Edificio Capitol (Schweppes), Madrid - A striking view of a historic bell tower rising above the round Plaza Redonda in Valencia, Spain, against a vivid blue sky.
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Edificio Capitol (Schweppes) Madrid

4.6
·1k reviews·Madrid, Spain

Iconic Art Deco building on Gran Vía, famous for its glowing Schweppes sign and free rooftop views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

City lights and neon glow

CrowdMedium
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Edificio Capitol (Schweppes), Madrid - A striking view of a historic bell tower rising above the round Plaza Redonda in Valencia, Spain, against a vivid blue sky.

Edificio Capitol (Schweppes) Madrid

Best Time

Evenings

City lights and neon glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Art Deco building on Gran Vía, famous for its glowing Schweppes sign and free rooftop views.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The best views of Gran Vía are free from the top of the Capitol building!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Rooftop Access

Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings:

Nighttime Magic

The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gran Vía Rooftop Views

Gran Vía Rooftop Views

Top floor of Edificio Capitol

Panoramic cityscapes of Madrid's bustling Gran Vía, especially magical at night.

Iconic Schweppes Sign

Iconic Schweppes Sign

Exterior of Edificio Capitol

The classic neon sign is a vibrant symbol of Madrid's nightlife and architecture.

Gourmet Food Court

Gourmet Food Court

Top floor of Edificio Capitol

A variety of delicious food options with a stunning backdrop for your meal.

Planning Your Visit

Rooftop Views Without the Price Tag

Skip the crowded, expensive rooftop bars! The top floor of Edificio Capitol offers incredible Gran Vía views for free. Grab a bite from the gourmet food court and soak in the city lights.

Iconic Neon Sign Experience

This Art Deco building is famous for its giant Schweppes sign. While you can't go inside the sign itself, the surrounding area and rooftop offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
City lights and neon glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PLANAZO PERFECTO AHORA QUE LLEGA EL PUENTE Y GRAN VÍA ESTÁ LLENO DE LUCES. @celiasaco y yo os traemos esta propuesta ¿CONOCÉIS ALGUNA AZOTEA MÁS ASÍ? Pensamos que es el centro comercial con las vistas...
@cintiia_rm
30.8K likes • 1M views

Free Rooftop Access

Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings: TikTok

Nighttime Magic

The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash: TikTok

🥂Save this for your next trip to Madrid👇🏼🇪🇸 Círculo de Bellas Artes is (in my opinion) the best rooftop bar in Madrid, overlooking the entire city. A ticket to go up is €5.50, but give it plenty of ti...
@europewithemily
16.2K likes • 544.7K views
reddit.com

Schweppes Madrid, Gran Vía

Gourmet Food Options

Enjoy diverse culinary delights from the food court while taking in the views. :forkandknife: TikTok

Alternative to Callao

Get similar stunning views to Callao but often with fewer crowds. :walking: TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Rooftop Access

Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings: TikTok

Nighttime Magic

The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash: TikTok

Gourmet Food Options

Enjoy diverse culinary delights from the food court while taking in the views. :forkandknife: TikTok

Alternative to Callao

Get similar stunning views to Callao but often with fewer crowds. :walking: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Edificio Capitol for its incredible, free rooftop views of Gran Vía, especially the iconic Schweppes sign illuminated at night. The accessible food court adds to the appeal, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. Some note that the building's interior beyond the top floor isn't particularly noteworthy.

"The Edificio Carrión, also known as Edificio Capitol, is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, located prominently on Gran Vía. Built in 1933 in a striking modernist style inspired by German expressionism, it is renowned for its curved "prow-like" facade and the famous Schweppes neon sign that crowns it—now a cultural symbol of the city. Originally designed as a multifunctional building housing offices, a hotel, apartments, and the historic Cine Capitol, it was technologically advanced for its time, featuring Madrid’s first centralized air-conditioning system. Today, after a careful renovation, it remains a vibrant mix of heritage and modern use, hosting the Vincci Capitol Hotel and attracting architecture lovers, photographers, and tourists alike. With its bold design and lasting cultural presence, Edificio Carrión continues to define the urban character of Gran Vía and stands as a timeless emblem of Madrid’s architectural legacy."

