A popular rooftop-hostel in the heart of old Madrid, just steps from Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel, with a fantastic rooftop bar with city views. Offers both dorms and private rooms in a stylish industrial-chic building.
The Hat Madrid is one of Madrid's most popular rooftop-focused hostels, located at Calle Imperial 9 in the heart of old Madrid — one of the city's most historically concentrated areas. The address places the hostel steps from Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel, and the La Latina neighbourhood, home to some of Madrid's best traditional tapas bars. This combination of proximity to the city's most-visited historic landmarks and one of its liveliest neighbourhood dining circuits makes The Hat one of the best-positioned budget properties in the capital for first-time visitors.
The building is a renovated structure with exposed brick, steel beams, and an industrial-chic character that differentiates it from generic hostels. Accommodation spans dormitory beds in rooms of varying capacities and private rooms ranging from doubles to larger configurations. Bunk beds are robust and designed with some privacy in mind, and communal bathrooms are maintained to a high standard. A café on the lower level provides breakfast and coffee throughout the morning.
The rooftop bar is The Hat's signature offering: a well-designed outdoor terrace with panoramic views over old Madrid's roofscape, encompassing the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the tiled rooftops that characterise central Madrid's skyline. The bar serves cocktails, wines, and beers throughout the afternoon and evening, and is consistently rated as one of the most atmospheric rooftop experiences in the city. On warm evenings it fills quickly and becomes a social hub for both hostel guests and visitors from across Madrid.
La Latina metro station (Line 5) is approximately a ten-minute walk; Sol (Lines 1, 2, and 3) is reachable on foot in fifteen minutes or by a short bus connection.
Amenities
- rooftop bar
- wifi
- dorms
- private rooms
- lockers
- café
Location
Calle Imperial 9, 28012 Madrid
40.4136, -3.7081 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop bar with one of central Madrid's most celebrated views — Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and historic rooftops
- Industrial-style building at Calle Imperial 9, steps from Plaza Mayor and the Mercado de San Miguel
- Mix of dormitories and private rooms in a well-maintained, characterful building
- Café serving breakfast and coffee, with the rooftop bar active from afternoon through late evening
- Ideal base for the La Latina tapas circuit and old Madrid historic walking routes
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at the rooftop bar early on summer evenings — it fills fast and the best views are from the outer perimeter sections
- The surrounding La Latina neighbourhood is the centre for Madrid's Sunday El Rastro flea market, a major attraction on Sunday mornings
- Calle Imperial is relatively quiet for central Madrid, though Plaza Mayor and nearby streets are busy with tourists throughout the day
- A private room is worthwhile for those prioritising sleep quality; the social energy of the hostel means dorms can be lively on weekends
- The Mercado de San Miguel, steps from the hostel, is best visited on weekday mornings before the main tourist rush
Accessibility
The Hat Madrid is a renovated multi-floor building; lift access availability should be confirmed directly with the hostel, as the building's structure may affect wheelchair accessibility on some levels. Guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact The Hat directly before booking to discuss room options and lift or staircase arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
How close is The Hat Madrid to Plaza Mayor?
Plaza Mayor is approximately a 2-3 minute walk from the hostel's Calle Imperial address — one of the closest hostel positions to this landmark in the city.
Is the rooftop bar open to non-guests?
The rooftop bar is open to visitors as well as hostel guests; it is one of Madrid's more popular rooftop destinations, so queues can form on busy evenings. Arriving before 8pm on summer nights is advisable to secure a good spot.
Does the hostel offer private rooms?
Yes, The Hat Madrid has private rooms ranging from doubles to larger configurations, all sharing the same industrial-chic aesthetic as the common areas.
What time does the rooftop bar close?
Closing times vary seasonally; confirm current hours with the hostel on arrival or when booking. The bar typically operates until around midnight or later during summer months.