Sights & Must-See Viewpoints In Madrid, Spain

Unveiling Madrid's Top Sights and Viewpoints: A Captivating Journey

Madrid, Spain is a stunning European capital city topping travel lists across the globe, and for good reason. So, why exactly is Madrid tourism skyrocketing these days? Among the myriad draws of Spain´s top city include: numerous Madrid must-see attractions, plentiful Madrid parks and gardens, rich Madrid culture and history, and an abundance of the finest cuisine in the world. Add to this list Madrid´s must-see sights and viewpoints, and you have near limitless reasons for making Spain´s capital city your next European travel destination!

And about those Madrid must-see sights and Madrid viewpoints: Surely you are wondering which exact ones are on that list! Lucky for you, we have compiled our top picks of Madrid must-see sights and viewpoints in this simple guide. So keep reading to discover just which Madrid sights and viewpoints you cannot miss during your next Madrid trip on your Spain holiday!

Observation Deck Views and Historical Building Vistas in Madrid

As makes perfect sense in their names, observation decks are ideal spots to snag the most stunning views, and Madrid´s observation decks are no exceptions. But did you also know that many of Madrid´s notable historical buildings also offer incredible vistas, too? Here are some of our favorites to add to your Madrid itinerary.

Cibeles Palace

The first observation deck on our Madrid must-see sights and viewpoints list is the one located at Cibeles Palace. From this lofty perch, found in the building´s primary tower, guests to Cibeles Palace can take in an unmatched city view as far as the eye can see. There is even a handy map visitors will find on the deck that helps you identify all of the iconic Madrid sights down below.

Mirador de la Cornisa

Ideally located in Madrid´s Plaza de la Armería, the Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck is a scenic viewpoint offering particularly fine panoramas of two of the capital city´s most spectacular sights: Casa de Campo and the Campo del Moro Gardens. The Madrid attraction is open to the public, free of charge, from Monday to Sunday in the afternoon through the evening.

Faro de Moncloa Observation Deck

Open to visitors from Tuesday through Sunday in Madrid (ticket purchase required to access), Faro de Moncloa observation deck offers guests even more incredible views over the capital city. Following a jaw-dropping, scenic ascent in a lift, guests will alight onto the 92-meter-high observation deck, which actually used to be a transmission tower.

While you are here enjoying the unforgettable scenescape from the deck, be sure to take advantage of the onsite souvenir shop to purchase a memento to remember this moment – and these views -- forever.

Magnificent Vantage Points from Madrid Parks and Lakes

Create Lasting Memories and Soak Up the Scenery at Casa de Campo Lake

If you are a big fan of the idea of multi-tasking during your Madrid trip while sightseeing, why not head to Casa de Campo Lake, where you can not only spend an excellent day amid a stunning Madrid recreational area with plenty of leisure activity options (plus a lake!), but you can also score a scenic view that spans over the capital city.

The Madrid nature area boasts a lovely manmade lake, where water sports and boat rental options abound, and is surrounded by a generous amount of snack and dining options, plus walking trails and gorgeous greenery. And as we mentioned before, several spots here take the cake for providing lovely views of Madrid.

San Francisco el Grande Gardens

Madrid has no shortage of beautiful botanical gardens, the San Francisco el Grande Gardens being a favorite among both locals and tourists alike. Offering excellent views over the west-side of the capital city, this garden was converted back in 2007 into a dahlia-filled wonderland in honor of former Saint Francis. Now a wonderland of roses, the dreamy Madrid garden also has a gorgeous array of sculptures to admire while visiting, along with the views of the capital city, of course!  

Marvel at Jaw-dropping Madrid Views at Manzanares Linear Park

For active vacationers looking for good options to move and stay fit during their Madrid trip, this sprawling Madrid park offers all you could desire, including pedestrian paths, a sports arena area with multi-purpose courts and more, and even a conservatory complete with fountains. But the masterpiece of the park -- for all you view-seekers reading this article -- is most definitely the highest point in the park (a man-made hill known as La Atalaya), where visitors will find a stunning sculpture known as La Dama del Manzanares, and a perfect view of Madrid city, too!

Dining With a View in Madrid, Spain

You have undoubtedly already heard of the world-famous Madrid cuisine Spain´s capital city offers visitors. But what if you could pair that prize-winning fare with phenomenal views? Listed below are a few of the incredible Madrid dining spots that also offer excellent vantage points of Madrid.

360° Terraza y Sky Bar 

Perched at the top of Hotel Riu Plaza de España, one of Madrid´s top hotels, 360° Terraza y Sky Bar is a top-shelf bar and tapas venue offering immaculate cuisine and exceptional panoramic views over Madrid courtesy of its rooftop terrace (27 floors up!). In fact, these views span an entire 360°s, more than earning it is signature moniker.  For those wanting a bit more sustenance than apps and sips, the onsite restaurant El Edén Gastrobar (located just one floor below) will more than fit that bill. When planning a visit here, just be advised that access to this special rooftop treasure will cost you an access fee (ranging from 5 Euros to 10 Euros, depending on specific day and time. But do not worry about this small matter, as that cost is more than worth it when you take in those views over Madrid, paired with paradisiacal cuisine.

Terraza de Sabatini

More tasty tapas –- and epic views -- are on offer at Terraza de Sabatini in Madrid, Spain. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a better vantage point overlooking the iconic Madrid landmarks of the Royal Palace and the Sabatini Gardens than this lofty dining destination. Located atop an aparthotel (Jardines de Sabatini ApartoSuites), this rooftop venue is the ideal hotspot for noshing on incredible tapas, pairing those with sensational cocktails and other spirits, then placing the ultimate cherry on top of the experience with wide-spanning panoramas over Madrid city. If you are planning a visit, just be advised that while the Terraza de Sabatini rooftop terrace is open year-round, the chance to order tapas and spirits only arrives in May and concludes for the season in September.

Madrid Museums and Cable Cars Boasting Beautiful Views

Many Madrid monuments and museums also provide Madrid visitors with unreal vantage points. Here are a few we consider to be can´t miss stops during your Madrid travel.

Lofty Views Await at La Almudena Cathedral Museum Dome

While La Almudena Cathedral Museum is a destination on its own, the views afforded from the cathedral dome are truly spectacular and not to be missed. In order to access the dome (via steps), you must first visit the museum, so after learning fascinating facts about Madrid history and culture, journey up 70 meters and prepared to be awed!

Get Swept Away By the Madrid Teleférico 

No article covering Madrid´s most amazing sights and viewpoints would be complete without mentioning, of course, the Madrid Cable Car, known as the Madrid Teleférico. There are simply no words that can accurately express the swell in your heart you feel while gliding through the skies in this cable car, looking down over Spain´s magical capital city in all its majesty and glory!

Best Sunset Spots in Madrid, Spain

As the day is winding down and your Madrid sightseeing adventure includes looking for the most stunning spot in the city to wish the day adieu, you will naturally want to know where are the best sunset spots in Madrid? We have listed our favorite picks below.

Say Goodbye to Another Madrid Day at Jardines de Las Vistillas

Those on the hunt for that ideal spot to partake in the absolute magic of a Madrid sunset should head straight to Jardines de Las Vistillas. Located in Madrid´s west section, Jardines de Las Vistillas is a gorgeous and sprawling park that will not disappoint. Not only can you get a gander at the epic rainbow canvas created as the sun sets and lights the sky ablaze with a kaleidoscope of color, but you can also take in pristine panoramic views of the nearby Mazanares River, as well as look down upon Madrid´s signature religious symbol: Almudena Cathedral.

Watch the Sunset at Cerro del Tío Pío Park

Yet another epic spot to spend a magical sunset hour in Madrid is Cerro del Tío Pío Park, or if you ask locals: “the park of the seven boobs”. This silly, and borderline scandalous, nickname was given to the popular Madrid park due to its many mounds of hills (hence, the moniker!), making it an excellent locale to find near limitless vantage points for enjoying that perfect sunset panorama as the day ends over Madrid.

Ready to Discover the Most Spectacular Sights and Views in Madrid?

Are you ready to head to Madrid, Spain, and see these stunning must-see sights and viewpoints for yourself? Well, good news! Our expert team is here to help make your travel dreams come true and plan a Madrid trip ideally catered to your specific wants and needs. Reach out today and let us tell you all about our amazing Madrid specials and travel deals, so we can work together to make your Madrid travel experience everything you have ever wanted, and beyond!