El Retiro Park, also known as Parque del Buen Retiro, is one of the largest city parks in Madrid, Spain. It was originally a royal garden and became public in 1868. The park is famous for its beautiful landscapes, historic monuments, and recreational areas.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.8/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Row a Boat on the Retiro Lake (Estanque del Retiro)
Why it’s a must: The Retiro Lake is one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy a peaceful trip across the water, surrounded by the park’s lush greenery and monumental architecture.
Tip: The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the light is golden, and the park is lively. Rowing boats are available for rent, or you can take a solar-powered boat tour.
2. Admire the Monument to Alfonso XII
Why it’s a must: Overlooking the lake is the impressive Monument to King Alfonso XII, a grand semi-circular colonnade with a statue of the king on horseback at its center. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park.
Tip: Climb the stairs to the monument for a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding park. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
3. Visit the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal)
Why it’s a must: The Palacio de Cristal is a stunning glass-and-iron structure built in 1887 to house exotic plants from the Philippines. Today, it serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art installations, curated by the Reina Sofía Museum.
Tip: The exhibitions inside the palace change regularly, so check ahead to see what’s on display during your visit. The palace is particularly beautiful when sunlight streams through its glass walls, creating a magical atmosphere.
4. Explore the Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez)
Why it’s a must: The Palacio de Velázquez, located near the Crystal Palace, is another exhibition space managed by the Reina Sofía Museum. Built in 1883, this beautiful red-brick building hosts a variety of temporary art exhibits, with a focus on contemporary and modern works.
Tip: Entrance to the exhibitions is usually free, making it a great opportunity to explore Madrid’s vibrant art scene while strolling through the park.
5. Discover the Fountain of the Fallen Angel (Fuente del Ángel Caído)
Why it’s a must: This unique fountain, designed by Ricardo Bellver in the 19th century, is dedicated to Lucifer and depicts the Fallen Angel being cast out of Heaven. It’s one of the few monuments in the world dedicated to the devil and is a fascinating piece of artwork.
Tip: The statue is located in the Rosaleda Garden area of the park. It’s an interesting stop for art lovers and those intrigued by its mysterious and controversial subject.
6. Wander Through the Rose Garden (La Rosaleda)
Why it’s a must: The Rosaleda is a beautiful rose garden featuring over 4,000 rose bushes of various colors and varieties. Designed in 1915 by Cecilio Rodríguez, the garden is a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
Tip: The best time to visit is in spring or early summer, when the roses are in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance. There’s also a charming fountain at the center of the garden.
7. Relax at the Parterre Garden (Jardines del Parterre)
Why it’s a must: The Parterre Garden is a beautifully manicured French-style garden with geometrically arranged flowerbeds, hedges, and statues. It’s a peaceful area of the park with a more formal, structured design.
Tip: Look for the Ahuehuete tree, a massive and ancient tree that is believed to be around 400 years old, making it the oldest tree in Madrid.
8. Enjoy a Coffee or Picnic
Why it’s a must: El Retiro has several cafés and kiosks where you can grab a coffee or snack while enjoying the park’s atmosphere. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and have a relaxing picnic on the grass amid the park’s natural beauty.
Tip: Some of the best picnic spots are near the lake or in the shady areas of the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, which are quieter and less crowded.
9. See Free Puppet Shows at the Retiro Park Puppet Theater (Teatro de Títeres)
Why it’s a must: The Teatro de Títeres is one of the few permanent puppet theaters in Europe. It offers free puppet shows for children and families on weekends and holidays, providing a fun and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Tip: Shows usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 PM, but it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. The performances are in Spanish, but the visual nature of the puppet shows makes them enjoyable for non-Spanish speakers as well.
10. Attend Seasonal Events and Book Fairs
Why it’s a must: El Retiro Park often hosts seasonal festivals, concerts, and the famous Feria del Libro (Madrid Book Fair) in May and June, where you can browse hundreds of stalls selling books from various genres.
Tip: If you're visiting during the Madrid Book Fair, be sure to check the schedule for author signings and literary events. The park also hosts outdoor concerts during the summer months, offering a lively and cultural atmosphere.
Official Website: https://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/parque-del-retiro
Main Positive Reviews:
Beautiful and serene park with plenty of space to walk, run, or relax. The Crystal Palace and the lake are must-see spots.
A perfect place to unwind in the heart of Madrid. The park is well-maintained and offers something for everyone.
El Retiro is a historical gem with well-preserved gardens and monuments. Ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
Great spot for families and tourists alike. The playgrounds and open spaces are fantastic for kids.
Stunning park with a rich history. The boat rental on the lake is a highlight.
There are many shady areas and drinking water sources; the bathrooms are in good condition and clean.
Spacious, well-maintained, clean, and has many areas for children and spaces for picnics with friends and family.
The most attractive spot is the boating lake, with a massive colonnade monument to Alfonso XII. Boat rental is very cheap, only 6 euros per boat for 45 minutes.
A must-visit in Madrid! The park is beautiful and offers a great escape from the busy city life.
Loved the Crystal Palace and the variety of trees. Perfect spot for a picnic.
The park is enormous and there's so much to see and do. A great way to spend a day.
Impressive statues and fountains. The park is clean and well-kept.
El Retiro is a paradise for photographers. The scenery is stunning.
Main Negative Reviews:
The park can be very crowded, making it hard to find a quiet spot.
Some areas can be littered, which detracts from the beauty.
High prices for renting boats and other activities.
Limited signage can make it difficult to navigate.
Some of the attractions within the park were closed for maintenance.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Visiting El Retiro Park is generally free of charge. However, certain activities and exhibitions within the park may require a fee. For example, renting a boat on the lake or visiting specific events and exhibitions
El Retiro Park is a highly rated and recommended attraction in Madrid. With an average rating of 4.8 on Google and 4.5 on TripAdvisor, it is praised for its beauty, historical significance, and variety of activities. Visitors particularly enjoy the Crystal Palace, the lake, and the well-maintained gardens. However, some common criticisms include crowding, maintenance issues, and pushy vendors.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Highly recommended for a visit. The park's rich history, scenic beauty, and wide range of activities make it a must-see in Madrid. It’s best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and bring your own snacks to enhance your experience.
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