Private Tour Retiro Park and Cibeles Palace

About this experience

The Private Tour to Retiro Park and Cibeles Palace is an exclusive and beautifully atmospheric private exploration of two of Madrid's most beloved and historically significant public landmarks — the magnificent Parque del Buen Retiro and the iconic Palacio de Cibeles — with a dedicated expert Amigo Tours guide for your group alone. The Retiro — originally a royal pleasure garden created for the Habsburg kings in the 17th century and opened to the public in the 19th century — is one of Europe's most beautiful and historically layered urban parks, its 350 acres encompassing the Crystal Palace, the monumental Alfonso XII monument overlooking the ornamental lake, rose gardens, woodland areas, and a remarkable collection of outdoor sculpture accumulated across centuries of royal and civic patronage.

The Palacio de Cibeles — the spectacular Beaux-Arts building at the heart of the Plaza de Cibeles that serves as Madrid's city hall and houses the extraordinary CentroCentro cultural space within its ornate interior — provides the private tour's most architecturally magnificent urban encounter. The guide's expert commentary covers the history of the Retiro from its origins as an exclusive royal retreat through the turbulent history of the 19th and 20th centuries that shaped its present public character, and the architectural ambitions of the Cibeles Palace and the broader Paseo del Prado urban landscape of which it forms the symbolic northern gateway.

Highlights

• See the Retiro Pond that was built by order of Philip IV to recreate naval battles in it
• Flexible itinerary adapted to your pace and interests
• Get to know the interior of the old Madrid Post Office building and contemplate the views of Madrid’s oldest street, the Gran Vía, from its rooftop
• Discover Madrid's iconic landmarks, art, and royal heritage
• Admire the beauty of the Crystal Palace and discover why it resembles a greenhouse
• Exclusive private experience tailored just for your group
• Discover the symbolism hidden in the statue of the Fallen Angel and why it is situated at 666 metres above sea level

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. At the meeting point

What to expect

More than 400 years old, Retiro Park is the most important green area in Madrid and your visit to the Spanish capital will not be complete without a walk through this wonderful green lung located in the center of the city. You will start the walking tour with a visit to the Cibeles Palace. This beautiful building, located at the intersection of Paseo del Prado and Calle Alcalá, was built in what at that time were the Jardines del Buen Retiro´. You will enter with the guide and after getting to know the interior, from its rooftop you will enjoy an incredible view of the Gran Vía´. You will not forget the image of Madrid that you will have from this point! Then you will go up Alcalá Street to enter Retiro Park. In the 17th century, the Count-Duke of Olivares designed a space for the recreation of the king and his court, giving rise to the Jardines del Buen Retiro. In 1868 it became a municipal park and since then elements have been added to its heritage. The guide will show you and explain the historical context behind the park’s most outstanding attractions. You can marvel at the size of the Estanque Grande´, be dazzled by the beauty of thePalacio de Cristal´, contemplate the Fuente de los Galápagos´, or discover the legend of the statue of theÁngel caído´. At the end of the tour, you can stay in the park as it has many corners where you can sit down to rest and take a break from the “stress” of the city.

Things to note

• Photography may be restricted inside certain attractions; always follow your guide's instructions regarding permitted areas
• Dress in layers and bring sun protection — Spanish weather can shift between cool mornings and hot afternoons, especially in summer
• Please be respectful inside churches, palaces, and monuments; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is recommended
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as tours involve extended periods on foot over uneven or cobbled surfaces
• The tour involves a significant amount of walking and may not be fully accessible for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users

Terms & conditions

Free cancellation up to 48h before the tour starts
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time will not be refunded
All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation at the time of purchase
Amigo Tours reserves the right to modify or cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions, or force majeure events
Participants must arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time; late arrivals may not be accommodated
This voucher is valid only for the date and option selected at the time of booking and cannot be transferred to another date or tour
A valid government-issued photo ID may be required upon check-in for entry to certain attractions or monuments
Prices are per person and include all applicable taxes and service charges as stated in the inclusions
Any additional purchases, tips for guides, or optional extras are not included in the tour price unless explicitly stated
By completing the booking, participants agree to comply with all local regulations, attraction rules, and the guide's instructions throughout the tour