Sunset Spots

by Aleksandra Budd, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain

All of my sunset lovers get yourself to Madrid!

Madrid has the most incredible sunsets, and sunrises – if you wake up early enough (or party late enough). Here are my favourite viewpoints to watch the sun set over Madrid…

1. Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío

Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío, also known as ‘Parque de las Siete Tetas’ which translates directly to “Park of the Seven Tits’! There are 7 hills to watch the view from hence, 7 tits.

When is comes to sunsets, this is the number one spot in Madrid. Everyday, each of the 7 hills at Tío Pío are filled people; eating, dancing and ‘carpe diem’-ing. It reminds me of my favourite spot in Barcelona (Bunkers del Carmel) which both give you a 360º of the city’s skyline!

P.S. Although the view is beautiful I would avoid this spot on windy days because you might go flying!

2. Templo de Debod

Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. that was donated to Spain by Egypt in 1968. The construction of the Aswan Dam across the Nile resulted in multiple archeological monuments being under threat of destruction. Spain accepted UNESCO’s plea to other countries for preventing such losses. In 1972, following the official donation, Templo de Debod – one of Madrid’s most beautiful park’s – opened. The temple is open to view from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

The sight of the temple is unremarkable but the main reason why my friends and I keep coming back here is due to the live music – someone is always playing an instrument, singing and/or dancing!

3. Mirador de la Cornisa

On top of a hill, the (free!) viewpoint between El Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Palace) and Cathedral de la Almudena has the most stunning 180º view of the south of the city of Madrid, Casa de Campo (the largest public park in Madrid) and the mountains.

If you walk past the Royal Palace there is a staircase down into ‘Jardines de Sabatini’ (the Sabatini Gardens), which has an equally stunning view of the sunset.

4. Parque del Retiro

All the previous mentions have been located a little higher up but although mostly flat Retiro is one of the largest parks in Madrid and has an abundance of spots to watch the sunsets. Head to ‘Palacio de Cristal’ (the Crystal Palace) and watch the sunset reflect off the glass, or sit down by the lake and watch mirror image of the sunset form on the water (you can even rent a boat and row on the lake during sunset).

6. Faro de Moncloa

Standing 110 meters tall, this viewpoint is well worth the 4€ ticket to see a 360º of Madrid from above!

All the forest and greenery you can see is part of Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park. Measuring around 17 square kilometers, its around 5 times larger than Central Park in New York!

7. Rooftop bars

There is an endless list of bars, restaurants and hotels that boast rooftops with phenomenal views of Madrid (especially at sunset). These are most popular places:

You might have to pay to get up to the rooftop in certain cases, but chances are if you get a drink and/or food you can enjoy the view for free. What more do you need in life than a Sangría and a sunset!