El Retiro Park Tours

El Retiro Park which includes a park
El Retiro Park showing picnicing and a park
El Retiro Park showing a fountain and a garden as well as an individual femail
El Retiro Park showing heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and boating
El Retiro Park which includes music and street performance as well as a small group of people


Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favorite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city center. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas. Wander among the trees and flowerbeds there are both landscaped gardens as well as wilder, more natural areas. Walk through the Rosaleda del Retiro to see a colorful display of roses. The Forest of Remembrance is dedicated to the victims of the 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. Stroll down the Paseo de la Argentina to see statues once inside the Royal Palace or head over to the Retiro Pond to gaze up at the monument to King Alfonso XII. The semi-circular colonnade is surrounded by allegorical statues with the king mounted on horseback in the center. Keep exploring the park to find more statues, gardens and fountains. Rent out a boat to paddle around the pond and then move on to the neoclassical Palacio de Velázquez or the Palacio de Cristal for an art exhibition. Walk through a garden of trimmed hedges up to the Casón del Buen Retiro, one of the only remaining buildings from the 17th-century palace that stood in the park. It was once a ballroom but today houses the Prado Museum’s study center.El Retiro is in central Madrid, only a short walk from the Paseo del Prado and the Plaza de Cibeles. The main entrance is right next to the Puerta de Alcalá, but the park is also accessible from the Retiro, Principe de Vergara, Ibiza and Atocha metro stations. The park is open daily, hours vary according to the season, so check ahead before your visit.

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Hotel Attica21 Las Rozas
Hostal Met Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

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Best Lodging Options Near El Retiro Park

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

4.5 out of 5
Ronda de Atocha 17, Madrid
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Only YOU Hotel Atocha

Only YOU Hotel Atocha

4 out of 5
Paseo Infanta Isabel 13, Atocha, Madrid
Only YOU Hotel Atocha
Novotel Madrid Center

Novotel Madrid Center

4 out of 5
O'donnell 53, Madrid, Madrid
Novotel Madrid Center
Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Latroupe Prado

Latroupe Prado

3 out of 5
Paseo de las Delicias 1, Madrid
Latroupe Prado
Agumar Hotel

Agumar Hotel

4 out of 5
Paseo Reina Cristina 7, Madrid, Madrid
Agumar Hotel
Hostel 165

Hostel 165

2 out of 5
C. del Dr. Esquerdo 165, Madrid, Madrid
Hostel 165
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park offers a variety of enjoyable activities for visitors, including birdwatching, stunning sunsets, and boating on the tranquil lake. It's a perfect holiday park for relaxation and recreation. Be sure to explore the park's beautiful gardens and sculptures while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Recommendations for a memorable experience include leisurely strolls and picnics among the lush greenery.

Food and drinks

Enjoy a delightful meal at Sobrino de Botin, located a mile away from El Retiro Park. This charming restaurant offers fine dining with a romantic atmosphere, perfect for savoring traditional tapas and gluten-free options while soaking in the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near El Retiro Park, visit the vibrant San Miguel Market and El Corte Inglés, both just 1 mile away. If you're up for a drive, check out the Arturo Soria Plaza Shopping Center, located 3 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment and city vibes.

Recreation

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a lively sports venue, offers an energetic atmosphere just 3 miles from El Retiro Park. For a peaceful retreat, visit Casa de Campo, a sprawling recreation park 4 miles away, perfect for relaxation. Centro Deportivo Municipal la Elipa, located 1 mile away, provides excellent wellness and leisure activities.

Adventure

Experience thrilling motorsports at Jarama Circuit, located 15 miles from El Retiro Park, where adrenaline meets speed. Alternatively, test your racing skills at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, 13 miles away, or enjoy skiing at Madrid SnowZone, also 15 miles away, for an exciting winter sports adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near El Retiro Park at the Lope de Vega Theatre for a romantic show, try your luck at Casino Gran Via for an exciting evening, or dance the night away at Joy Madrid, a lively nightclub filled with entertainment and city vibes.

Find the best attractions near El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park in Madrid offers a delightful mix of cultural and family-friendly attractions, including beautiful squares, historic churches, and impressive monuments. While exploring the park, be sure to visit nearby highlights such as the majestic Madrid Royal Palace, the bustling Plaza Madrid, and the renowned Prado Museum. This vibrant area is perfect for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich culture and charm of the city.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant energy of Madrid along Gran Via, a bustling street known for its impressive architecture, shopping, and nightlife. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere.
  • Puerta del Sol: As the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is a lively square rich in culture and history. Here, you can admire iconic landmarks, enjoy street performances, and savor local cuisine at nearby cafes.
  • Prado Museum: Just a short walk from El Retiro Park, the Prado Museum is a cultural treasure trove featuring masterpieces by Spanish and European artists. It's a must-visit for art lovers seeking to immerse themselves in classic works.

Best time to go to El Retiro Park

Visitor numbers around El Retiro Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit El Retiro Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around El Retiro Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around El Retiro Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for El Retiro Park

To save money on your visit to El Retiro Park, take advantage of the free entry to the park and nearby attractions like Gran Via and Plaza Mayor. Plan your trip during the cheaper months of January, February, or November for lower hotel prices, and book about a month in advance. Consider last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, combine your hotel, flight, and activities for better rates, and remember that walking is the most economical way to explore the park and its surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around El Retiro Park are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around El Retiro Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of hotel. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at El Retiro Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.