Madrid was hot and hazy during my impromptu visit to the famous 360° Rooftop Bar at the Riu Hotel at Plaza España, but that didn’t make it any less amazing.
For five euros, paid at the ground-floor entrance, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city. Once at the top, visitors are free to walk around, take in the views and try to locate all of Madrid’s well-known spots. See if you can find the Royal Palace, Templo de Debod and Conde Duque.
It’s also a nice idea to sit down for a drink and really savour the beautiful environment while basking in the cool breeze. As is to be expected, drinks are pretty pricey here. A Tinto de Verano is a whopping €9, but it’s worth the splurge once in a while.
Two unique features of this fabulous rooftop bar, features I don’t particularly like, are the walkway and protruding balcony with their glass floors. Tourists and Instagrammers alike line up to get the ultimate Madrid photograph on one of these transparent platforms. Being afraid of heights, this was one YOLO moment I passed on. I just stood and watched from more solid ground. I had a wonderful time, regardless, laughing along with all the daredevils.
The views of Madrid from 360° Bar are equally stunning when the sun goes down, making this the perfect place to treat yourself, day or night, during a visit to Madrid.
