From the Toledo Bridge to the Arganzuela Bridge: the monumental walk of Madrid Río

Madrid Río can be explored in a thousand ways, but the section between the Puente de Toledo and the Puente de Arganzuela has something that the others do not: three centuries of a city facing each other, crossing the same river.

Toledo Bridge: the baroque of Manzanares

Built in the 18th century by order of Philip V, it is the work of Pedro de Ribera, the architect who left some of its most exuberant façades in Madrid. Pedestrian for years, with its two semicircular arches and twin access structures, it remains the monumental entrance to the park from the Glorieta Marqués de Vadillo — just the end of Madrid Río closest to Usera.

Arganzuela Bridge: Perrault’s helix

About 500 meters downstream, the contrast: the Puente de Arganzuela (2011), designed by Dominique Perrault as the centerpiece of the new park. Two helical metal tubes with mesh skin that filter light during the day and become illuminated headlights at night. Inside, a viewpoint over the river.

How to do the walk

1. Start at the Toledo Bridge and cross it calmly: the views of the park from its viewpoints are the best introduction.
2. Go down to the bank and walk south along either bank.
3. Cross inside the helix of the Arganzuela Bridge and return along the opposite bank.
4. Total: 2–2.5 km flat, suitable for strollers, bikes and runners.

When to go

At dusk, when the propeller begins to light up and the baroque of the Toledo turns golden. If you like photography, it is one of the best urban spots in Madrid.

This walk starts ten minutes walk from our accommodations in Usera. To complete the day, add the Matadero Madrid, which is in the same section of the park.

Cover photo: Rick Ligthelm from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.