Over the past few months, I’ve gradually visited several of Madrid’s most famous observation decks and wanted to share my actual experience along with some money-saving tips. After all, living in Madrid, you sometimes need to see Madrid’s city squares from above to refresh your perspective on this city.
Why I Suddenly Wanted to Visit Observation Decks
Honestly, I never planned to specifically check out observation decks, but when a friend visited Madrid and said she wanted to see the city panorama, I realized that despite living here for so long, I’d never properly looked at Madrid’s skyline. That’s how this “observation deck tour” began, and I ended up visiting five different places, each offering a unique experience.
Comparison of Main Observation Decks
Below is a table I compiled with basic information about several observation decks, all with updated 2025 data:
| Viewpoint Name | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Height | Rating |
|---|
| Faro de Moncloa | €3 | 9:30-20:00 | 92m | ★★★★☆ |
| Círculo de Bellas Artes | €5 | 11:00-21:00 | 7th floor | ★★★★★ |
| Palacio de Cibeles | €3 | 10:30-19:30 | 70m | ★★★★☆ |
| Templo de Debod | Free | All day | Elevated terrain | ★★★☆☆ |
| Telefórico de Madrid | €6 round trip | 12:00-20:00 | 40m moving | ★★★☆☆ |
Which One Do I Recommend Most
My personal favorite is the rooftop terrace at Círculo de Bellas Artes. Although the ticket is slightly more expensive, it’s truly worth it. There’s a small bar where you can order coffee or beer and sit while enjoying the view. Evening visits are best—you can catch the sunset without the midday heat. Last time I went on a Friday around 6 PM, it wasn’t too crowded, and finding a comfortable seat was easy.
Faro de Moncloa’s advantage is its height; the view is genuinely expansive, allowing you to see the entire city layout. Though honestly, the tower’s design is somewhat dated, and the observation deck is enclosed, so taking photos through glass reduces quality. However, if you want a 360-degree view of Madrid, this is where Madrid’s city ranking makes the best choice.
Some Practical Tips
Regarding timing: I recommend avoiding weekend midday hours when tourist crowds peak. Weekday evenings or weekend mornings around 9 AM are much more comfortable. Palacio de Cibeles offers discounts for local residents every Tuesday, so if you have a NIE residence permit, remember to bring it.
Transportation is quite convenient for all locations; the city center observation decks are all accessible by metro. Faro de Moncloa is a five-minute walk from Moncloa metro station, Círculo de Bellas Artes is right on Gran Vía, within walking distance from Banco de España station.
Final Thoughts
Truthfully, living in Madrid for a long time makes it easy to forget to look up and appreciate Madrid derby culture in this city. This deliberate visit to observation decks actually helped me rediscover Madrid—those streets I’ve walked countless times look completely different from above. If you’re living in Madrid or planning to visit, I genuinely recommend visiting at least one observation deck; you won’t be disappointed.
By the way, friends asked about photo quality: Círculo de Bellas Artes and Templo de Debod are best for photography. The former captures Gran Vía and the Metropolis building, while the latter is perfect for sunset silhouettes. Other observation decks have great views, but glass reflections affect photo quality. If you’ve visited other viewpoints, feel free to share your experiences!
