Madrid
★ 4.7🇪🇸 MadridSuggested visit 1 dayBest season March to June and September to November, with comfortable weather
MuseumHistoric siteCity walk
The Spanish capital's royal scale and art collections, with the palace and Prado a short walk apart.
Overview
The Royal Palace of Madrid is among the largest in Europe with around 3,400 rooms, known for its tapestries, porcelain and royal instrument collections, with a changing of the guard held weekly. Nearby, the Prado joins the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen in the golden triangle of art, holding Velázquez's Las Meninas, works by Goya and Picasso's Guernica.
History
The site began as a 9th-century Moorish fortress; after the old alcázar burned in 1734 it was rebuilt in the 18th century as a Baroque palace, and the Prado opened in 1819.
Highlights
- •The palace grand staircase and throne room
- •Las Meninas at the Prado
- •Guernica at the Reina Sofía
- •Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor
Practical tips
- •The Prado is free in the evening but queues are long
- •No photography inside the palace; large bags must be checked
Practical information
- Best time
- March-June, September-November
- Tickets
- Palace about EUR 14; Prado about EUR 15
- Opening hours
- Palace 10:00-18:00; Prado 10:00-20:00
- Local food
- Jamón ibérico, churros con chocolate, paella
- Getting around
- Short walks from Ópera or Banco de España metro.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
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