Set in the middle of Madrid’s 300 acre Parque del Buen Retiro is the Estanque Grande, a rectangular lake that is the social centre of the Retiro. Popular among rowers it is also filled with fortune-tellers, vendors of sunflower seeds, aspirant caricaturists and artists, and drug pushers. Family’s picnic on its shores, joggers’ jog, and lovers stroll beside the water during the day, but it is not wise to wander alone here after dark.

There are many fantastic Madrid hotels where you can stay during your visit to Madrid city. Madrid's sight and activites will keep you busy for longer than you can stay for.