El Estanque (Pleasure Lake), Madrid
A leisurely walk from the northern entrance of the park, shaded by an avenue of trees, brings you to the park's small central lake, affectionately known as "El Estanque" or the Pleasure Lake. This picturesque water body serves as a bustling hub of activity within the park, with one of its main attractions being the availability of rowing boats for hire. Whether it's the vibrant colors of spring or the golden hues of autumn, the allure of gliding across the serene waters of the lake in these rented boats remains a year-round delight for visitors. Please note that the rowing boats are available for hire from 10am to 8pm, or until sunset if it occurs earlier, and there is a charge for each 45-minute session.
On one side of the lake, you'll be captivated by the sight of a semicircular stone colonnade, exuding grandeur and serving as a majestic backdrop. It frames an equestrian bronze monument dedicated to Alfonso XII, who sits atop a towering column, gracefully mounted on his noble steed. This monument was unveiled by Alfonso XII's son, Alfonso XIII, in a memorable ceremony. Interestingly, Alfonso XIII himself survived a bomb attack on his wedding day to Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Victoria Eugenia. It is said that a timely message, carved on a tree within the Retiro Park, played a role in averting the tragedy.
Across the lake, you'll find a lively scene, where portrait painters and fortune-tellers practice their crafts.
On one side of the lake, you'll be captivated by the sight of a semicircular stone colonnade, exuding grandeur and serving as a majestic backdrop. It frames an equestrian bronze monument dedicated to Alfonso XII, who sits atop a towering column, gracefully mounted on his noble steed. This monument was unveiled by Alfonso XII's son, Alfonso XIII, in a memorable ceremony. Interestingly, Alfonso XIII himself survived a bomb attack on his wedding day to Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Victoria Eugenia. It is said that a timely message, carved on a tree within the Retiro Park, played a role in averting the tragedy.
Across the lake, you'll find a lively scene, where portrait painters and fortune-tellers practice their crafts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
El Estanque (Pleasure Lake) on Map
Sight Name: El Estanque (Pleasure Lake)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Ernest Hemingway's Madrid Walking Tour
Amid the many writers who have expressed their love for Madrid, Ernest Hemingway is the one who did so quite famously. A recognized heavyweight of the 20th century literature - the author of The Sun Also Rises (1926), Death in the Afternoon (1932), The Fifth Column (1938), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) and The Old Man and the Sea (1952) - was a frequent visitor to the Spanish capital.
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Tour
Shopping for souvenirs in Madrid is an exciting and delightful experience for anyone visiting the vibrant Spanish capital. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Madrid without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of must-visit locations where you can find souvenirs, which are unique to Madrid and make for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Golden Mile Walking Tour
Similarly to 5th Avenue in New York City, Champs Elysee in Paris, or Bond Street in London, the Golden Mile is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. Forming part of Madrid's Salamanca district, this posh area is known for its upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights.
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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