Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Parks

El Retiro

Madrid, Spain

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PARKS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 7 2026

Top 10No. 1 in Spain

El Retiro

A large green park on the east side of central Madrid, with mature chestnut, fir and acacia trees, wide paths, lawns and a large pond with boats. Visitors walk, run, picnic, row on the pond and look at statues, palaces and peacocks.

Highlights

  • Pond with Alfonso XII monument
  • Crystal Palace
  • Rose garden

Good to know

  • Free entry
  • Paddle boat hire on the pond
  • Crowded on weekends and warm months

Also in Spain

  1. Parque de María Luisa N° 31 Parque de María Luisa Seville City park
  2. Jardín del Príncipe N° 34 Jardín del Príncipe Aranjuez Palace park
  3. Jardín del Turia N° 64 Jardín del Turia Valencia City park
  4. El Capricho N° 82 El Capricho Madrid Landscape park
  5. Parc de la Ciutadella N° 94 Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona City park