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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Top ways to experience Parque del Retiro
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Retiro
How to get there
- Ibiza • 8 min walk
- Retiro • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,161 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,329 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Karen SavageAmsterdam, The Netherlands997 contributionsLovely park in the heart of the cityGreat park in the city! It’s a beautiful park full of trees, birds, trails, and tranquility. It’s a great park for running and walking. These are paced paths and packed dirt paths. I think the perimeter path is around 2.5 miles. And there are walkways and paths crisscrossing the park. Many benches throughout and places for food and drink. Wonderful park!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 17, 2023
- redhead_roamingSeattle, Washington2,919 contributionsThis is such a great park!!This whole park is lovely. We entered at the Puerta de España but it's a handful of steps so if you have a stroller or wheelchair, I would avoid that. We walked the dirt path lined with trees to the Estanque Grande de El Retiro where we spent a large chunk of time, since my kids are so fascinated by fish & water. After we managed to pull them away from there, we walked south along the water and then angled into the park, heading towards Palacio de Cristal. There, yet again, we hung out for a large while due to the adorable stairs that went right down to the water in the pond behind it.Visited May 2022Written April 21, 2023
- EmanpeeSydney, Australia2,817 contributionsSuperb large park with attractionson a scale of New York's Central Park, we had 2 visits and 2 pass throughs on way back to accommodation. Wonderful to explore. Don't miss the Crystal Palace and any exhibition in the other gallery, both free to enter. Plenty of food and drink, but light on for toilets.Visited April 2023Written April 22, 2023
- kjf_xCarnoustie, United Kingdom1,436 contributionsLovely place to visitGreat place to visit when in Madrid. Beautiful views, nice boats to go out in, plus lovely weather. Lots of benches and grassy areas to stop and sit. Lovely place for a picnic.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 23, 2023
- Fergs85Thornton-Le-Dale, United Kingdom1,036 contributionsBeautiful gardens, and many attractions, in the heart of the cityThe park is obviously something of a Madrid institution – it attracts large crowds but is big enough to never feel that it is over-crowded. Just be aware that it might be closed on a windy day: this happened to us on our first afternoon in Madrid, but were glad to go back a second time. There’s lots to see and do, one obvious highlight being the huge glass house, the "Palacio de Cristal", originally constructed in 1877, and more recently selected as a World Heritage Site. We liked the carefully placed mirrors which allow you to take some arty photos.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 24, 2023
- hukLondon, United Kingdom5 contributionsAn absolute must-see!It's a picturesque and lively park that is grand in size and beauty. I've been there a few times and each time I'm amazed by the beauty of the trees, the grandeur of the monuments, and the peacefulness of the lake. There's something for everyone to enjoy, from the beautiful rose gardens to the lively street performers. The park is also great for taking pictures, and I have plenty of amazing shots from my visits. If you're in Madrid, definitely make sure to check out Parque del Retiro!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2023
- Mr_MrsBeckettColne, United Kingdom1,508 contributionsMassive and greatWe visited here twice. The park is massive and there is lots to see and do. There are some cafes as well and play grounds for kids which my daughter loved. We hired a boat and rowed on the lake, 6 euros per boat for 45 mins which is a bargain and great fun.Visited April 2023Written May 3, 2023
- Ahmad WestwickNewchapel, United Kingdom12 contributionsStunning and serene oasis in the heart of the cityIt is truly majestic and a must-see for any visitor. The sprawling park is filled with scenic pathways, tranquil lakes, and romantic gardens. Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll, a romantic picnic, or a place to simply relax and take in the beauty of the park, Parque del Retiro Madrid is the perfect spot. From the grandiose Palacio de Cristal to the tranquil Bosque de los Poetas, there is something for everyone. With its lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and romantic gardens, Parque del Retiro Madrid is a must-see for anyone looking for a serene and majestic escape in the heart of the city.Visited May 2023Written May 8, 2023
- 46oceangirlWestford, Massachusetts1,715 contributionsA must walk through while in Madrid!We arrived on a Sunday in Madrid and to kill time we walked up hill to get to the park. It's huge, shaded areas, dog areas, people walking everywhere. Fountains and the pond with canoe's boats etc. Not a lot of vendors as it was a Sunday but the weather was beautiful. Worth the walk through, take your time.Visited April 2023Written May 11, 2023
- DillonM1905Laramie, Wyoming443 contributionsBeautiful Park and GroundsExcellent free park and historical grounds/fountains in downtown Madrid. Very crowded with locals the day we toured it. Many opportunities to see gardens, sculptures, a museum, and fountains. Very safe and walkable.Visited April 2023Written May 13, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
56,884 reviews
Excellent
40,653
Very good
14,407
Average
1,626
Poor
126
Terrible
73
dena f
California305 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
An easy stop on the metro, Retiro was a great place for us to walk around. We found the gravel paths always busy with other park visitors as well as street performers and artists. There are many cafes where you can find a meal or a treat and we were able to find toilets easily. Enjoy watching the paddlers row their boats about or join the fun for a small price of €6 for an hour. A playground also satisfied the 4-8 age range.
