Location: Plaza de Santa Ana, 14 (7th Floor)
Best Views: Plaza de Santa Ana, Retiro Park, Sol
Best Drink: ME Mojito (15€)
Web: https://es.melia.com/hoteles/espana/madrid/me-madrid-reina-victoria/index.html
Brief Description: Access is through the 1st floor elevator located on the right side of the building. It has just been restored and it now offers higher and more private spots. The only disadvante is that you’ll have to go yourself to get the drinks to the bar and then bring them to the terrace, not fun given the menu prices.
Name: Skynight- Hotel Silken Puerta de América
Location: Avenida de América, 41 (13th Floor)
Best Views: Panorama of Southern Madrid, Torres Blancas
Best Drink: Caipiroska (12€)
Web: http://www.fusepeople.com/espacio.html
Brief Description: Amazing panoramic views of Madrid’s skyline. The bar is designed by Jean Nouvel which should be a reason itself for coming here. This is one of my favourites. Free parking from 21.00-1.00.
Name: laterrazadeoscar- Room Mate Óscar
Location: Plaza Vázquez de Mella 12 (8th Floor)
Best Views: 360º of Madrid’s skyline
Best Drink: Coronita 7€
Web: http://oscar.room-matehotels.com/
Brief Description: The best views of Madrid, definitely worth a visit. However, the atmosphere may not be so good. People can be very loud. Swimming pool service (40€/day 20€/ half day) includes a towel, tequila and Cava drink.
Name: La Terraza del Ada – Hotel ADA Palace
Location: Calle Gran Vía, 2 (7th Floor)
Best Views: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Plaza Cibeles, Town Hall of Madrid, Metropolis Building
Best Drink: Apple Vodka Tonic (15€) Ada Cocktail (18€)
Web: http://www.hoteladapalace-madrid.com/es/fotos-hotel-ada-palace.html
Brief Description: This is the best place to enjoy Madrid’s sunset. While having one of the most impressive views (the Metropolis Building is just in front), the brand new cocktail selection makes it a completely delightful experience. You shouldn’t miss this spot.
Name: Gourmet Experience – El Corte Inglés
Location: Plaza de Callao (9th Floor)
Best Views: Capitol Building, Gran Via
Best Drink: Lemon Iced Tea (3,5€)
Web: http://aptcsupermercado.elcorteingles.es/gourmet-experience
Brief Description: Inside a shopping mall and organized like a market (buy an ice cream/drinks and then bring them outside) you may think it doesn’t look so good, right? Wrong. It is from here where you’ll get the best shots of the über famous Capitol Building and Gran Via street. Sunsets from this rooftop are among the best ones of Madrid. And the good thing is that it opens all year-long.
Name: Gaudeamus Café- Edificio Escuelas Pias (UNED)
Location: Calle Tribulete, 14 (4th Floor)
Best Views: Capitol Building, Gran Via
Best Drink: Mojito (7,5€)
Web: http://www.gaucafe.com/#!gaucafe/c1sln
Brief Description: Located on one of the most relevant and historic places of Madrid: Las Escuelas Pias. Its reknown architect, Linazasoro, was in charge of restoring this monastery built in 1729 and turning it into a library in 2004. In this case you shouldn’t face your chair towards the skyline, but towards the cupola. Amazing architecture, make sure you visit the inside of the building.
Name: Hotel de las Letras
Location: Calle Gran Vía, 11 (7th Floor)
Best Views: Gran Via Street
Best Drink: Natural Juices 4,50€, Rum 14€
Web: http://www.hoteldelasletras.com/gastronomia/atico-de-las-letras
Brief Description: Nice views and amazing atmosphere. It is now very famous and it attracts a lot of tourists. Be patient, it is small and it may take a while to sit down. At lunch is less crowded than at dinner. If you want to conquer the heart of your date, bring him/her here.
Name: Terraza Cibeles
Location: Plaza de Cibeles, 1 (6th Floor)
Best Views: Gran Via Street, Plaza Cibeles
Best Drink: Desperados 6€, Cibeles Colección 12€
Web: http://www.adolfo-palaciodecibeles.com/terraza.html
Brief Description: Located on the Town Hall of Madrid. The views from the rooftop (access 2€) are spectacular but it closes al 8.00 p.m. If you want to get amazing night shots this terrace is the alternative, but its 2 stories beneath the regular rooftop.
