Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art” — the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza — sits along one elegant boulevard, the Paseo del Prado, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Together they cover eight centuries of art, from Bosch and Velázquez to Picasso’s Guernica.
This guide explains Prado Museum tickets in 2026, free entry hours at all three museums, the Paseo del Arte card, what to see and how to plan your visit. Prices and free hours come from Art Visit Guide (verified June 2026) and The Better Vacation (July 2026); always buy on the museums’ official websites for face-value prices.
Madrid museum tickets 2026 at a glance
| Museum | Ticket | Free entry |
|---|---|---|
| Museo del Prado | €15 | Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00; Sun & holidays 17:00–19:00 |
| Museo Reina Sofía | €12 | Mon & Wed–Sat 19:00–21:00; Sun 12:30–14:30 (closed Tue) |
| Thyssen-Bornemisza | €14 (full access) | Mon 12:00–16:00 (permanent collection) |
| Paseo del Arte card | €32.80 | One visit to each museum, valid 12 months |
Source: Art Visit Guide, June 2026. Buying the three tickets separately costs €41, so the card saves €8.20 — only worth it if you visit all three.
Prado Museum tickets
The Prado is one of the greatest art museums in the world, with the finest collection of Spanish painting anywhere. A general ticket costs €15 (source). Buying online mainly saves you the ticket queue — often 25–40 minutes in high season.
Prado free entry hours
Entry is free for everyone during the last two hours: Monday to Saturday 18:00–20:00 and Sundays and holidays 17:00–19:00 (source). The queue starts well before — arrive 30–45 minutes early, and remember that two hours is only enough for the highlights.
Must-see works at the Prado
- Velázquez, Las Meninas — perhaps the most analysed painting in history.
- Goya, The Third of May 1808 and the haunting “Black Paintings”.
- Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights.
- El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Dürer masterpieces.
Reina Sofía tickets
Spain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art is home to Picasso’s Guernica, plus Dalí, Miró and many 20th-century artists. Tickets cost €12; entry is free on Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00 and on Sundays from 12:30 to 14:30. It’s closed on Tuesdays (source). It’s usually possible to walk in without booking.
Thyssen-Bornemisza tickets
The Thyssen fills the gaps between the other two, with Italian primitives, Dutch masters, Impressionists, Expressionists and American art. Full access costs €14, and the permanent collection is free on Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00 (source).
Prado opening hours and practical information
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00; Sundays and public holidays 10:00–19:00 (the free window is the last two hours of each day). The museum closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December — check the official website for holiday hours.
- Entrances: buy tickets at the Goya entrance (north side); ticket holders usually enter through the Jerónimos building.
- Photography: photos are not allowed in the Prado’s galleries.
- Bags: large bags and backpacks must go in the free cloakroom.
- Reduced and free tickets: under-18s and students aged 18–25 enter free with ID; reduced tickets exist for seniors — bring proof.
- Audio guide and app: available in several languages for a small fee; the free official app and website have excellent descriptions of the highlights.
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for the highlights; a full day for art lovers.
Free entry or paid ticket?
- Choose free hours if you’re on a tight budget, already know what you want to see, or are returning for a second look.
- Buy a ticket if it’s your first visit — you’ll want 3+ hours at the Prado, and the free window is crowded.
- Book 1–2 days ahead in July–August and around Easter (source).
How to plan your museum day
- Morning: the Prado at opening time.
- Lunch: the Barrio de las Letras, just across the Paseo del Prado.
- Afternoon: a walk in Retiro Park.
- Evening: the Reina Sofía’s free hours for Guernica.
The nearest metro stations are Banco de España (Prado/Thyssen) and Estación del Arte (Reina Sofía). Staying nearby? Look at the Barrio de las Letras in our where to stay in Madrid guide, or compare hotels near the Prado.
More Madrid guides
- Madrid itinerary: 3 days
- Best things to do in Madrid
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Royal Palace of Madrid tickets
- Bernabéu stadium tour
- Toledo & Segovia day trips
- Madrid Airport to the city & Metro guide
- Madrid travel guide
FAQ: Prado Museum tickets
How much are Prado Museum tickets?
€15 for a general ticket in 2026.
When is the Prado free?
Monday to Saturday 18:00–20:00, and Sundays and holidays 17:00–19:00.
Do I need to book Prado tickets in advance?
Not always, but booking online saves queuing, especially in summer and at Easter.
Where is Guernica?
At the Museo Reina Sofía, not the Prado.
Is the Paseo del Arte card worth it?
Only if you’ll visit all three museums: it costs €32.80 against €41 for separate tickets.
How long do you need at the Prado?
At least 2–3 hours for the highlights; art lovers can easily spend a full day.
Book your trip: our favourite tools
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
