Madrid Park and Garden Tours

Madrid is known for its countless parks and gardens that offer an oasis of relaxation and entertainment activities. Of course, you can explore them on your own, but it's always more convenient and fun to sign up for a guided tour. Don't miss the Segway rides through the emblematic El Retiro Park or the replicas of European monuments on board the tourist train in Parque Europa.

Among the best things to do in Madrid are the historical tours that take you to see wartime bunkers and royal histories. The possibilities are quite extensive and here is a list of options not to be missed.

The Retiro is an oasis of complete relaxation where you will enjoy historic and artistic gardens created in the 17th century. In fact, it is the oldest park in the capital and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Different types of guided tours are offered throughout the park, including walking, segway and bicycle tours. There are also night-time experiences, as it is open from 6:00 to 24:00.

Booking a Segway tour of El Retiro allows you to visit the Palacio de Cristal and its beautiful greenhouses. You can also see the famous pond which is one of the most sought after photo spots for tourists. But that's not all! It has hidden gems that you can uncover in the company of a professional guide.

Consider that Segway rides are almost effortless, as it is an electric vehicle. But if you're looking to see every nuance of Madrid, consider taking a tour of El Retiro with tapas to sample some of the capital's most popular snacks and bars.

Interesting details

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: from one to two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually a meeting point is indicated, you can use line 2 of the Madrid metro and get off at Retiro station. Be careful! The park has several entrances and one of the easiest to find is next to Puerta de Alcalá.

Madrid Río is a jewel of the capital that borders the Manzanares River. It's ideal because it's less well known and quieter than El Retiro. Here you can enjoy Madrid in the open air and join walking and cycling tours.

Also, one of the essential activities is to book a Segway tour of Madrid Río These electric vehicles allow you to explore every corner at your own pace. You can cross the Segovia Bridge and the Toledo Bridge, or take advantage of the panoramic views.

In summer, cultural events are organised and you can enjoy a dip in the artificial beach. The surrounding area offers unique experiences such as the exhibitions at the El Matadero Cultural Centre and children's play areas. Within walking distance you can see the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the Glass Palace Greenhouse in Arganzuela.

Interesting details

• Price: from 40 € per person.
• Duration: almost two hours.
• Means of transport: it is generally done on foot, by bike or segway and a meeting point is set. The nearest metro stations are Príncipe Pío and Legazpi.

If you plan to spend at least 5 days in Madrid, then you have plenty of time to explore one of the continent's best parks. Parque Europa is located in Torrejón de Ardoz, 40 minutes from the city, where you can see life-size replicas of different European monuments.

It has a cybernetic fountain, children's areas and nightly light shows. It also has an adventure area with zip lines of different intensities, laser maze and archery games. The park has guided tours that must be booked in advance, you have three options:

• Passport to Europe: this is a three-hour educational tour with games, ideal if you plan to visit Madrid with children.
• Traditional guided tour: take advantage of a two-hour walking tour and listen to interesting anecdotes about each monument.
• Teodora La Locomotora: board a historic train for 45 minutes while you comfortably stroll around the facilities.

If you are interested in historical tours of Madrid, this could be the ideal plan for you.

Interesting details

• Price: the park is free and the guided tours offered by the park start at €4 per person.

• Timetable: you must book in advance and they will tell you the available timetable.

• Duration: the tour lasts approximately two hours.

• Means of transport: you must arrive on your own and the tour of the facilities can be done on foot or by locomotive.

• Advantages of this option: you have the chance to board a historic train and learn about the history behind each monument.

• Disadvantages of this option: you can only book directly with the park and in summer the experience sells out quickly.

Madrid is known for its hidden corners and one of my favourites is the El Capricho Garden in Alameda de Osuna. This romantic garden from the 19th century is preserved in perfect condition and offers green paths. It also has French, Italian and English gardens. Its main attractions include:

• The Palace of the Dukes of Osuna, preserved since the 18th century.
• The Casino de Baile, where great banquets of the high society were held.
• The labyrinth, ideal for getting lost in what seems like a fairy tale.
• The War Bunker, an experience available by reservation. It is camouflaged under the trees and takes you back to desolate stories of the European wars.

This space is ideal for walking and enjoying the fresh air. If you plan to stay at least 3 days in Madrid you can take advantage of a free walking tour. The free tours usually take place at 11:30 and 17:30 and allow you to get to know this beauty in approximately two hours. You won't have to pay to enjoy this professionally guided experience, just leave a tip of no less than €5.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free and free tours are offered, with a tip of at least €5.

• Duration: one to two hours.

• Means of transport: the easiest way is to take line 5 to El Capricho station; you will have to walk less than five minutes between natural grounds and some buildings.

• Advantages of this option: you will be able to learn about the history of the park and discover the most remote places with a guide.

• Disadvantages of this option: free tours do not usually offer access to the war bunker, you have to book it in advance on your own.