Written November 13, 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.
AnnP02
Preston, UK13 contributions
Feb 2020
Fantastic park, especially on a sunny day in February. Visited at the weekend when there was plenty of entertainment going on, including boating on the lake. Amazing buildings and several cafes serving snacks and drinks. What's not to like!
Written February 17, 2020
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.
JennyK
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Friends
I usually don't go to the park but this one was a real surprise. After visiting The Prado Museum my friend suggested going to the park since I was tired I said okay I can have a drink. But to my surprise this park is not only green and full of trees but also has a lot of entertainment activities going on. Near the pond or the lake you could see people dancing and playing music while the weather was so nice I could not believe that it was February. I totally recommend you to have a break in the park while you're doing the sightseeing
Written February 14, 2020
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.
milespointstravelkom
Redlands, CA1,347 contributions
Jun 2019
In the afternoon took the metro to Retiro Park. This is a popular hangout place for the locals and it showed. We walked around the park visiting the lake (lot of people boating there) and the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal del Retiro). You could sit by the Crystal Palace and just watch people and let the day go by.
Just outside of the Retiro Park lies Alcala Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), very majestic
Just outside of the Retiro Park lies Alcala Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), very majestic
Written February 26, 2020
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.
Bryuzga
Moscow, Russia1,426 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited the Retiro Park on Epiphany holiday after visiting Prado Museum.
Many people on a sunny day, street performers, boats on a pond, fish feeding, etc.
Nice park overall to kill time.
Many people on a sunny day, street performers, boats on a pond, fish feeding, etc.
Nice park overall to kill time.
Written February 7, 2020
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.
Graham Y
Huddersfield, UK32 contributions
Mar 2020
We spent a very pleasant few hours walking in the park along with hundreds of others on Sunday. Madrid residents must use this time to enjoy some leisure time and dress smartly to impress.
The Monument to King Alfonso 12 is a must see and if the weather is better in the summer sailing on the lake is a must
The Monument to King Alfonso 12 is a must see and if the weather is better in the summer sailing on the lake is a must
Written March 9, 2020
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.
AJH
Cromwell, New Zealand39 contributions
Jan 2020
Retiro Park is a must visit even in winter. When we visited dozens of people were “messing about in boats” on the pond in front of Alfonzo statue in 5 degree temperatures! There are many interesting areas to discover as you walk the many paths. The Cristal Palacio we thought was a bit underwhelming but it’s no mean feat to shift such a structure when it was originally designed for an exhibition in Philippines! Beautiful tile work and mosaics can be seen on many buildings within the park. It’d be stunning in Spring and Autumn
Written January 9, 2020
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.
Jason R
United Kingdom932 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Beautiful park with a huge lake where you can hire boats for a cheap fee. It cost us €6 for 45 for the 3 of us to hire a rowing boat. It was good fun making our way around the lake and the kids loved it.
The park is huge, plenty of places to take a rest and catch some sun or shade!
The park is huge, plenty of places to take a rest and catch some sun or shade!
Written February 20, 2020
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.
ZitaHum
4 contributions
Jan 2020
In nice weather, this is the best place to go. Lively and relaxing. There was a comfortable amount of crowd in January, and a band played really good music. You can also rent a boat, a take very nice pictures.
Written February 12, 2020
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.
