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A Self-Guided Tour of El Retiro Park’s Rise, Ruin and Redemption

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Madrid, Spain

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On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

50 to 70 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

On this self-guided walking tour led by tour guide and writer Felicity Hughes, you’ll discover another side to Madrid’s famous El Retiro Park.

The much-loved El Retiro Park is at the heart of Madrid’s picturesque Retiro neighbourhood. Long before it became a public park, it was a royal retreat. On this walking tour, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and hear its fascinating 500-year-long history.

On this tour, you’ll discover how the spiritual retreat of San Jerónimo el Real church was later transformed into an enormous pleasure palace, find out how Retiro’s oldest tree survived the ravages of Napoleon’s invasion and learn about the rebellious Nobel prize-winning Ramón y Cajal by a monument to the neuroscientist.

You'll have a chance to take a peek at the peacocks strutting around a hidden walled garden at the far reaches of the park and see the lake in front of Palacio de Cristal where Pizarro the elephant used to bath

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Calle de Felipe IV
s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Plaza del Conde de Barajas
Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain

The tour ends at the Angel Caido.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Monument to Goya (pass by)

Begin your exploration of Madrid's iconic El Retiro Park in front of the Monument to Goya, where you'll learn about the renowned painter and the collection of the nearby Prado museum.
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San Jerónimo el Real (pass by)

Pass by the historic San Jerónimo el Real church, once a spiritual retreat and later transformed into an opulent pleasure palace.
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Royal Palace of Madrid (pass by)

As you wander through the Retiro neighborhood, catch a glimpse of the Hall of Realms, a splendid pleasure palace built for Philip IV as a private retreat.
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El Cason del Buen Retiro (pass by)

Pass by the El Casón del Buen Retiro, the remains of the magnificent pleasure palace where Spanish royalty once sought refuge from the public eye.
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El Retiro Park

Meander through the lush greenery of El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich 500-year history, as you absorb the beauty of its landscapes and architectural wonders.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Puerta de Felipe IV (pass by)

Take in the grandeur of the Puerta de Felipe IV, an iconic landmark that once marked the entrance to the royal retreat of El Retiro.
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Great Pond of El Retiro (pass by)

Marvel at the serene beauty of the Great Pond of El Retiro, a tranquil oasis nestled within the park's enchanting landscapes.
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Fountain of the Fallen Angel (pass by)

End your tour at the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, where you'll gain insight into the park's hidden history and often overlooked sights, from the decadence of its royal past to its present-day allure.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the A Self-Guided Tour of El Retiro Park’s Rise, Ruin and Redemption?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P707

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

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  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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