Ask any local what they love most about Madrid during the warmer seasons, and their answer will most likely be the outdoor terrazas. What are those, you ask? They are the seating areas in plazas, along sidewalks and even on rooftops, where you can sip on a drink or dine on tapas. If you’re looking to partake in this — one of the city’s favorite pastimes — then here are some of the best spots to do so:
Plaza de Santa Barbara
Grab a drink and tapas under the shade of trees in Plaza Santa Barbara.
This is the perfect place to head if you wish to escape the tourist center but still enjoy the buzz of the city. Located alongside Alonso Martinez Square, Plaza de Santa Barbara is packed with a few tapas restaurants along with their outdoor terrazas. Take advantage of your visit to this part of town to take a stroll through the nearby Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods, and to walk down to Plaza de Colon to scope out the largest Spanish flag in the world.
Plaza de Chueca
Chueca’s a great destination for shopping, going out, and having drinks.
Speaking of Chueca, it too is home to a bunch of great outdoor dining areas. You’ll find them scattered along the street Augusto Figueroa (along with an amazing selection of shoe shops) and in Plaza de Chueca (also a convenient metro stop). For a better view of the hood, head up to the rooftop restaurant of San Anton Market, where you’ll also find a swanky bar. Meanwhile, since you’re in the area, take advantage of your walk down Fuencarral Street to check out the many stores.
Plaza Dos de Mayo
Plaza Dos de Mayo is packed with terrazas and playgrounds.
Just a quick hop away will land you in the Malasaña neighborhood’s Plaza Dos de Mayo. This eclectic square attracts a mixture of crowds, from dog walkers to families, hipsters and party goers. The plaza is surrounded by great cafes and shops, and packed with great terrazas as well as a bunch of play areas, making it a worthy destination despite the occasional unsavory types.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor wins the prize as the most quintessential outdoor terraza spot
Of course, the most classic outdoor terraza is the mother of all squares, the Plaza Mayor, set in the historic center of Madrid. This giant, wall-enclosed area, is surrounded by 237 balconies, and blanketed with terrazas. Though prices will be higher, the food might not be anything to write home about, and the number of tourists will be off the charts, the setting really can’t get any better, thus making this a must-see terraza.
Plaza de Santa Ana
Situated in the heart of the Huertas neighborhood, Plaza de Santa Ana is the perfect place to find the perfect terraza seat. The plaza has various options, from Lateral – a crowd favorite that offers traditional and modern tapas at a reasonable price – to Cerveceria Santa Ana, a classic stop for a caña (a small glass of beer). Then there’s even the ME Hotel’s rooftop, aptly named The Roof, where you can sip on a cocktail while taking in views of the city and plaza below.
Retiro Park
Head to Retiro to go for a row or stroll, or to sit down at a cafe al fresco for a snack
Change things up a little by taking a trip to the city’s central park, El Retiro. The giant green getaway is laced with paths, dotted by playgrounds and even has a giant pond on which you can go row boating. And it’s also home to loads of cafes with terraces – the perfect spots to grab a snack and sip on a sangria, coffee or glass of beer.
Plaza de la Independencia
Take in views of one Madrid’s most iconic sights – the Puerta de Alcala – while you snack and sip at a nearby outdoor terraza.
Retiro Park is lovely, but its terraces aren’t necessarily known for their amazing cuisine and drinks. So if you’re looking for a better cup of joe and some tastier snacks, then take your stroll through the park, out the gates, and to those terraces found in Plaza de la Independencia. Not only is this home to fancier eateries (such as the yummy pastries sold at Harina) but the giant Puerta de Alcala offers the perfect scenic compliment to whatever you choose to nibble and sip on.
Circulo de Bellas Artes
Some of Madrid’s most attractive terrazas can’t be found at street level: indeed, you must go up. One of the best of these rooftop terraces is the one found at Circulo de Bellas Artes. This sky-high tapas bar, called Azotea, offers over 180-degree sweeping views of Madrid, with loads of space to sit down, snap pics and just take it all in. Note that there’s a fee just to ride the elevator to the top, and that it can get packed, so plan accordingly. Meanwhile, see more of the city from up above on a Rooftop Walking Tour of Madrid.
La Latina
La Latina is dotted by tapas bars with outdoor seating areas.
La Latina is known especially as the place to go tapas hopping – that is, going from bar to bar, having a tapa and a drink, and then moving on to the next (usually without much sitting involved). But it’s also a great place to snag a seat and park yourself al fresco for a while as you feed your thirst and hunger. Terrazas are scattered throughout the area, with several found in places such as Plaza Paja. Note, however, that, come the weekend, and especially on Sunday, finding a table might be near impossible.
Paseo de Recoletos and the Castellana
Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana are the perfect places to take a stroll or sit down and relax
Paseo de Recoletos and the Paseo de la Castellana (usually just called the Castellana) are essentially the same street (Paseo de Recoletos to the south; Castellana to the north), and form the city’s busiest north-south thoroughfare. It is along this avenue that you’ll find some of Madrid’s most notable sights, including Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (home field of Real Madrid Football Club), Plaza de Colon, and Plaza de Cibeles. Taking a stroll down the city-length street promises not only sights, but also shaded paths dotted by sculptures, fountains, and of course terrazas!
- Contributed by Erin Ridley
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