The Faro de Moncloa is a 110-metre telecommunications tower in the Moncloa district with a free observation deck offering 360-degree panoramic views over Madrid, the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the Casa de Campo. An excellent alternative to paid viewpoints.
The Faro de Moncloa is a 110-metre telecommunications tower built in 1992 for the Madrid Universal Exposition, located in the Moncloa district at the northwestern edge of the Complutense University campus. Despite its functional purpose as a transmission tower, the Faro de Moncloa has a public observation deck at approximately 92 metres height offering 360-degree panoramic views over Madrid that rival and in some directions surpass those from more famous — and more expensive — viewpoints. Admission at €3 makes it one of Madrid's best-value elevated outlooks.
From the observation deck, the view northwest looks directly across the Parque del Oeste to the Sierra de Guadarrama — the snow-capped peaks in winter provide a dramatic backdrop that is rarely visible from the city centre's more popular viewpoints. Southwest, the Casa de Campo woodland stretches toward the Manzanares River. The city centre to the east presents the full Madrid skyline: Gran Vía's towers, the CTBA skyscraper cluster in the Chamartín district, and on exceptionally clear days the mountain ranges of the southeast.
The Moncloa district around the tower contains several additional points of interest. The Arco de la Victoria — a Neo-classical triumphal arch built in 1956, designed by Modesto López Otero — frames the approach to the university campus and is worth a brief stop. The Parque del Oeste to the south contains the Templo de Debod and the Teleférico cable car station. The Museo de América (Museum of the Americas), a 15-minute walk from the tower, holds a major collection of pre-Columbian art and is often overlooked by visitors to the area.
| Admission | Adult €3 · Child €1.50 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun 09:30–14:00, 17:30–20:00 (summer extended hours) |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | late afternoon |
| Address | Avenida de Arco de la Victoria s/n, 28040 Madrid |
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, budget travellers
Location
Avenida de Arco de la Victoria s/n, 28040 Madrid
40.4389, -3.7197 View on map
Highlights
- 360-degree views from 92 metres including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Casa de Campo, and the full Madrid skyline
- One of Madrid's lowest-priced paid viewpoints at €3 — significantly cheaper than most alternatives
- The Arco de la Victoria triumphal arch (1956) immediately adjacent to the tower approach path
- Clear winter views to snow-capped Guadarrama peaks invisible from the city centre's street level
- The university campus setting offers a calmer, less touristy context than central-Madrid viewpoints
Tips for visiting
- Much less crowded than other viewpoints
- The Arco de la Victoria triumphal arch nearby is also worth a look
When to visit
Clear winter and early spring days from November through April offer the best mountain views with snow-capped Guadarrama peaks on the horizon. Late afternoon around 17:00–18:00 gives the best photographic light on the city skyline.
Accessibility
The Faro de Moncloa has lift access to the observation deck. The ground-level approach from the Moncloa interchange is level and paved. The observation deck is fully enclosed and accessible for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Faro de Moncloa compare to other Madrid viewpoints?
The Faro is cheaper than the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop and offers superior northwest views toward the mountains. The Templo de Debod surroundings are free but offer a ground-level rather than elevated perspective.
Is the observation deck enclosed?
Yes — the observation deck is an enclosed glass cabin, making it comfortable year-round and suitable for windy or cold days when open-air viewpoints are less pleasant.
How do visitors reach the Faro de Moncloa?
Moncloa metro station (lines 3 and 6) is a five-minute walk from the tower. The tower stands adjacent to the Moncloa transport interchange, making it easily combined with other sights in the district.