The Manzanares River as it passes through Madrid has become a recreational and sports area thanks to the burying of the M-30 and the restructuring of the riverbank. What is known as Madrid Río is a route more than 10 km long, an extensive family park where there is room for lots of activities for young and old alike. We invite you to a spectacular walk that starts at the Arganzuela Bridge and ends at Príncipe Pío, where you will find bridges, walkways, parks, green spaces, monuments, sports, leisure and rest areas.
Abattoir
It is a cultural centre that belongs to the district of Arganzuela. Here you can find celebrate exhibitions, theatre, cinema, music festivals and children's workshops every weekend.
Shopping Centre
The Plaza Rio 2 is the best shopping plan if you happen to pass through here. Located opposite the Matadero, at the top there are restaurants and cafés with terraces, cinemas and leisure facilities.
Bridges
Along the Madrid Río, several bridges are crossed, from the largest, the Arganzuela Bridge, at 274 metres. Formed by two conical sections, the green Y-shaped bridge, the twin bridges of Invernadero and Matadero with their beautiful vaults decorated with mosaics. The Andorra Bridge or Oblique Bridge, the seven dams or the historic King's Bridge, the Segovia Bridge or the Toledo Bridge.
Viewpoints
Along this route there are some must-stop points, where you can enjoy impressive views of different parts of the riverbank. Such as the Huerta de la Partida viewpoint, from where you can take some good photographs of the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace. The Glorieta de San Vicente viewpoint, with a wonderful panoramic view of the Casa de Campo. It is also worth taking a look from any of the bridges that cross the Manzanares.
Gardens
Highlight the Hall of Pines, a 6 km long tree-lined promenade where we can access several gardens such as those of Arganzuela and Matadero, those of Puente de Toledo, the Lower Gardens of Puente de Segovia, those of Virgen del Puerto and the Gardens of Aniceto Marinas.
The King's Esplanade
This is the area that has been rehabilitated for cultural and sporting events. Around it there are green areas and pedestrian routes.
Terraces
Along this pleasant promenade you will find several terraces where you can stop for a coffee or a meal in one of the restaurants. At night the atmosphere on the terraces changes and you can sit down for a drink.
Children's playgrounds
Madrid Río offers the youngest children no less than 17 children's play areas, adapted to different ages. Highlights include the hills with metal slides, the log jungle with a zip line or the rope trails.
Madrid Río Beach
Very busy during the summer months. This urban beach is made up of 3 different water surfaces. A place with water jets, ideal for children and adults to cool off.
Services
- Sports courts. You can practice skateboarding, climbing, football, paddle tennis, tennis and basketball.
- Cycle lane
- Running circuits
- Petanque courts
- Playing tables
- Drinking fountains
- Climbing wall
- Bicycle rental
- Picnic area
- Fishing zone
- Botanical path
How to get to Madrid Río
As it is a very large and elongated park, there are several options for getting there, depending on the area you want to access. The best way is by public transport.
By metro
North Zone: Príncipe Pío and Puerta del Ángel
Central Zone: Piramides and Marqués de Vadillo
South Zone: Legazpi and Almendrales
By bus: Lines 25, 31, 33, 36, 39, 50, 65, 138
Cercanías: Madrid-Príncipe Pío or Pirámides
