When people ask me about the best things to do in Madrid, I always mention Casa de Campo. This massive green space isn't your typical city park – it's actually a former royal hunting ground that became public property in 1931, and the difference shows.

At 1,722 hectares, it's enormous. To put that in perspective, it's five times larger than Central Park and six times bigger than Hyde Park. But size isn't everything here. What makes Casa de Campo special is how it manages to feel both wild and accessible at the same time. The forest area genuinely feels like you've left Madrid behind, even though you're still within the city limits.

I've spent countless mornings jogging around the artificial lake, watching families set up picnics and cyclists tackling the mountain bike trails. The variety of activities is impressive – there's the zoo, the amusement park, and even a cable car that connects to Parque del Oeste. The old fairground buildings, converted into regional restaurants, are quirky remnants of the area's past life as an exhibition space.

The western location means it catches different light throughout the day. Early morning visits reward you with mist rising from the lake. Late afternoons bring golden hour magic filtering through the trees. Wildlife is abundant too – rabbits, squirrels, and an impressive variety of birds call this place home.

Getting around can be a bit of a workout given the scale. The internal roads help, but comfortable shoes are essential. The terrain varies from flat lakeside paths to rolling hills that remind you this was once countryside. Some areas feel more maintained than others, which adds to the authentic feel rather than detracting from it.

Discover all the secrets of Casa de Campo with our complete audio guide of Madrid – there's more history and hidden corners here than most visitors realize. From its royal origins in the 16th century to its role during various historical periods, the stories embedded in this landscape run deep.

What strikes me most about Casa de Campo is how locals use it. This isn't just a tourist destination – it's where Madrid comes to breathe. Families gather for Sunday barbecues, runners train for marathons, and couples escape the city buzz. That authentic local atmosphere makes any visit feel less like sightseeing and more like experiencing real Madrid life.