Sabri Fdool

"Great building with a bold architecture, situated in the heart of the Madrid."

George L

"Interesting tidbit...we wanted to visit the Capital building and this is where our taxi driver took us! It is an interesting structur with shops and a hotel. It is NOT a capital building as we think of coming from America."

Barb Schaefer

What People Like

Free rooftop views
Iconic Schweppes sign
Affordable food court

What People Dislike

Interior not a major attraction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Edificio Capitol is located right on Gran Vía. You can easily reach it by metro to Sol, Gran Vía, or Callao stations. Many bus lines also stop nearby. It's a central landmark, so walking from other central Madrid attractions is also an option. TikTok

Parking in the Gran Vía area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport. If you must drive, look for public parking garages like Plaza de Oriente or Plaza de las Descalzas. Reddit

Yes, the iconic Schweppes sign is prominently displayed on the exterior of the Edificio Capitol and is visible from Gran Vía. It's a popular photo spot. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you don't need a ticket to access the top floor of the Edificio Capitol where the food court and viewing areas are located. It's free to enter and enjoy the views. TikTok

The food court and viewing areas on the top floor generally follow the operating hours of the businesses there. It's best to check the specific hours for the restaurants on the top floor, but they are typically open from late morning until late evening. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for the Schweppes sign itself, as it's an exterior feature of the building. Access to the rooftop viewing area is also free. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

For the best photos, visit during the golden hour before sunset or after dark when the city lights and the Schweppes sign are illuminated. The contrast is stunning. TikTok

Absolutely! The rooftop offers fantastic vantage points for photographing Gran Vía, the surrounding architecture, and the city skyline. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial use might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The top floor features a gourmet food court with a variety of options, from tapas to international cuisine. It's a great place to grab a casual meal with a view. TikTok

Yes, the food court on the top floor of Edificio Capitol offers dining with excellent views of Gran Vía. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Edificio Capitol offers a family-friendly experience with its free rooftop access and diverse food court. Kids will be fascinated by the giant Schweppes sign and the bustling view of Gran Vía. It's a great spot for a casual, affordable meal with a view, allowing everyone to enjoy the city's energy without breaking the bank. The variety of food options in the court means picky eaters can usually find something they like. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Edificio Capitol is a gem. You can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Gran Vía and the city skyline for free. Instead of paying for expensive drinks at a rooftop bar, grab a meal from the affordable gourmet food court on the top floor. It's an excellent way to experience a key Madrid landmark and its vibrant atmosphere without spending a lot of money. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Deco Gem: Edificio Capitol

The Edificio Capitol, also known for its prominent Schweppes sign, is a striking example of Art Deco architecture in Madrid. Built in the 1930s, its distinctive curved facade and the iconic neon signage have made it a beloved landmark on the bustling Gran Vía. The building originally housed a cinema and offices, and today, its upper floors offer a unique public space. The integration of commercial branding, like the Schweppes sign, into the architectural design was a hallmark of its era, creating a visually dynamic and memorable structure that continues to captivate visitors. TikTok

While the sign itself is an external feature, the building's accessible top floor provides a fantastic perspective. This area has been transformed into a vibrant food court, offering a diverse range of culinary choices. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Gran Vía and the Madrid skyline. This free access to such a prime viewpoint makes the Edificio Capitol a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city's energy from above without the typical cost associated with rooftop bars. TikTok

Experiencing Gran Vía from Above

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Edificio Capitol is the unparalleled free access to stunning views of Gran Vía. Unlike many other rooftop bars that charge a premium for a similar experience, the top floor of the Capitol building offers an open and accessible space. From here, you can truly appreciate the grandeur of Madrid's main thoroughfare, with its theaters, shops, and iconic architecture stretching out before you. The Schweppes sign itself becomes part of the view, a glowing beacon against the city backdrop. TikTok

Travelers often highlight the magical transformation of Gran Vía at night. As dusk settles, the street comes alive with lights, and the neon glow of the Schweppes sign adds a unique charm. This makes the rooftop an ideal spot for evening photography or simply to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid. The convenience of having a food court on the same level means you can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying delicious food and the spectacular scenery. TikTok

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