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The Prado Museum is the one place in Madrid where you can stand in front of Velázquez, Goya and El Greco in the same afternoon. This guide explains what to see, which Prado Museum tickets are worth booking, and how to avoid the queues.
In this guide
The Prado Museum at a glance
The Prado opened to the public in 1819 in a neoclassical building designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva, and it is now Spain’s national art museum and one of the great painting collections of Europe. It sits on the Paseo del Prado in the middle of Madrid’s museum district.
Our experience at the Prado
Walking through its grand galleries and seeing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco up close was a completely different experience from seeing them in books. Las Meninas by Velázquez was particularly impressive, both for its scale and the incredible detail. We loved wandering between the rooms, discovering paintings we hadn’t expected to enjoy so much. It’s the kind of museum where you can easily lose track of time, and definitely one of Madrid’s must-see attractions.
What to see at the Prado
The collection is far too big to see in one visit, so pick a handful of masterpieces and give them time. These are the ones most visitors come for.
As we found, some of the best moments come from the paintings you did not plan to see, so leave a little time to wander between rooms.
Prado Museum tickets: which should you choose?
The Prado uses timed entry, and queues build up on weekends, holidays and in peak season, so booking in advance is the simplest way to save time. There are two main ways to do it, depending on how you like to visit.
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Guided tour with skip-the-line ticket (Viator) | First-time visitors who want the key paintings explained | A guide leads you to the masterpieces and tells the stories behind them. Check the listing for the duration and language. |
| Prado Museum ticket (GetYourGuide) | Independent visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace | Lets you choose your date and entry time and linger wherever you like. Check what is included on the listing when you book. |
Prado Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
See the masterpieces with a guide who explains what you are looking at, and skip the ticket queue. Check dates and book on Viator.
Check Tickets on ViatorPrefer to explore on your own?
If you would rather wander at your own pace, book a Prado Museum ticket for a set time. Check live availability here:
Opening hours and practical tips
What to combine with your visit
The Prado sits on the edge of Retiro Park, so a stroll under the trees is the natural way to finish. The Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums are close by if you want more art. Another day, see the grand state rooms in our Royal Palace of Madrid tickets guide, and finish an evening with a show: read our Madrid flamenco guide. For more ideas, see our full Madrid travel guide.
Where to stay near the Prado
The area around the Prado, Retiro Park and the Barrio de las Letras puts the museums on your doorstep, while Sol and the historic centre are an easy walk away. Browse the map below to compare places and prices for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at the Prado Museum?
Allow two to three hours to see the main highlights. A guided tour of the key works takes about 90 minutes, and art lovers can easily spend longer.
Is the Prado Museum free?
Entry is free in the last two hours before closing, but queues for the free slot can be long and the time is short. If you want a relaxed visit, book a ticket in advance.
Should I book Prado Museum tickets in advance?
Yes. The museum uses timed entry and queues build up on weekends, holidays and in peak season, so booking ahead saves time.
Is a guided tour worth it?
For a first visit, yes. A guide takes you straight to the key paintings and explains the stories behind them, which helps in such a large museum. If you prefer your own pace, a standard ticket is the better choice.
Where is Las Meninas in the Prado?
One source lists it in Room 12. Galleries are occasionally rearranged, so check the museum map or ask a member of staff when you arrive.
How do I get to the Prado Museum?
Take the metro to Banco de España (line 2) and walk a few minutes to the Paseo del Prado. Estación del Arte and Atocha are also within walking distance.
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Ben writes about destinations, events and experiences worth travelling for at Route & Stay.