Prado Museum Tickets

4.4(19,909)

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Prado Museum entrance in Madrid with visitors and a HOHO bus in the background.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Irina vecchi
UY

Irina

Uruguay
Oct 2025
5/5

review-image
Ana Cristina is very good. Very well informed. She made the visit very enjoyable. And we learned a lot. We did not queue. She was waiting for us punctually at the right place. It is a very different experience. We had gone alone. It is much better to do it with who you know.
JOEL EDMUNDO AGUILAR HERNANDEZ
MX

Joel

Mexico
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image
Really everything was very good, my visit was short, so I hope I can come soon and enjoy the museum with more time.
Tetiana Khalimon
UA

Tetiana

Ukraine
Dec 2025
5/5
Absolutely must-see, full of masterpieces. I'd recommend not to go round lunchtime due to the crowds. After 3 pm on Sat entrance was passable but at noon there were queues. Surprisingly not enough bathrooms for such crowds(
Maja Djordjevic
RS

Maja

Serbia
Nov 2025
5/5
Easy access, friendly staff, great exhibits. Clear description next to each picture/exhibit with English translation. Very clean.
Andrea Corvinelli

Andrea

Dec 2025
5/5
Everything very clear and complete. Only negative note are the fact that certain museums were free certain days and obviously it was not marked, so I could have saved money. However, I did not queue and enjoyed in full freedom of time and schedule the experiences.
Cassandra Marie Gaudet
US

Cassandra

United States
Dec 2025
5/5
I walked up to both museums, and the line was down the street. This past allowed me to go straight up to a separate counter, not only saved me time, but made it a much more pleasant experience.!
Anca Rachieriu
RO

Anca

Romania
Oct 2025
5/5
I chose the Royal Palace and Prado Museum guided tour with skip the line entry. Everything went well, our guide Lola was very nice, she told us many interstesting things, we didn't wait in line. Excellent! During the walk between the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum the guide talked about the city of Madrid. So, I highly recommend!
Jonathan Fearnley Rhodes
GB

Jonathan

United Kingdom
Sep 2025
5/5
Booking the tours of the royal palace and Prado museum was easy and problem free and our guide Martha was very knowledgeable and brought whole experience to life - simply the best!! Recommend 100%


Things to know before booking Prado Museum tickets

  • You have three main ticket types: timed-entry tickets, skip-the-line guided tours, and audio-guide tickets. Choose based on how you like to explore: solo and flexible, or with an expert leading the way.
  • Want something special? Tickets with an exclusive guidebook give you a curated path through the Prado, insider tips, and detailed artwork stories. Perfect if you love structure and want the best self-guided experience.
  • Planning a culture-filled day? Get the Art Walk Pass (Paseo del Arte) to access the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—Madrid’s famous golden art triangle.
  • Short on time but want to see more of Madrid? Combo tickets with the Royal Palace, guided tour of both the sites, or panoramic tuk-tuk tours help you maximize sightseeing with just one booking.
  • Into rare finds or trending exhibits? Check if the Prado has temporary exhibitions during your visit. These limited-time collections are often highlights for repeat visitors.
  • Free hours are available, but crowded. Booking ahead saves you from long lines and lets you explore comfortably without rushing.

Your Prado Museum tickets explained

Ticket typeDurationGuideInclusionsAdd-ons/Upgrades
Timed ticket

Flexible

Timed entry to the Prado Museum, Access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions

Exclusive guidebook covering highlights, local tips & nearby landmarks, Guided tour in English, Audio guide in 10 languages

Skip-the-line guided tour

90 to 120 minutes

English, Spanish, French, or Italian-speaking guide

Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum, Expert-led guided tour, Access to permanent and temporary collections

Choose a guide in the language of your choice

Art Walk Pass

Flexible

Skip-the-line entry to Thyssen National Museum, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Access to the permanent collection at all three museums, Access to some temporary exhibitions at Prado and Reina Sofía

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace

Flexible

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid, Access to the Grand Staircase, Royal Library, Royal Armory, Crown Room & main halls, Timed entry to Prado, Access to permanent collections

Timed tickets + tuk-tuk tour

Flexible

English and Spanish-speaking guide and driver (for the tuk-tuk tour)

Timed entry to the Prado Museum, Access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions, 2-hour tour of Madrid via an electric tuk-tuk, Private tour with a maximum of four people

Prado Museum floor-by-floor highlights

The Museo del Prado is arranged across multiple levels, each housing a treasure trove of European masterpieces spanning centuries of artistic genius. To make the most of your visit, here’s a floor-by-floor breakdown of the essential artworks and collections not to miss.

