Parque Norte-Carmen Tagle

Parque Norte-Carmen Tagle is a large urban park in Madrid, sitting in the La Paz neighborhood within the Fuencarral-El Pardo district, north of the Spanish capital's city center.

Where exactly is it located?

The park spreads across nearly 20 hectares right next to La Paz Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Madrid. It also borders the Cuatro Torres Business Area, home to Spain's four tallest skyscrapers, whose silhouettes are visible from many corners of the park and give this part of Madrid its distinctive skyline. Thanks to this position, the park works as a green buffer between the dense office towers and the residential blocks of La Paz and Fuencarral.

How do you get there?

Sitting in northern Madrid, the park is most easily reached by metro, with the nearest stations serving lines that run toward Fuencarral-El Pardo, leaving only a short walk to the park's entrances. City buses stopping along the surrounding streets are a solid alternative. The park stays open around the clock, so there's no need to plan a visit around opening hours — a rare feature among Madrid's larger city parks.

What will you find inside?

The park is laid out around wide walking paths and broad lawns that locals use for shade and rest during the warmer months. Facilities include a basketball court, a calisthenics area, picnic spots with benches and tables, children's playgrounds, and a dedicated off-leash dog area. Culture lovers will find the neighboring Valle-Inclán Cultural Center worth a stop, as it regularly hosts exhibitions and art events. The full walking loop around the park runs roughly 2.7 kilometers and is rated an easy route, typically taking between thirty minutes and an hour depending on pace.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park opened in 1978 under Madrid's then-mayor José Luis Álvarez y Álvarez and was known simply as Parque Norte for decades. In May 2018, a second name was added — Carmen Tagle — honoring a Spanish public prosecutor murdered by the terrorist group ETA in 1989 near this site. The renaming was meant as a tribute to a victim of terrorism and today forms a permanent part of the park's identity, worth knowing before a visit.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its round-the-clock access and open green layout, the park welcomes visitors year-round. Spring and autumn bring temperatures that suit longer walks and outdoor activity, while in summer the tree shade and grassy stretches offer relief from Madrid's characteristic heat. The park also makes a convenient stop for anyone exploring the nearby Cuatro Torres complex or the area around La Paz Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the park suitable for families with children? Yes, it has playgrounds for younger visitors, and the broad lawns and wide paths make it easy to walk with a stroller.

Can you bring a dog to the park? Yes, there's a dedicated off-leash area where dogs can run freely.

Where does "Carmen Tagle" in the park's name come from? It refers to a Spanish prosecutor murdered by ETA in 1989 near the park — the name was added in 2018 as a tribute to her memory.

How long does it take to walk around the whole park? The full loop is about 2.7 km and takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace.