Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles)
Plaza de la Cibeles 1, Madrid, Spain, 28014
Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles) is a landmark building with a modest past—this turn-of-the-century architectural gem was once a central post office, and later a government building. Now open to the public, the palace is known for the art happenings at its cultural space—CentroCentro—and the city views from its 8th-floor terrace.
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 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, 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 a number of 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 Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi.
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 1 block east to the palace. You can also swing by on a walking tour, or an e-bike, pedicab, or Segway tour. Most tours that cover Madrid's top sights include this landmark.
When to get there
Cybele Palace holds regular hours. The building is open Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays and select holidays. The observation deck is closed in the middle of the day, and the last entry is mid-evening. Admission is allowed every 30 minutes, so leave enough time to wait. For drinks, head to the terrace bar, which is open later on the weekends.
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 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 set inside the park.
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