7 Outdoor plans in Madrid to enjoy the city

Enjoying open spaces is something that has recently become a significantly important asset to cities. And although the capital of Spain has a reputation for being an asphalt jungle, you will be surprised to know that it is one of the greenest cities in Spain. According to some studies, it is the third in the whole country, behind only Vitoria and León. So here we propose 7 outdoor activities in Madrid to enjoy. There is a lot to do out there!

Our proposals for outdoor plans in Madrid

To prepare this list of outdoor plans in Madrid, we have looked at the main green areas of the capital, where its citizens tend to spend leisure time with family or friends, for you to enjoy Madrid like a Madrilenian.

1. An excursion through the Casa de Campo

The first of these outdoor plans in Madrid couldn’t be closer to our student residence in Aravaca Madrid: an excursion through Casa de Campo. The great green lung of the city, of 1,700 hectares, is the favorite corner of many Madrilenians to go running, hiking or take a bike ride, passing through such symbolic places like the Lake or the Cerro de Garabitas.

2. A route through Monte del Pardo

If the Casa de Campo falls short, another plan close to our residence is to take a route through Monte del Pardo. In reality, both spaces and the Dehesa de la Villa are part of the same natural space: one of the largest Mediterranean forests on the Iberian Peninsula, with more than 17,000 hectares. The only point to keep in mind is that Monte del Pardo is a protected area which has restricted zones that you can only transit through if you are authorised. In any case, if you cannot join any of the authorised visits, you can always take a good walk through the Pardo Reservoir and along the banks of the Manzanares River, all belonging to the municipality of Madrid.

3. A picnic in El Retiro

Is there something more Madrid than having a picnic in the Retiro? In the absence of a beach, sitting in the shade and on the grass of this large urban park of more than 110 hectares is a common practice for residents of the city, especially when the heat is on. In addition, it has a Central Pond in which offers several activities like rowing boats, the park also has a rose garden, abundant playgrounds and many other attractions, so going to it is one of the best outdoor plans in Madrid.

4. Cycling through Madrid Río

It is one of the last parks to emerge in the city, but it has already become a favorite for Madrid residents. It runs on the M-30 and on the banks of the Manzanares River, with a length of about 6 kilometers. Pedaling back and forth through it will take you to interesting places, such as the Matadero, the historic bridges of Segovia and Toledo or the greenhouse of Arganzuela.

5. Watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod

One of the most romantic places in the city is the Temple of Debod, especially at sunset. From this small park located between the Plaza de España and the Parque del Oeste you can see the most beautiful sunset in the city, bathing with its golden light the western facades of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral during the so-called golden hour.

6. Visit their zoos and theme parks

Another of the outdoor plans in Madrid is to go to its zoos and theme parks, especially if you are going to be visited by family members with children. In Casa de Campo you have the Amusement Park and the Zoo Aquarium, in the Valdebernardo neighborhood Faunia is located and in the municipality of San Martín de la Vega you will find the Warner Park.

7. Open-air concerts

The musical offer in Madrid never stops, at any time of the year and under no circumstances. In fact, the variety of outdoor spaces allows for open-air concerts. Check the official cultural agenda for each month in official media, where you can find proposals as varied as jazz cycles in the Campo del Moro gardens or performances in the Conde Duque courtyard.

We hope that our proposals have tempted you and that you will soon be encouraged to make any of these plans outdoors in Madrid. We are sure you will enjoy them enormously! 🙂