Else Beekman
Until June 10, Madrid will shine the spotlight on its roof terraces. During the Madrid a Cielo Abierto’ festival, the Spanish capital offers a unique opportunity to beat the heat with a range of activities on one of the trendy rooftop terraces. These activities range from access to the swimming pools, barbecues or cocktail parties. About 40 hotels participate in almost 50 activities.
Both visitors and residents can enjoy the city from a different perspective. This sixth edition of “Madrid a cielo abierto” is organised by the Madrid Hotel Business Association. The association’s vice president, Mar de Miguel, emphasises that the idea is to offer people unforgettable experiences while supporting local entrepreneurs. “We aim to reach both Madrid residents and visitors with these unique and engaging experiences,” said De Miguel.
Lively meeting places
This event series, which started in 2018 and has been held annually except during the pandemic, aims to position hotels as dynamic centres of urban activity, where more happens than just overnight stays. In this way, Madrid’s terraces are transformed into lively meeting places for both locals and visitors.
Highlights
During these eleven days, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from culinary tastings to authentic Spanish experiences. Hotels open their private pools to the public, combined with their sunbeds for sunbathing, the gastronomy they often offer and cocktails. For example, the Hotel Intercontinental offers fragrance tastings, while the Coolrooms Palacio de Atocha pampers visitors with vermouth and torreznos croquettes.
Culinary treats
A special highlight is that one of the city’s best bartenders will give an exclusive cocktail workshop and masterclass. In addition, on another roof terrace, visitors will learn how to make the perfect sangria. For lovers of a good brunch, Canopy By Hilton Madrid Castellana offers a tempting combination of a cheddar cheeseburger, gin tonic and a brownie with ice cream.
Music and more
The terraces also offer live music evenings, DJ sessions and also flamenco performances. The UMusic Hotel Madrid presents a special combination of sushi with Spanish influences, while the Hotel Heritage Madrid offers oysters and cava for the gourmets.
The Madrid al cielo
“De Madrid al cielo” is also one of the most iconic sayings in the city. Anyone who enters it via the M-30 is greeted with it. This expression seen on the pedestrian overpass that connects the Parque de Roma to Moratalaz means that there is no better place to be than the capital.
Also read: Málaga’s best rooftop bars