El Retiro Park

The "Central Park" of Madrid, Spain, this enchanting park is known for its regal ambiance, and rightly so, as it was once the personal gardens of King Philip IV, when he started "El Buen Retiro Park" in the 1630's. From then on it continued to be inherited by Spain's kings and queens, and was modified and added on to by each royal. These additions include Italian style opera houses, French style gardens (complete with a crystal palace that serves as an extravagant greenhouse), and more. This is not just a park, it is a piece of history - as you walk through the romantic gardens and are met by an array of different styles of statues, buildings, and gardens, it is a trip back in time.

To top it all of, it is the perfect place for a romantic boat ride with your loved one, or a relaxed nap under a shady tree. El Buen Retiro Park is not just a place for tourists, it is a place where Madrid's local kids come for an ice cream on the hot summer days, where young couples come to walk their dogs, and where you can go on a new adventure.