Name: Terraza Mercado de Moncloa- Hotel Exe
Location: Calle Arcipreste Hita, 10 (9th Floor)
Best Views: Sierra de Guadarrama, El Escorial and West Madrid
Best Drink: Heineken 6€
Web: http://www.hotelexemoncloa.com/
Brief Description: This rooftop is in conjunction to “Mercado de Moncloa” located on the 1st floor of the Exe Hotel. It is like a small version of “Mercado de San Miguel” Market. It is part of the “Heineken Afterwork” events, so you know you’ll have fun. Young atmosphere. Amazing sunsets.
Note: The other amazing rooftops were: Hotel Vincci Via 66, Hotel Santo Domingo, Hotel Vinci Capitol, El mirador del Thyssen, Roof Garden (Hotel Emperador), La casa de Granada, La terraza del Casino, The Picnic Experience (CC ABC Serrano) and El Viajero.
Check these and other amazing buildings of Madrid on the map below or download my Free Architecture Guide of Madrid.
Virginia Duran 
You give us the most bewitching view of Madrid and its ambience. And I’m floored by the painstaking detail you provide in your post. Thank you – it’s excellent!
Take care!
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Thanks for stopping by MJ! It took me a while to check all these places but I have to admit it was a lot of fun. I discovered great places with this post. If you ever travel to Madrid you know where to get the info 🙂
-Virginia
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Oh, you can be sure you will be my first port of call. 🙂
You must also share with your readers your own architectural projects. I for one would love to know about them.
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I am doing a dance center in Chicago by the riverwalk as a final degree thesis, I think I will post my process at some point. Right now I only have impossible sketches and a huge Chicago model. Thanks for encouraging me to do so 🙂
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Virginia, thank you for a terrific blog; interesting, fun, different. I have been living in Madrid for over 40 yrs. and admit to only knowing 2 of the rooftops. This was a great eyeopener from a super researcher! BTW if you return to Madrid, you know where you can get even more info:)
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That is so great! Thanks for the nice comments. I will definitely do more posts about Madrid since I will live here for a while, so stay tunned 😀
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Amazing photographs and details about each one!!
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Thanks for your kind words!
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This is absolutely fascinating. I really love the innovative use of roof space. I think my favourite is probably the Gaudeamus Café- because it combines the old and new and combines two of my favourite places, libraries and monasteries.
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I had no idea that some of these places existed and it’s been a wonderful research, especially the one of Gaudeamus Café. Maybe it wasn’t so much about the views but about being in a really nice and full of history environment. You’ll have to return to Spain and visit in person all these rooftops 🙂
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I would love to do that! I am curious about the name Gaudeamus; do you think it has anything to do with this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGXYkfLJ4s
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It is exactly from this song. That’s the Spanish university anthem. This building is the UNED university, UNED means (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) which means National University of Distance Education. Meaning you get your degree from home or from other countries. You did well your research!
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Linazasoro would be an excellent architect to restore our city. Incredible portfolio of work.
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He was my professor two years ago and I see him around university often. He was obsessed with restoration projects and that wasn’t easy at all. When I studied in Rome last semester he was invited as a speaker and everyone loved him very much (Italy is all about restoration too). Overall he is an amazing person, I would ask him about his thoughts on cities such as Christchurch and will get back to you 🙂
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Gosh really. Because all around our city we have these facades and broken pieces and today we are told another really beautiful building is going to be demolished. When I see what he has done/restored, I feel like weeping at what we are losing and have lost. Of course money is a problem here. Sometimes the buildings are not really worth saving but sometimes that little piece of history is worth holding on to. Oh Gaudeamus means “Let us Rejoice” so maybe it is a good name for that cafe.
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I am against demolition in general and especially on buildings that are part of a citie’s history. It’s really sad to hear some buildings are just being erased. Money is always the problem but sometimes is exactly the lack of money that makes it difficult to build, leading to restoration processes. So let’s hope the best for Christchurch!
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Never really thought of Madrid as a destination – but this is intriguing. Thanks!
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Madrid is one of the most beautiful European cities, you should consider visiting 😉
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I have never been to Madrid, until today! Thank you, my dear friend!
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Glad you liked it Rebecca! I am living here for a while so you’ll see more pictures of this city 🙂
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A really lovely and interesting set of photos. Have you ever been in Madrid over New Year? Would it be a good place for a short break at the end of December?
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These rooftops must host amazing New Year’s events, it will be very nice to be here in Dezember, let’s hope so! Thanks for stopping by Rhys 🙂
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Circulo was great! We’ll have to search out the test of your list on our next trip to Madrid.
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David, I am really happy you enjoyed El Circulo. You’ll have to return to Madrid to test the others 🙂
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Pretty comprehensive. I could use one of those rooftops right now 🙂
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Hope you get time next summer to visit some of these 😉
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I have visited Madrid and loved it. Hope to go back and try some rooftop dining. The roof gardens are lovely too.
