Sunrise and Sunsetin Madrid, Spain

Madrid sits at 667 meters above sea level on the Castilian plateau, giving it a wide, flat horizon in most directions. The city's large parks and several elevated viewpoints make it easy to find well-exposed spots for both sunrise and sunset throughout the year.

Best sunrise spots in Madrid

1. Mirador del Cerro del Tío Pío

   A series of low hills in the Vallecas district, known locally as Las Siete Tetas, offer unobstructed east-facing views over the lower city. Nearest Metro: Buenos Aires (Line 4), roughly 10 minutes on foot.

2. Faro de Moncloa

   The 92-meter observation tower gives a full 360-degree view, with the sunrise facing east over the city center. Free entry; open Tuesday to Sunday; Metro Moncloa (Lines 3 and 6) is directly at the base.

3. Parque del Retiro

   The park opens at 6am in summer and 7am in winter; the Estanque Grande lake near the eastern entrance provides an open east-facing view. Metro Retiro (Line 9) is directly at the eastern gate.

4. Cerro Garabitas

   The highest point in Casa de Campo at 684 meters gives a panoramic east-facing view over central Madrid. Accessible by car via the park's internal roads or on foot, about 2 km from Metro Lago (Line 10).

Best sunset spots in Madrid

1. Templo de Debod

   The ancient Egyptian temple stands on a hill in Parque del Oeste, with an open west-facing view over Casa de Campo. Free admission; Metro Ventura Rodriguez (Line 3) is about 5 minutes on foot.

2. Jardines de Las Vistillas

   A public terrace garden on a ridge west of La Latina, with clear sightlines across Casa de Campo and, on cloudless days, the Sierra de Guadarrama. Metro La Latina (Line 5) is 5 minutes away.

3. Faro de Moncloa

   Looking west at sunset, the tower overlooks the university campus and the open plateau beyond Madrid. Free entry; open Tuesday to Sunday; Metro Moncloa (Lines 3 and 6).

4. Cerro Garabitas

   From the summit the view west is completely open across the meseta with no buildings blocking the horizon. The hilltop is freely accessible; limited parking is available at the top.

5. Plaza de la Armería

   The wide esplanade in front of the Royal Palace faces west, looking down into the Manzanares river valley. Always freely accessible; Metro Opera (Lines 2 and 5) is a 5-minute walk.