Some of Madrid’s most breathtaking panoramas don’t require a ticket or a reservation. From hilltop temples and hidden terraces to sweeping views over the old city, the Spanish capital is full of incredible spots where the skyline opens up for free. If you’re planning a budget‑friendly trip, this guide pairs perfectly with our blog post on the best free things to do in Madrid, helping you experience the city’s magic without spending a single euro. Let’s dive into the very best free views we think Madrid has to offer.
El Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience – A View With Zero Obligations
If you’re after sweeping views of Madrid without spending a euro, head up to the Gourmet Experience on the top floor of El Corte Inglés (department store) in Callao. It’s officially a food hall, but the real highlight is the glass‑walled seating area overlooking Gran Vía.
The entire 9th floor is dedicated to it, and you can take the lift straight up. As you step out, the bathrooms are immediately to your right. On a nice day, there’s also a pleasant outdoor terrace. The windows even feature outlines of nearby landmarks, each clearly labelled so you can identify the skyline.
You’re free to walk in, wander around, and soak up the panorama — no purchase, no pressure.
Getting to El Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience
El Corte sits right on Plaza del Callao, one of the most central and well‑connected spots in the city. Here’s the simplest way to reach it:
By Metro (easiest)
Callao is a major metro hub. Just take any of these lines:
Line 3 (Yellow) – Callao station
Line 5 (Green) – Callao station
When you exit the station, you’ll be right in the plaza. The entrance to El Corte Inglés is directly on Plaza del Callao, 2.
By Bus
Several EMT buses stop around Callao and Gran Vía, including common routes such as 1, 2, 46, 74, 146. These drop you within a 1–3 minute walk of the store.
On Foot
If you’re already in central Madrid, it’s a short walk from:
Puerta del Sol – about 5 minutes
Gran Vía – the store is directly on it
Plaza Mayor – about 8 minutes
Just head toward Plaza del Callao, the square with the iconic Schweppes sign above the Capitol building.
Location
Pl. del Callao. 2, Centro
Opening Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 10AM-11PM
Thursday – Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 10AM-1AM
Sunday: 11AM-12AM
Our Tip
Visit during the day for crisp, clear photos. Come back at night if you want that cinematic glow — Gran Vía’s neon signs put on a show of their own.
Templo de Debod – The Most Magical Sunset in Madrid
Templo de Debod is one of those places that feels almost unreal — an ancient Egyptian temple perched on a hill in the middle of Madrid. If you only have time for one viewpoint in the city, this is the one that captures Madrid’s soul and provides the prettiest views at sunset.
The temple itself is over 2,000 years old, gifted to Spain by Egypt and rebuilt stone by stone. Today it sits above Parque del Oeste, with sweeping views over Casa de Campo, the Royal Palace, and the distant mountains. As sunset approaches, the pools surrounding the temple turn into mirrors, doubling the colors in the sky.
The climb is very easy — more of a gentle slope than a hill and the paths are wide and well‑paved. There are plenty of grassy spots to relax and watch the sunset, along with lots of benches.
Getting to Templo de Debod
Templo de Debod is centrally located in Parque del Oeste, just west of Plaza de España. Here’s the easiest way to reach it:
By Metro (most convenient)
The closest metro stop is:
Plaza de España — Lines 2, 3, and 10 From the station, it’s about a 7–10 minute walk uphill toward Parque del Oeste.
By Bus
Several EMT buses stop very close to the temple:
Lines 74, 1, 2, 44, 133, 138 Get off near Ferraz or Plaza de España, then walk a few minutes.
On Foot
If you’re already in central Madrid, it’s a pleasant walk:
From Gran Vía — about 12 minutes
From Plaza de España — 5–7 minutes
From Royal Palace / Sabatini Gardens — 10–12 minutes
Just head toward Parque del Oeste and follow signs for Templo de Debod.
Location
C. de Ferraz, 1, Moncloa
Opening Hours
24/7, however if you are wanting to view thw interior of the temple, the hours are Tuesday-Sunday: 10AM-8PM
Our Tip
Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to claim a good spot along the edge of the reflecting pools. Bring a snack or a drink and turn it into a mini picnic — it’s one of the simplest, most memorable experiences you can have in Madrid without spending a euro!.
