What to see in Torrejón de Ardoz: the Parque Europa, the plaza Mayor and family days out

The big attraction in Torrejón de Ardoz is the Parque Europa, an urban park with replicas of European monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, the Atomium and the Trevi Fountain, as well as original sections of the Berlin Wall. Add to that the arcaded plaza Mayor, the centre of local life, and the Mágicas Navidades (Magical Christmas), which turn the city into one of the most visited Christmas destinations in the region. It is a day out especially suited to families, and it fits in very well with a visit to neighbouring Alcalá de Henares.

Torrejón lies east of Madrid, next to the A-2, in the heart of the Corredor del Henares (Henares corridor) and a short distance from Barajas Airport. It is a large, modern city, with neighbourhoods such as Soto del Henares, Fresnos, Parque Cataluña and Las Fronteras, the air base that is part of its recent history and the Hospital Universitario de Torrejón. Its growth has gone hand in hand with a clear commitment to family leisure, and that is what you notice most when you visit.

Parque Europa

This is the must-see visit. Walking round the park is like taking a whistle-stop tour of the continent: replicas of monuments from different countries spread across meadows, a lake and wide paths. Besides the photos, there are children's play areas, adventure activities and spaces for spending the day outdoors. The sections of the Berlin Wall add a touch of real history that tends to surprise visitors.

Plaza Mayor

The plaza Mayor, enclosed and arcaded, is where local people meet and the setting for the festivities and many of the city's events. Around it are bars and restaurants where you can take a break, and from here you can explore the traditional centre of Torrejón.

Parks and green spaces

As well as the Parque Europa, the city has other large parks with sports areas and picnic spots, and the new neighbourhoods have well-kept boulevards and green spaces. They are good places for a quiet walk outside the busiest times.

Mágicas Navidades

At Christmas, Torrejón fills with lights, rides, markets and shows, with the plaza Mayor and the fairground as the main venues. It draws families from all over the Madrid region, so it is best to go early and avoid peak times.

Torrejón borders Alcalá de Henares, a World Heritage city, so you can spend a morning at the Parque Europa and the afternoon at the university and Cervantes's birthplace. You will find everything in our guide to what to see in Alcalá de Henares. If you are travelling with children and staying longer, in things to do with children in Madrid you will find more ideas to round off your trip.

Torrejón has Cercanías (commuter rail) stations in the centre and in Soto del Henares, and it is well connected to Madrid by the A-2. From the airport, however, public transport involves changes. If you are arriving by plane, the most direct option is the taxi between Torrejón de Ardoz and the airport: pickup at your terminal, a fixed fare you know when you book and the same price on the way back.

If you live or work in other towns along the corridor, such as San Fernando de Henares or Coslada, we will also take you to the airport. To compare all the ways of getting to Barajas from this area, see the Corredor del Henares to the airport guide.