Madrid’s Retiro Park Rose Garden, or Rosaleda, is at its colourful and sweet-smelling best in May and June. I challenge anyone not to be charmed by the flowery abundance on display during these months and what’s more, you’ll find the atmosphere so happy and relaxed even at the weekend when it is most popular with visitors - I just love it there!
Designed by the city’s Head Gardener Cecilio Rodríguez in 1915, this lovely formally arranged garden has more than 4,000 roses on display. There will be roses you have never seen before; it’s a place to marvel at the endless variety of nature - so many roses; scented, climbing, creeping, huge like cabbages, tiny bloomed, subtly toned and gaudy rainbow hued... it’s almost overwhelming.
At the centre of the garden is a small but pretty lily pond and stone benches feature throughout, where visitors might sit a while and contemplate all this beauty. Go ahead and sniff every rose to find the most delicious smelling one.
Nearby you can check out the Fallen Angel Statue and you are also only a short stroll away from the Real Jardín Botanico, if the roses have given you a taste for horticulture!
Paseo de Fernán Núñez, 4.
€
free
Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, tapestries and carriages.
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The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.
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All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.
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Escape the crowds of Madrid’s famous art museums and explore Serrería Belga, a repurposed sawmill turned vibrant art space with diverse exhibitions!
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Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!
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"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...
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"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.
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"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!
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Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,
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"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!
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"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time
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258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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