Discover magnificent green spaces in Madrid

Parks and botanical gardens

Buen Retiro park – This popular park was developed by King Philip IV around 1561. Visitors can take rented rowing boats out on a large lake in the centre of the park.
Casa de Campo – This former hunting estate is the city’s largest park, spanning more than 1750 hectares. Highlights include boating on the lake and strolling around the hills.
Parque del Cerro del Tío Pio – This hilly, green area is well loved for the fantastic views it affords of the city. Make sure to bring a camera for plenty of photo opportunities and stay to catch the sunset.
Quinta de la Fuente del Berro – This historical garden was originally used to supply drinking water to the Royal Palace. Established in the 17th century, it can be reached from O'Donnell station on Line 6 of the Madrid Metro.

Sabatini Gardens – Named after the architect and located outside the Royal Palace, this immaculate park is one of the most unique green spaces in Madrid. It features neatly trimmed hedges designed in symmetrical geometric shapes.
Royal Botanical Gardens – Designed by the same architect responsible for the majestic Prado museum, this garden houses more than 30,000 plant species across three large greenhouses. Stroll around the garden before visiting the Prado just next door.
Campo del Moro – Located west of the Royal Gardens and translating as the "Park of the Moors", this pretty, green space is perfect for spending an afternoon among violet blooms.
Parque Juan Carlos I – This large municipal park contains numerous sculptures and represents Spain's Jewish, Christian and Arab cultures. It makes a perfect family day out, with activities such as bike rides and rollerblading on hand.
El Huerto de Las Monjas – Once a vegetable garden for the nuns of a local convent, this is one of many unique green spaces in Madrid. The garden was unharmed after the surrounding buildings were demolished in 1972.

Plazas, palaces and more to enjoy

Jardín del Principe de Anglona – This secluded garden in the Plaza de la Paja was established in the 19th century. An iron gazebo and small stone fountain stand alongside rose gardens and shady trees.
La Quinta de los Molinos – Visit during spring when the almond trees are in bloom and you’ll discover one of the best green spaces in Madrid. 21.5 acres of land contain eucalyptus trees, olive groves, tall pine trees and a lake.
Palacio de Cristal – Constructed in 1887 to exhibit items from the discovery of the Philippine Islands, this glass building is now an art and exhibit space affiliated with the Reina Sofia Museum.

Parque del Capricho – This park in the Parajas district covers 14 hectares of flowing rivers, wooded slopes, lakes and tall columns. Although it is designed in a traditional English style, Marie Antoinette’s French gardener is said to have been involved as head-architect.
Parque del Oeste Rose Garden – Need to take your date to a charming, romantic spot? Here, you can stroll in serenity around 30,000 m2 of green gardens. 500 types of roses sit among fountains and other flowers first planted in 1956. Admission is free and it is open year-round.
Palacio del Marques de Salamanca en Vista Alegre – Once a holiday home of Maria Christina de Borbon, many of Madrid’s royals used the space to relax in the summer during the early 19th century.

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