Madrid's Largest Park Was a Royal Hunting Ground Until 1931
Few cities give away this much green space for free. Casa de Campo covers 1,535 hectares on the western edge of Madrid, making it the city's largest public park and roughly four times the size of New York's Central Park. There is no entry fee and no booking required. Just show up.
The park spent nearly four centuries as a private royal estate. Philip II acquired the land from the Vargas family in the mid-16th century when he moved his court to Madrid, and the royal family used it as a hunting ground until the Second Spanish Republic ceded it to Madrid City Council on 1 May 1931. Today it holds a zoo, an amusement park, an artificial lake with rowing boats, public swimming pools, and more trails than you can cover in a weekend.
The Main Attractions Inside Casa de Campo Park
The Zoo Aquarium de Madrid covers 20 hectares and holds over 6,000 animals across more than 500 species. Giant pandas are the headline act: Jin Xi and Zhu Yu arrived from China's Chengdu breeding base in 2024, and Madrid's zoo houses one of the largest giant panda populations in Europe. You will also find Iberian lynx, gorillas, koalas, elephants, and a 2,000-square-metre tropical aquarium. Budget a full morning or afternoon here, not a rushed hour.
The Parque de Atracciones de Madrid is the city's main amusement park, tucked inside the natural space with 36 rides including 7 rollercoasters and 3 water rides across themed zones. It is a solid choice for families and a genuine surprise for visitors who had no idea it existed inside a free public park.
The Lake: Rowing Boats, Lakeside Restaurants, and a Slow Afternoon
The artificial lake at the heart of Casa de Campo is where madrileños come to breathe. You can hire a rowing boat at the pier, load up to four people, and spend 45 minutes drifting around without anywhere to be. Restaurants and bars line the shore, run by groups including Triciclo, Casa Remigio, and Urogallo, serving Spanish dishes and cold drinks at shaded terraces. The area around the lake is also where you will find the public outdoor swimming pools, open in summer.
| Day | Boat hire price | Senior rate (65+) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | €6 | €1.80 |
| Saturday, Sunday & public holidays | €8 | €1.80 |
Boats go out from 10:30am until dusk. Book through the Madrid Móvil app or at deportesweb.madrid.es, particularly on weekends when they fill up fast.
A Civil War Battlefield in the Middle of the Park
In November 1936, the front line of the Siege of Madrid ran straight through what is now your picnic spot. Franco's nationalist troops entered Casa de Campo on 8 November, and Republican forces (joined by the International Brigades) halted their advance here in some of the war's fiercest urban fighting. The high point of the park, Cerro de Garabitas, stands at around 675 metres above sea level, and Franco's artillery used it to shell central Madrid continuously for three years. Military trenches are still visible across the landscape.
Getting There: Metro, Bus, and on Foot from Madrid Río
Several Madrid Metro lines serve the park. The most useful stops are Lago (Line 10) for the lake and restaurants, Batán (Line 10) for the amusement park, and Casa de Campo (Lines 5 and 10) for the zoo entrance. Príncipe Pío (Lines 6, 10, and the R line) drops you at the eastern boundary near Madrid Río, from where you can walk in via Avenida de Portugal.
Private vehicles are not permitted inside the park. Bus lines 31, 33, 36, 39, 65, and 158 all serve the area, and six BiciMAD docking stations make it easy to cycle in. The Teleférico cable car, which connected Parque del Oeste to Casa de Campo in an 11-minute aerial ride over the city, is currently closed for renovation. Check teleferico.emtmadrid.es for reopening news before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casa de Campo free to enter?
Yes, the park itself is free and open year-round. The Zoo Aquarium and Parque de Atracciones are paid attractions inside the park. The lake, trails, picnic areas, and all outdoor spaces are free to use.
Can I swim in the lake at Casa de Campo?
No, swimming in the lake is not permitted. However, the park has public outdoor swimming pools (the Piscina del Lago) open in summer. Prices range from €1.35 for children to €4.50 for adults, with booking available through the Madrid Móvil app.
What is the best metro stop for Casa de Campo?
It depends on where you are headed. For the lake and restaurants, take Line 10 to Lago. For the amusement park, get off at Batán (Line 10). For the zoo, use Casa de Campo station (Lines 5 and 10).
What are the interesting facts about Casa de Campo?
The park was a royal hunting estate for nearly 400 years before opening to the public in 1931. During the Spanish Civil War, the front line of the Battle of Madrid ran through it, and Cerro de Garabitas was used by Franco's forces to shell the city for three years. Civil war trenches are still visible today. The park also contains the Manuel Ortego Entomological Center, holding 15,000 species of butterflies and beetles.
Is Casa de Campo worth visiting?
Absolutely. For a free outdoor space, it offers more than most paid attractions: a zoo with giant pandas and 6,000 animals, a full amusement park, a rowing lake, civil war history, and enough trails to fill a weekend. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are gentle and the park is at its greenest.