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El Retiro Park, Madrid

7 Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid

Description

El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) is a 118ha historical garden and parc developed during the early 16th century in the centre of Madrid (back then it was the city's eastern limit) as a complement to the Buen Retiro Palace (that was destroyed in the middle of the 19th century). It is now a public park containing a long list of remarkable features such as the monument to King Alfonso XII semi-circular colonnade with an equestrian statue of the monarch, the Palacio de Cristal conservatory (one of the main venues of the 1887 Philippines Exposition) now used for art exhibits, and the Rose Garden. The park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list alongside Paseo del Prado.

Access & Transport

The Retiro metro station (2) is located on the northern side of the park, Ibiza (9) on the eastern side and Estación del Arte (1) is close to the south-western corner. There are also bus stops at Puerta De Alcalá - Retiro (north-western corner) and along C. de Alfonso Xii (western side), C. de Alcalá (northern side) and Av. de Menéndez Pelayo (eastern side).

Instructions & Recommendations

Geographically, the park is close to the Salamanca neighbourhood, to the Prado museum, the Palacio de Cibeles and the Puerta de Alcalá.

Meta review

The park is widely considered one of the city highlights and most online reviewers seem to concur. They enjoy the quiet and safe environment, the variety of things to see at no cost and find it well maintained. There are a few dissenting opinions from visitors who overall don't think it compares to some of the well-known parks in European capitals with the Crystal Palace the only real draw.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity to be marginally positive from an environmental standpoint, on account of the green space and trees. Benefits residents in terms of quality of life

Conclusion

The park makes for a very enjoyable and relaxing break from the rest of Madrid's urban attractions. It also has several attention-worthy features that makes it a destination in its own right and is the perfect place to rest after a long visit in one of the nearby museums.

Key positive

Centrally located and free of charge

Crystal palace and monument to Alfonso XII are standalone highlights

Key negative

None

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY06:00 - 23:45

TUESDAY06:00 - 23:45

WEDNESDAY06:00 - 23:45

THURSDAY06:00 - 23:45

FRIDAY06:00 - 23:45

SATURDAY06:00 - 23:45

SUNDAY06:00 - 23:45

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY06:00 - 22:00

TUESDAY06:00 - 22:00

WEDNESDAY06:00 - 22:00

THURSDAY06:00 - 22:00

FRIDAY06:00 - 22:00

SATURDAY06:00 - 22:00

SUNDAY06:00 - 22:00

Pricing
Free

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