Prado Museum

Photo provided by National Tourist Office of Spain
Prado Museum
Prado Museum
Prado Museum
Prado Museum which includes a square or plaza


An art museum to rival the Louvre or the British National Gallery, this is the place to see some of the finest art Europe has to offer.

The Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado) is one of the world’s most prestigious art museums. It was commissioned in 1785 by King Carlos III to showcase Spanish talent and taste. The royal collection has formed the core of the museum’s inventory since it opened to the public in 1819. The collection has expanded over the years to include works from other European nations and even ancient Greek and Roman statues. Spend hours wandering from hall to hall and admire some of the finest artworks of the Western world. The permanent collection consists of more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, with roughly 1,300 on display at any one time. Art lovers can look forward to the world’s largest concentration of Spanish works, an impressive array of French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish paintings, as well as a selection of German and English art. Be absorbed by Velázquez’s Las Meninas, one of the museum’s most popular pieces. For a look at other masterpieces, check out the gallery housing Francisco de Goya’s Black Paintings. They were painted as murals in the artist’s house between 1819 and 1823 and are renowned as some of the most unsettling works in the collection. Keep exploring to find paintings by Titian, Botticelli, Rubens, Bosch, Dürer and many others. Few museums can boast such a rich collection of the Western world’s most valuable artistic treasures you’ll need to set aside at least a day to see them all. The Prado is a short walk from Puerta del Sol down Carrera de San Jerónimo and along the Paseo del Prado. The museum is open daily except New Year’s Day, May 1 and Christmas Day. There’s an admission fee, but students and seniors get a discount.

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Things to do near Prado Museum

When visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid, immerse yourself in the world of art through its exceptional exhibitions. Beyond the museum, the surrounding area offers a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities to enjoy theatre performances, indulge in shopping, and explore local eateries. This cultural hub ensures a memorable experience for every visitor.

Shopping

Experience shopping at San Miguel Market, a bustling public market only 1.4km from the Prado Museum, offering vibrant city vibes. El Corte Inglés, also 1.6km away, provides a wide range of goods, while Milla de Oro, just 1.4km from the museum, caters to family and city shoppers.

Recreation

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Nearby, Madrid Río provides a tranquil park setting, ideal for relaxation and leisurely strolls. For evening entertainment, Nuevo Teatro Alcala hosts captivating musical performances, enriching your cultural experience in Madrid.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located 3.2km from Prado Museum. For family fun, head to Aquopolis waterpark, 14.5km away, offering entertainment and adventure. Additionally, enjoy tennis at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, also 3.2km away.

Nightlife

In Madrid, the lively Teatro de la Zarzuela offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating performances, just 483m from the Prado Museum. For stargazing and entertainment, the Royal Observatory is 644m away. Meanwhile, the Teatro Caser Calderon de Madrid, 966m away, combines culture and family-friendly vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Prado Museum

While visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by exploring the nearby piazza squares, charming streets, and impressive monuments. This area offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences suitable for families, making it an ideal destination for those keen to discover the rich heritage of the city while enjoying the artistic treasures housed within the museum.

  • Gran Via: This bustling street, located 966m from the Prado Museum, showcases the vibrancy of Madrid with its stunning architecture, shops, and theatres. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to experience the city's lively atmosphere.
  • Puerta del Sol: Situated 966m away, this iconic square is a cultural hub of the city, featuring famous landmarks and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to observe local life and enjoy street performances.
  • El Retiro Park: Just 805m from the museum, this expansive urban park offers a serene escape with lush gardens, picturesque paths, and family-friendly activities. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon amidst nature.

Best time to go to Prado Museum

The best time to visit Prado Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Prado Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Prado Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No RainSunnyLowAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyHighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Prado Museum

To save money on your visit to the Prado Museum, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January to February or August for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance or checking Expedia's last-minute deals can yield significant savings. Consider staying on a Monday, the cheapest day, and use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also enhance savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the museum to make the most of your visit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Prado Museum are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Prado Museum about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Prado Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Prado Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Prado Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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