One of Madrid’s best-known landmarks, El Retiro Park, offers a charming respite from the city’s hustle and bustle on more than 125 hectares of lush greenery, which is a favourite spot for residents and is one of the best things to do in El Retiro Park. Whatever you’re looking for—a quiet walk, some culture, or just some relaxation—you will find it at these gardens in the heart of Madrid. It is often said that the park is the heart of El Retiro, as people like to call it.
Discover The Top Attractions And Highlights Of El Retiro Park
Here, we’ll look at the best things to see and do in El Retiro Park and show you some little secrets that only locals know about:
1. The Crystal Palace
Image Credit: Pixabay
El Retiro Park’s most beautiful building is the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal). Initially, it was built in 1887 specifically for the Philippines, which needed a place to display its exotic plants. In some modern times, the palace now serves as an exhibition space for art displayed by the Reina Sofía Museum. So out of glass, almost wholly, this architectural masterpiece is a sight worth seeing—one that should not be missed, particularly if the sun is glinting off it from every direction, making eerie lights dance around on its shiny surface. The sealing pond, inhabited by turtles and ducks filling the air with their graceful play slapping up against one another, adds to this tranquil setting, making it perfect for relaxing.
Entry fee: NA
Address: P. Cuba, 4, Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Temporarily Closed
Also Read: Winter In Spain
2. The Rose Garden (La Rosaleda)
Image Credit:Felipe Gabaldón for Wikimedia Commons
In El Retiro Park, La Rosaleda—its other name is ‘The Rose Garden’—(ROSALED? LA) shares with the flourishes of spring and early in summer birdsong-filled days created by the blossoms on this plant. In 1915, it was designed by the then-head gardener Cecilio Rodríguez and his team, who planted over 4000 roses of many different types in the garden. The rose garden, with winding trails and fountains, creates an atmosphere full of romantic charm. It is always an ideal place to take a leisurely walk or have some quiet reflection on one’s mind.
Entry fee: NA
Address: P. de Fernan Nunez, 4, Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
Image Credit: Fernando Bueno for Wikimedia Commons
Not far from El Retiro Park is the world-famous Prado Museum, an essential cultural landmark in Madrid. As well as an extensive collection of Europe’s great artists, with everything from Goya’s “Majos” to Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” also on display, the museum tends to come across works from Titian (Tiziano Vecellio), Rubens, and El Bosco. Spanning the 12th to the early 20th centuries, this fine collection represents a real immersion in European art history. Offering regular exhibitions and educational programs, the Prado Museum is a treasure trove for those interested in anything from the Old Masters to history.
Entry fee: $16.55
Address: Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Related Post: Spain In June
4. The Parterre Garden (Jardín de Parterre)
Image Credit:Assdl for Wikimedia Commons
Near the Retiro Pond, the Parterre Garden is one of the oldest and most historically significant portions of El Retiro Park. The garden, created in the 18th century, is a right-bank French-style layout of the highest order. It is distinguished by its symmetrical design and precisely sculpted shrubs; all flower beds are planted with great skill. Developed as people live in villages, today’s garden becomes radiant with many-coloured flowers blooming in different seasons. The centrepiece of Parterre Garden is the Ahuehuete, a Montezuma cypress tree over 400 years old and considered one of the oldest trees still living in Madrid. The gnarled old tree, with its trunk and odd-angled lower limbs, symbolises Park Verde’s rich history.
Entry fee: NA
Address: Parque devEl, 28009, Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon – Sun: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
5. The Fallen Angel Statue (El Ángel Caído)
Image Credit: Carlos Delgado for Wikimedia Commons
The Fallen Angel is a one-of-a-kind, notable monument. The Devil and Lucifer are virtually taboo in many cultures, including ours (the Western), yet few places in the world have an actual statue dedicated to him like this one. This statue was sculpted by Ricardo Bellver in 1877 and is based on John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” in which Lucifer, who steals heaven for the entire universe, falls from grace. This statue shows the moment Lucifer is expelled from heaven in a dramatic and dynamic pose, wings puffing up behind him as he pans to one side, his face wracked by grief. At about 7 metres (23 feet) high, the Fallen Angel Statue is a huge piece of art that commands attention.
Entry fee: NA
Address: Parque del Retiro, Glorieta del Angel Caido, s/n, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon-Sun: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Related Post: Spanish Street Food
6. Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez)
Image Credit: Luis García for Wikipedia
Another architectural gem in El Retiro Park is the Velázquez Palace, built between 1881 and 1883 for the National Exhibition of Mining. Just like the would-be Crystal Palace is now used for art exhibitions (managed by Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum), The building itself, a mix of red brick wrapping around colourful tile work, is too cool; it’s compulsive for lovers of individual architecture. Characteristic of the late 19th century, decorations feature mixtures of Neo-Renaissance and Moorish Revival architectural styles. Highlighted by intricate ceramic tile dressings in faded shades of blue, green, and yellow against the deep red brick facade.
Entry fee: NA
Address: El Retiro Park, P. De Venezuela, 2, Retiro,28001 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
7. The Retiro Pond (Estanque Grande del Retiro)
Image Credit:Luis García for Wikimedia Commons
One of the highlights of this fantastic park is, for sure, the Madrilenian Retiro Pond, which has always been a “must-visit,” especially for locals. You can rent a rowboat here and take in the quiet atmosphere of this manicured body of water. Around the pond, you will find a grand memorial to King Alfonso XII that creates more photogenic opportunities. A magnificent architectural monument that ornaments the Retiro pond, sitting at the same level of height as Alfonso XII (see above), Erected in 1922, the memorial features a grand marble pedestal topped by horses bearing effigies of the king and other historical figures. The central ornamentation is a grand colonnade topped by an equestrian statue of Alfonso XII, which fronts the lake and provides stunning detail against the verdant parkland.
Entry fee: NA
Address: P. De Colombia, 2, Retiro, 28016 Madrid, Spain
Timings: Mon-Sun: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
You May Also Like To Read: Churches In Spain
The Park of El Retiro is a real gem and has lots to see and do. There’s something for everyone, from lazing by the lake to strolling through verdant gardens. Embark on it now with a trip to Spain and find your way through the charm of that legendary Madrid park.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Paul Hermans for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About El Retiro Park
What time does El Retiro Park open?
It is open every day from 6:00 to around midnight in summer and circa 10 pm during winter. So plan your visit during this time.
Does El Retiro Park cost anything?
It is an open park, and nobody charges you. However, one does not need to pay anything to enjoy the attractions, some of which have beautiful landscapes.
Can you rent boats in El Retiro Park?
All you can do is rent a boat on the lake in this park. You can also rent paddle boats on a clear day.
Are pets allowed in El Retiro Park?
So the answer is yes, dogs are permitted in El Retiro Park, but they must be on hello. Some states may have specific guidelines.
What facilities are available in El Retiro Park?
El Retiro Park offers cafes, restrooms, and playgrounds, as well as many seating areas, for a leisurely day.
People Also Read:
