Retiro is a picturesque neighbourhood in Madrid best known for El Retiro Park, a massive protected green space and one of the most iconic parks in the entire city. Of course, you'll also find stylish buildings and attractions, including historic structures and museums that let you dive into the fascinating past of the city and its thriving arts scene.
Don't hesitate to bring the whole family along on your vacation to Retiro, as there are attractions for all ages to enjoy. Kids and adults alike can find fun in the park's outdoor recreation opportunities like boating, biking and enjoying the walking paths. Of course, the historic sites can delight all ages as well. Most people spend about 3 or 4 hours in this neighbourhood, but there's enough here to last the whole day if you prefer. Some travelers even base their entire Madrid vacation out of this neighbourhood.
Retiro in Madrid - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighborhoods in Madrid (Read all about Madrid here)
What are the highlights of Retiro in Madrid?
The highlight of Retiro is El Retiro Park. Known as the Park of the Pleasant Retreat, or Parque del Buen Retiro, this park stretches an impressive 141 hectares and dates back to 1680. Within the park, you'll find massive water features along with a rose garden and several picturesque sculptures, fountains and buildings. Events like book fairs are often held here, and you'll find puppet shows, museums and walkways for biking and hiking.
Retiro has much to offer, including a range of museums to explore in the park. The Casa de la Moneda Museum, for example, is one of the most important museums of its kind, showcasing the history of money. You can also find the National Museum of Anthropology in the neighbourhood, which is a fascinating ethnographic museum with themed exhibits showing off cultures from around the world.
Where to eat and drink in Retiro in Madrid?
All sorts of restaurants and cafes catering to a wide variety of different tastes are available in Retiro. Gastrobars are particularly popular around the park, letting you grab a drink and a bite to eat. The Ibiza district in this neighbourhood has one of the greatest concentrations of bars and restaurants in the entire city, letting you embark on a culinary tour.
If you're looking for more traditional Spanish food in Retiro, you may want to check out restaurants like La Castela and Laredo, which are both classic staples of the area. Javi Estevez's La Tasqueria is located in the neighbourhood as well, and it has a Michelin star. For travelers looking for vegetarian options, you can dine at Level Veggie Bistro, which offers stunning taste with exclusively vegetarian options.
What else is good to know about Retiro in Madrid?
When you visit Retiro, there are a few things to keep in mind. The parkland is fun enough to visit in its own right, but you won't want to miss out on the water. Pedal boats are available for hire, especially if you arrive early in the day. Additionally, the park is one of the best places in town to check out the sunset, so consider stopping by in the evening as the orange and red colors wash over the parkland.
Visiting Retiro also puts you close to several other notable attractions in Madrid. The Centro district is just to the west where you'll find iconic features like Plaza Mayor and Teatro Real. Given the abundance of metro stations in the neighbourhood, however, it's easy to get virtually anywhere in the city whether you're heading next door to Moratalaz or miles north to Alcobendas.
Retiro in Madrid
Location: Madrid, Spain
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Madrid
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
easyHotel Madrid Centro Atocha
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Crowne Plaza Madrid - Centre Retiro an IHG Hotel
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
Compostela Suites Apartments
Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid