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If you visit Madrid towards summer you must visit all of these 🙂 Can’t wait to return myself!
Thanks for stopping by!
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Reblogged this on ozonedesign lifestyle and commented:
Rooftops with a view…on Madrid.
a great guide by Virginia Duran
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Great rooftops. Great idea to photograph them as a theme
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Thanks for stopping by Barry! I love that besides being places where you can seat and have a drink, you can also take amazing pictures too 😀 Have you ever been in Madrid?
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Hey V,
Great post…I love it, thank you. I have visited Madrid 3 times before and have been to only 2 of the ones you have mentioned; Cortes Ingles and Tartan Roof. Tartan is pretty cool with the views and setting.
I’m taking a local Madrid lady on a date for a drink or 2, and was wondering in your opinion, which rooftop is the best?
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Hello J,
Glad to hear this information was useful to you. In my opinion, Tartan Roof (Circulo de Bellas Artes) is the best, and no matter how many times you return, you’ll always find a different view. On the other hand, the Ada Hotel is amazing too. Not everyone is allowed and that’s why it’s less “touristic” and more exclusive, and it has great views too. The same happens with Hotel Silken Puerta de América, so I’d say those two.
Hope this helps 😉
ps. if you want to try a new one, I’ve recently visited Hotel Indigo, you may love it too!
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Great. I’ll check out Hotel Indigo. Oh I forgot, I was at Skynight- Hotel Silken Puerta de América also.
I agree with you, out of the 3, Tartan Roof is the best.
Thanks V!
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Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic points, I as well think this is a very great website. bffbckcedgfd
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Hello John, thanks for the kind words! Any chances of you visiting Madrid soon?
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Exquisite post,the article ,the pictures and the designs.hope to visit Spain soon.Thank you for stopping by.Regards.JMS
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Hello Jalal, hope you get to visit Spain soon. It’s very beautiful and full of amazing architecture.
Kind regards, Virginia
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Muchas gracias por recomendar estos lugares.
Los he visitado y me han encantado.
Buen Blog.
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Carlos,
Me alegro de que el post te haya sido útil. Haré pronto una parte II ya que estoy descubriendo unas cuantas terracitas nuevas. Cualquier sugerencia es bienvenida 🙂
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Hi Virginia ,back in Beirut /Lebanon people sell their roofs for other people to build an apartment .Lebanon is a tiny country and there is not a lot of spaces.This concept of restaurant is incredible.Kind regards Jalal
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This is so beautiful, and takes me back to the trip I took to Spain a couple of years ago!
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Thanks for your kind words! Where in Spain did you go?
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Gorgeous photographs. I wished I’d seen this post before our visit to Madrid just over a week ago! Good excuse to go back though… 🙂
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You also visited Madrid? You’ve been traveling for a long time this summer! What did you like most of Madrid?
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We weren’t actually away very long, spending only a couple of days in Madrid. I loved wandering around the parks and botanical gardens, they were beautiful. Again, I think I need to go back to explore more!
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Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there. akddfaegfadd
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Thanks for these great tips! I will be in Madrid next week and was interested in getting a nighttime photo at “Tartan Roof”- Círculo de Bellas Artes. The website says the opening hours are 9-2, but I have seen many night shots here before. Am I missing something? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Max, that’ll be great. El Circulo de Bellas Artes is a must-see spot. Yes, from 9 am (not 21) to 2 am. It’s open during day time too. Depending on which day it can get very packed, so if you want to be there at sunset, be a little earlier 😀
For how long would you be visiting Madrid?
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Ok great, thanks! We will be in Madrid for 3 nights, starting this upcoming Saturday. We have a pretty open schedule, but your rooftop guide is very helpful for planning out some nice photography spots. I noticed you have these guides for other cities as well; what a great idea! My wife studied abroad for 6 months in Madrid 8 years ago, and this is her first time back since then. Any other great spots for photography that we shouldn’t miss? Thanks Virginia!
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Sounds good! Note that ADA Palace is now closed. But the rest are great photography points. Besides that, I will check this Map, especially the yellow points. Your wife may discover some new spots in it such as the new skyscrapers 😉 Let me know if you’re looking for something specific!
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Thanks so much for this post! I will be sure to use the brilliant info you’ve supplied over the next few weeks to take some of my own shots of Madrid. Many thanks
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So glad to read this! Have you ever visited Madrid before?
