Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art: Prado, Reina Sofía & Thyssen

Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art — the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza, within walking distance of each other on the Paseo del Arte — forms one of the world's great museum concentrations. Plan at least a full day, or ideally three separate visits to do justice to each institution.

Museo del Prado

Spain's national museum and one of Earth's finest art collections. Velázquez's Las Meninas (Room 12) is mandatory. Then: Goya's Black Paintings, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, El Greco's portfolio. Free entry Monday-Saturday 6-8pm and Sunday 5-7pm. Otherwise €15. Book online to avoid queues.

Museo Reina Sofía

Spain's modern art museum — and home to Picasso's Guernica (the anti-fascist masterpiece commemorating the 1937 bombing). Free on Monday afternoons and Sunday 1:30-7pm. Dalí and Miró collections also exceptional.

Thyssen-Bornemisza

Private baronial collection donated to Spain — Impressionists, German Expressionists, American Realists. A more digestible museum than the Prado. Tuesdays free. Free entry Monday for permanent collection.

Museum Pass

The Paseo del Arte card (€32) covers all three with priority access — worth it if visiting all three in 2 days.