Once royal gardens, this vast 350-acre park is Madrid's green heart, with a boating lake, shaded paths, cafés, and exhibition halls—perfect for strolling, rowing, or simply lolling about for hours.
“Originally a playground for the Spanish monarchs and their guests, this park extends over 140 hectares (350 acres).”
– Frommer'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
Lonely Planet
"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
"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
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
The Telegraph
"Originally the gardens of a royal palace, the Retiro is now Madrid’s main park, with a boating lake, cafés and exhibition venues." Full review
Afar Magazine
"The biggest park in the Spanish capital, Retiro is a great destination where you could spend the better part of your day." Full review
Independent
"Madrid’s sprawling, elegantly faded green space, Parque de El Retiro, hugs the main avenue that leads to the city’s two biggest art museums as well as the main city station, Atocha."
"The blooming of pink almond blossoms from February to early March ushers in the season, and visitors who don't mind the nip in the air can enjoy Parque del Buen Retiro's almond orchard"
"Madrid's Retiro district is named after the Parque del Buen Retiro, a leafy, elegant 291-acre park once reserved for Spanish royalty. Today, all comers enjoy its formal gardens,..."
""El Retiro" is Madrid's most famous park, and if you have limited time to explore the cital, this sprawling green landmark is not one to be missed. This expansive, 118-hectare (290 acre)..."
Experts' Choice Award 
Fodor's
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
The Telegraph
Afar Magazine
Independent
