Casa de Campo is the name of the large park area located to the west of central Madrid. Due to the tremendous amount of green space that this park offers, it is often referred to as the "lungs of Madrid." You can bet that plenty of Madrid locals take advantage of it when looking to get a break from the more urban side of things. Before 1931, the relatively wild Casa de Campo expanse served as a hunting and leisure area for royalty, thanks in part to its proximity to the Royal Palace. Today, it is open to the public and is used for all kinds of recreational pursuits. A number of neat attractions only add to the park's allure, and it is an excellent place for a leisurely stroll. There are some good hotels near Casa de Campo, and they are ideally situated for Madrid visitors who want to be close to the park and the city's Old Town.

Accessing the Casa de Campo is easier than ever, thanks in part to the nearby Lago metro stop and the addition of a garden area that links it with the Royal Palace's park. Since cars have largely been prohibited from entering the almost seven-square-mile grounds, the atmosphere is usually very laid-back once you arrive. That being said, the park's pathways can get crowded from time to time with walkers, joggers, and bikers, though you can usually get away from the crowds if you please. In addition to walking, jogging, and biking, those who visit the Casa de Campo Park in Madrid can also enjoy a picnic or take a small boat out on the main lake. It is worth noting that small boat rentals are also available at the Retiro Park, which is one of Madrid's other main parks. The boats that are available for rent at both parks include rowboats and paddleboats, so you will have to do some work to get around.

There are lots of options for things to do at the Casa de Campo Park in Madrid, and they include visiting the zoo and spending some quality time at an amusement park. Both the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid and the Madrid Parque de Atracciones can be found within the Casa de Campo boundaries, and especially for families with kids, they are certainly worth checking out. As the name would imply, the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid is both a zoo and an aquarium. Simulated habitats aim to mimic the natural habitats for most of the approximately 3,000 animals, and there is also a petting zoo area that is especially popular with kids. A 520,000-gallon aquarium houses the bulk of the marine creatures, and there is also a walk-through shark tank area. At the Parque de Atracciones, the rides cater mostly to youngsters and include a toboggan slide, a maze, and a carousel, though there is enough to keep adults entertained as well.

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On warmer days, the municipal swimming pool at the Casa de Campo Park in Madrid can be a refreshing place to hang out, and regardless of the temperature, getting a bird's eye view of the park on the Teleferico is worth considering. The Teleferico is a cable car ride that offers fantastic views of the Casa de Campo, as well as the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the Templo de Debod, and a number of other Madrid attractions. You can reach the heart of the Casa de Campo on the Teleferico.

The hotels near Casa de Campo are understandably popular with Madrid visitors. In addition to being close to the city's largest park, these hotels also offer proximity to the Old Town area and popular hangout spots such as the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. Two hotels near Casa de Campo that offer a considerable amount of comfort and reasonable rates are the Hotel Celuisma Florida Norte and the Hotel Principe Pio. While not overly luxurious, these hotels offer pleasant lodging experiences, and you will have trouble finding accommodations that are closer to the Casa de Campo.