El Retiro Park
Unlike Barcelona, Madrid can’t offer a quick trip to the city beach as an alternative to city life. But what it lacks in sand, it makes up for in cool, green spaces and beautiful rose gardens. Dating back to the time of Queen Isabela I and King Ferdinand, El Retiro Park is the place to be for exercise (dogs and humans), sunbathing, strolling and general all-out relaxation. If you aren't one to stop sightseeing, check out the monument to Alfonso XII or the Casón del Buen Retiro, a large and beautiful ballroom in its heyday. Or, if you prefer some downtime, wander slowly down the pathways, stopping only to admire a fountain or two. El Retiro might feel like heaven on a hot day, but it is actually home to Ángel Caído, a famous statue dedicated to el diablo.
Free
