Templo de Debod and the Parque del Oeste
A real Egyptian temple, the best sunset terrace in Madrid, and the rose garden below. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Templo de Debod
A genuine second-century-BC Egyptian temple, dismantled stone by stone and given to Spain when the Aswan dam threatened it, rebuilt here in 1972. Walk the reflecting pools that frame it, then go inside — entry is free — for the reliefs. The strangest object in Madrid, and it earned its place.

2. The sunset terrace
The paved overlook just west of the temple, facing the Casa de Campo and the sierra beyond. This is the reason for the evening timing: the sun drops behind the western trees and the whole city turns out to watch. Come twenty minutes early for a spot on the wall.

3. Paseo del Pintor Rosales
The clifftop avenue running north, terrace cafés down one side and the park dropping away on the other. The teleférico to Casa de Campo launches from here if you want it. Otherwise just walk the rail and let the view do the work.

4. La Rosaleda
The rose garden on the slope below Rosales, terraced beds that host the city's international rose competition each May. Loveliest in late spring, but the structure holds year-round. Walk down through it rather than past it; the scent is the point.

5. The western slopes
The wooded flank of the Parque del Oeste falling toward the river, all curving paths and shade. A quiet counterweight to the crowded terrace above. Wander down and let the gradient choose your route; everything threads back toward Argüelles.

6. Up to Argüelles
Climb back to the top edge of the park and out to Argüelles, where Metro 3, 4 and 6 all meet. The student streets here are good for a late drink if the evening's young. The temple is a five-minute walk behind you, lit now.

Templo de Debod and the Parque del Oeste