Curator’s statement
Retiro Park is a peaceful retreat in the center of the vibrant city of Madrid. When I studied and lived in Madrid in 2012, catching the sunset in Retiro Park was a ritual for me and my friends. It encapsulates the Spanish mentality of “no pasa nada” (no worries), as you soak in the beauty of the city and let go of the stress of the day. Beyond the sunset, Retiro Park has so much to offer, and it’s a must-see when visiting Madrid.
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Where to stay in Retiro Park, Madrid
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Things to do in Retiro Park, Madrid
Watch the Sunset: Grab some snacks, and sit on the main steps overlooking the pond to take in the beautiful sunset.
Boat Rides: For a relaxing activity, rent a rowboat at the pond at Retiro Park.
Prado Museum: Just to the west of Retiro Park, the Museo Nacional de Prado is the main Spanish national art museum. It is home to thousands of drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures.
Glass Palace: Originally built as a greenhouse, the Palacio de Cristal is a beautiful site in Retiro Park that hosts art exhibitions changing throughout the year.
Palacio de Valazguez: This exhibition hall is inside Retiro Park, a short walk from the pond.
Run/Walk: Retiro Park is the perfect place to take a long run, or enjoy a nice walk. The periphery of the park has wide paths filled with locals and visitors enjoying the open space.
Royal Botanical Gardens: These beautiful gardens connect to the southwest portion of Retiro Park. Take a stroll through the gardens to view over 5,000 different plant species.
Shopping on Gran Via: Before or after enjoying the serenity of the park, you can walk about 10 minutes to visit one of Madrid’s main shopping districts.
Places to eat & drink in Retiro Park, Madrid
Elegant Meals
Deesa (Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid): This signature restaurant is a 5-minute walk west of Retiro Park. Dine in the beautifully decorated Alfonso XIII room, or the terrace overlooking the Ritz Garden.
Castelados: Just on the northeast corner of Retiro Park, Castelados serves seasonal Spanish cuisine.
El Perro y la Galleta: The perfect spot for traditional Spanish food, like Tortilla Espanola. Located right above Retiro Park.
El Velazquez 17: A 5-minute walk north of Retiro Park, this bistro- style restaurant offers Spanish-Venezuelan cuisine.
Light Fare
Park Food Stands: Inside Retiro Park, there are plenty of food stands, serving everything from snacks, sandwiches, espresso, and more.
100 Montaditos (C. de Navaez 49): This sandwich shop is a 5-minute walk from Retiro Park, in the Ibiza neighborhood. It’s the perfect spot for a snack or a light meal with sandwiches, beer, and tinto de verano.
Harina Alfonso XII: Just on the outside of Retiro Park, Harina offers pastries, coffee, salads, and light fare.
Arugula: Known for its salads and poke bowls, this counter-service restaurant is a healthy option right above Retiro Park.
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Megan Freedman
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Madrid. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Taylor Grager's guide, Family-Friendly Spain: Exploring Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.