Ground Floor (Floor 0): Gothic & Early Renaissance Marvels

Start your journey with spellbinding works from the early stages of European art. This floor explores religious iconography, vivid altarpieces, and powerful symbolism from the Gothic and early Renaissance periods.

Must-sees:

  • The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch: A surreal triptych that combines fantastical imagery with deep philosophical themes. Bosch’s most iconic work invites endless interpretation and remains one of the Prado’s most talked-about highlights.
  • Works by Rogier van der Weyden & Fra Angelico: Representing Flemish precision and Italian devotion, these pieces reveal fascinating contrasts in early European art styles.

First Floor (Floor 1): The Spanish Golden Age

This floor is dominated by some of the most influential Spanish painters, offering insight into the Baroque brilliance of the 17th century and beyond.

Must-sees:

  • Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez: A revolutionary masterpiece that plays with perspective, narrative, and viewer engagement. It's a cornerstone of Western portraiture, rich in both technical skill and hidden meaning.
  • Works by El Greco and Ribera: Their emotionally intense and spiritually charged canvases provide cultural depth and dramatic flair to this level.

Second Floor (Floor 2): Goya & the Age of Modernity

Experience the emotional gravity and social commentary that drove 19th-century art, particularly through the eyes of Francisco de Goya, one of Spain’s most profound and provocative painters.

Must-sees:

  • The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya: An unflinching look at the horrors of war and a landmark in political art, this painting continues to speak powerfully across generations.
  • Black Paintings by Goya: Originally painted on the walls of his home, these haunting, psychological works, including Saturn Devouring His Son, represent a radical shift towards expressionism and modern art.
  • Romantic and Realist artworks from contemporaries: Get a broader look at how art began to reflect inner turmoil, societal changes, and a deeper psychological realism.

Prado Museum maps and layout

Prado map floor 0
Prado map floor 1
Prado map floor 2
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Floor 0 (Welcome & first masterpieces)

Start your Prado journey here, where ticket checks, help desks, and audio guide counters make life easier. Grab a quick espresso at the café before stepping into the temporary exhibition halls. Don’t miss early gems from Raphael and Renaissance masters that quietly set the tone for everything ahead.

Floor 1 (Goya, El Greco & Velázquez territory)

This level is the heart of the Prado. Step into the moody, mystical visions of El Greco, then walk toward the powerful Goya rooms, his portraits, royal commissions, and darker phases unfold like a story. Nearby, Velázquez steals the spotlight, leading you ultimately toward Spain’s most iconic work, Las Meninas.

Floor 2 (Rubens, Rembrandt & the sculpture cloister)

Head up to explore dramatic storytelling through brushstrokes. Rubens dazzles with mythological energy, while Rembrandt’s portraits glow with intimate light. Goya returns here in rare pieces, offering another layer to his legacy. Don’t miss the Cloister sculpture area, which is quiet, atmospheric, and perfect for a reflective break.

Plan your visit to the Prado Museum

  • Official hours: Monday–Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sundays and holidays: 10am – 7pm
  • Recommended visit duration: Allocate 2–3 hours to explore the highlights at a leisurely pace.
  • Last entry: Ensure you enter during your designated time slot, as Museo Prado tickets are time-specific.
  • Closed days: The museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. 
  • Special note: During free-entry hours (last two hours on weekdays), expect longer queues and limited access to temporary exhibits
  • Weekday mornings: Arriving right at opening (10am) helps you beat the crowd and enjoy a quieter ambiance.
  • Late afternoon: Galleries tend to calm down, and the soft light adds a magical touch to masterpieces like Las Meninas.
  • Low season: Visit during January and February when the visitor numbers are lower, offering you a more uninterrupted experience.
  • Tip: Try to avoid busy weekends or holiday periods (Easter, late December) if you prefer a more relaxed visit.

By metro:

  • Nearest Stop: Banco de España (Line 2); a 10-minute walk along Paseo del Prado.
  • Alternative: Estación del Arte (Atocha on Line 1) – about 5–10 minutes on foot. 

By bus:

  • Look for the “Museo del Prado” bus stop; several lines (e.g., 9, 10, 14, 19, 27) stop directly in front of the museum. 
  • Estimated walking time from stop: 3 minutes

By car:

  • Parking option: Plaza de las Cortes Parking (approximately 400 meters away; about a 5-minute walk).
  • Note: Driving from Madrid’s city center typically takes around 10–15 minutes, but consider traffic in peak hours.

