El Retiro

What it is

A former royal garden of 125 hectares beside the Prado, with a boating lake, a glasshouse and a lot of people playing music badly on Sundays.

Getting there

Metro Retiro or Atocha.

When to go

Sunday afternoon for the atmosphere; any weekday morning for quiet.

On a student budget

Free. The Palacio de Cristal inside it is free too and usually holds a contemporary exhibition.

Prices and times last checked August 19, 2026. Treat figures as indicative.