Things to do in El Retiro Park
Madrid's El Buen Retiro Park is the largest centrally located park in the city, covering just about 1 square mile. Originally constructed for the Royal Family, in the 17th century, this park was reserved for their private use, hosting pageants, bullfights, and mock naval battles.
Now it's open for everyone to take in its beauty, serenity and frequent cultural events. This is a great place for an afternoon stroll or a picnic in the sun.
In the heart of Retiro, there is a large pond where it is possible to rent paddle boats. Next to the pond is the Monument of Alfonso XII, a double colonnaded semicircle with an equestrian statue standing 65-feet tall in the centre, which is the work of Mariano Benlliure.
Don't forget to make your way to the Crystal Palace, built in 1887 to hold the Flora Exhibition of the Philippine Islands. It is currently one of the headquarters of the Reina Sofia Museum.
El Retiro is full of gardens from different styles and periods. The French-style Parterre was created during the reign of Philip V, and the Rose Garden, created in 1915 by the town gardener, has more than 4,000 rose bushes. The Gardens of the architect Herrero Palacios and the Gardens of Cecilio Rodriguez are also worth a visit.
In addition to the Monument of Alfonso XII, sculpture lovers will be delighted with the numerous amounts of sculptural ensembles that can be found throughout the park. The monuments of Benito Pérez Galdós and Santiago Ramón y Cajal are situated in Paseo Venezuela. The Fallen Angel, one of the more popular creations, was sculpted for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878 by Ricardo Bellver.
Book your guided yours now and discover the green lung of Madrid!
Our recommendations in El Retiro Park
Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour
Explore Madrid's most famous spots, including some places that only locals know about on this 2.5-hour guided Segway™ tour.
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Retiro Park skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Explore the Retiro Park with an expert guide and discover some of its most famous sites of this incredible landmark of Madrid.
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Madrid Royal Palace and Retiro Park guided tour with fast-track access
Enjoy a complete visit of the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide, and then explore The Retiro Park, the most important park of the city.
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Retiro Park private tour with local guide
Don't miss the chance to explore the most famous park in Madrid with a local guide at your disposal!
en, it, fr, es, de
Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour
Explore Madrid's most famous spots, including some places that only locals know about on this 2.5-hour guided Segway™ tour.
en, es
Retiro Park skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Explore the Retiro Park with an expert guide and discover some of its most famous sites of this incredible landmark of Madrid.
en, es
Madrid Royal Palace and Retiro Park guided tour with fast-track access
Enjoy a complete visit of the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide, and then explore The Retiro Park, the most important park of the city.
en, es
Retiro Park private tour with local guide
Don't miss the chance to explore the most famous park in Madrid with a local guide at your disposal!
en, it, fr, es, de
Cibeles Palace and El Retiro Park walking tour
Book this Cibeles Palace and El Retiro Park walking tour and get to know two of Madrid's best landmarks.
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Gymkhana bike tour at the Retiro Park of Madrid
Learn all about the history of the Retiro Park in a very funny way booking this bike tour
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Electric tuk-tuk tour of Madrid
Enjoy a 2-hour tuk-tuk tour of Madrid city center
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Best of Madrid private introductory walking tour
Book this tour to discover the highlights of Madrid with a private guide. Get oriented with the city as you stroll past the iconic sites of the city including Plaza Mayor the Catedral de la Almudena and El Retiro Park.
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Madrid Christmas lights tour by private Eco Tuk Tuk
Discover Madrid's dazzling Christmas decorations on a 60-minute Eco Tuk Tuk tour and immerse yourself in Madrid's festive Christmas atmosphere.
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Private half-day highlights tour of Madrid with Prado Tickets
Book a private half-day highlights tour of Madrid with Prado museum tickets included. Stroll along the boulevards to see iconic locations including the Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real and the Catedral de la Almudena.
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Self-balancing scooter tour Parque del Retiro
Book this Self-balancing scooter tour Parque del Retiro and see monuments such as the Crystal Palace and Fountain of the Fallen Angel
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Madrid Archaeological Museum E-ticket & El Retiro Park with Audio Tours
Download the app and your audio tour on your smartphone prior to your visit
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How to get there
El Retiro Park
Madrid
Spain
Reviews El Retiro Park
“Nuestro guia fue fantástico y nos proporcionó mucha información sobre la historia de los cuadros de una manera asequible.”
“Andrea fue sumamente amable y atenta con todos los del grupo. Nos gusto bastante su cordialidad y nos recomendó buenos lugares.”
