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Places to have a picnic in Madrid
If we head to the great El Retiro park, in the centre of Madrid, we’ll find spots that are perfect for enjoying a wonderful picnic day in El Retiro with your partner, family or friends. This park, also known as the Buen Retiro, was built in the first half of the 17th century. This beautiful park belonged to the Count-Duke of Olivares, who allowed Philip IV to use it for his personal enjoyment, and it wasn’t until 1767 that it became a public urban park thanks to Charles III.
Which are the perfect spots for a picnic in El Retiro?
It’s a 118-hectare space home to a range of architectural, landscape and sculptural landmarks, such as the Crystal Palace, the Alcachofa Fountain, or the chapel of San Pelayo and San Isidoro, among others. Our favourite spots for a picnic in El Retiro are:
1. The Crystal Palace
A piece of Victorian architecture built with metal and glass, with an artificial lake at its feet and known for the tree growing inside it.
It’s a perfect place, full of incredible exhibitions you can see before working up an appetite, and then relax with a good wine or appetiser sitting on the open area next to the imposing architecture.
After your picnic by the Crystal Palace, take the chance to get a photo at the El Retiro Pond, right in front. The reflection of the building on the water, surrounded by greenery, is the ideal backdrop for capturing a unique moment of your visit to Madrid.
2. The Grand Lake
One of the most popular spots in El Retiro, with a gorgeous green lawn where you can lay down your blanket and enjoy a picnic with views of the lake. And if you fancy it afterwards, you can take a ride in the famous little boats available at the jetty. Without a doubt, one of our favourite spots for a picnic.
After enjoying the picnic by the Grand Lake, don’t miss the Paseo de las Estatuas (Statue Walk), a unique path through the heart of El Retiro, Madrid, where you can see monarchs and historical figures along the route. Don’t forget to take a photo!
3. Entering through the Puerta de la Independencia
Probably the most famous and beautiful entrance to the Buen Retiro Gardens. On a grassy area, you can raise a toast with your loved ones while admiring the grand Puerta de Alcalá or a beautiful blue sky, breathing in the park’s fresh air. Afterwards, you can always take the chance to check out the great food scene around the Puerta de Alcalá area.
And to round off the experience, just 5 minutes away is La Rosaleda del Buen Retiro (the Rose Garden), a little paradise with more than 4,000 rose bushes in bloom. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the scenery and capture photos with a colourful, romantic backdrop.
4. The Casita del Pescador
Why not sit and enjoy any given day between the Casita del Pescador (Fisherman’s Cottage) and the Artificial Mountain? Enjoying a good day with the sound of the mountain’s small pond in the background can become a lovely memory — one you’ll surely want to repeat. For us, it’s one of our favourite spots in El Retiro, since it isn’t as crowded as the others and you can be more comfortable. But… to each their own!
At Picnic Madrid we’re at your service to set up a beautiful picnic wherever and whenever you want. We have three different types of picnic to suit whatever you need.
Here are the three different types of picnic, perfect for every occasion you might need:
- Gourmet — enjoy the finest Spanish cured meats.
- Classic — taste the most typical Spanish products.
- Romantic — the perfect picnic in Madrid for couples in love.
If a picnic in El Retiro isn’t quite for you, there are plenty more locations to choose from, such as the Temple of Debod, Madrid Río, the Juan Carlos I park or the Cerro del Tío Pío. Here are all our locations.
We’re also specialists in LARGE GROUPS, of up to 200 people.
If you have any questions about having a picnic in El Retiro, ask us or write to our email. For more information, visit our website. Don’t hesitate to enjoy an amazing day thanks to Picnic Madrid!
