EXPERIENCE MADRID FROM ABOVE

Madrid from above: the city’s most captivating viewpoints

Madrid’s skyline doesn’t just shine, it tells stories. From royal gardens to avant-garde rooftops, this is a city best experienced from above. Here are some of the most captivating viewpoints that harmonize heritage, design, and unforgettable sunsets.

San Francisco el Grande Gardens

Tucked beside the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, this rose-lined garden offers a quiet escape and one of the most cinematic sunset views in the city. Built on the site of a former convent and spanning over 4,000 square meters, it once housed a renowned dahlia garden, now replaced by 21 varieties of hardy, beautifully flowering roses. Sculptures like The Dream of Saint Isidore bring a sacred stillness to the space, making it feel like a hymn to old Madrid.

Vistillas Gardens

These terraced gardens in the historic Las Vistillas district are a favorite local retreat, known for their sweeping views over the Manzanares River and Casa de Campo. Designed between the 1930s and '40s, the gardens feature granite walkways, lush flowerbeds, and historic sculptures including a tribute to legendary performer Celia Gámez. On summer evenings, the park comes alive with open-air concerts and community gatherings, offering a vibrant cross-section of Madrid life.

Sabatini Gardens

Set at the base of the Royal Palace’s northern façade, these symmetrical gardens blend regal grandeur with classical design. Built on the former site of the royal stables in the 1930s, they showcase fountains, topiary hedges, and statues originally intended for the palace’s cornice. As the sun sets, the interplay of golden light and grey stone transforms the space into a visual symphony — with the distant silhouette of Casa de Campo completing the tableau.

Mirador Madrid (Centro)

Located in the tower of the Palacio de Cibeles, the Mirador Madrid observation deck offers an exceptional 360º view of the city’s layered history and urban sprawl. From El Retiro Park to Paseo de la Castellana, you can trace the city’s architectural evolution in one glance. Open seasonally and accessible via a scenic staircase, this lookout is as much about the journey up as the view at the top, and now includes guided tours for those who want a deeper dive.

CaixaForum Madrid

An architectural marvel and cultural powerhouse, CaixaForum stands out for its gravity-defying façade and lush vertical garden. Housed in a former power station redesigned by Herzog & de Meuron, the center offers a rich mix of ancient, modern, and contemporary art alongside lectures, family workshops, and music events. Just steps from Madrid’s Art Walk, it’s a crossroads where past and future collide, and an ideal stop for those seeking inspiration on multiple levels.

Huerta de la Partida

Nestled beside the Manzanares River near the Puente del Rey, these historic gardens once supplied fruit and vegetables to a noble estate later absorbed into royal hands. Today, olive, almond, and hazelnut trees line its pathways, evoking echoes of its agricultural past. From the elevated viewpoint, you can gaze out over Madrid Río Park, the Royal Palace, and La Almudena Cathedral, a serene spot where nature, nobility, and modernity coexist.

UMusic Rooftop Casa Chicote

At the top of UMusic Hotel Madrid, UMusic Rooftop Casa Chicote is where tradition meets rhythm and skyline views meet sensory design. Reimagined in collaboration with the legendary Museo Chicote and styled with furniture by POINT, the rooftop blends old-school Madrid charm with a modern, music-fueled spirit. Local tapas, craft cocktails, and curated design details create an atmosphere that’s equal parts rooftop lounge and cultural tribute. From golden-hour drinks to late-night conversations, every moment here is a nod to the city’s creative heartbeat elevated. UMusic Rooftop is only accessible to UMusic Hotels Guests.