An elaborate white-stone palace on Plaza de Cibeles that looks like it should house royalty — it was actually built as Spain's central post office, and today combines Madrid's city hall with a free cultural centre and one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Designed by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi and completed in 1919 as the Palacio de Comunicaciones (Communications Palace), the building's exuberant, almost cathedral-like facade was a deliberate statement about the importance of the postal and telegraph service in a modernising Spain — locals nicknamed it "Nuestra Señora de las Comunicaciones" (Our Lady of Communications) for its resemblance to a great church. Madrid's City Council moved in in 2007, and the building was declared a Cultural Heritage Monument.
The council shares the building with CentroCentro, a free public cultural space spread across several floors, including the striking Glass Gallery beneath a large glazed dome. Programming rotates constantly — contemporary art, photography and design exhibitions — and admission to the building and exhibitions is free.
The real draw for most visitors is the 8th-floor viewpoint, reached by lift, offering a genuine 360-degree panorama that takes in Gran Vía, the Retiro, and on a clear day the mountains beyond the city. At around €3 for general admission, it's one of the best-value viewpoints in Madrid — noticeably cheaper than paid observation decks in most European capitals. A lower 6th-floor terrace, Azotea Cibeles, adds a bar if you'd rather linger over a drink than just take photos.
The Mirador offers free entry on a handful of specific dates each year (historically including 2 May, 15 May and 9 November, tied to local civic holidays) — worth checking the current calendar if your visit lines up.
Right on Plaza de Cibeles, at the point where Paseo del Prado meets Calle de Alcalá — an easy stop between the Prado, Retiro Park and Gran Vía, with Banco de España Metro station right outside.
Our preferred card when travelling — spend abroad at the real exchange rate, no hidden fees.
Adapters, packing cubes and the other things you always forget until 11pm the night before.
Totally Madrid may earn a commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you — see our affiliate disclosure.