Faro de Moncloa

What to expect

The Faro de Moncloa is a communications tower on Plaza de la Moncloa, finished in 1992 when Madrid was a European Capital of Culture and designed by Salvador Pérez Arroyo. It stands about 110 metres tall, with the observation deck at around 92 metres. The tower was closed to the public from 2005 to 2015 because of new safety rules, and reopened in April 2015.

A glass-walled lift takes you up to the viewing level, where you can walk around the balcony and look out over the whole city. It is a quick visit, and a good orientation point at the start of a stay, since you can pick out the Royal Palace, the Gran Vía towers, Plaza de España and the park of Casa de Campo. Plan around 30 to 45 minutes including the lift.

Don't miss

• Views over the city centre
• Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral
• The towers along Gran Vía
• Casa de Campo park
• The glass-walled lift

Tips for your visit

• Go on a clear day, as haze reduces the view.
• Late afternoon gives the best light and sunset colours over the skyline.
• Take the metro to Moncloa, which lies right beside the tower.
• Pair it with the Temple of Debod, a short walk away, for an easy half-day.