Azotea del Círculo

The rooftop terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural centre, 56 metres above Calle de Alcalá — the single most photographed rooftop view in Madrid, looking straight across at the Edificio Metrópolis's winged statue and dome.

Entry is a separate ticket from the Círculo's exhibitions (around €6, discounted with a youth card), bought at the door or online, since the rooftop isn't free to walk up to. It runs as a proper all-day space — breakfast and coffee in the morning, then food and cocktails through to close — rather than just an evening bar, so it's worth a stop even outside nightlife hours. Hours shift for summer, so it's worth confirming the day of if visiting off-season.