If there is one obligatory stop on Madrid's tourist trail it's the Museo del Prado. Ranking amongst the world's great art museums, the Prado's collection of Spanish, Italian and Flemish art is peerless and almost impossible to do justice to in one visit. To make the most of a short visit, pick up a floor plan and home in on some of the greatest painters and their works.

Spanish Highlights

Amongst the unmissable highlights of the Spanish collection are El Greco's dreamlike religious works and his acutely observed portrayals of sober Castilian noblemen, Velázquez's masterpiece Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) and the magnificent epic works of Las Hilanderas (The Spinners), El Triunfo de Baco (The Triumph of Bacchus) and La Rendición de Breda (The Surrender at Breda).

Most fascinating and rewarding of all is the work of Goya whose versatility and technical expertise is showcased with a fabulous collection of his paintings. Ranging from the erotic pairing of the Maja Vestida and Maja Desnuda to the emotive depiction of the executions of the Tres de Mayo and the dark, disturbing and yet brilliant collection of later work known as the Black Paintings, there is no better place to appreciate Goya's genius.

Flemish and Dutch Highlights

The Flemish and Dutch collection is almost as good with the surreal fantasy works of Hieronymus Bosch, including the remarkable Garden of Earthly Delights, and Pieter Brueghel's grotesque representation of hell on earth, The Triumph of Death. There is a brilliant selection of some of Rubens' best work, including The Three Graces and top offerings from Rogier van der Weyden, Van Dyck and Rembrandt.

Italian Highlights

The Italian collection is just as noteworthy, with the sumptuous equestrian royal portraits of Titian accompanied by outstanding work from Raphael, Tintoretto, Caravaggio and Boticelli.

Other Highlights

If you have time and want to dig a bit deeper into Spanish art, the theatrical nineteenth-century collection merits a visit, while the basement is home to a lavish display of jewel-encrusted objets d'art that belonged to the Grand Dauphin Louis, son of French king Louis XIV, known as the Tesoro del Delfin.

Calle Felipe IV (Metro Banco de España)

Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 10am-7pm. Reduced opening hours: Dec 24, Dec 31 & Jan 6: 10am-2pm

Closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25

Entry: €15; €7.50 for over-65s; free for under-18s, students under 25 & disabled (ID required).

Abono Paseo del Arte (entry to the Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen): €32

Free entry for all: Mon-Sat 6-8pm, Sun 5-7pm.

+34 913 302 800