El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park showing a garden
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park


Alongside games of football and couples in pedalos, the art galleries, buskers and 17th-century palace give El Retiro a different flavour to your average park.

El Retiro, or El Parque de Retiro, was once a place of retreat for the Spanish royal family who had a palace in its grounds. Although it was opened up to the public in the 1860s, many of the original features have been retained, making this a remarkable place to visit as a sightseer as well as a nice, quiet spot to relax in. There are all sorts of interesting sites dotted about the grounds here so you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied over its 140 hectares.

While some areas have been left relatively wild, others are managed and tended to. The Rosaleda del Retiro is a beautiful rose garden and offers a feast for the senses when the flowers are in bloom. The Forest of Remembrance is another landscaped part of El Retiro, and was established in memory of the victims of the 2004 terror attacks in Madrid.

A wonderful feature of this park is that you’re likely to come across some impressive statues and monuments unexpectedly. For instance, Paseo de la Argentina is adorned with a number of statues that once stood in the Royal Palace. There is also a striking monument to Alfonso XII right by Retiro Pond. The king sits on his horse in the middle of a semi-circular colonnade, accompanied to his left and right by allegorical statues. Even if you're wandering around aimlessly through El Retiro, it probably won't be long before you come up against a statue or a fountain or a well-tended garden.

You can also catch some art exhibitions at the Palacio de Velázquez or the Palacio de Cristal, both monuments to neoclassical architecture in themselves. The Casón del Buen Retiro is also an interesting building and one of the only remaining 17th-century structures in the park. Having served as a ballroom once upon a time, it is now home to the Prado Museum’s study centre.

El Retiro is within easy walking distance of the Paseo del Prado and Plaza de Cibeles. The main entrance can be found next to Puerta de Alcalá although you can also access the park from Retiro, Principe de Vergara, Ibiza and Atocha metro stations. The park is open every day, although opening times depend on the time of year so it’s worth checking before you make the trip.

Reviews of El Retiro Park

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
321
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
130
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely park with lots to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great fun on the boating lake and ebikes tour to see all lovely area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great for people watching and a lovely walk.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful, especially on a sunny day! A look at the Palacio de Cristal is a must.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Do a bike tour that includes retiro Park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must see. We loved it here. Great for watching the world go by.

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Things to do near El Retiro Park

At El Retiro Park in Madrid, visitors can indulge in birdwatching, admire stunning artworks, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. This iconic park is not only one of the best in the city but also offers a serene escape from the bustling metropolis, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst nature.

Shopping

In El Retiro Park, enjoy shopping at El Corte Inglés, El Rastro, and ABC Serrano, all located within 1.6km. El Corte Inglés offers a variety of goods, while El Rastro provides a vibrant market experience. ABC Serrano blends shopping with entertainment, ideal for families.

Recreation

At Bernabéu Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere, enhancing your energy and motivation. Madrid Río offers serene pathways and green spaces, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. For a cultural experience, enjoy performances at Nuevo Teatro Alcala, where entertainment meets artistic wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located 3.2km from El Retiro Park. For a sporty outing, enjoy tennis at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, 4.8km away. Alternatively, take in stunning views on the Madrid Cable Car, situated 6.4km from the park.

Nightlife

At El Retiro Park, the vibrant nightlife features cultural gems like Teatro de la Zarzuela and Teatro Español, both offering enchanting performances. Nearby, the Royal Observatory of Madrid captivates with its celestial wonders, adding a unique twist to your evening entertainment in this charming area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park in Madrid offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore charming piazzas, art museums, and vibrant streets, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the city's rich heritage. Whether you're wandering through the park's lush landscapes or visiting nearby attractions, El Retiro provides a wonderful escape filled with leisure and exploration.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gran Via, a bustling street located 1.6km from El Retiro Park. Known for its stunning architecture and lively shops, this thoroughfare is often referred to as the Spanish Broadway, making it a perfect spot for shopping and dining.
  • Prado Museum: Just 805m from El Retiro Park, the Prado Museum is a cultural gem. Home to masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Velázquez and Goya, this renowned art museum offers a deep dive into European art history, ensuring a profound and enriching experience.
  • WiZink Center: Located 1.4km away, WiZink Center is an entertainment hub perfect for families. Hosting concerts, sports events, and shows, this versatile arena provides a lively atmosphere and a variety of entertainment options for all ages.

Best time to go to El Retiro Park

The best time to visit El Retiro Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around El Retiro Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around El Retiro Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for El Retiro Park

To save money on your visit to El Retiro Park, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February or August, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation and keep an eye out for last-minute deals. Additionally, explore free activities within the park and use public transport, which is a cost-effective way to navigate the city. Combining your hotel with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around El Retiro Park are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around El Retiro Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around El Retiro Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around El Retiro Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for El Retiro Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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