"Serenity in Madrid's Botanical Gardens Real Jardin Botanico, the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid , is a peaceful place to get out of the city streets and stroll around in nature. Fountains and sculptures are scattered throughout the 5,500 species of living plants, trees and flowers. While nothing feels too exotic, scenes like a stray cat sipping water amongst Matteuccia Struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) as a fountain drips from above, remind you that the simple things are just as special as the extraordinary."

"The Largest Park in Madrid Madrid's largest park, named after King Juan Carlos I, is a short metro ride from downtown, but from the moment you leave the station you feel as though you've been transported to a faraway land of fairy tales. Giant sculptures decorate the massive grounds, with dedications to Galileo, victims of the Holocaust, and world peace, respectively. If the weather is fair, there is a free train which offers rides every hour on the hour around the entire park—the only way you can see the whole place in a day!"

"Don't Miss the Gem of Retiro Park No matter what the season, it's worthwhile to wander through the exquisite Retiro Park when you're in Madrid . Here you can find a tranquil escape from crowded streets and museums. The unrivaled architecture of Madrid is echoed here in the wonderful monuments, statues, and buildings. Be sure to visit the gorgeous Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), originally a greenhouse and now used for art exhibitions. Look for the beautiful black swans in the lake."

"Walk Along Madrid's Newly Redeveloped Riverfront Over the last several years, Madrid 's river redevelopment has really come together. What used to be sludgy is now sparkling, with walkways and bridges intertwined along the river, with kids playing, people jogging and chatting. A great place to get away from the crowds, even in the winter. Tourists don't really know about it, which makes it even better. Go at sunset so you can watch the lights of the city come on and the moon rise. Start on the south side, by the new Matedero arts center and move your way up north to the Royal Palace. Delightful way to spend an early evening. By Dan Fogarty"

"Don't miss Parque del Retiro—a stunning area complete with a lake, playgrounds, gardens, and fountains. It's the perfect public space where anyone can enjoy the day by taking a walk, playing a game, going on a boat ride, or exploring to your heart's content."

"The Madrid Train Station is a Jungle This station is unlike any I've ever seen—there is a market among the trees, a pond of turtles, benches to unwind and a cute restaurant on the other side overlooking the scene. It's the perfect place for a family to explore for free. If you find yourself booking a train out of Madrid get to the station a bit early to check it out. Or even take a stroll down from Parque Retiro!"

"Sunset Spot Parque de Oueste is a shady park toward the north of the city. The park is known for its rose gardens, as well as being home to the Temple of Debod, a gift for the Egyptian state in 1968. The overlook of the park offers beautiful views of the Royal Palace and the larger Casa Del Campo. It's an ideal spot to split a bottle of wine with friends and watch the sunset after a long day of exploring Madrid ."