Lifestyle

2025-06-20

What to See and Do in Retiro Madrid

Living by El Retiro means enjoying Madrid’s green lung, in an exclusive area where culture, nature, and quality of life come together.

Retiro park Madrid
The Retiro is much more than a park: it is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks and the city’s green heart. Surrounded by historic and prestigious neighborhoods such as Jerónimos, Recoletos, and Ibiza, this area blends culture, nature, and quality of life. Both locals and visitors find in Retiro a space to escape the city’s bustle without leaving the center.

El Parque del Buen Retiro: the soul of the neighborhood

Covering more than 125 hectares of gardens, fountains, and tree-lined avenues, the Buen Retiro Park is Madrid’s urban oasis. Its most famous landmarks — the Great Pond, the Crystal Palace, and the Velázquez Palace — make it a must-visit destination for leisure and culture alike.

Rowing a boat, attending an art exhibition, or simply enjoying a sunset beneath centuries-old trees are experiences that define daily life in this privileged area.

A Cultural Hotspot

Retiro borders the Paseo del Prado, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the park itself. Just steps away lies the Art Triangle, home to the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofía Museum. This concentration of cultural institutions is unmatched anywhere in Europe.

The Jerónimos neighborhood also hosts the San Jerónimo el Real Church, a Gothic jewel that highlights the area’s historic importance since the time of the Catholic Monarchs.

Gastronomy and Lifestyle

Beyond art and history, Retiro is also about enjoying Madrid’s lifestyle. Along Ibiza and Menéndez Pelayo streets, you’ll find fine dining establishments, renovated taverns, and lively terraces that attract both locals and international visitors.

From traditional dishes to avant-garde creations, Retiro’s gastronomy reflects the balance between authenticity and sophistication that defines the neighborhood.

Living in Retiro

Living here means enjoying everything at your doorstep: green spaces, cultural life, top-rated schools, and excellent connectivity with the rest of the city. Properties near the park — classic apartments, penthouses with views, and renovated homes in historic buildings — are among the most in-demand in Madrid.

Proximity to the park offers a unique advantage: the chance to experience nature just steps from home, a feature especially valued by families and international buyers.

Madrid - Retiro - Exclusive Luxury Apartment

The Retiro is a neighborhood where history, culture, and nature come together in an exclusive setting. It is a place to stroll, live, and experience the very essence of Madrid.

With BARNES Madrid, discovering the most exceptional properties around Retiro becomes a personalized journey toward embracing a unique lifestyle in the Spanish capital.