Murcia bar scene reaches new heights with stunning rooftop terraces
Murcia’s skyline is getting a chic new make-over for the ultimate tourist experience
Move over Madrid and Barcelona - Murcia is stepping up its game and joining the ranks of Spain’s most stylish cities with a brand-new rooftop bar scene.
By 2027, the city is set to welcome a wave of chic rooftop terraces perched atop hotels and restaurants, offering breathtaking panoramic views alongside top-notch dining and drinks.
This is thanks to changes made to what’s known as Murcia’s ‘terrace ordinance’, a project which has been in the works for around two years and aims to make better use of public spaces for the enjoyment of everyone.
One of the most anticipated additions, and the very first of its kind, is the Rincón de Pepe rooftop, expected to open in 2027 following a 7 million euro investment. But this isn’t just a one-off project - any building hoping to transform its rooftop into a trendy terrace will need to go through an official application process, ensuring they meet all urban planning and licensing requirements.
With this exciting transformation comes a whole host of updated regulations designed to enhance the experience for both business owners and visitors. One of the biggest changes is the adjusted opening hours: terraces will now be able to open as early as 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, making them ideal spots for a sunrise coffee or a leisurely brunch.
"This schedule was obsolete, it needs to be adapted to the commercial reality since many establishments begin their activity much earlier and cannot offer a cafeteria service," explained the president of HoyTú.
On the flip side, closing times will be pushed forward by 30 minutes, both on weekdays and weekends and holidays. This is part of a broader effort to balance the city’s growing nightlife with the needs of local residents.
In a move to maintain a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, nightclubs, betting shops and party halls will be banned from these rooftop spaces. The idea was first floated in 2023 but didn’t pass at the time.
But Murcia city isn’t just thinking about function, it’s focusing on style, too. In an effort to create a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic, all rooftop terraces will need to follow new design guidelines to minimise their impact on the cityscape. This includes a gradual shift from awnings to parasols and to encourage businesses to make the switch, the Murcia City Council is considering waiving fees for the first six months after the new ordinance takes effect.
With these changes on the horizon, Murcia is gearing up to become a top-tier destination for rooftop dining and nightlife, rivalling some of the most chic and sophisticated cities in Europe.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia
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