El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park which includes a park
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park


Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favourite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city centre. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas. Wander among the trees and flowerbeds there are both landscaped gardens as well as wilder, more natural areas. Walk through the Rosaleda del Retiro to see a colourful display of roses. The Forest of Remembrance is dedicated to the victims of the 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. Stroll down the Paseo de la Argentina to see statues once inside the Royal Palace or head over to the Retiro Pond to gaze up at the monument to King Alfonso XII. The semi-circular colonnade is surrounded by allegorical statues with the king mounted on horseback in the centre. Keep exploring the park to find more statues, gardens and fountains. Rent out a boat to paddle around the pond and then move on to the neoclassical Palacio de Velázquez or the Palacio de Cristal for an art exhibition. Walk through a garden of trimmed hedges up to the Casón del Buen Retiro, one of the only remaining buildings from the 17th-century palace that stood in the park. It was once a ballroom but today houses the Prado Museum’s study centre.El Retiro is in central Madrid, only a short walk from the Paseo del Prado and the Plaza de Cibeles. The main entrance is right next to the Puerta de Alcalá, but the park is also accessible from the Retiro, Principe de Vergara, Ibiza and Atocha metro stations. The park is open daily, hours vary according to the season, so check ahead before your visit.

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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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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park in Madrid offers a delightful array of activities such as birdwatching, appreciating art, and enjoying stunning sunsets. Visitors can embark on adventures throughout the park, exploring its picturesque gardens, iconic monuments, and serene lakes. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or wish to engage in recreational activities, El Retiro Park promises a memorable experience amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid.

Shopping

Experience shopping near El Retiro Park at El Corte Inglés, just 1.6km away, offering a diverse range of products. El Rastro, a bustling public market also 1.6km away, adds local flavour. For a family-friendly outing, ABC Serrano, located 1.6km away, provides entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

At El Retiro Park, rejuvenate your spirit with serene strolls and yoga sessions amidst nature. Nearby, Madrid Río offers a tranquil escape for relaxation, while Nuevo Teatro Alcala presents vibrant performances to entertain and uplift your mood, all just a stone's throw from the park's lush greenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located 3.2km from El Retiro Park. For tennis enthusiasts, the Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo offers exciting matches 4.8km away. Enjoy breathtaking views on the Madrid Cable Car, situated 6.4km from the park, perfect for family adventures.

Nightlife

In El Retiro Park, the Teatro de la Zarzuela offers a romantic cultural experience, while the Royal Observatory of Madrid provides unique entertainment vibes. Just a short distance away, the Teatro Español continues the theme of culture and family-friendly entertainment, making for a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

*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 squares, renowned art museums, and vibrant streets, making it a perfect destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or admiring artistic treasures, El Retiro Park promises an unforgettable experience for all travellers.

  • Gran Via: A vibrant street bursting with life, Gran Via is renowned for its stunning architecture, bustling shops, and lively atmosphere. Stroll along this iconic thoroughfare to experience the heartbeat of Madrid.
  • Prado Museum: Home to one of the finest collections of European art, the Prado Museum offers a cultural feast. Marvel at masterpieces from renowned artists such as Velázquez and Goya, immersing yourself in Spain’s artistic heritage.
  • WiZink Center: This versatile venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to sports. With a family-friendly vibe, it’s a perfect spot for entertainment and enjoying the energetic spirit of Madrid.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to El Retiro Park, consider travelling in January to February or August when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance typically yields the best rates, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, set budgets, and compare prices from lowest to highest. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for further savings. Enjoy free activities in the park, and explore the area using Madrid's efficient public transport to keep costs down.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around El Retiro Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 feature enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near El Retiro Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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