What time is sunset in Madrid?
| Period | Sunset (local time, approximate) |
|---|---|
| December - January | 5:55 to 6:40 pm |
| February | 6:40 to 7:15 pm |
| March | 7:15 to 8:45 pm (summer time on the last Sunday) |
| April - May | 8:45 to 9:55 pm |
| June - July | 9:45 to 9:55 pm |
| August - September | 9:45 to 8 pm |
| October - November | 8 pm to 5:55 pm (winter time on the last Sunday of October) |
These are guide times, accurate to about ten minutes: check the exact date in a weather app.
The spots compared
| Spot | Price | View | Hours to know | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple of Debod | Free | West, Casa de Campo | Esplanade open access; inside Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 8 pm, booking advised | First evening, photos |
| Las Vistillas gardens | Free | West, Manzanares valley | Open access, no closing time published | Aperitif on a neighbouring terrace |
| Cerro del Tío Pío | Free | The city spread out to the north-west | Open access to the park | Panorama without crowds |
| Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace | 6 EUR (standard ticket) | Rooftops of the centre, Gran Vía | Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 1:30 am, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 2 am | A drink on a terrace |
| Faro de Moncloa | 4 EUR | From 92 m, 360-degree view | Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 am to 8 pm, last ascent 7:30 pm, 30 min | Winter only |
Debod and the western parks
Debod is free. Its page gives the details: the inside is closed on Mondays and closes at 8 pm (7 pm from 15 June to 15 September), but the esplanade and the park's viewpoint stay accessible. Combine it with the Parque del Oeste and the Gran Vía. The Cerro del Tío Pío, in the Puente de Vallecas district, is a grassy hill far from the centre: plan your return journey before you settle in.
Las Vistillas and the terraces
The Las Vistillas gardens, near La Latina, face west: you can sit in the garden without buying anything, or have a drink on a neighbouring terrace after checking the menu. The Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace puts the rooftops in the front row; more addresses in Madrid's rooftops.
Which spot by season
- Summer (sun around 9:45 pm): Debod, Vistillas or the Círculo; the daytime-hours viewpoints are closed.
- Winter (sun around 6 pm): the Faro de Moncloa or the Cibeles viewpoint before the last ascent.
- Without spending: Debod, then dinner in the centre.
- By bike: sunset rides pass through Debod; see also Madrid's best views.
Going further
To plan the evening, see Madrid at night and Argüelles and Moncloa.
