Outdoor Activities in Retiro & Paseo del Prado (Madrid)

Museo Nacional del Prado

Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. In July of 2005, the Council of Ministers approved a EUR44.6 million expansion plan which increases the museum's total space by 50 percent, and allows for 500 more works of the permanent collection to be showcased. On October 30, 2007, the annex opened with a collection of 19th-century Spanish artwork which enabled the Prado to reclaim its glory as a crown jewel of Europe. Come for the art; stay for the architecture.

Planetario de Madrid

Lie back on one of the reclining chairs located under the huge dome and enjoy spectacular documentaries and visual displays accompanied by the best surround sound system available. You will learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy and see images of the stars and planets as they circulate in their natural orbits. There is a range of exhibitions and video shows to visit, along with interactive educational computer facilities and a souvenir shop. Once a year around August the planetarium hosts a stargazing event titled Jornada de observación con telescopios (telescope observation day). The planetarium is close to the IMAX 3D cinema and has free parking. Admission to video screenings, exhibitions and computer facilities is free.

Parque del Buen Retiro

It's known as the "lungs of Madrid," and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez ). On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th Century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy.

Titirilandia Festival de Títeres de Madrid

The Puppet Festival forms part of a series of summer outdoor events called Veranos de la Villa. Over twenty companies present shows using a variety of styles and techniques to create stimulating theatre. Both venues are located in Retiro Park, so you can combine a day in the open-air with some entertainment. There's the outdoor Permanent Puppet Theatre and the Casa de Vacas cultural centre. The latter has indoor shows every day and an exhibition related to the world of puppetry. Admission: Teatro Permanente: free.

Instalación Deportiva Municipal La Chopera

Built in 1960, it's one of the city's oldest public sports centers, but it has the advantage of being located in the popular central Retiro Park. It has a number of soccer pitches, several running tracks, a basketball court, an open-air weight-lifting circuit and a gym. The center organizes a wide range of sports activities at all levels for all ages, including jazz-exercise classes and classes for handicapped people.