Mirador Madrid (CentroCentro, Cibeles Palace)

What to expect

The Cibeles Palace was Madrid's main post office, with telegraph and telephone services, built by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi and opened in 1919. Today it houses the city council and CentroCentro, a cultural centre, which also runs the mirador in its tallest tower.

To reach the viewing deck you climb 88 steps from the sixth floor; lifts are available for people with reduced mobility or with strollers. From the top there is a 360-degree view, taking in the meeting of Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá, the Paseo de la Castellana and the Retiro park. Maps on the deck help you identify the main buildings, and it is an open-air spot, so the weather affects the experience.

Don't miss

• Gran Vía meets Calle de Alcalá
• The Paseo de la Castellana
• The Retiro park
• The Cibeles fountain below
• The identification maps on the deck

Tips for your visit

• Choose a clear day, and late afternoon for the best light.
• Combine it with the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop to compare the two views.
• Allow about forty-five minutes including the climb; guided tours need to be booked in advance.