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No, first time. I’m here from Nov-Jan with work although very much hoping to stay permanently. The people and the place are beautiful. Well it’s lunch time and another gloriously sunny day. Time to put this info to use
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Richard,
How was your trip? Did you take many pictures? Would love to see them! How was work?
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Madrid, here we come! Virginia, thank you so much for this blogpost. It’s such a brilliant and detailed guide.
See you soon. 🙂
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Thanks for your kindness! Looking forward to your visit!
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There are some nice views from these locations. I’m hoping to return to Madrid later in the year so I’ll be sure to check some of these out, thanks.
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Glad to hear that! Had you already visited some of these on previous trips?
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No I haven’t. I lived in San Sebastian in the Basque Country about 5 years ago and wish I had spent more time in madrid and traveling through the rest of Spain.
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Great, great story, and photos of course!! 😀 I am going to Madrid in October and this guide is golden!!!
Thanks!
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So glad to hear this! The weather will be perfect by that time. Any preferences in Madrid? Are you planning to visit architecture/photography spots?
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First, Madrid is my dream city! 🙂 Can’t wait to see it. I will take Madrid Card for free entry to many museums, galleries etc. I love to take photos ofc, and I would like to see little streets, places with not so many tourists and of course major things. Also, I’ll go to Toledo one day or half of a day (what do you think, how much time I’ll need). And, please tell me – which places/buildings not to miss to take photo?
Thanks! ¡Gracias!
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Thank you for this great overview! I just came home from Madrid and your page was very helpful. We tried 4 of your 11 recommendations and I agree with you, the Tartan Roof was the best place.
Best regards and Muchas gracias, Agnes
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So happy to read this Agnes! Hope you had a great time despite the cloudy weather. Any favorites of Madrid (besides the rooftops)?
Kind regards 🙂
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I can recommend the Museo Cerralbo on Calle de Ventura Rodríguez, 17 (near Plaza de Espana) – have you been there? It is perhaps not so well-known like many other museums in Madrid but this was one of my favorites in Madrid. A beautiful city palace with a lovely little garden. Here you can see some pictures from the official webpage: http://museocerralbo.mcu.es/laCasaMuseo/visitaVirtual.html#sala12
Many regards, Agnes
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Hello Agnes,
Thanks so much for the recommendation, I have never visited it. It looks very beautiful from the pictures, will definitely give it a chance and visit it soon.
King regards, Virginia
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Amazing options!! I will be in Madrid for only 1 day in October and plan to have lunch in one of them. I hope they are still open at this time of the year 😀
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Hello! If I had to recommend just one, it’ll be the first one 🙂 When in October will you be in Madrid? if it is at the beginning it won’t be cold at all! Loving your Instagram posts by the way.
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Perfect!! The first one will be! 😀
I will be there on the 25th of October, if you feel like we can meet there, no pressure. I will be alone because I will have a connecting flight from São Paulo do Munich 😀
Thank you so much, happy that you are enjoying the pictures on Instagram ❤
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I will definitely be in Madrid that day, let’s meet! I’ll give you a small tour of Madrid. At what time do you arrive?
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Awnnn that’s really nice of you!
I will arrive very early, my plane lands at 5:30, so I guess I will be in the center max at 7 I hope. But you don’t have to meet at this time, really. I don’t want to take your Sunday time, we can meet at lunch if you like, then we can take a walk afterwards. I have to be back at the airport around 3pm max. 😀
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thanks so much! now I have something more to check out here in Madrid!
Moi—byInês
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Thanks for stopping by! If you are around Gran Via, don’t miss the new rooftop at Salvador Bachiller’s store 😉
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Very nice text! Madrid is such a great place! I was there and except good Spanish people I also liked different buildings that are in all kinds of shapes when you see them from the top of the building. Here is something more from my own experience about it : http://personal-travel-photos.blogspot.com/2016/04/view-from-top-madrid-spain.html
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That’s one of my favorite rooftops in Gran Vía! Love the new building in front by Moneo! Any chances of you visiting Madrid soon?
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Looking for a Restaurant that was called the “sky gardens” back in the 1980’s… any suggestions about what it is called now? How I could find it? Many Thanks! Memo
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Mmm…been looking for it without any answers. So you remember the location, any buildings around etc.? That may help!
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Love this post, very useful for summer evenings.. I know some of them…from this list my favourite is hotel ME and hotel EXE Check out as well Indigo Hotel roof top http://www.indigomadrid.com/
But the best one is in Plaza de Oriente….I have to show you that one….Cheers!
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Indigo Hotel’s rooftop is quite nice too, thanks for sharing 🙂
Which one is in Plaza de Oriente?
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