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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
El Retiro Park comes alive in a unique 3-hour guided tour that unveils its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the historic Puerta Felipe IV and the Crystal Palace while learning captivating stories about royal commissions and hidden secrets. Wander through picturesque plazas, admire ancient trees, and discover lesser known corners of this Madrid gem, perfect for history lovers and photography enthusiasts.
This immersive experience reveals the beauty, history, and hidden treasures of El Retiro Park like never before.
- 3 hour guided exploration of El Retiro Park's highlights
- Expert Tour guide
- Discover iconic landmarks and hidden secrets with an expert guide
- Ideal for history buffs and photography fans
- Stroll through serene green spaces and picturesque plazas
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point will be at the Monument to María Cristina de Borbón, C. de Felipe IV, 6, Retiro, 28014 Madrid. Please provide a valid phone number, as the guide will contact you the night before.
The tour concludes at the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, where your guide will share insider tips on the best places to eat and drink in Madrid.
Itinerary
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1Puerta de Felipe IV
One of the original gates of the gardens, dating back to the 1600s. It has been relocated as the park evolved and its size has changed. Provides access to the French style gardens of El Retiro.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Plaza Parterre
Home to one of the park’s most famous trees, the “Ahuehuete” or bald cypress, considered one of the oldest trees in the park and possibly in Madrid.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Fuente de la Alcachofa Madrid
Dates back to the 1700s and was part of Madrid’s urban renovation under Charles III, designed by renowned architect Ventura Rodríguez.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Fuente de los Galápagos
Created to commemorate the birth of Queen Isabella II. Has been in El Retiro since the mid-1800s.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Puerta del Real Jardin Botanico
Considered the main entrance to the park as it leads directly to the iconic Puerta de Alcalá, the most famous of Madrid’s original gates.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Fuente de las Cuatro Gracias
Dating from the 1800s, it combines the three Greco-Roman graces with a fourth.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas
Originally the center for milking cows, as underground water fountains are nearby.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Puerta de Madrid
Built in 1900, providing access to Paseo de O'Donnell.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Montaña Artificial
Now serves as a photography center and lookout point towards the Casita del Pescador.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Casita del Pescador
Part of the private collection of buildings built by Ferdinand VII in the 1800s.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Monumento to Martínez Campos
Statue of a key 19th-century Spanish military figure.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12Monument to Alfonso XII
Erected in 1885 in honor of the premature death of King Alfonso XII.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios
Located where the “Casa de las Fieras” once stood, including the original enclosure.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14Pabellon de los Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez
Features the “long ponds”: four rectangular water basins in a geometric style with fountains and boxwood hedges along a central axis.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15Fountain of the Fallen Angel
Awarded the First-Class Medal at the National Fine Arts Exhibition in Madrid in 1878.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16Bosque del Recuerdo
A small park within the park, dedicated to the victims of the March 11, 2004, Madrid attacks.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
17Palacio De Cristal
Built in 1887 for the Philippine Islands Exhibition, originally serving as a monumental greenhouse, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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