Thing to do
Mercado de San Miguel
A 1916 iron and glass market beside the Plaza Mayor, reopened in 2009 as a gourmet tapas hall with more than 20 stalls open until late.
Real Jardín Botánico
Madrid's 18th-century botanical garden beside the Prado, laid out on three terraces by Sabatini and Villanueva, with about 90,000 plants and 1,500 trees.
At a glance
- Type
- Botanical garden
- Area
- Paseo del Prado (Retiro), Madrid, Spain
- Official site
- rjb.csic.es
Good to know
- Glasshouses
- Three terraces
- Online tickets
- Research centre
Why we recommend it
The Real Jardín Botánico is a calm, walled garden right next to the Prado, and a welcome change of pace between museums. It was founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI on a site by the Manzanares river, and Charles III ordered it moved to its present location on the Paseo del Prado, where it opened in 1781. The design was by Francesco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva, the architect of the Prado, and since 1939 the garden has been a research centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
The garden covers around eight hectares laid out on three terraces that step up the slope from the Paseo del Prado. The lowest, the Terraza de los Cuadros, has formal square beds of ornamental plants, roses, aromatic and medicinal herbs, and fruit trees. The middle Terraza de las Escuelas Botánicas arranges plants by family in a scientific order. The upper terrace, the Terraza del Plano de la Flor, is more romantic in style, with winding paths and large trees. Glasshouses hold tropical and desert plants that could not survive Madrid's climate, and the whole garden has around 90,000 plants and flowers and 1,500 trees.
The garden changes with the seasons. Spring brings blossom, tulips and roses, summer is shady under the old trees, and autumn colours are particularly good in October and November. It is a quiet place, popular with older visitors, gardeners, photographers and anyone who wants to sit in the shade. Children can enjoy running along the paths, but it is a garden for strolling rather than playing.
The garden opens at 10:00 every day and the closing time changes by month, from 17:30 in mid-winter to 20:30 from May to August. Tickets are sold online, and an hour is enough for an unhurried loop, though you could easily spend longer reading on a bench.
The entrance is on the Plaza de Murillo, directly opposite the southern end of the Prado. Atocha metro and train station is around five minutes away on foot, and the Reina Sofía and the Retiro are both nearby, so it fits easily into a day on the Paseo del Prado.
Real Jardín Botánico FAQs
When was the Real Jardín Botánico founded?
In 1755; it moved to its present site on the Paseo del Prado in 1781.
What are the opening hours?
It opens at 10:00 daily, closing between 17:30 in winter and 20:30 in summer depending on the month.
How big is the garden?
About eight hectares, with around 90,000 plants and flowers and 1,500 trees.
Who designed it?
Francesco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva, the architect of the Prado.
Are there glasshouses?
Yes, glasshouses hold tropical and desert species.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for an unhurried visit.
Where is the entrance?
On the Plaza de Murillo, opposite the southern end of the Prado.
What is the nearest station?
Atocha, around five minutes' walk.