Main entrance (Jerónimos Entrance):

  • Located on Paseo del Prado and often used by pre-booked Museo Nacional del Prado ticket holders and guided tour groups.
  • Easily spotted near the iconic façade and adjacent to other cultural landmarks.

Alternative entrances:

  • Goya Entrance and Murillo Entrance: These additional access points reduce waiting times and are clearly signposted.

Tip: Follow on-site directions and look for signage directing you towards the correct entrance based on your ticket type.

  • Lockers & cloakrooms: Free secure lockers are available with your Prado tickets to store large bags and backpacks before entering the galleries. 
  • Restrooms & changing rooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are strategically located throughout the museum. 
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators at every level; wheelchairs are available upon request. 
  • Museum shop: Find art books, souvenirs, and exclusive Prado merchandise
  • Cafe: Convenient café inside the museum offers light bites, snacks, and beverages.
  • Seating areas: Benches and seating in galleries for moments of rest as you enjoy exceptional artworks.
  • protect the artworks. 
  • Bag restrictions: Large bags and backpacks must be checked in at the lockers before entering the exhibition halls.
  • Food & drinks: Consumption of food or drinks in the exhibition areas is strictly prohibited.
  • Behavioral guidelines: Maintain a quiet decorum to respect fellow visitors and preserve the museum’s atmosphere. Always follow staff directions regarding entry and gallery rules. 

Visitor tips

  • Avoid the jam-packed crowd by opting for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Early slots around 10am give you access to peaceful galleries, while late slots reward you with golden lighting and shorter lines.
  • Museo Nacional del Prado tickets are time-specific, so pre-booking is essential. Not only do you skip long entry lines, but you also get more control over your schedule, especially if you're combining your visit with nearby sites.
  • The museum is home to over 8,000 artworks, so winging it isn’t ideal. Prioritize top works like The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, Goya’s Third of May 1808, and Rubens’ vibrant canvases. 
  • Pick the guidebook option with your Prado ticket if you want the full experience. It provides tips from locals, artwork backgrounds, and an interactive floor plan. Great for navigating the sprawling collection without missing highlights.
  • The multilingual audio guide offers deeper context on hundreds of pieces, but it’s even better with your own earphones. You'll thank yourself during your 2+ hour visit.
  • You’ll be standing or walking for much of your visit, so comfortable, supportive shoes are a must. Dress in layers, as galleries can be cool compared to the sunny Madrid heat outside.
  • Keep phones silent, limit group chatter, and move to the sides of galleries when observing popular works to let others enjoy the view as well.

Frequently asked questions about Prado Museum tickets

How much time should I plan for a typical visit?

Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours at the Prado Museum. Art enthusiasts might linger longer, while casual tourists often focus on the highlights.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit the Prado Museum?

The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm on Sundays and holidays, the hours are 10am to 7pm. For a quieter experience, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are also a smart choice if you want to avoid the peak crowds.

What is included with standard Prado Museum tickets?

With a standard ticket, you gain full access to the permanent collection during your selected time slot. This ticket is ideal for self-guided exploration, letting you choose your own pace.

Are there skip-the-line options for Prado Museum tickets?

Yes, skip-the-line options are available through pre-booked, mobile tickets. This helps you bypass the regular ticket desk queues, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the art rather than waiting in line, especially during peak seasons.

Do I need to book my Museo Nacional del Prado tickets in advance?

It’s highly recommended to book your Prado Museum tickets online in advance. This secures your preferred entry time and saves you the hassle of long queues.

What guided tour options can I choose from at the Prado Museum?

The museum provides official guided tours led by Prado-approved guides. These tours last about 90 minutes and offer in-depth insights into the top masterpieces.

How does the audio guide enhance my visit?

Renting an audio guide at the museum adds layers of context to your visit. It offers commentary on over 50 highlight works and helps you discover hidden details that you might miss on a self-guided tour.

Can I combine my Prado ticket with other Madrid art attractions?

Absolutely! The Art Walk Pass or “Paseo del Arte” combines admissions to the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. This combo ticket is valid for one year and allows you to skip the lines at all three institutions, making it a perfect choice for art aficionados planning to dive deep into Madrid’s cultural treasures.

How accessible is the Prado Museum for visitors with disabilities?

The museum is fully committed to accessibility. It offers ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs for loan upon request. Additionally, there is clear signage and accessible facilities throughout, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.