Madrid is truly a treasure trove of architectural riches, but unlike Paris or London, I didn't…read morethink Madrid had a single defining landmark that came to mind. This mammoth building might be it. Jamie W and I just happened to be walking on the Gran Via when we were gobsmacked by the architectural grandeur of this dual purpose building (Photo 9). It's not only Madrid's City Hall but also CentroCentro, a thriving public cultural center. Designed by Antonio Palacios and open since 1919, the building has soaring ceilings with neo-Gothic towers that make it look like it started life as a cathedral. It didn't and was actually the main post office for years. The main draw here is the rooftop terrace which offers a panoramic view of central Madrid, in particular, the bustling Plaza de Cibeles below (Video). Admission is 4€, and a timeslot reservation is required to use their glass elevator. It's easier just to take the curving stairs from the top. En route, you can stop at Cornamusa Cibeles for a moderately priced set-menu lunch. We did and thought it was decent enough (review: https://yelp.to/wlIeOvQ_vQ). There's also a glass-vaulted gallery that hosts contemporary art exhibitions. On the ground floor is a cafe where you can have a light lunch or just a cup of coffee (Photo 8). We opted for the latter. It was hodgepodge but somehow it worked. RELATED - Exploring Madrid? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/wzXOFbYL73

I have visited Madrid several times and did not realize that you can a) go into the Palacio de…read moreCibeles and b) that it is free. My bf made this discovery when he was exploring while I was at work. Great discovery! After entering through a security/bag check, you walk upstairs onto the 2nd floor. There is a tourist office as well as a large relaxing/working space. An exhibit offers an overview of the commitment to green spaces in English and Spanish. The floors above house the history of the building, including the architecture and design. There are also special exhibits featuring different artists. If you are visiting before early May 2026, I highly recommend Ana Juan's "Wunderkammer" exhibition. Beautiful and thought provoking! There is an observation deck that can be accessed for €4. It was closed in mid-Feb for technical repairs without a confirmed reopening date. Hopefully it will be available to the public again soon! A bit farther away but you can always venture to the top of the Riu hotel for incredible views.