El Pardo

Arranged in the 17th century specifically for Felipe IV and the royal family, the glorious gardens of the Parque del Buen Retiro are filled with marble monuments, picturesque waters, and elegant architecture. Since opening to the public in 1868, the park has served as a focal point of life among Madrileños. At any given time, you’ll see friends gathering for coffee at one of many open-air terraces, professionals coming to read on their lunch break, and couples paddling along in a row boat. You can also take a tour of the nearby Palacio Real and soak up the extravagance through 50 rooms with lavish old-world décor, a priceless amount of traditional paintings, and a shiny collection of weapons and armour.