Carlos
6 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a large park just in the centre of Madrid, close to the Prado Museum. Even in winter, in one of the many sunny morning, is a perfect place to walk, have a coffee in a terrace, rollerblade, walk your dog or rent a boat and have a nice time in the park's pond looking at a magnificent semicircular colonnade. There are lots of different trees, a rose-garden, and countless statues, fountains and commemorative monuments which have converted the park into an open-air sculpture museum. Among the curiosities, you can look at the Sculpure of the Fallen Angel, which represents Lucifer falling from heaven and it is claimed as the only known public monument of Satan, and the Crystal Palace, a glass pavilion and maybe the gardens' most extraordinary building.
Written January 8, 2020
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.
Vito L
Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Italy19 contributions
Ho letto che la domenica, nel parco, impartiscono lezioni di salsa.
E' possibile ricevere conferma, ora è luogo dove si svolge?
Grazie
Hola tengo una actividad de una asociación sin ánimo de lucro en donde reúno a unas 80 personas y quiero un lugar por el centro de Madrid donde podamos compartir, jugar dominó y compartir en familia y amigos y ahí mismo llevar la comida en táper y comer allí. Se podrá hacer esas cosas en el parque del Retiro? Me pueden recomendar un parque donde se pueda realizar y no nos multen? Sería de pasa día del sábado 22 de octubre....
Rafael F
Madrid, Spain57 contributions
Yo creo que sí. El parque es buen grande y encontrareis praderas donde no os estorben ni estorbéis al resto de público.
Mónica eme
Ourense, Spain28 contributions
¿La entrada es gratuita?
Marta V
Lugano, Switzerland90 contributions
yes, all free
Adrian
Madrid, Spain10 contributions
“Hay alguna zona separada/apartada para poder ir con una amiga los dos ya que somos liberales y nos gustaría saber si encontraríamos más gente afín.gracias de antemano”
David L
Tuineje, Spain76 contributions
Pues puede ser. El parque es muy grande, yo no lo vi entero, pero tal y como están las cosas, no se yo si tendrás suerte, pero por pasear por allí no perdéis nada.
AngeliqueYakowisky06
Cabris, France58 contributions
Bonjour, le parc est-il toujours ouvert ? J'ai entendu dire qu'il était dorénavant fermé à cause du Coronavirus
Mauricio Paul V
Rome, Italy27 contributions
je pense qu'il est toujours ouvert, par ce qu'il est un parc a l'air libre et spacieux, alors la distance entre le personne est possible de séparer
mtmparry
Milford Haven, UK99 contributions
This question applies to Madrid as a whole, yet as planning a visit here....will ask....we will be in Madrid at the end of March, what temperature is it likely to be? Can see from pics taken this month people are in short sleeves
Rachel Ford
Dallas, TX92 contributions
I was there in early March and it was pleasant - low 70s. I think I wore a hoodie during a sunrise walk in the park and that was it!
nieves pascual garcia
Alicante, Spain
desde alcala 66 por que puerta se entra para hacer running
S1t0
Rubi, Spain473 contributions
Hola. Creo que cualquiera te va bien, ya que el camino de tierra esta por todo el parque
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Claim your listingParque del Retiro - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Parque del Retiro
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Parque del Retiro:
- Retiro Park Walking Tour in Madrid (From $9.83)
- El Retiro Park Guided Tour and tapas tasting (From $26.21)
- Retiro Park Segway Tour in Madrid (From $42.59)
- Madrid Highlights Bike Tour (From $30.58)
- Cibeles Rooftop and Retiro Park Tour with professional guide (From $31.67)
- Hotels near Parque del Retiro:
- (0.35 mi) Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII
- (0.42 mi) Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza
- (0.38 mi) Hotel Palacio Del Retiro, Autograph Collection
- (0.58 mi) Only YOU Hotel Atocha
- (0.63 mi) SLEEP'N Atocha
- Restaurants near Parque del Retiro:
- (0.08 mi) El Ancla
- (0.32 mi) Levél Veggie Bistro
- (0.08 mi) Bar Mirador
- (0.43 mi) Murillo Café - Restaurante
- (0.41 mi) Adrede
- Attractions near Parque del Retiro:
- (0.10 mi) Palacio De Cristal
- (0.07 mi) Jacinto Benavente Statue
- (0.08 mi) Fuente de las Esfinges
- (0.07 mi) Monumento a Cuba
- (0.07 mi) Concrete Dice Monument