If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and love art, history, or just beautiful spaces, don’t miss El Museo del Prado - Spain’s most iconic museum. I spent a full morning here and can truly say it’s one of the cultural highlights of the city.
🖼️ El Prado houses one of the finest collections of European art in the world, with masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Titian, and El Greco. Even if you’re not an art expert, the museum is designed in a way that draws you in — from powerful royal portraits to dramatic mythological scenes.
✨ Some highlights not to miss:
- Las Meninas by Velázquez (truly mind-blowing in person!)
- The Third of May 1808 by Goya — a haunting and moving painting.
- The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch — surreal and unforgettable.
- Goya’s Black Paintings, tucked in a quiet hall, are eerie and fascinating.
✍🏼 Travel Tips:
- Go early: I arrived at opening time (10:00 AM), and it was calm and relaxed, which gave me the chance to enjoy the big artworks without crowds.
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues, especially in peak seasons. There’s a free entrance slot (usually the last 2 hours of the day), but it gets very busy, so I recommend paying to go early if you can.
- Use the audio guide or the free Prado app: it really brings the paintings to life.
- Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours: the museum is big, but not overwhelming if you focus on the highlights.
☕ After the Visit: Right across from the museum is Café Murillo, a lovely spot for a coffee or light lunch with a view of the museum entrance.
🍽️ If you’re craving something more local, take a 10-minute walk to Barrio de Las Letras, full of tapas bars and quaint terraces.
The Prado isn’t just a museum; it’s a walk through centuries of European history and imagination. Whether you’re into art or just want to experience something unique in Madrid, it’s a must. Tip: combine it with a walk through Retiro Park, which is right next door, for the perfect cultural day in the city.
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