Art

Few cities rival Madrid when it comes to fine art. The Spanish capital is home to no less than three world-class museums: the Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Major museum Collections

The Prado is the place to head for if you want to sample the work of the Spanish, Italian and Flemish greats that dominate the royal collection. For Picasso's iconic anti-war masterpiece Guernica accompanied by some standout work from Miró and Dali then make your way to the Reina Sofia. If you prefer to take a trip through the panoply of Western Art, then the encyclopaedic collection of the Thyssen family should be your first stop.

Smaller Galleries

The artistic attractions don't end with the Big Three galleries and, if time is on your side, the smaller, more focused collections at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, the Museo de Sorolla and Museo Lázaro Galdiano can be equally rewarding.

And don't forget to check out some of the smaller exhibition spaces as they frequently host some outstanding temporary shows.

Practical Info

If you are going to visit the big three art museums, then the Paseo del Arte ticket will save you around 20% on entry. It costs €29.60 and allows one visit to each museum over the course of a year. It can be purchased at any of the three museums.