Twelve outdoor bars and restaurants next to a park

Outdoor cafes and bars, known in Spanish as terrazas, have never been more popular. More than ever they have become the perfect place to relax and catch up with your friends and family. In Madrid you’ll find one on practically every corner but we’ve prepared a little selection of some of the prettiest and largest ones-all them located next to a park.

1. Ramsés, next to El Retiro Park (Plaza de la Independencia, 4)

Boasting a prime location on Puerta de Alcalá, right next to El Retiro Park, this fashionable restaurant is run by Arzak Instructions, a company founded by the renowned Basque chef Juan Mari Arzak, his daughter Elena and their team at El Laboratorio. Next to Ramsés you’ll find another charming café, Patio de Leones, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and churros as well as other traditional Spanish dishes.

2. Terraza Lago, in Casa de Campo (Glorieta de los Patines, 11)

Situated in the heart of Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park and a wonderful place to relax, this terraza offers fabulous views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. The menu includes share plates like Galician-style octopus and platters of Iberian cold cuts, and dishes such as Rioja-style cod and fabe beans with clams.

3. El Rincón del Capricho, next to Capricho Park (C/ Jardín de Aranjuez, 1)

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to this restaurant with outdoor seating located a stone’s throw from El Capricho Park. Enjoy a meal with friends and family and then make your way to the stunning El Capricho Park (only open at weekends and on public holidays) for a stroll through the 18th-century gardens built by the Duchess of Osuna.

4. Café del Río Terrace (Avenida de Portugal, 1) and Terraza Playa, next to Madrid Río Park (Paseo de Yeserías, 33)

Head to the western part of the city and you’ll discover Madrid Río, a 10km-long park that runs along the Manzaneres River. In it you’ll find the Terraza del Café del Río which affords stunning views of the Royal Palace, the La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Basilica of San Francisco El Grande. Another popular spot on the river bank is Terraza Playa, which is often frequented by people who have gone to the park to do some sports.

5. Kiosco La Perla, next to Oeste Park (Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 64)

If you’re enjoying a walk in Oeste Park and suddenly feel a bit peckish, we recommend you make your way to this old classic on Paseo del Pintor Rosales. Renowned for its leche merengada (milkshake with cinnamon), it offers a great selection of snacks. On warm days they turn on the mist sprayers so you won’t want to leave!

6. Terraza El Ancla, El Retiro Park (Paseo de Venezuela)

Located within El Retiro Park, on the Paseo de Venezuela, this terrace is part of the Remigio Group, in the shade of majestic fir trees amidst all the lush nature of the park. It’s a popular spot with families, couples, and groups of friends, as well as those who practise sports in the park, offering a wide range of food and drink.

7. Terraza Atenas, next to Atenas Park (Calle Segovia)

Boasting wonderful vistas of Almudena Cathedral and Atenas Park, this outdoor bar located next to the Royal Palace is one of the city’s most coveted outdoor bars. Back in 1590 this spot which used to belong to the Campo del Moro garden was bought by King Philip II as a place for the princes and courtiers to enjoy knighting ceremonies, a popular form of entertainment at that time.

8. Cerro del Tío Pío Terrace, in Puente de Vallecas (C/ Benjamín Palencia)

On clear days you can see practically the whole of Madrid from this modest-looking outdoor café with enviable vistas. It is located in Puente de Vallecas district, next to the Cerro del Tío Pío which has been nicknamed the Park of the Seven Tits by the locals because of its seven hills.

9. Terraza El Parque, next to La Vaguada Park

After a long day shopping in La Vaguada shopping centre this terraza is a good place in which to sit back, relax and have a coffee or a drink. They also serve food and their menu is particularly popular with children: hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. It’s also a great spot for a cocktail, or two, on warm summer evenings.

10. La Terraza de Florida Retiro, in the heart of El Retiro Park

We’re going to round off our tour of Madrid’s terrazas in the same spot as where we started. Let’s go back to El Retiro Park, but this time we’re going to step inside and head to the Florida Retiro, a classy restaurant with a superb outdoor area. Featuring a decor inspired by oases in the Moroccan desert, they offer a varied menu and a great selection of cocktails prepared by Óscar Molina.

11- Real Jardín Botánico bar-restaurant, in the Royal Botanical Gardens

This terrace is also a restaurant run by the TriCiclo group. Located in the main pavilion of the Royal Botanical Gardens, it is surrounded by nature and beautiful gardens.

12- La Manzana in the heart of Casa de Campo (Avenida de Rodajos, s/n)

Located within Casa de Campo, this restaurant specialises in authentic dishes from Asturias and has a large terrace open all year round. In the cooler months, the terrace is covered with a cosy marquee, and when the warm summer weather arrives, it is opened up so you can enjoy the sunshine.