Buen Retiro Palace (Spanish: Palacio del Buen Retiro) in Madrid was a large palace complex designed by the architect Alonso Carbonell (c. 1590–1660) and built on the orders of Philip IV of Spain as a secondary residence and place of recreation (hence its name). It was built in what was then the eastern limits of the city of Madrid. Today, what little remains of its buildings and gardens forms the Retiro Park.
Philip IV used to stay occasionally in some rooms annexed to the monastery of San Jerónimo el Real (close to the current location of the Prado Museum, which received the name of the Royal Quarters. The reason for these frequent visits could be that the so-called Planet King particularly enjoyed walking in the attached farm, property of the Count-Duke of Olivares, his royal favourite and minister.
Christine Dyer | May 1, 2018
Omg I could spend the whole day here! An absolutely stunning, beautiful park! It is massive which is so nice to see in a thriving city. There’s a huge pond where you can hire row boats, you can sit on one of the many benches and listen to some locals play music and dance or you can find a quiet spot to lie on the grass and read or have a picnic. I also loved watching the police on the horses. It’s a really lovely park definitely a must see when in Madrid
Venus Ho | Jun 2, 2018
Such a beautiful wonderful park! Lots of nooks and crannies to explore, I felt like I could stay there all day and not still not see enough. It's lovely to just have a drink or quick bite near the pond, on the grass, where there's a spot of live performance. There's an area dotted with book stalls all along the path. There's playgrounds, historical structures and statues dotted everywhere. Really really lovely.
Melissa Ryan | Jun 21, 2018
Massive park, with lots to see. You can rent a boat to paddle around the lake for 6 euro for 45 minutes. Which I'd highly recommend. Theres a large house made of glass, which was used as a greenhouse in the past, it now displays some glass art work. There's a pond just outside of this with turtles. There are bathroom facilities to be found in most places. Some of the restaurant facilities are pricey but there is one very good value place, keep an eye out for this.
Ivan Theodoulou | Apr 14, 2018
A vast public park with trees, statues, fountains, and plenty of flat areas to stroll or cycle. There is a large lake with rowboats for hire, small and medium sized refreshment kiosks and public toilets. Lacking somewhat is information about the statues or monuments in English/other. I know this info can be easily found on the Internet but sometimes it's preferable to learn as you land (i.e. at a point of interest). But don't let this minor point put you off visiting. It's great to explore and there were many trees in bloom and the park is well cared for. Well worth a visit if you want a relaxing and pleasant stroll amidst greenery in the centre of Madrid. There were a few hawkers of tat, and we saw various performing artists. We also saw police and park patrols.
Beɳ Pesso | Jun 12, 2018
Very lovely park with lots of different areas of attraction, like the Rose garden, and different fountains and statues. There's also the historic remnants of the park's zoo, which is located near the public library (which is of its self a beautiful building.) Oh, and there's also a lake (pond) that you can rent row boats to row in.
Mandy F | Jul 18, 2018
Parque del Buen Retiro is literally one of the most beautiful parks I visited. The people here are so chill. I spend one whole night just laying in the grass and listening to some music the locals made! The glass palace is nice but nothing to special. You can rent a small boat and tow on the lake in the middle of the park. Definitely worth visiting!
Durlabh Deshpande | Jul 24, 2018
Fantastic Park!!! Right in the middle of town... very pleasing atmosphere inside.. nicely maintained.. kid friendly... nice artificial lake in the middle of park for boating... you would find plenty of joggers and walkers around.. nice place to see sunset.. look for crystal palace in the middle of the park.. come here to get away from hustle of the town for fresh air..
Jeremy Brazas | Jul 17, 2018
One of the best parks in Europe, sprawling with places to sit and paths to stroll. This is a great place to go for a run, walk around and take in the immaculate landscaping, or to sit/picnic/people watch. The prices at the cafes near the central pond are high but not exorbitant.
James Watson | Jul 24, 2018
Wonderful and majestic place. Brilliant to walk around on a evening when it's a bit cooler. Wasn't able to go on the boat due to my personal time restrictions but will definitely make sure to go on them when I return!
Samih Amori | Jul 27, 2018
I highly reccomend renting a bike. This place is absolutely amazing! It is so big. U need a few hours to ride around and see all the beautiful things they have. And bring plenty of water and snacks with u or u could purchase from there. But u will need it!
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Washington, D.C.
Cheap travel packages from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Cheap travel packages from Andrews Air Force Base (ADW)
Cheap travel packages from Baltimore/Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshal (BWI)
Cheap travel packages from Richmond Intl. (RIC)
Cheap travel packages from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
Cheap travel packages from Newport News Williamsburg Intl. (PHF)
Cheap travel packages from Norfolk Intl. (ORF)
Cheap travel packages from Roanoke Regional Woodrum Field (ROA)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway