Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Vanessa
El Parque del Buen Retiro (known by various names such as Retiro Park, Jardines del Buen Retiro, or simply El Retiro) is a green oasis in the heart of Madrid. It is the largest park of the city, spanning 118 hectares. With such a vast area, there is obviously plenty to do. Locals and tourists visit this popular destination to stroll along the picturesque lake, marvel at street artists, and admire the plethora of sculptures and monuments. Sometimes, they also engage in a lively game of petanca or revel in the vibrant events hosted throughout the year.
But there’s another reason why you want to add El Parque del Buen Retiro to your bucket list: it is the home of more than 400 (!) community cats.
Basic facts about El Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid
Before we dive into El Parque del Buen Retiro’s reputation as a cat lover’s paradise, let’s look at some essential facts about this popular destination in the heart of Madrid.
When was El Parque del Buen Retiro built?
El Parque del Buen Retiro was built in the 17th century and was initially designed as a royal retreat for King Philip IV of Spain. Its construction began in 1630 and was completed in 1641.
What is the history of El Parque del Buen Retiro?
During its early years, El Parque del Buen Retiro was exclusively used by the royal family and their court. However, in 1767, it was opened to the public by King Charles III, allowing commoners to enjoy its beauty and amenities.
Over the centuries, the park underwent various modifications and additions. In the 19th century, during the reign of Queen Isabella II, extensive renovations and landscaping were carried out under the direction of architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer. The park was transformed into a public space with gardens, fountains, statues, and picturesque landscapes.
Throughout its history, El Parque del Buen Retiro has been a central gathering place for the people of Madrid. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including royal celebrations, concerts, exhibitions, and public gatherings.
Today, the park is a beloved landmark and a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists. It features beautiful gardens, iconic monuments such as the Monument to Alfonso XII, the Crystal Palace, boating lakes, walking paths, and various cultural and leisure activities. El Retiro remains an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty in the heart of Madrid.
Is El Parque del Buen Retiro free?
El Parque del Buen Retiro is a public park and does not have an entry fee. That includes Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) and Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez).
Temporary exhibitions and events held inside the park and the palaces do often require separate admission fees.
Also, in El Parque del Buen Retiro, there is a boating lake called Estanque Grande where visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. The cost of a boat ride in the park can vary depending on the duration and type of boat rented: individual rowboats cost around €6 to €8 for 45 minutes, whereas four-person rowboats coast approximately €8 to €10 for 45 minutes.
El Parque del Buen Retiro – a cat lovers’ paradise in the heart of Madrid
Now that you know some facts about the park, let’s meet some of the cats.
El Parque del Buen Retiro is the home of around 400 community cats. Nestled within the park’s lush embrace, approximately 400 community cats call this haven their home. Some have been lifelong inhabitants, while others have sadly been abandoned by their human companions.
These beloved park cats find solace and care in the dedicated efforts of the volunteers from AGAR (Asociación de Amigos de los Gatos del Retiro). Since 2008, this remarkable organization has taken on the responsibility of not only feeding the park’s furry inhabitants but also ensuring their well-being through such initiatives as TNR (trap-neuter-return), crucial medical care, and vaccinations. AGAR has even orchestrated successful adoptions, granting some of the Retiro cats a forever home filled with love and warmth.
AGAR’s noble mission relies on self-funding, making financial support a vital aspect of their endeavors. Your generosity and contributions can play a significant role in supporting AGAR’s efforts to care for and protect the community cats of El Parque del Buen Retiro.
How to get to El Parque del Buen Retiro?
El Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid can be easily accessed by various means of transportation. Here are a few common options:
Metro: The closest metro station to El Retiro is Retiro Station (Line 2). From there, it’s a short walk to the park’s entrance. You can use the metro system to reach Retiro Station by taking the appropriate line from your starting point in the city.
Bus: Several bus lines have stops near or within walking distance of El Retiro. The specific bus lines and stops will depend on your starting location in Madrid. You can use online mapping services or public transportation apps to determine the best bus routes to reach the park.
Walking: If you’re in the vicinity of the city center or nearby areas, you can reach El Parque del Buen Retiro by walking. Madrid is a pedestrian-friendly city, and depending on your location, a leisurely walk might be a convenient and enjoyable way to get to the park.
Opening hours
El Parque del Buen Retiro Madrid does not have fixed opening and closing hours, as it is a public park that is accessible to visitors throughout the day. However, there are certain facilities and attractions within the park that do have specific opening hours:
- Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal): Usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez): Typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Retiro Library (Biblioteca de Retiro): Open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 09:00 am to 02:00 pm.
Now that you know that Madrid has its own “cat park,” don’t you want to go there and befriend all the kitties?
Photos by Sobi
