Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro

Parque del Retiro
4.5
About
Peaceful urban park centered around a beautiful lake.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Retiro
How to get there
  • Ibiza • 8 min walk
  • Retiro • 9 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
  • TheLeongOhana
    United States7,745 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect for A Sunday Stroll
    This was the park to visit during our trip to Madrid. It was very accessible with its own stop on the Metro. Besides being a huge park to walk around and absorb the scenery, we also enjoyed 1. Cristal Palace - a large structure made of glass and iron but closed and seemingly under renovation. A small pond was in front and popular with ducks and geese. 2. Alfonso XII monument’s lake where people were practicing their rowing. 3. Statue Walk - a gravel pathway lined with statues of Spanish royalty 4. Velasquez Palace - a free exhibit of modern art was ongoing. The Museo Reina Sofia was responsible for the exhibition. We ended our visit at the Neptune Fountain outside the park.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 February 2024
  • Alessandra B
    Cuneo, Italy1,522 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oasis of peace and tranquility
    Huge park in the center of the city, lakes and characteristic houses. Crystal palace which is a gigantic greenhouse! Little animals running around everywhere! A true oasis of beauty and peace. Monument in the center with lake and boats to circumnavigate it in peace. truly a gem! Metropolises are fascinating for these parks! It is accessed through many doors and entrances but the most evocative is certainly the Alcalà door... I attach the night photo
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 February 2024
  • Tommo
    Melbourne, Australia57,024 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Large park in city of Madrid
    Parque del Retiro is a very large park and green oasis in Madrid city. It covers more than 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees. It is now named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park has a large artificial lake, where you can rent a rowing boat. You can also visit Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace. There are lots of seating areas for picnics and several restaurants to dine and have a drink.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 February 2024
  • 260benedicte
    Levallois-Perret, France480 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Traditional park that lacks a little charm
    Boats, bicycles, various plantations, crystal palaces, sculpted groups: a classic but pleasant park. There is a certain stability on the lawns, at least in winter. Pleasant to cross to avoid traffic.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 February 2024
  • Mauro O
    Rome, Italy79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relaxing
    Between this park, a public area with free access, and the Parc Guell in Barcelona, which also has an expensive fee, this one is a thousand times better. Central, easy to reach, very large, with interesting historic buildings to see, very well cared for and maintained. Ideal for spending a few hours relaxing.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 February 2024
  • Carlos2401
    Montevideo, Uruguay54 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very enjoyable ride
    It is a very enjoyable park, go with the sun!!! It is to explore everything and see its attractions one by one. Lake, trees, crystal palace, statues and everything it has. Tremendous green place in the middle of the center of Madrid.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 March 2024
  • dmario3141592
    581 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Parallel to the Prado Museum
    It's about a 10-minute walk from the Prado Museum. I think the main gate is near the Plaza de la Independencia and the Puerta de Alcalá. It's a vast park, and the monument to Alfonso XII is beautiful and majestic both from up close and from the other side of the pond. After a sudden rain, a rainbow appeared over the monument, and many tourists took photos of it. Some of the trees in the park were uniquely selected, which was also a delight for tourists.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 March 2024
  • PH-Travel-Lovers
    Ada, Michigan651 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Outstanding park - Don’t miss it.
    We walked around the park for about 2 hours. No cost or restrictions. No metal detectors or lines. We love the parks views, trees, water, trails, and monuments. Great views and scenery everywhere you look. The “central park” of Madrid.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 March 2024
  • Tato
    60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gem worth 10
    Breathtaking park, you enter and you feel at one with the beauty of this Madrileno jewel. The lake on which we took a rowing boat tour is beautiful, everything is very clean and with attention to every detail. You can feed the ducks, to the swans and above all to be able to see the peacocks up close. Really compliments, I give this park a 10
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 March 2024
  • TheMemorialGround
    Bristol, United Kingdom223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Breath of Fresh Air in Madrid’s Parque del Retiro
    In the bustling heart of Madrid, where the city's pulse beats loud and fast, lies a verdant oasis of tranquillity and greenery: Parque del Retiro. This sprawling park, a sanctuary for walkers, runners, and those in search of a peaceful escape, became a recurring theme in our Madrid narrative, each visit uncovering new delights. As we meandered through its expansive pathways, the park revealed itself as a patchwork of nature's artistry and human ingenuity. Each corner, each secluded nook, offered a different taste of serenity or activity. For those looking to indulge in the culinary landscape of Retiro, the park did not disappoint. Sampling the various eating and drinking spots nestled within its embrace became a delightful quest, each offering sustenance and refreshment to complement the natural beauty surrounding us. One of the park's charming surprises was the sight of sun-bathing turtles, a serene tableau that spoke of the park's ability to be a haven for all forms of life. The soundtrack to our wanderings was provided by the vibrant calls of birds, perhaps parakeets, adding a wild melody to the urban oasis and reminding us of nature's persistence amidst the cityscape. For the more adventurous, or for those simply seeking a novel way to explore, the park offered cycle carts for hire. These quirky 'things' presented a fun, if slightly unconventional, mode of transportation, adding a dash of whimsy to our explorations. Parque del Retiro is more than just a park; it's a green lung in the centre of Madrid, a place where nature and city life coalesce in harmonious balance. Whether you're a runner seeking a scenic route, a visitor longing for a breath of fresh air, or simply someone looking to enjoy a moment of peace, Retiro welcomes all. To anyone finding themselves in Madrid, I urge you to seek out Parque del Retiro. Its vast expanses and hidden gems offer a respite from the urban rush, a slice of nature's bounty amidst the concrete and clamour. It's very nice, indeed.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles57,064 reviews
Excellent
40,790
Very good
14,446
Average
1,628
Poor
127
Terrible
73

