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Best Parks in Madrid
Timings, Things to do, Tips & More

The capital of Spain is one of the oldest towns in western civilization and the second-largest metropolis in all of Europe. It serves as Spain's political, economic, and cultural hub and is regarded as one of the world's major cities and a financial hub. The city has maintained its historical sites, such as the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles Palace and Fountain, despite having a contemporary infrastructure. However, that is not all. the parks in Madrid have abundant green spaces that are perfect to spend a leisurely day at. Read on to find out about the best parks in Madrid.

Best Parks in Madrid

Madrid is home to more than 6000 hectares of green space, or around 18 square meters of public parks, for every city resident. Explore some of the best parks in Madrid to make the most of your vacation.

Parks in Madrid - Parque del Buen Retiro

1. Parque del Buen Retiro

Garden | Sightseeing

The most well-known park in Madrid is called "El Retiro," and if you only have a short amount of time to spend in the city, you should not skip this expansive piece of greenery. This vast, 118-hectare park was formerly only accessible to Spanish aristocracy and monarchy before it was formally opened to the general public at the end of the 19th century.

Timing: Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM to 2 PM, Mondays to Fridays 6 PM to 9 PM

Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Meditation, walking, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, and October

Entry: Free

Handy Tip: There are numerous sites to see within the park grounds, in addition to elaborate fountains, monuments of Spanish writers and heroes, gazebos, and outdoor dining establishments.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Menéndez Pelayo - Menorca bus stop

Parks in Madrid - El Real Jardín Botánico

2. El Real Jardín Botánico

Garden | Sightseeing

Thanks to King Ferdinand VI, the garden has been open since 1755. It consists of five greenhouses filled with non-endemic plants for the hot Mediterranean climate and seven outdoor areas. There are over 90,000 plants and 1,500 trees in the park, as well as a library intended to inform visitors about the collection.

Timing: Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Fridays to Sundays from 10 AM to 9 PM

Location: Plaza de Murillo, 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Meditation, walking, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, and October

Entry: from €4

Handy Tip: Although the grounds are open all year round, spring is one of the best times to visit Madrid's stunning botanical garden, which is bursting with endless rows of blooming tulips, lilies, and roses in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Prado - Atocha bus stop

3. Parque de El Capricho

Garden | Park

The Duchess of Osuna and her royal acquaintances and family once vacationed in the Parque de El Capricho in the late 18th century. You might come across Greek columns and ruins or a little house called the Casa de la Vieja, which looks like it belongs in a fairytale and has tiny windows and doors appropriate for elves as well as a tilted roof and sandstone construction.

Timing: Saturday and Sundays 9 AM to 9 PM

Location: P.º de la Alameda de Osuna, 25, 28042 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Walking, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, and October

Entry: Free

Handy Tip: A narrow lake that winds through the park is populated by black swans. There are a variety of intriguing sights across the park so go ahead and explore it.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Parque Del Capricho bus stop

4. Jardines de Sabatini

Garden | Sightseeing

The Sabatini Gardens are a visual feast of well-trimmed hedges formed into geometric mazes, pools, cypress trees, marble sculptures, and fountains, all properly arranged in the Neoclassical style, and they are located at the north façade of the Royal Palace. King Juan Carlos I opened this park to the public for the first time in 1978.

Timing: Daily 9 AM to 10 PM

Location: C. de Bailén, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Walking, picnic, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: June, July, and August

Entry: Free

Handy Tip: The Sabatini Gardens are best visited at night because it is one of the greatest times to view the Casa de Campo sunset, which is topped by the luminous Palace walls.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Jardines De Sabatini bus stop

5. Campo del Moro

Garden | Sightseeing

With Queen Maria Cristina as the reigning monarch at the time, who was inspired by the relationship between Romanticism and nature, this green space was first developed in the 19th century. You might even run into some amiable peacocks wandering the area of Campo del Moro.

Timing: Daily 10 AM to 10 PM

Location: P.º de la Virgen del Puerto, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Walking, picnic, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: April, May, June, September, and October

Entry: Free

Handy Tip: Unkempt flora and hidden caverns among prickly rose bushes are covered in tree canopies, providing an intriguing contrast to the neighboring immaculately mowed lawns and making this park ideally suited for photography.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Príncipe Pío - Campo Del Moro bus stop

6. Parque del Oeste

Garden | Horticulture

The bustling Moncloa station just beyond its boundaries contrasts sharply with this 100-hectare natural retreat. In the middle of poplar woods, ginkgo trees, and an old cedar tree known as "El Abuelo," Parque del Oeste is ideal for leisurely strolls and bird watching.

Timing: Open all day

Location: P.º de Moret, 2, 28008 Madrid, Spain Find on map

Things to do: Walking, picnic, reading, sightseeing, photography

Best Time to Visit: April, May, June, September, and October

Entry: Free

Handy Tip: This is the Teleferico de Madrid access point that connects to Casa de Campo for breathtaking city views. The Casa de Campo and Madrid below are beautifully seen from the aerial cable ride.

Transport: By Bus: Get down at Pintor Rosales bus stop

Tips for Visiting Parks in Madrid

Make sure to use the public transport network of Madrid to visit the city’s parks to save a fortune on transit costs.
Parque del Buen Retiro and El Real Jardin Botanico are some of the places where you can make a day out of your visit because of the adjoining attractions.
Inquire in advance if the park allows outside food because some gardens and parks have eateries on-site.
To have any time to tour the grounds, arrive at the parks at least an hour before closing.
Bring a book with you if you want to unwind at a park during the day. Madrid's parks and gardens are the ideal locations for reading.
When visiting Madrid in the spring, look up uncommon and less popular parks to visit rather than the more popular ones, which are more likely to be crowded with visitors.
Take advantage of the various parks in Madrid that provide cheap tickets or free admission for young people and the elderly.

Madrid Travel Tips