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Parque del Retiro vs Palacio Real de El Pardo

Retiro Park and Palacio Real de El Pardo are both recommended by writers. On balance, Retiro Park scores slightly better than Palacio Real de El Pardo. Retiro Park is ranked #6 in Madrid with endorsements from 6 sources like Fodor's, The Telegraph and Lonely Planet.

Parque del Retiro
Parque del Retiro
8 / 10
Between C. Alfonso XII and Avenida de Menendez Pelayo, Madrid
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Madrid's crowning park is a vast expanse of green encompassing formal gardens, fountains, lakes, exhibition halls, children's play areas, outdoor cafés, and a Puppet Theater." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"Originally a playground for the Spanish monarchs and their guests, this park extends over 140 hectares (350 acres)." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"One of the few vestiges of the 17th-century Palacio del Buen Retiro, this somewhat austere building overlooking the Parque del Buen Retiro is run as an academic library." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Madrid’s answer to New York’s Central Park is a warren of paths carved in green with a large, central man-made lake and plenty of space (330 acres) for lolling about." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"A green space where... you can row on the (artificial) lake under the indifferent gaze of King Alfonso XI, or join the locals running along the pathways." Full review
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Palacio Real de El Pardo
Palacio Real de El Pardo
8 / 10
C/ Manuel Alonso s/n, El Pardo, 28048 Madrid
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"The Royal Palace awes visitors with its sheer size and monumental presence that unmistakably stands out against the city's silhouetted background." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"An Italianate baroque colossus with some 2800 rooms, of which around 50 are open to the public." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Located on the site of a ninth-century Moorish fortress, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"The palace where General Franco lived and performed his duties as head of state for 35 years (till his death in Nov 1975)." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"In addition to its main role today as a diplomatic rendezvous, the palace is partially open to the public and there are tours of its ornate and gaudy interior with its ornamental frescoes." Full review
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