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Toni F
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Family
A must do whilst in Madrid. We had four days in Madrid and visited the park on two separate occasions. A beautiful place to spend an hour or more enjoying a relaxing walk or taking a rowing boat out if you’re feeling a bit more energetic! You can book the rowing boats in advance on the day you’re attending which will save you queue time and also help grab the 45 minute slot you would like if you’re restricted on when you can visit. Retiro metro station has an underpass which takes you directly into the park too..
Written 20 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tex
Texas37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Family
As you approach Parque Retiro you are met with beautiful ornamental iron fencing/gates. As you jog or stroll through this large park, you will encounter an array of different types and sizes of trees and shrubs, along with gardens that have bright beautiful flowers.

Don't forget to take a moment to read some of the monument inscriptions, visit the lake, and the Crystal Palace. It's all very beautiful especially at sunrise when it's cool and you feel like the place is all yours!
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travellers2007
Edinburgh, UK530 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
This is a really lovely huge park, well with a visit. There is a huge lake that you can rent rowing boats or just watch others do the hard work.
Lots of buskers are scattered around the park. Lovely music at each area.
We had lunch. I recommend walking around the boating lake and the cafes behind the pillars with the statues are quieter.
The other cafes had big queues and we could not get served. We wandered around to the other cafe, that is almost hidden by trees.
Had a great lunch with friendly service and toilets near by.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CARMEN B
Malaga, Spain39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
Good place to live the experience of rowing... feed the ducks and fish.
You can spend the whole day there and have a picnic. There are also bars and kiosks.
The children liked it a lot.
The boat cost 6 euros 45 min.
Google
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fiona S
Boston, MA478 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2023 • Family
I had great aspirations of walking the full park from the southwestern gate to the east and up and out the northern gate. Google Maps said an hour without stopping. However, it was hot and it took a long time just to get to the entrance, so we only made it to the peacock garden and the crystal palace, which we enjoyed. I recommend: if possible, visit in cooler weather and earlier for rose season; possibly Uber to the entrance so you are not exhausted by the time you arrive; give yourself a full half day – you probably won’t need it – but we felt so rushed with my allocated 2 hours (which turned out to involve 30 minutes walking there and 30 back!); bring a picnic – we couldn’t really find food inside and part of the reason we were rushed is that people were hungry!
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hydehaven
Edmonton, Canada195 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
A wonderful park in the heart of Madrid. There are lots of paths and different garden areas. People like to rent rowboats in the lake in the middle of the park. There are cafes around the lake but most of them only serve ice cream, chips and snacks. We saw lots of different birds. People were strolling, running, cycling and using the outdoor gym equipment. It's a very relaxing place to spend a couple of hours away from the traffic and crowds on the main streets.
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LastEmpiricist
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
You may need the whole afternoon to get around it entirely as there are several activities and monument to see located in the park. I recommend renting a boat to admire Alfonso XII's monument, price is cheap and the experience is relaxing. Also, you may want to take a look at the "fuente del angel caido" which is one of among the only three representations of Lucifer in the whole world. The fountain is, for the anecdote, located 666 meters above sea level (according to a local guide we met).
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lea
Houston, TX195 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
My cousin and I decided we wanted to check out this park before heading to some high-end shopping (6 minute walk away) on our last day in Madrid, and bless that this was our plan!

We went fairly early after we had breakfast, so we arrived there at about 10:30 am. While there were people already present walking around, there wasn't enough that we were bumping into anyone. There were even street musicians playing their saxophones, which just added to the ambiance. This is a gorgeous park with plenty of statues, fountains, and greenery that you could take several photoshoots and each one would give off a different vibe. If you have time, def check this place out!
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Guillermo
Philippines1,179 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • Couples
Travelers' beware! When visiting the sprawling and popular Retiro Park in Madrid, be prepared for a memorable experience that comes with its own set of challenges. This vast park, a top destination for tourists, offers ample opportunities for exploration but requires stamina, especially during the scorching summer months. To make the most of your visit, consider exploring this park during cooler seasons to enjoy a more comfortable walk. Keep an eye out for the instant camera 📸 in one corner where you can capture a moment for a fee and possibly see yourself in the newspaper. While there are shops offering beverages and snacks, it's advisable to bring your own drinks to beat the heat. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of Retiro Park on your next visit to Madrid!
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Abdel Rahman Abdelhalim
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
After hours of visiting relatively crowded places we asked our tour guide for a calmer environment to relax in and he did not let us down, it was already prepared for in the Trip Planners personalized travel plan. This park was nothing less than amazing, the pathways, picnics, the lake, etc. It was just the perfect place for us to recharge. Erkut, our trip planner from Madrid Trip Planners also recommended that we visit again later at night and he got us exclusive entrance to a club that had multiple performances and honestly we couldn’t have been happier.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Parque del Retiro (2025) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (with Reviews)

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