Royal Botanical Garden Madrid: A Year-Round Destination

As dynamic and exciting as Madrid is, sometimes you just need time out from the bustle. Time to unwind and recharge as you stroll amid greenery, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodic chirping of birdsong.

Here’s where the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid (Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid) comes into its own. Why go? There are over 5,000 species of plants and trees, including rare collections and photo-worthy blooms all year round. For a very reasonable admission price, you’re also contributing to plant conservation and the study of biodiversity. Best of all, it’s right in the heart of the city, perfect whether you’re staying in Madrid for several days or on a quick weekend getaway.   

Your horticultural adventure starts at the main entrance, just south of the Prado Museum past the Murillo monument. Take a moment to admire the North Gate (also known as the Murillo Gate), an imposing 8-metre-tall granite structure with two arched openings and a central gateway dominated by a chunky pair of Tuscan columns.

Here, download a map or pick up a paper copy (available in English and Spanish) at the ticket booth and take a moment to learn the layout. The gardens are planted in three main sections (terrazas):

• Terraza de los Cuadros: The first section is home to ornamentals, aromatics and medicinal plants – think fragrant roses, vibrant dahlias and soothing sage – in geometric, box-hedged squares arranged around small central fountains.

• Terraza de las Escuelas: The middle section, named for its botanical focus, houses collections from all over the world grouped by their families. Here’s where you’ll find coniferous trees from the Mediterranean and Asia, deciduous maples that turn a gorgeous flaming red in autumn, and lots more. 

• Terraza del Plano de la Flor: A diverse collection of trees and shrubs make up the final section, all beautifully landscaped in the style of a romantic 19th-century garden. Manicured hedges and charming bowers offer plenty of photo ops here. The Villanueva Pavilion plus the Garden’s two greenhouses lie just beyond.

What it’s like: March to May are always a lovely time to explore the Madrid Botanical Garden. The weather is mild, the skies are a crisp blue, and the sounds of buzzing, trilling and ribbitting fill the air. Yes, there might be rain, but there’s also unusual beauty in a garden that’s shimmering ethereally just after a downpour. 

What’s in bloom: Delicate camellias in dusky pinks and creamy whites, swathes of vibrant tulips, sunny daffodils and eye-catching blue hyacinths. Magnolia trees with their luscious star-shaped flowers, and dreamy cherry blossoms that sprinkle confetti-like petals as you wander past, are also highlights. 

Don’t miss: There’s a year-round programme of courses and workshops that are especially fun in spring. Past courses include identifying native birds, learning about fossil plants and helping in a butterfly census.

What it’s like: When it’s hot and sticky out, there’s nothing more calming than a garden stroll. Much of the flora and fauna are at their peak, and everywhere you look, leaves are plump and glossy, flowers are at their showiest, and pollinators are hard at work.

What’s in bloom: Think cottage garden beauty – flamboyant purple and yellow irises, elegant pink and white lilies, delicate clusters of blue agapanthus. As the season progresses, fragrant tea roses and dramatic dahlias demand attention, but don’t forget to look out for the sweet little asters and that classic of Mediterranean gardens, hydrangeas. 

Don’t miss: The water plant pond, tucked into a corner of the first section just past the fruit orchard, is at its most beautiful from June to September. Water lilies form a floating display and if you’re lucky, you might spot a resident frog or two. On the opposite end of the Garden, behind the Villanueva Pavilion, the bonsai terrace is another hidden gem.

What it’s like: Fiery reds, golden yellows, and a slight chill in the air that carries the promise of snuggly nights ahead. Autumn in the Madrid Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses not to be missed. Expect pleasant, mild days that are still great for sitting outside with a coffee as you gaze at nature’s brilliant palette.

What’s in bloom: Autumn camellias and dahlias put on a spectacular show, while delicate shrub roses offer old-fashioned elegance. Rhododendrons, with their striking purple and white blooms, and fragrant spikes of pouty salvia also come into their own this time of year. Stop in the fruit orchard to see trees laden with their colourful bounty. 

Don’t miss: If it’s not as warm or dry as you’d like, head to the Villanueva Pavilion, an 18th-century former greenhouse that’s now home to a diverse range of temporary art exhibitions. These usually cost extra, but if you’re on a budget, the smaller indoor spaces such as the Bonsai Greenhouse Room sometimes host free exhibitions.

What it’s like: While the exuberance of summer may be over, there’s still plenty to appreciate. Some plants are still flowering, but it’s far quieter with fewer visitors, and the stark beauty of the bare trees offers a rare chance to reflect on the passing of the seasons. There’s usually also a Christmas lights display, illuminating the Garden like a fairy tale. 

What’s in bloom: Look out for hellebores (Christmas roses), with their dainty, nodding blooms in ruby and white, and euphorbia sporting their impressive domes of greenish-white flowers. By January and February, bell-like snowdrops herald the start of warmer weather, and you might even see some early camellias and magnolias budding. 

Don’t miss: The temperature-controlled greenhouses are fascinating at any time of year, but especially in winter when there’s less going on outside. Here, discover prickly cacti, tropical beauties like orchids, and extravagant bird of paradise flowers from the Canary Islands.

The history of the Madrid Botanical Garden reflects the ups and downs of the city’s own past. Highlights include:

• 1755: Fernando VI commissions the creation of the Garden on the banks of the Manzanares River. 

• 1781: The Garden is moved to its current location on the orders of Carlos III, with royal architects Francesco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva overseeing the project. 

• 19th century: The Garden is a notable centre of botany and science, but falls from prominence due to war, abandonment and a cyclone. 

• 1939: The Higher Council for Scientific Research begins management of the Garden.

• 1974: Extensive restoration works begin, and the revamped Garden of today is inaugurated a few years later. 

We hope we’ve convinced you to put the Botanical Garden on your list of top cultural attractions to visit on your trip to Madrid. Remember to wear a good pair of walking shoes and you’re all set to go. Happy exploring!

Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid

• Plaza de Murillo, 2, Retiro, 28014 Madrid

• Open daily (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) 10am-6pm Nov-Feb, 10am-7pm Mar and Oct, 10am-8pm Apr and Sep, 10am-9pm May-Aug

• Metro line 1 to Estación del Arte, or buses 001, 10, 14, 27, 34, 37 or 45 to Museo del Prado - Jardín Botánico