Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles)
The basics
Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles) is located next to City Hall in central Madrid. Beyond the building itself, the palace adjoins a small square—the Plaza de la Cibeles—which is known for its fountain and spirited football rallies. Walk through the plaza before visiting the Palace and experiencing CentroCentro's shows, performances, and exhibitions.
To make the most of your visit, you should reserve a spot on a complimentary building tour and visit the observation deck in the palace’s tower. To experience the panorama, you need to pay a modest admission fee. Beyond Cybele Palace, there are numerous must-see sights nearby—including Retiro Park and Madrid's famed Prado Museum—so it's easy to build an itinerary around your visit.
Things to know before you go
- Architecture fans shouldn't miss this 1909 landmark designed by Joaquín Otamendi and Antonio Palacios.
- The building offers amenities including a visitor desk, cafeteria, restaurant, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- The building accommodates guests in wheelchairs.
How to get there
The most convenient way to reach Cybele Palace is by metro. Take the 2 metro line to the Banco de España station, and walk one block east to the palace. You can also swing by on numerous Madrid tours, including walking tours, e-bike tours, pedicab tours, and even Segway tours. Most tours that cover Madrid's top sights include this landmark.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Cybele Palace holds regular hours. The building is open Tuesday to Sunday, from early till late, and closed on Mondays and select holidays. The observation deck is closed in the middle of the day—between 2pm and 4pm—and the last entry is at 7pm. Admission is allowed every 30 minutes, so leave enough time to wait. For drinks, head to the terrace bar, which holds later weekend hours.
What to See in Retiro Park
Cybele Palace is located just a short walk from Retiro Park. This sprawling green space is a near-perfect place to stroll and rejuvenate. You can wander the tended walkways, find snacks and drinks at numerous café kiosks and vendors, and admire the lake and rose garden. For an art experience, stop by the Crystal Palace (an outpost of the Reina Sofía) or Velázquez Palace—both within the park's confines.
- Plaza de Cibeles
- Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
- Madrid Naval Museum (Museo Naval de Madrid)
- Cibeles Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles)
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza)
- Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA)
- National Museum of Decorative Arts (Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas)
- Mapfre Foundation (Fundación Mapfre)
- Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)
- San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art
- Lope de Vega House Museum (Casa Museo Lope de Vega)
- Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco
- Casino Gran Vía
- Madrid Wax Museum (Museo de Cera de Madrid)
- Puerta del Sol
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- Madrid Nightlife
- Wine Tasting Tours from Madrid
- Flamenco in Madrid
- Madrid Football
- Toledo Day Trips from Madrid
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- Visiting Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art
- Art Lover’s Guide to Madrid
- Where to Find the Best Views in Madrid
- Madrid Neighborhood Guide
- Must-See Museums in Madrid