Food, Fun, and Fantasy: The Three Best Sunset Sites in Madrid

There is one thing to be certain when planning your trip to Madrid. You will be drawn in by the unexpected and awed by the sites of the city. However, the sunsets of Madrid will take you by surprise and become something you look forward to every night. Why sunsets? The colors inspire art and encourage locals and tourists alike to relax in the evening and appreciate this beautiful city. There are endless locations to watch the sunsets from, but the locations I would recommend are the Temple of Debod, the Azotea del Círculo rooftop terrace, and the Cerro del Tío Pío Park.

View of the Temple of Debod after sunset | Alicia Elliott

The Temple of Debod

First on our sunset site stop is the Temple of Debod. One of the must see sites as it is, it is a completely unexpected piece of Egyptian history in the middle of Madrid. However, it is easy to kill two birds with one stone as you can visit the temple and stay for one of the best views to watch the sunset in Madrid. The temple was a gift from Egypt thanking Spain for its support and help in saving its monumental sites that were being flooded in the 20^th century.

If you want to see fountains, music, and people relaxing and having a good time, this is the sunset spot for you. There is a relaxing and fun vibe all around the temple that you do not want to miss. Even locals like María Diaz, age 25, come to this site. “I come here a lot. Today I was bored so I texted my friend to see if she wanted to come watch the sunset. I feel happy here.” It never hurts that it won’t cost a penny either, so you will have plenty of euros left for chocolate and churros later in the evening. 

Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes

Rooftop of the Azotea taken | Tripadvisor

Especially in the summer, the heat keeps a lot of locals and even tourists inside and trying to stay cool. This location made the list because it not only has a great view of the sunset, but it stands right in the center of Madrid. So, as soon as the sun starts setting people flood to this terraces and enjoy the view right over downtown Madrid.

As you stand in the elevator on your way up to the terrace, surrounded by people in this hot moving box, you might not be expecting anything extraordinary. However, you will be pleasantly surprised and beyond happy as you reach the top and feel the cool water misters and classy yet cozy atmosphere on the terrace. A tourist from New York, Sarah Jones, who was relaxing on one of the couches said she felt a “hip and fun vibe” on this rooftop and listed this as a reason why she had been there multiple times during her vacation. If you plan ahead you can get dinner reservations in the little restaurant that’s on top. Otherwise, just enjoy the setting sun and a drink from the bar at this perfect sunset site.

Cerro del Tío Pío Park

This park probably had the best views of the sunset, plus it is lesser known so chances are you will easily find a great spot to lay out on the grassy hills and enjoy the evening. From the top of the hills you can see the sun as it goes down behind the mountains in the distance.

You will love the view of the city from here as well. Rather than being close to the center like the temple or Azotea, Cerro de Tío Pío is more on the outskirts giving a broader view of the entire city. It is great place, with good people, and a relaxed vibe. Put it on your must see list to watch the sunsets from. You won’t regret it.

The Temple of Debod; Parque del Oeste, calle Ferraz 1; Metro Plaza de España; Temple open to view the inside (October 1 to March 31: Tuesday to Friday: 9:45 to 13:45 and 16:15 to 18:15. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00 to 14:00. April 1 to September 30 (except August): Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 20:00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00 to 14:00. August: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 14:00. Evenings, closed; Every Monday. Jan 1, Jan 6, May 1, Dec 25.

Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes; Calle de Alcalá, 42; Cost 4 Euros; Metro Banco de España.

Cerro del Tío Pío Park; Calle de Ramón Pérez de Ayala; 24Hrs; Metro Buenos Aires.