Faro de Moncloa is a glazed observation tower on the edge of the university campus, northwest of central Madrid. A panoramic lift takes you to the viewing platform 92 metres above the ground, where you can see how the city's parks and major landmarks fit together. This urban “lighthouse” is not a maritime lighthouse: visitors come to look across Madrid and, when visibility allows, towards the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is easy to combine with the neighbouring Museum of the Americas.
Highlights
The viewing platform
The broad glazed crown overlooks rooftops, green spaces and Madrid's main roads. Walk around the observation deck rather than stopping at the first window.
City landmarks
Interpretation panels in Spanish and English help you identify buildings. Look for the Royal Palace and the towers on Plaza de España, then compare the dense city centre with the open spaces of Casa de Campo.
The mountain horizon
On a clear day, the mountains give the panorama a different sense of scale. Good visibility matters more than a time slot close to sunset.
Practical info
Tips
Standard admission €4; reduced admission €2 for ages 7–14, people aged 65 and over, unemployed visitors and visitors with disabilities plus one companion; ages 6 and under pay €1 (prices checked in October 2026). Tickets have a fixed time slot, with a maximum visit of 30 minutes, and are sold at reception or through the Madrid Destino ticket service. Entry depends on available capacity; only one wheelchair user may be on the observation deck at a time, so contact reception to arrange your visit.
How to get there
Avenida de la Memoria, 2, 28040 Madrid. Metro Moncloa (lines 3 and 6), then walk towards the tower and the Museum of the Americas. Use pedestrian crossings after leaving the station: major roads surround the area.
Opening hours
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