Parque Madrid Río

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was created after the M-30 highway was buried underground, reclaiming over 650 hectares of riverfront land for public use.

2. 2

   The Arganzuela Footbridge, designed by Dominique Perrault, features a distinctive metallic mesh design that spirals over the river.

3. 3

   The park's water play area, 'Playa de Madrid,' uses a system of jets and shallow pools that operate as a cooling feature during hot months.

4. 4

   The landscaping incorporates over 30 kilometers of cycling lanes that integrate into the wider Madrid green infrastructure.

5. 5

   The Puente de Toledo is a 17th-century bridge integrated into the park design, serving as one of its most prominent historical landmarks.

Overview

Parque Madrid Río is a 10-kilometer-long linear park built along the Manzanares River following the underground diversion of the M-30 motorway. The park features 17 distinct children's play areas with sustainable materials like wood and rope. It houses the Matadero Madrid, a former slaughterhouse complex repurposed into a significant contemporary arts center. The terrain includes over 30,000 trees, including species like pine, poplar, and almond. The Salón de Pinos provides a shaded canopy spanning the entire length of the park. It incorporates several historic structures, including the Puente de Segovia and the Puente de Toledo. The park serves as a major recreational artery connecting Madrid’s urban center to the natural areas of the Casa de Campo. It features specialized zones for skating, cycling, and climbing.

Insider tips

• Bring a refillable water bottle, as the park is vast and offers limited kiosk access in quieter sections.

• Start your walk at the Matadero cultural center to combine outdoor exercise with rotating art exhibitions.

• Rent a bike if you wish to see the entire length, as the park stretches significantly further than it appears on a map.