Nestled in the heart of Spain's vibrant capital, Museo del Prado is a world-class museum that houses an incredible collection of European masterpieces that will leave you spellbound.
Planning your visit to this Spanish treasure trove? You'll want to know exactly when to go, how long to stay, and how to make the most of every minute. Don't worry – we've got you covered with everything you need to know about Prado Museum hours and more!
How long should you spend at the Prado?
With over 8,000 paintings and countless other masterpieces, the Prado could keep you busy for days! But realistically, how long should you plan to stay? Here's our breakdown based on your art appetite:
- Quick visit (1–1.5 hours): Perfect for art-curious travelers on a tight schedule. You'll have time to snap a selfie with Goya's haunting "Black Paintings" and marvel at Velázquez's revolutionary techniques.
- Standard visit (2–3 hours): Our recommendation for most visitors! You'll comfortably explore the must-see Spanish masterpieces and still have energy for your next Madrid adventure.
- In-depth visit (4+ hours or multiple visits): Calling all art lovers! If you get goosebumps thinking about spending hours analyzing brushstrokes and artistic techniques, set aside at least half a day to truly immerse yourself.
Prado Museum opening hours to plan your visit
Nothing worse than showing up to a closed museum! Here's exactly when you can walk through those hallowed halls:
Regular hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm.
- Sundays and holidays: 10am - 7pm.
- Closed completely on: January 1, May 1, and December 25.
- Limited hours (10am - 2pm only): January 6, December 24, and December 31
- Important to know: Access to the Museum ends 30 minutes before closing. Visitors will be asked to leave the galleries 10 minutes before closing.
Free admission hours
- Weekdays: 6pm - 8pm
- Sundays/holidays: 5pm - 7pm- 50% off admission to temporary exhibitions
Free admission
You can skip the ticket counter completely if you're:
- Under 18 years old.
- A student aged 18-25.
- Art student (any age, must be enrolled in a Spanish education system).
- A person with a disability (33% level or higher).
- Legally unemployed.
- A teacher (active).
- Part of a large family (specific regulations apply).
- A professional in the museum/art/journalism field (bring credentials!).
4 insider tips to make your Prado visit amazing
Want to visit the Prado like a pro? Follow these tried-and-tested tips from our team:
1. Skip the lines with advance tickets
Book your tickets with Headout before you go and strut right past the queues. For an even richer experience, consider a guided tour with an art expert who'll reveal the secrets behind the masterpieces.
2. Time your visit strategically
Want to have some breathing room while admiring Goya? Arrive right at 10am when doors open, or swing by during weekday afternoons when the tour groups have moved on. If you're budget-conscious and don't mind crowds, the free evening hours can be a great option – just prepare for longer lines.
3. Let the audio guide be your art professor
The Prado's excellent audio guides (available in multiple languages) are quite handy when it comes to revealing the stories, techniques, and historical context behind each masterpiece.
4. Have a game plan
The Prado is HUGE and can be overwhelming! If you're short on time or attention span, pick a theme to follow – maybe trace the evolution of Spanish painting through Velázquez and Goya, or hunt for the most bizarre religious scenes (Bosch's weird creatures are a must-see). Having a focus makes your visit more engaging and less exhausting.
Recommended tickets to Prado Museum
Frequently asked questions
A typical visit lasts 2–3 hours, but art lovers may spend half a day or more exploring the extensive collection.
Free entry is available:
Monday to Saturday: 6pm – 8pm
Sundays and holidays: 5pm – 7pm
Yes, it is open from 10am to 7pm on Sundays.
Yes, it’s open on most holidays, though with shortened hours (10am – 2pm) on December 24, December 31, and January 6. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Weekdays, especially mornings (Monday to Thursday), tend to be less crowded than weekends or free admission hours.
