Why rooftop dining is booming in Spain’s cities: A bird’seye view of the cityscape, a welcome breeze as the day cools, and a table laden with delicious food and drink – rooftop dining is taking off in Spain’s cities. Madrid’s rooftops are the place to see and be seen in the Spanish capital. At Radio, the rooftop bar of the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel in Plaza de Santa Ana, you can sip on a cocktail or a gin and tonic while taking in views of the city’s skyline, including the grand Metropolis building and the famous Schweppes sign. Círculo de Bellas Artes has one of the most famous rooftops in the city, offering a panoramic view that spans from the Gran Vía to the distant Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Barcelona is another city where rooftop dining is on the rise. The city’s mild climate and eclectic architecture make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal al fresco. From the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Majestic, you can take in views of the Sagrada Família and the Passeig de Gràcia while enjoying a glass of cava or a creative cocktail. At La Isabela, the terrace of the Hotel 1898, you can watch the sun set over the Rambla while sampling a selection of tapas. For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the rooftop of the Hotel Pulitzer offers a bohemian atmosphere with live music and an extensive cocktail menu. In Seville, where the summer heat can be intense, rooftop dining offers a refreshing escape. The terrace of the Hotel Doña María provides a stunning view of the Giralda and the Cathedral, while the rooftop bar of the EME Catedral Hotel offers a more modern take on Andalusian style, with sleek design and a menu of creative cocktails. In Granada, the Alhambra Palace Hotel has a terrace with a view of the Alhambra that is nothing short of magical, especially at sunset.
In Valencia, the vibrant Mediterranean city known for its futuristic architecture and historic charm, rooftop dining offers an opportunity to savor the flavors of the region while enjoying spectacular views. At the rooftop of the Hotel Barceló Valencia, located in the City of Arts and Sciences, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Hemisfèric and the Príncipe Felipe Museum of Sciences. This rooftop is the perfect spot to try a traditional paella while sipping on a refreshing Agua de Valencia, a local cocktail made with cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin. For a more intimate experience, head to the rooftop of the Hotel Caro, a boutique hotel housed in a 19thcentury palace. With only a few tables, this terrace offers a serene escape from the bustling city below, where you can enjoy creative tapas and signature cocktails in a sophisticated setting. In Bilbao, the culinary capital of the Basque Country, rooftop dining is an experience that combines innovative cuisine with breathtaking views of the city’s modern and traditional architecture. The rooftop of the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, located opposite the Guggenheim Museum, is a mustvisit for food lovers. Here, you can indulge in a gourmet tasting menu while overlooking Frank Gehry’s iconic building and the Nervión River. The terrace of the Hotel Ercilla is another popular spot, offering 360degree views of Bilbao’s skyline, including the historic Casco Viejo and the modern Zubizuri bridge. This rooftop is known for its creative pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, and an extensive selection of local wines. In Málaga, the heart of the Costa del Sol, rooftop dining is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary heritage and stunning coastal views. The rooftop of the AC Málaga Palacio Hotel, located between the Cathedral and the Paseo del Parque, offers a bird’seye view of the city’s historic center, the port, and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a seafood paella or fried fish, accompanied by a chilled glass of local white wine. For a more laidback atmosphere, head to the rooftop of the Room Mate Valeria hotel, where you can relax in a hammock while sipping on a mojito and taking in views of the city’s skyline. Beyond the major cities, Spain’s smaller towns and villages also offer rooftop dining experiences that are well worth the journey. In Toledo, the medieval city known for its blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences, the rooftop of the Parador de Toledo provides a stunning view of the city’s historic skyline, including the Alcázar and the Cathedral. Here, you can enjoy traditional Castilian dishes, such as roast lamb and Manchego cheese, in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. In Ronda, the whitewashed town perched on a dramatic gorge in Andalusia, the rooftop of the Hotel Catalonia Ronda offers a breathtaking view of the Puente Nuevo, the iconic bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge. This rooftop is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of local red wine while watching the sunset over the rugged Andalusian landscape. As the trend of rooftop dining continues to grow in Spain, it’s clear that these elevated experiences offer more than just great food and drink. They provide a unique perspective on the country’s diverse cities and landscapes, allowing visitors to connect with the culture and history of each place while enjoying a meal with a view. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in Madrid, savoring tapas in Barcelona, or enjoying a seafood feast in Málaga, Spain’s rooftops offer a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.
