Spain: Madrid's tulip spectacle resists rain at Botanical Garden

Hugo Ortuño

The spectacular blooming of thousands of tulips at Madrid's Royal Botanical Garden (RJB-CSIC) is currently at its peak, offering a vibrant display of colour that last weekend's rain has failed to dampen. Tens of thousands of bulbs of diverse varieties paint the 'Terraza de los Cuadros' (Terrace of the Squares) and other garden areas, creating a stunning visual mosaic right in the heart of the capital. Sources at the RJB confirm that mid-April is the best time to enjoy this phenomenon. Despite recent rainfall, including Friday and Saturday, the tulips' splendour remains undiminished. Visitors report that the dampness may have even enhanced the intensity of the colours, and the natural spectacle continues to draw large crowds. This annual event, a key highlight of spring in Madrid, temporarily transforms the CSIC garden into an almost Dutch landscape. Visitors are reminded that the bloom is ephemeral, lasting approximately three weeks. The Royal Botanical Garden is open in April from 10:00 to 20:00. General admission costs €4, with free entry on Tuesday mornings until 13:00/13:30. Planning your visit is advised due to the event's popularity.