Spain Guide
Madrid
The Jardín Botánico
Address: Immediately south of the Prado
Opening time: Daily 10am– dusk
Price: €2, under-10s free
Website: www.rjb.csic.es
The delightful, shaded Jardín Botánico, opened in 1781 by Carlos III, once contained over 30,000 plants. The numbers are down these days, though the gardens were well renovated in the 1980s, after years of neglect, and the worldwide collection of flora is fascinating for any amateur botanist; don't miss the hothouse with its tropical plants and amazing cacti or the bonsai collection of former prime minister Felipe González.