When you think of the most amazing big cities like Madrid, parks are not the most common things that come to mind. However, Madrid happens to have one of the best and most beautiful parks in the region. Therefore, if you are looking for a quieter, greener space to rest after a long day or just love nature, a variety of parks are drawing your attention! Below are five best parks in Madrid that can quench your spirit of adventure.
Royal Botanical Garden
King Carlos III established this botanical garden in 1774. He commissioned one of the famous Italian architects, Francesco Sabatini, who was responsible for designing part of the Royal Palace and Puerta de Alcalá. Francesco ‘s work remains a hidden gem in different Madrid parks.
The park has three different greenhouses, containing more than 30.000 plant species (each greenhouse has a unique climate). Your trip to Madrid is not complete without seeing these gardens. This botanical garden is strategically located (next to the Prado), making it easy to access after visiting the museum.
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park is a really green oasis in the heart of the city. Not to mention the fact that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside you will find a great gallery of monuments as well as gardens, for example, the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios or the Parterre Francés.
Apart from being a city’s great lung, this park is visited by people who go there for a stroll or go walking or jogging.
This is a park full of history, since it was built between 1630 and 1640 as a part of the Buen Retiro Palace, a project by El Conde Duque de Olivares. Is also near one of the most famous streets in Madrid, “Alcalá street”.
Casa de Campo
It is the largest park in Madrid. Also, it is a garden, lake and mannerist-styled public park. The park is famously known for its cultural and historical entities, including different attractions sites like the zoo within the park. Originally, the park was an extension of the estate owned by King Philip II in the 16th century.
Its natural beauty is felt in every step you take inside the park despite the urban advancement of the facilities. The park is surrounded by different tree species, from oaks and elms to ashes and pines. With the Madrid Pavillion and exhibition spaces, you will always find breathing space in every playful venue.
Parque del Oeste
It is also referred to as a Western Park. It is less populated compared to all the other famous parks in Madrid. Despite the low traffic, this park is a hidden gem with a beautiful rose garden and evergreen trees, among other treasures.
You will get an opportunity of a lifetime in this park since the trees are only found in the Northern part of Europe (they grow proudly, tall and green in this park). The park is located in the city center’s Manzanares West (along the eastern banks).
Also, you can catch the sunset in one of the curious treasures located in the park: the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod, after strolling the rose garden and amidst El Abuelo (an ancient cedar tree).
Jardines de Sabatini
It is technically part of the Royal Palace grounds and formally where the royal stables were. It was named in honor of Sabatini (the Italian architect who made the botanical garden). The park came to be nearly 200 years after his death (it was publicly opened in 1978 by King Juan Carlos).
The park is characterized by symmetrically trimmed hedges, trees, and bushes designed into mazes. Its geometric shapes feature a classic French style. You can see everything in the park while in the western part of Malasaña, a short distance from the center of the city.
Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona
The park is situated in old Madrid. This beautiful garden (belonging to the prince of Anglona) brings back the old times in Spain. It is among the most historical parks in Madrid and was designed and created when Goya lived in Madrid.
The layout and design have not changed since its creation (the adjoining palace owns it). This garden is a perfect place to get off the streets of Madrid. You can enjoy the cool environment while indulging in the serenity of Madrid’s best-kept secrets.
Where to stay in Madrid
Choosing a hotel in Madrid is not easy, especially if you are a visitor. Well, that should not worry you since among the most interesting places to rest, Catalonia El Retiro hotel is one of which are on the top list.
This 4-star hotel is located in the popular Retiro district next to the Méndez Álvaro bus station. The hotel is perfectly connected to Madrid’s city center thanks to metro and bus stops. It only takes 15 minutes to get there and 10 minutes to get to AVE Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station, since it is near Puente Vallecas station.
The rooms are modern, with all necessities for tourism and business trips to Madrid.
The magnificent Retiro Park is less than 3 km away from the hotel, near the well-known Art Triangle. There you can visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofia and Prado museums.
Madrid being the most beautiful city in Spain makes it a must-visit place. The parks in Madrid allow tourists to enjoy a cool, green space without leaving the city. Therefore, whether you want to visit a big park or something modest, you should never miss one of the many parks in the great city of Madrid.
