El Retiro Park, Madrid
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El Retiro Park - by Javier Martinez on Unsplash
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
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