Picalagartos Rooftop Restaurant
Chic rooftop bar and restaurant on Gran Vía offering stunning 360° views of Madrid, perfect for sunset cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunset colors
Picalagartos Rooftop Restaurant
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunset colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chic rooftop bar and restaurant on Gran Vía offering stunning 360° views of Madrid, perfect for sunset cocktails.
"Gorgeous sunset views, chill vibe, tasty bites, and strong drinks. A must for anyone staying at the NH Collection or visiting Gran Vía."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Aim for sunset for incredible city views and vibrant colors . Arrive early to secure a good spot! :city_sunset:
🤫 Hotel Guest Perk
NH Collection guests might use a private elevator, skipping the public queue . :key:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gran Vía Panorama
Rooftop
Panoramic 360° views of Madrid's iconic Gran Via, especially stunning at sunset.
Chic Ambiance
Rooftop Bar
A stylish and relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying cocktails and tapas.
Modern Spanish Bites
Restaurant
Enjoy creative cocktails and delicious modern Spanish dishes with a view.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Cover Charges
Sunset Views & Smart Ordering
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Aim for sunset for incredible city views and vibrant colors. Arrive early to secure a good spot! :city_sunset:
🤫 Hotel Guest Perk
NH Collection guests might use a private elevator, skipping the public queue. :key:
🍸 Ask for Your Drink
If your favorite cocktail isn't listed, ask! They can often make it. :cocktail_glass:
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, especially when busy. Clear communication is key. :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Aim for sunset for incredible city views and vibrant colors. Arrive early to secure a good spot! :city_sunset:
🤫 Hotel Guest Perk
NH Collection guests might use a private elevator, skipping the public queue. :key:
🍸 Ask for Your Drink
If your favorite cocktail isn't listed, ask! They can often make it. :cocktail_glass:
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, especially when busy. Clear communication is key. :hourglass:
💸 No Cover Charge (Usually)
Generally free entry, but check for seasonal cover charges. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Picalagartos Rooftop Restaurant is highly praised for its stunning 360-degree views of Madrid, especially during sunset, and its chic, relaxed atmosphere. While the food and cocktails are generally well-received, some visitors note that prices are on the higher side and service can be inconsistent. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall experience and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit for many.
"We went up to Picalagartos Sky Bar right after checking into the NH Collection Hotel, and it was the perfect way to kick off our stay in Madrid. A perk of being a hotel guest is having our own private elevator—while the public crowd has to wait in line and pay a small cover, we just zipped right up. Super convenient.
We timed our visit just before sunset, and the view was absolutely stunning—360° cityscapes with the rooftops of Madrid glowing golden. Definitely a must-do if you want a fresh perspective of the city.
The atmosphere was relaxed, plenty of space to spread out, with a full bar and a few finger foods. The service was friendly, though our waitress didn’t know what martinis were (we saw other tables get them later, so just insist if that’s your drink). We ended up with a vodka soda and a vodka pineapple—she brought the bottles to the table and poured generously. No complaints there!
We also ordered ham croquettes and gilda, an egg-olive-anchovy pinchos—both were delicious. You pay after each round, and there’s no hotel guest discount, but honestly, the experience and view make it worth the slight premium.
Verdict: Gorgeous sunset views, chill vibe, tasty bites, and strong drinks. A must for anyone staying at the NH Collection or visiting Gran Vía."
David
"I love this rooftop! It’s right in front of the Gran Via and offers a calm atmosphere and a beautiful view of the city, I went many times and I highly recommend to go there for sunset, the colors from up there are incredible! Sometimes there might be a long queue but with a little bit of luck, especially in weekdays there might be no queue at all"
Gaia Ballardini
"As first-timers in Madrid, we were really excited to visit this place. The views were stunning, but unfortunately, the service didn’t match up. We waited 30 minutes before anyone came to our table, and then another 30 minutes passed before we were told we had to order online. Once we finally placed our order, it took another 20 minutes for our drinks to arrive. After expressing our frustration, we were told that the delay was because of the staffing shortage. I get that being short-staffed can be overwhelming, but clear communication is essential. Had we been properly greeted and informed from the start, this review wouldn’t have been necessary."
Ryan Ramos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Picalagartos is located on Gran Vía, 21, in the NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía hotel.+1 You can easily reach it by metro to Gran Vía station. For hotel guests, there might be a private elevator, while others may need to queue.
While there isn't dedicated parking at the restaurant, several public parking garages are available near Gran Vía. It's often easier to use public transport to avoid parking hassles in this busy area.
The main entrance is through the NH Collection Hotel. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak hours or weekends. Hotel guests may have a more direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter Picalagartos Sky Bar. However, some TikToks suggest a cover charge might be implemented, particularly from June onwards.
It's advisable to check current policies upon arrival.
No, Picalagartos does not accept reservations. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.
Picalagartos typically opens in the afternoon and stays open late into the night, making it ideal for sunset drinks and evening ambiance. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official channels or the hotel's information.
While not strictly enforced, a smart casual dress code is generally recommended to match the chic ambiance of the rooftop bar and restaurant.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Picalagartos offers spectacular 360-degree views of Madrid, including the bustling Gran Vía and surrounding cityscape. The sunset views are particularly breathtaking.
The atmosphere is described as chic, relaxed, and chill.+1 It's a great spot for both romantic evenings and casual get-togethers.
Absolutely! The panoramic views, especially during golden hour, make it a photographer's dream.+1 The stylish decor also adds to the visual appeal.
The music is generally upbeat and fitting for a rooftop bar, contributing to the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance. Specific genres can vary depending on the time and day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Picalagartos serves modern Spanish cuisine, including tapas and main dishes. Popular items include ham croquettes and gilda pinchos.
Cocktails range from €10-€20, tapas from €15-€20, and main dishes are around €20-€30. Some reviewers found the prices slightly premium but worth it for the experience.
While specific menus can change, Spanish tapas often include vegetable-based options. It's recommended to inquire with the staff about current vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Yes, Picalagartos has a restaurant section offering main courses, making it suitable for a full dining experience with views.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical light for capturing the city skyline. Dusk also provides beautiful city lights. Daytime offers clear panoramic views.
The edge of the terrace overlooking Gran Vía is a prime spot. The bar area and stylish seating also make for great photos.+1
Tripods might be restricted during busy hours to ensure space for other guests. It's best to use handheld shots or inquire with staff if you plan to use professional equipment.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or extensive photoshoots might require prior permission.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit