RIU Plaza España Sky Bar Madrid
Madrid's highest rooftop bar offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the city skyline. A must-visit for sunset and night vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower entry fee
RIU Plaza España Sky Bar Madrid
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower entry fee
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Madrid's highest rooftop bar offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the city skyline. A must-visit for sunset and night vistas.
"The 360° views of Madrid from this rooftop bar are absolutely stunning and worth the entry fee."
🎯 Book a Table for Comfort
Reserving a table is highly recommended to avoid long waits for seating and photos.
⏰ Arrive Early for Sunset
To get a good spot for sunset, arrive well before the golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Panoramic Views
Top of RIU Plaza España Hotel
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree views of Madrid's skyline. A must-see for any visitor.
Sunset Spectacle (with a caveat)
Sky Bar
Witness a stunning sunset over Madrid, though be aware a building may partially obscure the direct sun.
Vibrant Nighttime Ambiance
Sky Bar
After sunset, the bar transforms into a lively spot with illuminated cityscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Secure Your Spot
Understand Entry Fees & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Table for Comfort
Reserving a table is highly recommended to avoid long waits for seating and photos.
⏰ Arrive Early for Sunset
To get a good spot for sunset, arrive well before the golden hour.
💰 Entry Fee Varies
Pay €5 before 5 PM weekdays, €10 after 5 PM and weekends. +1
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The 360° views offer endless opportunities for stunning photos. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Table for Comfort
Reserving a table is highly recommended to avoid long waits for seating and photos.
⏰ Arrive Early for Sunset
To get a good spot for sunset, arrive well before the golden hour.
💰 Entry Fee Varies
Pay €5 before 5 PM weekdays, €10 after 5 PM and weekends. +1
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The 360° views offer endless opportunities for stunning photos. +1
🍹 Drinks Start Around €6
Expect to pay around €6 for drinks, with cocktails being pricier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning 360° panoramic views of Madrid from the RIU Plaza España Sky Bar, calling it a must-visit for its breathtaking vistas, especially at night. While the entry fee and potential crowds are noted, many find the experience and photo opportunities well worth the cost. Some suggest strategic timing to avoid the busiest periods and acknowledge that the sunset view can be partially obstructed.
"Amazing view but DO NOT GO FOR SUNSET there is a huge building blocking quite literally only the view of the sunset. You can see the rest of Madrid beautifully, but do not waste your time or money. They charged us $10/person to enter just to not be able to see a thing :/"
Elizabeth D
"The location is excessively filled with people. , If they continue to oversell tickets, it will prevent you from fully enjoying your experience.
There is a queue for the elevator and a table available or even taking photographs.
The sight is satisfactory to justify the 10€ fee for admission.
The drinks begin at a price of 6 euros.
Reserving a table in advance is highly recommended."
Babi
"Nestled in the heart of Madrid centro, this amazing restaurant is a true gem that warrants a visit. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.
The tapas served here are simply lovely - bursting with flavour and expertly prepared. Each bite is a delightful journey for your taste buds, showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine. The mini burgers are a must-try, perfectly crafted to satisfy your cravings with every bite.
What truly sets this restaurant apart is its impeccable service. The staff are not only quick and efficient but also incredibly welcoming and friendly. Their flawless command of English ensures that communication is seamless, adding an extra layer of comfort for international guests.
As you enjoy your meal, take a moment to admire the stunning views of Madrid from the restaurant. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the sight of this vibrant city is sure to leave you in awe.
Overall, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. A visit here is not just a dining experience - it's a culinary journey that you'll cherish for years to come."
Mr Farrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The RIU Plaza España Sky Bar is located at Maestro Guerrero, S/N, 28013 Madrid. You can easily reach it via public transport, with several metro stations nearby, including Plaza de España.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the sky bar, there are several public parking garages in the Plaza de España area. It's often easier to use public transport to avoid parking hassles.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Weekends and sunset hours are the busiest times.
Yes, if you are staying in the city center, the RIU Plaza España is easily accessible on foot. It's a central landmark in Madrid.
The hotel has elevators that go up to the sky bar, making it accessible. However, due to crowds, navigating can sometimes be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is €5 per person on weekdays before 5 PM. After 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, the entry fee is €10 per person. +2
Advance reservations are generally not required for entry, but booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially for sunset or weekend visits, to secure a spot and avoid long queues.
The sky bar is typically open daily from 11 AM to 2 AM. It's always a good idea to check their official hours closer to your visit.
There is no mandatory minimum spend to enter, but you will likely want to purchase drinks or food to enjoy the experience fully. Drinks start around €6.
Yes, the sky bar is open to the public, not just hotel guests. You will need to pay the entry fee to access it.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire bar offers incredible 360° photo opportunities. The edges of the terrace provide the most expansive city views. Be prepared for queues if you want to take photos at popular spots. +2
While the sunset can be beautiful, a large building may obstruct the direct view. Many visitors find the overall city views and the post-sunset night lights more rewarding.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, you may need to contact the hotel management for permission and potential fees.
You'll get panoramic views of Madrid, including landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gran Vía, and the city's sprawling architecture. +1
The bar is less crowded during the day, making it easier to take photos without many people in the background.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The sky bar offers tapas and small bites, including highly recommended mini burgers. It's a great place to enjoy Spanish cuisine with a view.
Drinks start around €6, and cocktails are more. Food items like tapas and mini burgers are also available, with prices varying.
While it's primarily a bar with tapas, you can certainly have a substantial snack or light meal. For a full dining experience, consider the hotel's restaurants.
Yes, reserving a table in advance is strongly advised, especially if you plan to dine or want a guaranteed spot with a view.
Yes, the bar typically offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and mocktails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for potential queues for the elevator and for seating. While there's no mandatory minimum spend, purchasing drinks or snacks is part of the experience. Ensure your children are supervised, especially near the edges of the terrace. The bar offers a unique perspective of Madrid that can be a memorable part of a family trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
While drinks start around €6, you can opt for a single drink to enjoy the ambiance and views without overspending. Alternatively, consider visiting just for the view and then finding more affordable dining options elsewhere in Madrid. The experience of seeing Madrid from above is a significant draw, and strategic timing can make it more accessible on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While sunset is popular, be aware of potential obstructions and the intense crowds. Many photographers find the blue hour and nighttime city lights equally, if not more, captivating. Consider bringing a tripod if you plan to shoot in low light, but be mindful of space and other visitors. The iconic architecture of the RIU Plaza España hotel itself also offers interesting angles for photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the RIU Plaza España Sky Bar Experience
Planning your visit is key to a smooth experience. The bar can get extremely crowded, particularly on weekends and around sunset. To manage this, there's an entry fee that varies depending on the time and day: €5 on weekdays before 5 PM, and €10 after 5 PM and on weekends. Many visitors recommend arriving early to secure a good spot or considering booking a table in advance to bypass queues and guarantee seating.
While the views are the main draw, the food and drink offerings are also noteworthy. The bar serves a selection of tapas and small bites, with mini burgers being a popular choice. Drinks start at around €6, with cocktails being a bit more. It's important to note that while the sunset view is spectacular, a large building can partially obstruct the direct sun, leading some to recommend enjoying the city lights after dark instead.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Managing expectations regarding crowds and queues is crucial. Several reviews mention significant wait times for the elevator and for tables, especially during peak hours. To mitigate this, visitors advise booking a table in advance if possible, or at least being prepared for a wait. Some also point out that while the sunset is a draw, a building can block the direct view, so planning to stay after sunset for the city lights is a good strategy.
When it comes to value, the €10 entry fee on weekends and evenings is generally considered justifiable for the experience and the views. Drinks are priced reasonably for a rooftop bar in a major city, starting around €6. The overall consensus is that the RIU Plaza España Sky Bar offers a memorable Madrid experience, provided you plan accordingly to avoid the busiest times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit