Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid

Madrid is flush with parks and gardens, many of them originally built for Spanish royalty. Some of these places were opened to the public only very recently, allowing Madrileños and tourists a verdant taste of the good life. So when you’re in need of some nature, a perfect picnic spot or just a break from the hustle of the city, head for one of these outdoor spaces.
Back in the 19th century, Queen Maria Cristina was greatly inspired by romance and nature and suggested turning this area into an English-style garden. It’s placed on the western side of the Royal Gardens and is home to a verdant green lawn, monumental fountains (the Fountain of the Tritons and the Palace of the Shells) and plenty of shady paths and trees.
Amy Schulman contributed additional reporting to this article.