| QUICK ANSWER Metro Line 9 connects Vicálvaro directly with Ibiza, next to El Retiro Park, and Príncipe de Vergara, close to the Goya neighbourhood. This makes it easy to plan a day combining a walk through the park, museums, restaurants and shopping in one of Madrid’s main retail areas, before returning to the apartment on the same Metro line. |
In a nutshell
| ✓ Direct Metro Line 9 from Vicálvaro to Ibiza | ✓ Ibiza station is next to the eastern side of El Retiro |
| ✓ Príncipe de Vergara provides access to the Goya area and the Salamanca district | ✓ An easy plan without needing to stay in the city centre |
| ✓ Suitable for families, couples and shopping trips | ✓ Return to the apartment on the same Metro line |
El Retiro from Vicálvaro
From the Line 9 stations in Vicálvaro, you can travel directly to Ibiza. This station is located next to the eastern side of El Retiro Park, providing easy access to its paths, gardens and leisure areas without having to change lines.
El Retiro is one of Madrid’s major green spaces. The official tourism website highlights its 125 hectares, gardens, the Great Pond, the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace. Opening times and any closures due to weather conditions should be checked before your visit.
How to get to Calle Goya and its shopping area
Metro Line 9 continues from Ibiza to Príncipe de Vergara, a station located in the Goya neighbourhood and also connected to Line 2. From there, you can easily reach Calle Goya, Avenida de Felipe II and several of the Salamanca district’s main shopping streets.
The area combines department stores, fashion brands, specialist shops, restaurants and services. It is a convenient option for visitors who want to spend part of their trip shopping without heading to the busier areas around Sol or Gran Vía.
Calle Goya Shopping Area, Madrid
Recommended plan for a full day
- Leave Casa Bandi in the morning and take Metro Line 9 to Ibiza.
- Enter El Retiro from the Ibiza or Menéndez Pelayo side and spend the morning exploring the park.
- Have lunch around Ibiza, Narváez, Alcalá or Goya.
- Continue on foot or take the Metro to Príncipe de Vergara to explore the shopping area.
- Return to Vicálvaro on Line 9, checking the timetable and service status beforehand.
What to see in El Retiro
- The Great Pond and the monument to Alfonso XII.
- The Crystal Palace and the Velázquez Palace, both linked to exhibitions organised by the Reina Sofía Museum.
- The gardens, the Rose Garden and the tree-lined paths.
- Children’s play areas and places for families to relax.
- Cultural events or the Madrid Book Fair, if they coincide with the dates of your trip.
Shopping and leisure in Goya
Calle Goya and the surrounding area are ideal for fashion, accessories, sportswear, technology, beauty and department stores. The selection of shops changes frequently, so it is best to check individual stores and their opening hours.
For a more relaxed experience, avoid peak hours on Saturdays and busy sale periods. If you buy large or bulky items, consider returning by taxi or ride-hailing service.
The advantage of staying outside the city centre
Casa Bandi allows you to enjoy some of Madrid’s most iconic areas and then return to a residential apartment with a kitchen, separate bedrooms and self check-in. This combination can be particularly appealing to families, guests staying for several days and travellers who prefer to keep sightseeing time separate from time spent relaxing.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct Metro connection from Vicálvaro to El Retiro?
Metro Line 9 runs directly to Ibiza, a station located next to the eastern side of El Retiro Park. It is not Retiro station on Line 2, but it provides easy walking access to the park.
Can I get directly to Calle Goya?
Metro Line 9 runs directly to Príncipe de Vergara, in the Goya neighbourhood. From the station, you can walk to Calle Goya and other shopping areas in the Salamanca district.
Can I visit El Retiro and Goya on the same day?
Yes. Ibiza and Príncipe de Vergara are on the same Metro line and are very close to each other. It is an easy plan for combining a walk, lunch and shopping.
Can El Retiro close?
Yes. Madrid City Council may close or restrict access to certain areas due to weather conditions. Check the official information on the day of your visit.
Is this a suitable plan with children?
Yes. El Retiro has walking paths and children’s play areas. It is advisable to adapt the length of the visit, bring water and allow time for breaks.
How do I get back to Casa Bandi?
From Ibiza or Príncipe de Vergara, you can take Metro Line 9 towards Vicálvaro. Check which station is closest to your apartment.
| Madrid within easy reach, relaxation in Vicálvaro Enjoy El Retiro and Goya’s shopping district with a direct Metro connection. Afterwards, return to the comfort of a fully equipped Casa Bandi apartment. |
Official sources:
- Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid (CRTM).
- Metro de Madrid.
- EMT Madrid.
- Renfe Cercanías Madrid.
- Madrid City Council.
Official information from the CRTM confirms that Vicálvaro is served by Metro Line 9 and several bus routes. Vicálvaro railway station also provides Cercanías services on lines C-2, C-7 and C-8.