Casa de Campo is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Madrid. It's five times the size of Central Park and offers a host of activities to get away from it all. You can rent boats on its artificial lake and take advantage of the breathtaking views of part of the capital.

Its spaces are ideal for enjoying the city by bike or planning a hiking route. You can also book tickets for the Madrid amusement park or the zoo, as they are some of the best entrances to Madrid and are in the area.

If you're looking for a guided tour, you can take advantage of a free tour. It's a free experience that takes you around the best of Casa de Campo for two hours. You'll get to hear stories of the Spanish royal family as you pass through the Varga Palace and get a close-up look at wartime bunkers that have been hidden in this amazing place for years.

Details of interest

• Price: free and you can take advantage of free tours which only ask for a tip of at least €5.
• Duration: about two hours.
• Means of transport: you can take lines 5 and 10 to Casa de Campo station, and when you get off you'll automatically be able to see this lung of the city.

The Juan Carlos I Park is an ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. It stands out because it is one of the largest in the capital and is in the shape of a ring. Its main attractions include the Cold Stove, a greenhouse with a variety of plants and a Japanese garden.

It is popular for its open-air sculptures by world-renowned artists. Here you can take advantage of a tour of the facility aboard the free tourist train, which offers informative commentary. The tour lasts approximately thirty minutes and is usually available in the afternoons.

If you want to enjoy a summer in Madrid it is possible to take guided walking tours or join guided activities, such as canoeing lessons.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.

• Duration: from one to three hours.

• Means of transport: you can take advantage of the different public transport options in Madrid and the nearest metro stop is Feria de Madrid.

• Advantages of this option: you can take advantage of fun activities such as canoeing.

The Parque del Oeste is another unforgettable place in the capital. In general, it is famous because it is connected to the Temple of Debod and other popular attractions such as the Madrid Cable Car. It is also one of my favourites because it offers tree-lined paths, gardens and children's areas.

Behind the Temple of Debod you will find an impressive viewpoint overlooking the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Almudena Cathedral. In fact, it is the meeting point for many tourists and locals who come here to enjoy the sunset.

Here you can take advantage of walking tours and themed tours that focus on the wartime bunkers hidden among the paths of this park. You can even sign up for free walking tours that delve into stories from its founding in 1905.

Details of interest

• Price: free of charge and free tours are offered.
• Duration: between one and two hours.
• Means of transport: you generally have to get there on your own and there are bus and metro lines. The nearest metro stations are Plaza España and Moncloa.
• Disadvantages of this option: some areas lack shade and it can be uncomfortable on very sunny and hot days.

If you plan to book a guided tour of the Royal Palace you can take advantage of the fact that within walking distance are the Sabatini Gardens, specifically in front of the north wing. This oasis of tranquillity offers privileged views of the palace façade and Plaza España.

Due to its location, it has an important connection to the stories of royalty and sculptures dedicated to the main monarchs. You will also find three terraces and labyrinths that you can explore at your own pace. I recommend you take advantage of their walking tours of the grounds, which can be booked online or at local tourist agencies.

Details of interest

• Price: the gardens are free.

• Duration: 30 minutes to an hour.

• Means of transport: there are several bus and metro lines that connect with this place, the nearest metro stations being Ópera and Sol.

• Advantages of this option: you can learn about the history and design of the gardens with a professional guide.

In the heart of Madrid you will find the Prince of Anglona Gardens. This natural beauty is part of the royal gardens of the capital and preserves its neoclassical decoration. Few tourists are aware of its existence so you can enjoy a private tour of its paths, pergolas and 18th century elements.

To get to know them without missing any detail of their history you can book a private tour of Madrid. This type of experience allows you to add some stops of your choice and get to know the most important attractions. You could suggest these gardens and discover another angle of the capital.

If you plan to visit Madrid in September you can take advantage of this plan and admire the first colours of autumn.

Interesting details

• Price: they are free, but you can find customisable experiences that merge with other tourist attractions in Madrid.
• Duration: approximately one hour.
• Means of transport: the easiest way to get there is to take line 5 to La Latina station.

The Vistillas Garden is an ideal place for those looking for a natural viewpoint in the heart of the city. From here you can see Casa de Campo and part of the Manzanares River.

If you plan to visit Madrid in August you can take advantage of the festivities of La Paloma which include concerts and cultural activities. The gardens do not offer an official tour, but you can visit them with an external guide and take advantage of Madrid's private tours.

For example, you can book a Madrid Mysteries and Legends Tour, which usually visits the gardens to explore their horror stories involving crime and ghosts. It's definitely a great plan for those who want to enjoy ghost tours in the city.

Interesting details

• Price: the gardens are free, but there are fun guided tours which start at €29 per person.
• Duration: at least one hour.
• Means of transport: there is usually a fixed meeting point and you have to get there on your own. The easiest way to get there is to take line 5 to La Latina station.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is located on a hill and can be a negative point if you are looking for a more accessible and quiet walk.