Parque del Buen Retiro (El Retiro Park) is a 125-hectare former royal garden just east of the Prado Museum in central Madrid, today the city's favourite green retreat and an open-air museum. In 2021 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of 'Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences' (the Landscape of Light). Entry is free, and its grounds are dotted with a grand boating lake, a glass palace and a famous rose garden.
The Grand Pond (Estanque Grande) fronted by the Monument to Alfonso XII, with its sweeping semicircular colonnade - the park's signature view
The Glass Palace (Palacio de Cristal, 1887), a jewel of iron-and-glass architecture, free to enter and used for contemporary-art shows by the Reina Sofía Museum
La Rosaleda, the rose garden with over 4,000 roses at their peak in May and June
Palacio de Velázquez, another free exhibition hall run by the Reina Sofía
The 'Fallen Angel' (Ángel Caído) statue - said to be one of the world's few public monuments to the devil
Rowboat rides on the lake (about 45 minutes, up to 4 people)
Good to know
CautionFake-charity 'petition' scammers are common inside the park - someone asks you to sign a clipboard while an accomplice goes through your pockets or bag. Politely decline petitions and unsolicited help from strangers.
SafetyPickpockets target visitors napping on the lawns or otherwise distracted (the so-called 'picnicker' scam). Don't fall asleep with valuables, wear your bag on your front and keep a hand on it.
SafetyThe city closes the park when high winds risk falling branches; in July 2026 Retiro and five other parks were shut over forecast gusts. If there is an AEMET red/orange wind alert, check whether the park is open before you go.
SafetyStick to busy central promenades and avoid empty corners or very early/late hours, when the quieter areas feel less secure.
RulesIndoor venues such as the Glass Palace and Palacio de Velázquez open later than the park (roughly from 10:00) and hours vary by day and exhibition. Confirm fees, hours and rules just before visiting.
SeasonThe rose garden peaks in May-June, and autumn (Sept-Oct) brings striking foliage. Midday in high summer is very hot with limited shade, so mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable.
Practical info
Metro Retiro (Line 2) is closest; Atocha / Estación del Arte (Line 1) and Ibiza / Príncipe de Vergara (Line 9) also serve the park. Entry is free; the park is open roughly 06:00-24:00 (Apr-Sep) and 06:00-22:00 (Oct-Mar), and rowboats cost about €6-8 for around 45 minutes. Verify all fees and hours before your visit.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
