Given the central location and beautiful architecture, many guided walking, tuk-tuk, bike, Segway, and general sightseeing tours pass by Palacio de Cristal, alongside other attractions such as Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, and Alcala Gate. Several Retiro Park-only tours also include a visit to Palacio de Cristal, allowing a holistic insight into one of Madrid’s best-known green spaces; meanwhile, if you want to avoid overwhelming group tours, there are also private sightseeing excursions available.
You’ll find Palacio de Cristal at the heart of Retiro Park, with a swan lake on one side and lush greenery all around. As such, it’s easy to reach both on foot—follow the signposts once inside Retiro Park—and by Metro. The closest stops are Estación del Arte, Retiro, and Ibiza, which are served by Lines 1, 2, and 9.
Palacio de Cristal is a pleasantly year-round attraction, which can be especially enjoyed on sunny days when natural light will cast a lovely sheen over the interior. It’s free to enter, which is perfect for travelers on a budget, and during the summer Palacio de Cristal often hosts temporary Reina Sofía art exhibits.
Palacio de Cristal may be one of Madrid’s most striking free attractions, but it’s far from the only one. In fact, Madrid is a great city for travelers on a budget, who may also wish to consider a visit to Palacio de Cibeles, a stroll down the photogenic Gran Vía, or a stop at the Templo de Debod. Even the prestigious Prado and Reina Sofía Museums are free to enter between certain hours of the evening on specific days of the week.
