Parks, Gardens, etc.

Live Madrid’s parks and gardens. They come in all shapes and forms: historical, modern, secluded, immense, some that are good for picnics, some that are good for sports…

Here is a selection of the parks and gardens in Madrid, both the famous ones and the best-kept secrets, that ought to be visited. These are indeed the best spots to take a walk, to rest or breath some fresh air in the city.  More information

Casa de Campo
Parque Casa de Campo (Metro: Lago / Casa de Campo)
Covering an area of 1,800 hectares, this is the most important open green space in Madrid.  Oroginally created as a hunting ground in 1560 by King Felipe II, it was opened to the public in 1931 and is a fovorite place for the city's residents to go and relax.  Visitors can arrive by cable car, take a trip on the lake and enjoy one of the best views out over the city.  A theme park and a Zoo can also be found here.

Crystal Palace de la Arganzuela
Paseo de la Chopera, 10 (Metro: Legazpi)
It is 8,400 square meters and gives visitors the feeling of being in a huge greenhouse.
Sat., Sun. & Holiday: 11am-9pm / Closed Mon.
Tel. 915-886-137

El Capricho
Alameda de Osuna (Metro: Canillejas / Campo de las Naciones)
With its romantic atmosphere and French flavor, this 18th century garden is one of Madrid's hidden trasures.  Its Baroque layout includes a number of squares and fountains and offers the visitor a number of unexpected delights.

Estufa Fria / Green House
Plants from the Madrid area coexist in this beautiful habitat. "Umbraculum, medicinal and ornamental plants, etc., with different on-going and temporary exhibitions.
Tues. - Sun.: 10am-2pm & 5pm-9pm
Tel. 917-210-079

Greenhouse in Atocha Station
Glorieta de Atocha, S/N (Metro: Atocha Renfe)
One of the most pleasing areas in the city, where travelers and passers-by meet, which could be the ideal resting place after doing the ART WALK.

Jardines del Campo del Moro (Palacio Real)
Paseo Virgen del Puerto (Metro: Principe Pio)
These romantic gardens surrounding the Royal Palace were designed in the English landscape style and feature two ornamental fountains, Los Tritones (The Newts) and Las Conchas (The Shells).  Broad avenues lead to the western facade of the Palace.

Jardines del Descubrimento
Plaza de Colon, s/n (Metro: Serrano / Colon)

Jardines de Sabatini
Bailen, (Metro: Opera)
Geometrically laid out, the priveleged location of these gardens offers visitors a magnificent view of the neighboring Royal Palace.  They get their name from the Italian architect who designed them and occupy the area originally intended for the Palace stables.

Juan Carlos I Park
Glorieta de Don Juan de Borbon, S/N (Metro: Campo de las Naciones)
Activities in the park: Train journey and trip alongthe river in a catamaran. Tuesday to Friday in the evening. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in the morning and afternoon. Visitors can also fly kites, use remote-control boats on the river, and go fishing.

Parque de Berlin
Plaza Virgen de Guadalupe, s/n (Metro: Concha Espina)

Parque de la Dehesa de la Villa
Carretera de la Dehesa de la Villa (Metro: Moncloa / Ciudad Universitaria)

Parque de la Fuente del Berro
Enrique D'Almonte, s/n (Metro: O'Dollell / Manuel Becerra)

Parque del Oeste / West Park
Paseo del Pintor Rosales, S/N (Metro: Moncloa / Arguelles)
English landscape style garden, designed by Cecilio Rodriguez at the start of the 20th century.

Retiro Park
Metro: Retiro / Ibiza
The park was originally the garden of the Buen Retiro Palace, which belonged to Philip IV and was completed in 1635. It is the city's most important historical, artistic park and is especially lively on Sunday mornings.
Oct. - May: 6am-10pm

Royal Botanical Gardens
Pl. de Murillo, 2 (Metro: Atocha)
This garden forms part of the historical site of Madrid of the Bourbons, and is an example of the monarchy at the time of the Enlightenment.
10am-Sunset
Tel. 914-203-017