Outdoor activities for spring

Spring has well and truly sprung, inviting us to embrace the streets and enjoy Madrid in the good weather, unlocking the city's true charm. It's the perfect time for leisurely strolls amidst the splendor of the capital's parks and gardens, or to immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of outdoor bars and restaurants.

Parks and Gardens in Spring

Madrid has many green spaces to enjoy with the family, friends and, why not, alone. The Campo del Moro gardens are a must with the Royal Palace in the background and its peacocks wandering among the trees. Nearby, there are the Sabatini Gardens, which are surrounded by statues, terraces or a labyrinth to get lost in, offering one of the most spectacular sunsets of Madrid.

El Retiro Park is the ideal place to go for a walk, get on a boat in its large lake, and children can watch a puppet show at weekends at the El Retiro Puppet Theatre. Inside the park, you can find Montaña de los Gatos, one of the park’s most iconic spots. If you are looking for palm trees, ornamental fountains and a botanical garden, San Isidro Park is the perfect option. Around 15 May, its meadow is the epicentre of the San Isidro Festivities, the patron saint of Madrid.

Madrid also has a space for our pets. Cerro del Tío Pío Park has a fenced-off dog area in the lower part of the park, where pets can run freely. Its meadows and long tree-lined walkways make it one of the most popular green areas in the south of the city (it also has a cycle-way and a vantage point in the upper part). Your dog will also love Juan Carlos I Park where you can also fly kites, ride a bike or go canoeing.

And what about Casa de Campo, the largest public green space in the city, which boasts a Theme Park, a Zoo and a Lake, as well as the Royal Botanical Garden, a charming green space next to the Prado Museum with more than 500 different species of plants and trees. The area also offers various gastronomic alternatives, such as restaurants like Villa Verbena, El Taller, El Ancla and Urogallo.

There are also some parks and gardens that residents of Madrid know very well and are not so busy. This is the case of Dehesa de la Villa, which will surprise you with its vegetation and more than 70 bird species; Quinta de los Molinos, a park located in San Blas-Canillejas, which is ideal for a quiet stroll (except at the end of winter when its almond trees are in blossom and the park receives a lot of visits); the Príncipe de Anglona Gardens, one of the few 18^th century noble gardens that remain today, or the Huerto de las Monjas, a charming garden that protected the high walls of the convent until 1972. 

From Terrace to Terrace

With the arrival of the good weather, another popular plan is to visit terraces around the city.

The 360º Roof Top Bar, on top of the Hotel Riu Plaza España, with 360º panoramic views of the city is a must. The terrace of the Hotel Emperador, Ginkgo Sky Bar (in Hotel VP Plaza España Design) or Picos Pardos Sky Lounge (located on the rooftop of Bless Hotel) are other wonderful options, along with two of the city’s classic terraces: Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace and the Mirador Madrid observation deck, located on the rooftop of Cibeles Palace, the seat of Madrid City Council.

For people with their feet on the ground, the exquisite gastronomy of Nubel in the interior courtyard at the Reina Sofía Museum; the courtyard to pass away the hours at Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid; or Ramses with its legendary terrace with views over the Alcalá Gate, are perfect to see in the spring.

See our article on Terraces in Madrid!

Outdoor Culture, Leisure and Sport

Open Air Sculpture Museum on Paseo de la Castellana offers the best abstract art in the street with works by Chillida, Miró or Palazuelo. Culture and leisure can also be found at Madrid Río, a large natural and cultural park which runs parallel to the River Manzanares for ten kilometres

Here, you can ride a bike, skate, run or go for a walk, but you can also relax in its terraces, whilst the children are kept entertained in the many children’s play areas (don’t miss the giant slides or the lianas park). You can also enjoy the numerous activities offered by Matadero Madrid, the major cultural centre in the area. 

Another perfect option is the Zarzuela Hippodrome. It is an architectural treasure (its grandstand, by Eduardo Torroja, is renowned worldwide) where you can enjoy an exciting day of horse racing every Sunday in spring (from 11am) and a wide range of leisure activities and gastronomy, particularly for children.

Finally, spring is the best season of the year for golf lovers visiting our city. The sun and mild temperatures will allow you to spend a splendid day at any of the numerous golf courses in the Community of Madrid, particularly those located in the city (National Golf Centre, Golf Olivar De La Hinojosa and the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid).