Plan Your Visit to Prado Museum

Prado Museum | Unveiling Spain's Cultural Treasures

The Prado Museum in Madrid is a renowned attraction, featuring a vast collection of art collections from from 11th to 18th century. Designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785, it opened to the public in 1819. It includes some of the best examples of German, French, and English paintings, as well as the most significant pieces from the Flemish and Italian schools. The museum features 7,500 paintings, 8,000 drawings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures housed across four floors.


You can admire priceless works of art, including The Garden of Delights by Bosch, the two Majas by Goya, the Three Graces by Rubens, Las Meninas by Velázquez, and Nobleman with his hand on his chest by El Greco. Some notable exterior features include the impressive bronze doors by Cristina Iglesias and the elegant Tuscan box gardens. The museum was originally intended to house mostly paintings and sculptures, but it now has collections of decorative arts, coins, clothes, medals, and drawings.  

What's The Best Time To Visit Prado Museum?

The best time to visit the Prado Museum is during the weekdays. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, giving you more time to view the different paintings and artworks. Moreover, the ideal time to visit the museum is right after it opens, which is around 10 am. Additionally, plan your visit to the Prado Museum during spring or fall.


The weather is pleasant with lots of sunshine and minimal rainfall. Additionally, you can visit in Autumn, from September to November which has a pleasant season. In Madrid, the winter months of December and January bring below-freezing temperatures. During this time, the hotels and restaurants offer discounted rates, best for those looking for a budget-friendly vacation. 

Getting To The Prado Museum In Madrid

By Public Transportation

By Bus : There are two bus options available from anywhere in Madrid to reach the Prado Museum. The museum is seven minutes away from Cibeles station, serviced by buses E1, N2, or N3. While lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, or 45 stop at the nearby Museo Del Prado - Jardín Botánico, which is reachable by foot.


By Metro : Line 2 to Retiro station or line 1 to Estacio Del Arte station are the lines that reach the Prado Museum. You have the option of using the Blue Line 1 or Red Line 2 metros to get to Banco de Espana or Atocha, respectively. 


By Taxi : Taxis offer another convenient option for reaching the Prado Museum in Madrid. They are accessible from anywhere in the city, but the fares may be higher compared to other transportation methods.

By Car

If you plan your visit to the Prado Museum from the Madrid city center take the C. de la Cruz to get there. You should be at the attraction in less than fifteen minutes, depending on the traffic. There are five entrances, but parking is not available within the museum.

Parking Facilities

Parking near the Prado Museum in Madrid can be challenging due to its central location. However, several public parking garages are available nearby, such as the Plaza de las Cortes and the Montalbán parking facilities. It is advisable to use public transportation or park in these garages and walk to the museum. The museum does not have its own parking, so planning ahead is recommended for a smoother visit.

Know Before You Go To Prado Museum

From location to tips, here's everything you need to know for your Prado Museum tour, so plan your visit to Prado Museum accordingly.

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  • Buy tickets online for the Prado Museum to get priority access and enter by skipping queues.


  • Plan your visit to Prado Museum early in the morning to skip the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience with fewer visitors. 


  • Take a guided tour to benefit from a fast entry and explore fascinating insights with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Puerta de Velázquez: It is the main entrance of the Prado Museum, situated directly in front.


  • Puerta de Goya Alta: It is on the western side and features an automatic ticket machine. 


  • Puerta de Murillo: This entrance is situated on the eastern side of the museum. 


  • Puerta de los Jerónimos: It is located on the eastern side of the museum. 


  • Puerta de Goya Baja: This entrance is situated on the western side, next to the Puerta de Goya Alta gate.
  • Lifts are available for you to access the levels of the Prado Museum. 


  • You can learn amazing facts about the attraction with audio guides, available in several languages.


  • The Prado Museum offers free WiFi.


  • The museum's vast and well-stocked library offers information about many artists, movements, and civilizations.


  • You can get refreshments inside the museum. 


  • Pick up a souvenir from the gift shop to cherish your visit to the Prado Museum.
  •  Although there is no dress code, make sure to wear suitable and respectful attire.
  • Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
  • Plan to arrive 10 to 20 minutes early before your time slot. 
  • You can store backpacks, bags, and other luggage in the cloakroom.
  • Refrain from touching any of the attraction's displays and follow the guidelines provided by the museum staff. 
  • Arrive between 10 and 11 am to avoid crowds and maximise your experience.
  • It is recommended to pay through ATM cards inside the museum. 
  • Your tickets have time slots, so plan to arrive 10-20 minutes before your scheduled entry.
  • Photography is not permitted within the museum premises.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: A premier museum showcasing European art from the 13th to 20th centuries, forming part of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art.


Reina Sofia Museum: One of the three museums in Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, featuring significant 20th-century Spanish artworks.


Plaza Mayor: Madrid's most lively main square, perfect for enjoying coffee or a drink while watching the city flow by.


Puerta del Sol: Known as the Gate of the Sun, this is one of Madrid's most important and busiest main squares.


Royal Botanic Garden: Established in 1755, the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid spans 8 hectares, featuring stunning flowers and lush plants.

FAQs

What are the Prado Museum's opening hours?

The Prado Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. The museum remains closed on 1st January, 1st May, and 25 December. It operates with limited hours, 10 am to 2 pm on 6th January, 24th December, and 31st December. When you plan your visit to the Prado Museum, note any closures or limited hours on holidays to ensure a smooth trip. 

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What is the best time to visit the Prado Museum?

The best time to visit the Prado Museum is early morning, shortly after it opens, or during weekdays. By arriving early you can have a peaceful experience and easy access to popular exhibits. Additionally, weekdays offer a more enjoyable visit as you can explore the museum with fewer people. 

How much time does it take to visit the Prado Museum?

On average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum's extensive collection including The Garden of Earthly Delights and Christ Embracing St Bernard. However, art enthusiasts may spend the entire day examining the museum's collection.

What is the best way to get to the Prado Museum?

The best way to reach the Prado Museum is by public transportation. You can take the Metro and get off at Retiro station (Line 2) or Estacio Del Arte station (Line 1). Moreover, buses from various locations in Madrid also provide easy access to the museum.

What are some of the accessibility features in place at the Prado Museum?

The Prado Museum offers adapted restrooms, accessible lifts, ramps, and platforms, along with auditoriums and displays equipped with magnetic induction loops. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the cloakroom. Additionally, guide dogs are allowed inside the museum to assist disabled visitors. 

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