Prado Museum
A treasure trove of European art, the Prado Museum houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, offering a profound journey through art histo...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, fewer crowds
Prado Museum
Best Time
Free entry, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A treasure trove of European art, the Prado Museum houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, offering a profound journey through art history.
"The Prado Museum is a must-visit for its unparalleled collection of Spanish masters and accessible free entry hours."
🎯 Free Evening Entry Hack
Take advantage of free entry hours (Mon-Sat, 6-9 PM) for a less crowded experience and to save money!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast collections without fatigue.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Las Meninas
Room 12
Velázquez's enigmatic masterpiece, a royal portrait that captivates with its complex composition and hidden meanings.

The Garden of Earthly Delights
Room 71
Bosch's surreal triptych, a vibrant and bizarre exploration of humanity's creation, temptation, and damnation.

The Third of May 1808
Room 32
Goya's powerful depiction of Spanish resistance against Napoleon's troops, a raw and emotional historical scene.

The Black Paintings
Room 72
Goya's dark and haunting frescoes, originally painted on his home's walls, showcasing his later, more somber artistic phase.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry Hours & Planning
Masterpieces & Time Management
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Evening Entry Hack
Take advantage of free entry hours (Mon-Sat, 6-9 PM) for a less crowded experience and to save money!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast collections without fatigue.
🗺️ Prioritize Your Must-Sees
With thousands of artworks, pick your top 5-10 pieces to focus on to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
📸 Photography Rules
General photography is allowed without flash, but check specific room restrictions. Some masterpieces might be off-limits for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Evening Entry Hack
Take advantage of free entry hours (Mon-Sat, 6-9 PM) for a less crowded experience and to save money!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast collections without fatigue.
🗺️ Prioritize Your Must-Sees
With thousands of artworks, pick your top 5-10 pieces to focus on to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
📸 Photography Rules
General photography is allowed without flash, but check specific room restrictions. Some masterpieces might be off-limits for photos.
🎧 Audio Guides Enhance Visit
Consider renting an audio guide for deeper insights into the artworks and their historical context.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Prado Museum for its breathtaking collection of masterpieces, particularly Spanish art. The free entry hours are a major highlight for many, offering an accessible way to experience world-class art. However, some find the sheer volume of art overwhelming and suggest planning ahead to avoid disappointment.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Prado Museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Metro to Banco de España (Line 2) or Atocha (Line 1). Several bus lines also stop nearby, including 10, 14, 27, 34, 37, and 45.
Yes, there are several public parking garages near the museum, such as the Plaza de las Cortes or the Plaza de la Lealtad. However, parking in central Madrid can be expensive and challenging.
Absolutely! The Prado is located in the 'Golden Triangle of Art' and is within walking distance of the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and Reina Sofía Museum.
The main entrance is on Paseo del Prado. For those with pre-booked tickets or during free entry hours, the Jerónimos entrance might be more convenient.
Yes, the Prado Museum is committed to accessibility and offers ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are also available for loan. Check their official website for detailed information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is €15. However, the museum offers free entry from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
It's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially for regular visiting hours, to avoid long queues. Free entry periods can also have queues, so arriving early is advised.
The museum is typically open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, besides the evening free hours, there are also discounts for students, seniors, and large families. The first Saturday of the month often features special events like DJs during free hours.
To see the highlights, allocate at least 2-3 hours. For a more in-depth experience, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring the vast collection.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Velázquez's 'Las Meninas,' Bosch's 'The Garden of Earthly Delights,' Goya's 'The Third of May 1808' and 'The Black Paintings,' and works by El Greco and Rubens.
Photography without flash is generally permitted in most areas, but some specific artworks or temporary exhibitions may have restrictions. Look for signage.
Yes, audio guides are available for rent and offer detailed commentary on many of the museum's masterpieces, enhancing your understanding of the art.
The museum offers restrooms, a cloakroom, a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant. There are also accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities.
It's possible to see the main highlights in 2 hours if you plan your route carefully and focus on key pieces. However, it will be a rushed experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Prado Museum has a café and a restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments and light meals. They are a good option for a break during your visit.
The area around the Prado Museum, known as the 'Literary Quarter,' offers numerous tapas bars and restaurants. You can find everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international options.
Generally, large bags and food items are not permitted inside the galleries. There are designated areas where you can consume food purchased at the museum's café or restaurant. Check the museum's policy for specifics.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography without flash is permitted in most galleries. However, always check for specific signage as some artworks or temporary exhibitions may prohibit photography.
While photography inside the galleries is focused on the art, the museum's grand architecture, courtyards, and the exterior facade offer excellent photo opportunities.
Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not allowed inside the museum to ensure the safety of the artworks and the comfort of other visitors.
Many visitors find Velázquez's 'Las Meninas' and Bosch's 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' to be incredibly captivating and photogenic due to their detail and complexity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using the museum's family guides or creating your own scavenger hunt to keep younger visitors engaged. The free entry hours can be a good option for families looking to make a shorter, more focused visit without the pressure of a full-day commitment. Ensure children are supervised and aware of museum etiquette, such as not touching the artworks.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those who prefer to visit during peak hours or want to avoid potential crowds during free times, consider purchasing a combined ticket if you plan to visit other major Madrid museums like the Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza. This can offer savings. Packing your own water bottle and snacks to enjoy outside the museum can also help keep costs down.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Consider renting an audio guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the context, techniques, and stories behind the artworks. Researching specific artists or periods you're interested in beforehand can help you navigate the vast collection more effectively and make your visit more rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Masterpieces of the Prado
Visitors often flock to see Velázquez's iconic 'Las Meninas', a complex royal portrait that continues to fascinate art historians and viewers alike. Goya's 'The Third of May 1808' offers a visceral depiction of war and resistance, while his later 'Black Paintings' showcase a darker, more personal artistic vision. Hieronymus Bosch's 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' is another unmissable triptych, renowned for its intricate detail and surreal imagery.
Navigating the Prado: Tips from Visitors
Free entry hours are a popular draw, especially the evening slots from Monday to Saturday (6-9 PM). While these hours offer a cost-saving opportunity, they can also attract larger crowds. For a more serene experience, visiting on weekday mornings is often recommended. Some visitors even mention special events during free hours, like DJ sets, adding a unique twist to the art appreciation.
The Prado's Free Entry & Special Events
Beyond the regular free hours, the Prado sometimes hosts special events. For instance, the first Saturday of each month has been known to feature free entry accompanied by a DJ, transforming the museum into a lively cultural hub. These events are a great way to experience art in a more contemporary and social setting, attracting a diverse audience. It's always a good idea to check the official Prado Museum website for any upcoming special events or changes to their schedule.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit