Madrid’s most famous and biggest park is the Parque del Buen Retiro or simple El Retiro. A man-made retreat for the Royal Family only opened to the public in the late 1700s. Locals as well as tourists enjoy a dose of the outdoors all year-round. On the lake you can rent a rowboat and paddle to see the Monument to Alfonso XII from the water. If you want to see peacocks you should pay them a visit in the enclosed gardens of Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez. The circular rose gardens with over 4000 roses is another attraction. But most famously the Palacio de Cristal is drawing in the crowds. The iconic building is almost entirely made of glass, sitting on a brick foundation with an iron framework. Enjoy the changing art exhibitions with the sunlight streaming through the glass roof. During the summer outdoor Flamenco are worth the visit.