Madrid Sights

Parque del Buen Retiro

#3 of 643 things to do in Madrid

#46 of 49054 things to do in Europe

4 reviews | Write a review

Good for: Anyone, all - families with kids incl, Couples and groups

  • Address
  • Transport
    • Retiro, Príncipe de Vergara, Ibiza or Atocha
  • Hours
    • 6am-midnight May-Sep, 6am-11pm Oct-Apr

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Lonely Planet review for Parque del Buen Retiro

The splendid gardens of El Retiro are littered with marble monuments, landscaped lawns, the occasional elegant building and abundant greenery. It’s quiet and contemplative during the week, but comes to life on weekends. Put simply, this is one of our favourite places in Madrid.

Laid out in the 17th century by Felipe IV as the preserve of kings, queens and their intimates, the park was opened to the public in 1868 and ever since, whenever the weather’s fine and on weekends in particular, madrileños from all across the city gather here to stroll, read the Sunday papers in the shade, take a boat ride or nurse a cool drink at the numerous outdoor terrazas.

 

Traveller reviews for Parque del Buen Retiro (4)

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    skating then laying tired reading a book on the grass

    pilicarrasco recommends this,

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    Delicious place for a stroll!

    cla_hammerli recommends this,

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    Beautiful place to spend an afternoon

    sarahkinsella35 recommends this,

    One of the nicest parks I have been to. I visited Madrid in June 2011 when the weather was extremely warm, after spending most of the day in museums and trying to escape the heat, we came across the Parque Retiro, where you can retreat under a tree to relax. The boating lake is also beautiful!

    Good for: Anyone, all - families with kids incl, Couples and groups

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    Madrid's best on a sunny Sunday: Parque del Buen Retiro

    tassilo recommends this,

    What a gathering: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCuthBgMoAM

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