Principe Pio Mountain Viewpoint (Cerro Garabitas / Parque del Oeste)
High above the western edge of the city, this viewpoint gives you one of Madrid’s widest, most peaceful panoramas. From the top of Cerro Garabitas, you can see the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo, and the distant Sierra mountains all in one sweep. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the sky opens up and the city lights begin to glow. Because it’s a bit farther from the centre, it stays quiet — perfect for anyone who wants a break from the crowds.
Getting to Principe Pio Mountain Viewpoint
Getting to the Príncipe Pío Mountain Viewpoint is very straightforward — it sits just above the Príncipe Pío transport hub and next to Parque del Oeste, not far from Templo de Debod.
Here’s the simplest way to reach it:
By Metro or Train (easiest)
Take the metro or Cercanías train to:
Príncipe Pío Station
Metro: Lines 6, 10, and R
Cercanías: C1, C7, C10
From the station, it’s about a 10–12 minute uphill walk. Follow signs toward Cuesta de San Vicente and then up into the park area.
By Bus
Several EMT buses stop right at Príncipe Pío, including 25, 39, 46, 75, 138. From the bus stop, walk uphill toward the park.
On Foot
If you’re already near Templo de Debod, it’s a lovely walk:
From Templo de Debod: about 10 minutes
From Plaza de España: around 15 minutes
From Royal Palace: about 15–18 minutes
Just follow the paths through Parque del Oeste toward the higher viewpoints.
Location
Calle del Prof. Martín Almagro Basch, 1
Opening Hours
24/7
Bailen Viewpoint (Mirador de la Moreria)
Tucked just off Calle Bailén, this small terrace is one of Madrid’s most underrated viewpoints. It overlooks the historic Morería district, with views stretching toward La Latina, the viaduct, and the rooftops of the old city. It’s quiet, intimate, and perfect for a quick pause while exploring the Royal Palace or the cathedral.
The viewpoint sits along a long pedestrian stretch that begins at Plaza de España, lined with striking architecture including the Royal Palace, the Teatro Real, and the Sabatini Gardens. From here, you can easily spot both the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
Getting to Bailen Viewpoint
By Metro (easiest)
The closest metro stations are:
Ópera — Lines 2 & 5
La Latina — Line 5
Puerta del Ángel — Line 6 (across the river, a longer walk)
From Ópera, it’s about a 7–10 minute walk along Calle Bailén toward the Royal Palace.
By Bus
Several EMT buses stop very close to the viewpoint, especially along Calle Bailén and Cuesta de San Vicente. You can take bus number 3, 31, 50, 65, 148
On Foot
If you’re already exploring central Madrid, it’s an easy walk:
From the Royal Palace — 3–5 minutes
From Almudena Cathedral — 2–3 minutes
From La Latina — 8–10 minutes
From Plaza Mayor — about 10 minutes
The viewpoint sits just off Calle de la Morería, right beside the Bailén Viaduct.
Location
Calle de la Morería, 31
Opening Hours
24/7
Exterior Viewpoints Around Alumudena Cathedral
Walk around the perimeter of Almudena Cathedral and you’ll find several free exterior terraces with fantastic angles of both the cathedral and the Royal Palace. These spots are ideal if you want impressive photos without paying for the cathedral’s dome access. The terraces are open day and night, and we recommend to visit at sunset for the best views as the sun sets behind the adjacent Royal Palace.
Getting to Alumudena Cathedral
By Metro (closest option)
The nearest metro station is:
Ópera — Lines 2, 5, and R From Ópera, it’s a 5–7 minute walk along Calle de Bailén toward the Royal Palace and cathedral.
By Bus
Several EMT buses stop right near the cathedral, especially at the intersection of Calle Bailén and Calle Mayor.
Buses that stop closest include 3, 148.
Additional buses that pass nearby include 31, 50, 65, N16, M3.
By Train (Cercanías)
If you’re coming from farther out: C3, C4A, C4B, C7, C10 lines stop at nearby stations with metro connections to Ópera.
On Foot
If you’re already in central Madrid, it’s a short walk:
Royal Palace — right next door
Plaza Mayor — about 8 minutes
La Latina — about 10 minutes
Gran Vía — around 12 minutes
Location
C. de Bailén, 10
Opening Hours
24/7
Whether you’re watching the sun set behind the mountains, admiring the Royal Palace from a hidden terrace, or soaking in the skyline from a quiet park, these viewpoints prove that the best experiences often cost nothing at all. If you’re looking for even more budget‑friendly inspiration, don’t forget to check out our guide to free things to do in Madrid and keep discovering the city without spending a euro.
