Edificio Capitol (Schweppes) Madrid
Iconic Art Deco building on Gran Vía, famous for its glowing Schweppes sign and free rooftop views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
City lights and neon glow
Edificio Capitol (Schweppes) Madrid
Best Time
City lights and neon glow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Art Deco building on Gran Vía, famous for its glowing Schweppes sign and free rooftop views.
"The best views of Gran Vía are free from the top of the Capitol building!"
Free Rooftop Access
Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings:
Nighttime Magic
The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gran Vía Rooftop Views
Top floor of Edificio Capitol
Panoramic cityscapes of Madrid's bustling Gran Vía, especially magical at night.

Iconic Schweppes Sign
Exterior of Edificio Capitol
The classic neon sign is a vibrant symbol of Madrid's nightlife and architecture.
Gourmet Food Court
Top floor of Edificio Capitol
A variety of delicious food options with a stunning backdrop for your meal.
Planning Your Visit
Rooftop Views Without the Price Tag
Iconic Neon Sign Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Rooftop Access
Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings:
Nighttime Magic
The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Schweppes Madrid, Gran Vía
Gourmet Food Options
Enjoy diverse culinary delights from the food court while taking in the views. :forkandknife:
Alternative to Callao
Get similar stunning views to Callao but often with fewer crowds. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Rooftop Access
Head to the top floor for amazing Gran Vía views without paying for a bar cover charge! :moneywithwings:
Nighttime Magic
The Schweppes sign and Gran Vía lights are spectacular after dark. Perfect for photos! :camerawithflash:
Gourmet Food Options
Enjoy diverse culinary delights from the food court while taking in the views. :forkandknife:
Alternative to Callao
Get similar stunning views to Callao but often with fewer crowds. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Edificio Capitol for its incredible, free rooftop views of Gran Vía, especially the iconic Schweppes sign illuminated at night. The accessible food court adds to the appeal, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. Some note that the building's interior beyond the top floor isn't particularly noteworthy.
"The Edificio Carrión, also known as Edificio Capitol, is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, located prominently on Gran Vía. Built in 1933 in a striking modernist style inspired by German expressionism, it is renowned for its curved "prow-like" facade and the famous Schweppes neon sign that crowns it—now a cultural symbol of the city. Originally designed as a multifunctional building housing offices, a hotel, apartments, and the historic Cine Capitol, it was technologically advanced for its time, featuring Madrid’s first centralized air-conditioning system. Today, after a careful renovation, it remains a vibrant mix of heritage and modern use, hosting the Vincci Capitol Hotel and attracting architecture lovers, photographers, and tourists alike. With its bold design and lasting cultural presence, Edificio Carrión continues to define the urban character of Gran Vía and stands as a timeless emblem of Madrid’s architectural legacy."
Sabri Fdool
"Great building with a bold architecture, situated in the heart of the Madrid."
George L
"Interesting tidbit...we wanted to visit the Capital building and this is where our taxi driver took us! It is an interesting structur with shops and a hotel. It is NOT a capital building as we think of coming from America."
Barb Schaefer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Edificio Capitol is located right on Gran Vía. You can easily reach it by metro to Sol, Gran Vía, or Callao stations. Many bus lines also stop nearby. It's a central landmark, so walking from other central Madrid attractions is also an option.
Parking in the Gran Vía area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport. If you must drive, look for public parking garages like Plaza de Oriente or Plaza de las Descalzas.
Yes, the iconic Schweppes sign is prominently displayed on the exterior of the Edificio Capitol and is visible from Gran Vía. It's a popular photo spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you don't need a ticket to access the top floor of the Edificio Capitol where the food court and viewing areas are located. It's free to enter and enjoy the views.
The food court and viewing areas on the top floor generally follow the operating hours of the businesses there. It's best to check the specific hours for the restaurants on the top floor, but they are typically open from late morning until late evening.
There is no entrance fee for the Schweppes sign itself, as it's an exterior feature of the building. Access to the rooftop viewing area is also free.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photos, visit during the golden hour before sunset or after dark when the city lights and the Schweppes sign are illuminated. The contrast is stunning.
Absolutely! The rooftop offers fantastic vantage points for photographing Gran Vía, the surrounding architecture, and the city skyline.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial use might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The top floor features a gourmet food court with a variety of options, from tapas to international cuisine. It's a great place to grab a casual meal with a view.
Yes, the food court on the top floor of Edificio Capitol offers dining with excellent views of Gran Vía.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Deco Gem: Edificio Capitol
While the sign itself is an external feature, the building's accessible top floor provides a fantastic perspective. This area has been transformed into a vibrant food court, offering a diverse range of culinary choices. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Gran Vía and the Madrid skyline. This free access to such a prime viewpoint makes the Edificio Capitol a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city's energy from above without the typical cost associated with rooftop bars.
Experiencing Gran Vía from Above
Travelers often highlight the magical transformation of Gran Vía at night. As dusk settles, the street comes alive with lights, and the neon glow of the Schweppes sign adds a unique charm. This makes the rooftop an ideal spot for evening photography or simply to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid. The convenience of having a food court on the same level means you can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying delicious food and the spectacular scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit