He Cibeles viewpoint It offers one of the best panoramic views of Madrid, yet it remains far less well-known than other rooftops in the city center. In fact, it's located on the eighth floor of the Cibeles Palace, the former Communications Palace, which locals still affectionately call "Correos.".
Furthermore, from its 70-meter height, you can see the city in 360 degrees: the Gran Vía, Alcalá Street, the Paseo de la Castellana, and the Retiro Park They are easily distinguishable.
The Cibeles Palace, much more than a viewpoint
Specifically, the building was designed and built by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi as the headquarters of the Spanish Postal and Telegraph Society. It was inaugurated in 1909 and, later, in 1993, was declared a Site of Cultural Interest with the category of Monument.
It currently houses the headquarters of Madrid City Council and the CentroCentro cultural center, with free temporary exhibitions. Therefore, you can combine your visit to the viewpoint with a cultural tour in the same building.
Likewise, the square that surrounds it contains some of the city's most recognizable buildings:
- Cibeles Fountain, where Real Madrid celebrates its titles.
- Bank of Spain, whose vault is not the one that appears in *Money Heist*.
- Linares Palace, home to the Casa de América and the subject of several ghost legends.
- Buenavista Palace, headquarters of the Army General Staff.
How to get to the Cibeles viewpoint
- MetroLines 1 and 10, Banco de España station, less than a minute's walk away.
- BusNumerous bus lines stop in the square itself, including lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 14, 27, 34, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146 and 150.
- WalkingIt is ten minutes from Puerta del Sol and five from the Prado Museum.
- Address: Plaza de Cibeles, 1. Access to the viewpoint is through the CentroCentro entrance.
Opening hours, tickets and price
As for the opening hours, the viewpoint is open from Tuesday to Sunday, in two shifts: from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. It remains closed on Mondays.
General admission is around €3, and children under 12 enter free. However, it's worth noting that opening hours and prices change fairly often, so it's best to check the website. Madrid City Council before going.
Access is organized in shifts, and places in each group are limited. Consequently, on weekends and holidays, it's easy to find yourself without a spot if you arrive late.
Tips for making the most of your visit
- Choose a clear day. With haze or low clouds, much of the interest is lost.
- Allow half an hour. Ideally, you should first take a complete lap to get your bearings and then take the photos.
- Go up during the golden hour. The last hour of daylight, around 6:00 PM in winter and later in summer, is the best time for photography.
- Arrive with plenty of room to spare. Tickets per shift are limited and sell out quickly.
- Bundle up. At 70 meters high and without protection, the wind is much more noticeable than on the street.
- Combine it with the Prado Museum or with a stroll through the Literary Quarter, both just a few minutes away.
What can you see from above?
In fact, the panorama is complete, with no buildings obstructing the view in any direction. Specifically, to the northwest unfolds the Gran Vía with its domes and the Metropolis building. Meanwhile, to the north, the Paseo de la Castellana stretches straight out to the four towers.
To the east lies the Retiro Park, a perfectly defined green rectangle, and to the south one can distinguish the Prado Museum and the Paseo del Prado axis, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Furthermore, the proximity of the square allows you to see the Cibeles Fountain from an unusual bird's-eye view, with the traffic swirling around it.
Frequently asked questions about the Cibeles viewpoint
In short, if you're looking for a memorable view of Madrid without endless queues, the Cibeles viewpoint is one of the best options in the city center. And if you'd prefer to hear the history of each building you'll see from up there, join us on one of our tours.
Opening hours, price and access to the Cibeles viewpoint
On the eighth floor of the Cibeles Palace, at Plaza de Cibeles number 1. It is also accessed through the CentroCentro entrance and the nearest metro stop is Banco de España, lines 1 and 10.
General admission is around €3, and children under 12 enter free. It's advisable to check the current rates on the municipal website, as they are updated regularly.
From Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. It is closed on Mondays. Access is organized in shifts with limited spaces.
The visit and the views
In total, it stands about 70 meters above the square and therefore offers a 360-degree view. From there you can see Gran Vía, Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de la Castellana, Retiro Park, and the Prado Museum.
It is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, because tickets per shift are limited and sell out in advance during peak season.
In general, half an hour is enough to walk around and take photos at your leisure. If you also want to see the exhibitions at CentroCentro, allow an hour and a half in total.
