10 Best Scenic Walks in Madrid

A sprawling 125 hectares of green space situated in the heart of the city, El Retiro Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid. The park has been open to the public since the late 19th century, and was previously part of the Spanish royal family’s estate. It was recently made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the museums on the Paseo del Prado.

As you walk around this beautiful green oasis, you’ll discover gorgeous gardens, monuments, fountains and open-air cafes. It’s frequently filled with locals as well as tourists, and is a lovely, peaceful place to explore. Look out for the pretty Rosaleda Rose Garden, Madrid’s oldest tree in Parterre Francés and the boating lake.

The Madrid Rio Park was created as part of a project to restore the banks of the Manzanares River and the last section was only opened to the public in 2015. Hailed as one of the best urban parks in Europe, it’s a majestic green space with incredible biodiversity and plenty of things to do such as cycle tracks and ‘petanca’ courts – plus, there are often shows and events hosted here.

The whole family can enjoy a stroll along the Madrid Rio and the kids are sure to love the 17 play neighborhoods along the Salón de Pinos. Plus, the Arganzuela Park urban beach is one of the most popular spots for families, as little ones can splash in the water when the sun is shining – and blue skies are not uncommon in Madrid.

Dating back to 1778, Puerta de Alcala was once the main entrance to the city and is now one of the most famous landmarks in the Spanish capital. Found on the corner of El Retiro Park in the Plaza de la Independencia, it’s the perfect place to start a scenic walk to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Around a 30-minute stroll from Puerta de Alcala takes you to the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world and an impressive sight to see. You can walk along Calle de Alcala, which offers views of some of Madrid’s most beautiful buildings – such as the Metropolis and Banco De Espana – or the Gran Via, the city’s main shopping artery.

Situated in the west of Madrid and the largest public park in the city, Casa de Campo offers many scenic walks and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Originally created for the exclusive use of the Spanish royal family, the park was opened to the public in the 1930s and is now the main green lung of the city.

Gotten the kids in tow? The whole family can enjoy a visit to the Parque de Attractiones – as well as Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, which are both found in Casa de Campo. There’s also a lovely lake, restaurants, cafes and the Teleferico aerial cableway, which connects the park and Parque del Oueste for incredible bird’s eye views of the city.

Find some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a stroll through Parque de Juan Carlos I, one of Madrid's largest parks – named after King Juan Carlos I. This vast green space has been open to the public since 1992 and is home to pretty gardens, walking routes, cycle paths and water features.

There is plenty to do in this family-friendly park – from the lake for water sports and fishing to a golf course and ice-skating rink. You can also rent bikes and take a tour of the park by train. Plus, there are several spots to set up a picnic and enjoy the fine Spanish sunshine.

Head to Plaza de Murillo, next to El Prado Museum, to visit the Real Jardin Botanico – Madrid’s botanical gardens – home to 5000 different flowers and plants. For a small entrance fee, you can explore several neighborhoods, including 5 climate-controlled greenhouses, allowing the growth of many different types of plants.

There are 3 main terraces to visit, each home to a diverse collection of plants, trees and shrubs – as well as several small fountains. Plus, there’s a library and a herbarium, with plant species dating back hundreds of years. You can also take a guided tour of the gardens if you want to make the most of your visit.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous walking trail, the Ecce Homo trail featuring Alcalá La Vieja is about an hour’s drive from Madrid city centre. Situated in the Parque Natural de Los Cerros, you can hike or bike the trail that takes you to the top of the Ecce Homo hill for wonderful panoramic views of the city.

You’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination as this trail offers scenic views and natural beauty – with plenty of birds and wildlife to meet along the way. Don’t miss the Arabian Castle, Alcalá La Vieja, a medieval fortress dating back to the 10th century.

Located in the neighbourhood of Heurtas, Calle Leon is a great street to stroll down for a taste of the real Madrid, off the main tourist trail. Discover numerous cozy taverns and tapas bars along this stretch – as well as plenty of second-hand bookstores – and don’t forget to look up to take in the fascinating architecture of the buildings.

Originally a stomping ground for famous Spanish authors, the neighbourhood of Huertas has a rich cultural heritage, which remains in the area today. It’s the perfect place to get lost in and see what you come across – from sidewalk cafes and bakeries to artisan shops and live music venues.

To the north of central Madrid, you can discover Chueca – a vibrant neighbourhood full of life. The perfect place for a stroll or people-watching from a sidewalk café, there are many tapas bars, independent book shops, boutiques, markets and more.

This area of Madrid is popular with the LGBTQ community and the pride parties are famous worldwide. It’s a cultural hotspot with theaters and museums such as the Museum of Romanticism and Museum of the History of Madrid – along with plenty of bars and clubs open late so it’s a great area to head to after dark.

Madrid is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so instead of jumping on the Metro, head from Gregorio Maranon Station to Estacion del Arte, along Paseo de la Castellana – one of Madrid’s most historic boulevards.

This wide, tree-lined avenue will take you through Madrid’s financial district, and you’ll see some of the city’s most impressive architecture, sculptures and historical landmarks. There are also many cultural attractions including the National Archeological Museum, Naval Museum and, as you near Estacion del Arte, you’ll pass the Del Prado Museum and Madrid Botanical Gardens.