The Museo Nacional del Prado is Spain's national art museum in Madrid, holding one of the world's finest collections of European painting from the 12th to the early 20th century. It is famous for unrivaled holdings of masters such as Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Bosch, earning it the reputation of a museum of painters rather than of paintings. It is too large to see in a single day, so it is best to plan a route around the key masterpieces.
Velazquez's masterpiece 'Las Meninas', an enigmatic portrait of the Spanish royal family with the young Infanta Margarita (Room 12)
Goya's 'The Family of Charles IV' and his dark, haunting 'Black Paintings' painted directly on the walls of his house (Room 67 and others)
Hieronymus Bosch's 'The Garden of Earthly Delights', the jewel of the world's largest Bosch collection
Major Italian and Flemish works by Titian, Rubens, Raphael and El Greco
Admiring the architecture in the photo-friendly spaces: the Jeronimos Hall, the Hall of the Muses and the Cloister
Good to know
RulesPhotography and video are forbidden in the galleries. Photos are allowed only in the Jeronimos Hall, the Hall of the Muses and the Cloister; flash, tripods and selfie sticks are banned everywhere (verify current rules).
RulesLarge backpacks and suitcases over 40x40 cm are not allowed inside and must be left in the free cloakroom. Space is limited, so a small bag makes entry faster.
CautionBeware unofficial 'skip-the-line' ticket resale sites, which can be fraudulent. Buy at face value only from the official website (museodelprado.es).
SafetyThe Paseo del Prado area in front of the museum is crowded with tourists and worked by pickpockets. Wear your backpack on your front and keep phone and wallet out of your back pocket.
CautionDo not engage with people offering rosemary sprigs, asking you to sign a petition, or spreading a map over your cafe table to ask directions - these are common pickpocketing setups.
SeasonDuring the July-August peak, Christmas week, and the free-entry window (last two hours before closing), queues can build up to 90 minutes. Early mornings and Tue-Thu visits are quieter.
Practical info
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00; Sun and holidays 10:00-19:00. General admission 15 EUR; students 18-25 and over-65s 7.50 EUR; under-18s free (a free timed ticket is still required). Free entry Mon-Sat 18:00-20:00, Sun/holidays 17:00-19:00, and all day on 18 May and 19 Nov (free slots cannot be booked online - collect them in person at the Goya entrance on Felipe IV street). Book in advance on the official website; early morning is most comfortable. Always confirm current prices, hours and rules before your visit.
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