Parque de la Arganzuela

Parque de la Arganzuela is one of the central green spaces of Madrid Río, the riverside park system that runs along the Manzanares in the Arganzuela district, right next to the former municipal slaughterhouse complex, Matadero Madrid.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The park sits on the left bank of the Manzanares, on the stretch where the M-30 ring road used to run above ground before being buried underground; its surface was turned into a green corridor stretching for several kilometers. The easiest way in is by metro to Legazpi or Marqués de Vadillo (Line 3), both a short walk from the park entrances. City buses running along Paseo de la Chopera also stop nearby.

What can you see inside?

The best-known landmark in this part of Madrid Río is the Puente de Arganzuela, also called Puente Perrault after its designer, French architect Dominique Perrault. Opened in 2011, the bridge stretches 278 meters and is built from two interlocking metal spiral ramps that connect the park directly with the Matadero Madrid grounds across the river. It has become one of the most photographed structures along the whole Madrid Río route.

Inside the park itself is the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza e Historia del Río Manzanares, an educational center dedicated to the history and ecology of the river and its role in shaping the city over the centuries. Close to Matadero, an open plaza of roughly 4,300 square meters has been laid out as a venue for cultural events, hosting concerts, screenings and other outdoor programming staged together with the neighboring arts center.

What's the story behind Matadero?

The Matadero Madrid complex next door dates back to the late 19th century, when it was built as the city's industrial slaughterhouse and livestock market to serve a rapidly growing Madrid. It kept that function for decades until 2005, when the old industrial halls were converted into a center dedicated to contemporary creation, artistic training and dialogue between different art forms. Today Matadero and Parque de la Arganzuela work as a single unit, linked by the Perrault bridge.

When is the best time to visit?

The park can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, avoiding the intense heat of Madrid summers. In the evenings, especially on weekends, the area around the bridge and the plaza by Matadero comes alive with open-air cultural events.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parque de la Arganzuela is an open, free public space, like the rest of the Madrid Río park system.

Can you walk straight from the park into Matadero Madrid? Yes, the Puente de Arganzuela (Puente Perrault) links both riverbanks directly, so crossing between the park and the arts center only takes a few minutes.

What is the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza e Historia del Río Manzanares? It's an educational center located in the park that explains the history of the Manzanares river and its importance to Madrid's development.

Are there cultural events held in the park? Yes, the roughly 4,300 m² plaza near Matadero regularly hosts concerts, screenings and other outdoor cultural events.