Madrid, Spain – Parks & Outdoor Landmarks
Getting a little winter cabin fever? Explore these gorgeous Madrid parks and outdoor landmarks with our Spanish locals. You’ll practically feel the fresh Spanish air!
Madrid River
Madrid Río is a huge recreational and cultural enclave by the Manzanares River in Madrid. It’s perfect place for children and adults, with playgrounds, cultural spaces, exhibitions, concerts, and more! Madrid Río was one of the first parks I knew in Madrid—it’s fun to go with large groups of friends and spend the day there, eating, walking, and enjoying beautiful views of the river.
Royal Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Madrid was founded next to the Manzanares in 1755, and was later moved to its current location next to the old Museum of Natural Sciences. The garden currently has more than 5,000 different species of plants and trees, a pond, two greenhouses, and activities for everyone. This garden is special to me—it was the first botanical garden I went to when I was very little and I was amazed by the variety of flora. I highly recommend visiting this magical place.
Retiro
El Retiro Park is a large green area in the center of Madrid. It’s not only one of the lungs of Madrid, it also offers culture, leisure and sports to residents and visitors. There’s the Big Pond, which offers activities such as rowing boats and canoeing. There’s also Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace, both currently used as exhibition halls of the Reina Sofía Museum. El Retiro Park is a place where I can go to disconnect every day—it’s very close to home and it feels like having my own garden.
Oeste
A hidden gem where locals come to unwind. This 100 hectare green space is located between the A Coruña highway, the University City, and the Moncloa area in Madrid. The space is home to unique places like the Cable Car, the Ceramic School, and the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. At the southern end is the Ramón Ortiz Rosaleda, a stunning rose garden. I walked through this park every day when I lived in that area. I took my dog on runs and playdates with other dogs. It’s the perfect park to take a walk or play sports.