What to do · Madrid
El Retiro and a rowing boat on the Great Pond
Information
- From
- €6 per boat
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Season
- All year; park 6:00 to 22:00 from October to March and 6:00 to 24:00 from April to September; boats 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:15 until sunset
- Who it's for
- All ages; under-14s in a boat with someone over 18
- With a dog
- On a lead; dog areas open from 7:30
You enter by the Puerta de la Independencia or the Puerta de Felipe IV, go down to the Great Pond, hire a rowing boat and go round in front of the Alfonso XII monument for three quarters of an hour. Then you carry on on foot to the Palacio de Cristal. The park is free and opens at six in the morning.
The boat: 45 minutes, four seats and booking
The landing stage hires boats every day from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:15 until a closing time that ranges from 17:15 to 20:30, depending on the light and the time of year: in November, the afternoon is short. Each boat costs €6 from Monday to Friday and €8 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, for 45 minutes and up to four people. Under-14s must go with someone over 18. Over-65s pay €1.80 per boat on weekdays until 14:00, showing proof of age.
To avoid depending on the weekend queue, you can book on the Madrid Móvil app or at deportesweb.madrid.es, in the open classes section, choosing the pond facility. The landing stage closes on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Park hours and alert days
El Retiro is open from 6:00 to 22:00 from October to March and from 6:00 to midnight from April to September. In strong wind, snow or extreme heat, the City Council cordons off areas or closes the park: it announces this on its X account @MADRID and on screens at the gates about two hours beforehand.
By metro, Retiro (L2) comes out at Plaza de la Independencia, a few minutes from the pond. Ibiza (L9) is to the east and Atocha (L1) to the south.
Tips
- In November, the boat before lunch The landing stage closes early in the afternoon with little light: the 10:00 to 14:00 slot is the longest.
- With a dog The dog areas open from 7:30; in the rest of the park, on a lead.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a boat cost in El Retiro?
€6 on weekdays and €8 at weekends and public holidays, per boat.
Can I book the boats?
Yes, on the Madrid Móvil app or at deportesweb.madrid.es.
What time does El Retiro close?
At 22:00 from October to March and at midnight from April to September.
As a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
