Faro de Madrid

Topped by what looks like a control tower and boasting a marvelous panorama of city and countryside alike, this thin 90m-high (300 ft.) tower (the "Lighthouse of Madrid") rises on the western outskirts of University City, just above Moncloa and right opposite the Museo de América. With the aid of telescopes, you can check out the Plaza Mayor's rooftops or (on a clear day) the rugged peaks of the Guadarramas 97km (60 miles) away. An elevator takes you up to the glassed-in viewing area, and diagrams point out the main city highlights. A major advantage is that relatively few people know about it, so you rarely have to wait in line (thankfully, since elevator space is limited). Currently the Faro is being refurbished but is due to re-open to the public again in 2011.

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