EspañolWith the arrival of good weather, one of the best options for this spring is to visit and experience Retiro Park — and, as you’d expect, in this article we’ll help you not miss a single detail of this iconic Madrid park and discover where to have a picnic in El Retiro.
One of the best entrances to the park, without a doubt, is through the Puerta de Felipe IV, which gives you access to the impressive Parterre Garden, home to the centuries-old Ahuehuete, the oldest tree in all of El Retiro. Don’t miss the chance to take one of the most beautiful photos in the city right here.
You also can’t miss walking the paths of the recently restored and reopened Artificial Mountain, located at the entrance where O’Donnell meets Calle de Menéndez Pelayo. Inside, the mountain features a vaulted, circular space with an opening at the top, from which four vaulted galleries branch out and run through the entire interior of the artificial hill.
Very close by, you’ll come across the archway of the Church of San Pelayo and San Isidoro, which dates back to the 11th century, and the iconic Casita del Pescador (Fisherman’s Cottage), built on the whim of Ferdinand VII so he could fish in El Retiro.
One of the most curious things about exploring El Retiro is noticing the sheer number of fountains and statues. From the great figures of Spanish history — represented, for example, along the Entrada de España promenade — to one of the few depictions of the Fallen Angel, which is said to stand exactly 666 metres above sea level. Beyond these, the park is full of notable historical figures you’ll discover as you wander through it.
If you keep going along the Paseo de Fernán Núñez, you’ll find one of the most beautiful and romantic areas of the park. On one side, the French Orchard, full of almond trees and crowned by its large Ferris wheel, painting an incredible landscape when the trees are in bloom. On the other, the famous Rosaleda de Cecilio Rodríguez (Rose Garden), an idyllic place to lose yourself among its paths.
Without a doubt, two areas preside over the Park as its most iconic. The first is, of course, the Grand Lake, with the imposing monument to Alfonso XII on one side — which you can visit by boat, the main attraction of the area.
The second, beyond question, is the Crystal Palace and its pond, where you’ll find events and exhibitions — and one of the best spots to have a Picnic, a perfect plan for both groups and couples during the capital’s sunny season. Although the possibilities for a picnic in El Retiro are endless, here’s an article to help you choose the perfect spot.
On top of all this, don’t miss a visit to the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens and a stroll alongside the peacocks and ducks. Just remember the opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We also have to give a special mention to iconic buildings such as the Casa de Vacas, the Velázquez Palace, the Bandstand at Plaza del Maestro de la Villa, and the Public Library of the Casa de las Fieras, where you might be lucky enough to catch activities and exhibitions. At this last one, you can also see what remains of the old zoo.
As the icing on the cake, it’s worth mentioning all the dining spots, with a special nod to Florida Park, where you can enjoy your favourite drinks and round off a perfect visit to El Retiro.
As you can see, it’s well worth getting lost in this corner of Madrid. Discovering every nook and enjoying everything it has to offer is the perfect way to experience the Capital.
