Alaleh P.

El Retiro Park is one of Madrid's most beautiful and historic green spaces, stretching across more than 125 hectares and filled with over 15,000 trees. It sits right in the heart of the city and offers a calm escape from the busy streets. It's a place where locals and visitors come to walk, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. You can wander through the rose garden, sit by the water, or explore its monuments.

GiGi G.

This is a beautiful urban Oasis within Madrid. Well worth a visit. Instagram-able scenery everywhere. There are a few spots to sit down and have a drink. It's the Madrid version of NYC's Central Park.

Melissa T H.

This is an absolutely breathtaking park; so many trails lead to surprising and serene spots. Google maps are a great way to navigate to certain areas, and I plan to do more exploring soon. So far, here are some of my favorite highlights: * Enter/Exit at the Puerta de Filipe IV on Calle de Alfonso XII, just across the Prado Museum. This entrance is impressive and meticulously planted. * Enter/Exit at the gate near the Puerta de Alcala as the peek-a-book view of Puerta de Alcala is worth it * Stroll along the Great Pond of El Retiro, and head toward Palacio De Cristal and Palacio de Velazquez (unfortunately both museums are currently closed til 2026/2027) * Meander to the Cascada Parque El Retiro - the trees are turning glorious red and orange, and be sure to find the little waterfall view * There is even a little chess park * I am fond of gazing at the various monuments and sculptures - too many to list!

Julie D.

What a beautiful property. I would've never seen the things I got to see had it not been for the tour guide who showed me all the highlights and must sees of the property. We entered through the Puerta de la Independencia then made our way to multiple spots. The park was filled with local residents doing their morning cardio session. Lots of people walking and running. Some were doing tai chi. My favorite area was the corner where cats and peacocks roamed around freely. YES. Peacocks were in their private area walking freely that they felt comfortable when people were just inches away from them. They were super chill minding their business like they owned the place. I also saw a bunch of ducks hanging out with them. They seemed like they were friends. I noticed a bunch of food vendors/carts, but it was so early so they weren't open yet. The other food stands were also still close. I'd love to see this during spring as I noticed the trees were all dark with dead leaves. I bet it looks super pretty when all the flowers are in bloom.

Bill T.

Being a New Yorker, I use Central Park as the benchmark for all other grand parks and this park in Central Madrid is outstanding! It's beautiful and clean and has formal areas and more informal areas. It was crowded (but not overly so) the day we visited so I didn't feel unsafe. There are some hills here so you can get a decent workout just walking around and taking in the sights (fountains, gardens, lake, etc). Really a gem and one of the world's most beautiful parks.

Gerry T.

This park is a Great place to gravitate to from your hotel in Salamanca, we visited at least three (3) times in a week!! You can also come here after lunch or dinner, just to walk off your calories. From what I've read, Parque Del Retiro is the green lungs of Madrid and I believe that, with its 15,000+ trees. It's full of numerous fountains and sculptures and my two favorite things are the Great pond and the Crystal Palace. Looking back, I should have rented a row boat but when you're anxious and jumpy in a new city, idly floating around was a bit too sedate at that moment. So maybe next time. The Crystal Palace and surrounding landscaping and pond are truly beautiful as well. I guess a third favorite is museum Reina Sophia's art display, which is located in one of the buildings inside the Parque. That was worth visiting and was quite a surprise. Believe it or not, the public restrooms (which are underground) were very clean. That was a big surprise as well.

Maria T.

What a huge beautiful park in Madrid! We toured most of the park and we stayed all day long! The rose gardens and mazes were gorgeous and impeccably manicured, even though it was a bit early for the show of blooms, we did see many gorgeous roses! We visited the crystal palace and pond, and enjoyed seeing the black swan and other birds and animals, the small waterfall is a great photo op spot. Although the peacocks were enclosed, we did get to spy several magnificent iridescent plumages! The buildings with their authentic architecture were worth seeing and the other huge lake with the castle in the background was lovely. The statue garden was fascinating as well. Visitors can rent bikes and paddle boats, there's several snack stands (we got ice cream) , and the many musicians and entertainers throughout the park were fun to hear and see! Totally worth spending a day here exploring and getting in touch with nature! Put this place on your must see Madrid list!

Shenoah C.

A lovely park with lots of shade and birds. It was such a delight to be surrounded by monk parakeets chattering away as I strolled.

Daniela B.

This park is a great experience by itself. Be prepared to walk, or rent a bike. Tip: I used Google Maps to get from one point of interest to another and I walked through shortcuts to get from the pond to the Palacio de Cristal, which is a hidden gem (or at least it felt like it during my morning walk).

Dan A.

Passed this park on the way to Mercado La Paz. My Cab driver said it was a beautiful park so planned to walk through after the Mercado visit. 15 minutes from Mercado La Paz/Salamanca area. Gardens throughout with a few water fountains and walking paths. I saw two Cafes and a couple of food stands. Also, some picnic areas. A small lake provides some great views of King Alfonso's Monument. Also, saw the Fountain of the Turtles. Didn't have time to see Madrid's oldest tree and there is much more to see. Park wasn't too crowded around 3 on a Friday afternoon. Most definitely one to visit.

Courtney O.

Retiro Park is like the Central Park of Madrid. This gigantic park has it all. Large grassy areas for a picnic or long pathways to run or walk. A big lake in the center to rent a row boat and ride around or a crystal palace to swoon over. Retiro is big and it can be hard to see everything on foot. There are lots of available rental bikes to make your trip throughout the park even easier.

Andrea U.

Park was once the private playground of royalty. Formal gardens, rose gardens, fountains, lakes, exhibition halls, outdoor cafes, flamenco concerts, puppet theater on weekends at 1. Glass palace houses exotic plants. Statue called the Angel Caido fallen angel is the only one in the world depicting the prince of darkness foe his fall from grace. The large pond had musicians, restaurants, and lots of walkers. Serene beautiful Saturday morning.

Nick P.

It's a beautiful park especially with the warm weather. It's one of those places where you can just sit for hours and people watch. Very popular with tourists and locals. I think everyone coming to Madrid should come, admire the breath taking architecture. Free admission.