The Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico) is a 20 acre (8 hectare) garden filled with plants from five of the world’s continents. Get back to nature after sightseeing in central Madrid by admiring the many flower and tree species that flourish here, visiting greenhouses and browsing a sculpture collection. Created by King Ferdinand VI in 1755, the Royal Botanical Garden was moved to its current location in 1774. Esteemed architects Francesco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva designed it.
Pass through the grand Puerta de Murillo entrance to see a display of multicolored ornamental plants such as camellias, dahlias and tulips. Stroll along the Paseo de Carlos III, lined with hundreds of ancient roses. Over 3,000 varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants used around the world in food, medicine, oils and perfumes are on display. Among them are jasmine, rosemary, sage and thyme.
The Terraza de las Escuelas Botánicas occupies the central section of the garden and features a phylogenetic order of plants from the most primitive to those with the most evolved flowers. Bordering the southern edge of this section is a pathway decorated with statues of the garden’s four most influential botanists.
Wander between ornamental lawns, ponds and plazas designed in the style of an English garden in the Terraza del Plano de la Flor. Browse an art exhibition in the Pabellón Villaneuva, a neoclassical-style monument originally used as a greenhouse.
Explore the garden at your own pace on one of several self-guided tours. Maps and leaflets are available at the ticket office and itineraries can also be downloaded via the garden’s official website. Learn about the evolution of the plant kingdom and the importance of plants in our daily lives. The PDF Around the World in 80 Plants takes you on a botanical tour from Europe, Africa and Asia to Oceania and the Americas.
The Royal Botanical Garden is open daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and there’s an admission fee. Avoid queues during the summer months by purchasing your tickets online. The nearest metro station to the garden is Estación del Arte.
