The best time to visit the Prado Museum is at 10 am or in the afternoon between 2 pm and 5 pm.
If you plan to visit in the morning and have purchased a ticket online, try arriving as soon as the museum opens at 10 am.
This way, you can avoid the long queues at the security check and explore the museum with sparse crowds.
The Prado National Museum starts bustling with crowds around 11 am to 2 pm, but it steadily calms during lunch hours.
You can easily take an early lunch or visit the museum during the crowd-free hours between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Weekdays vs. Weekends – When should you visit?
The Prado Museum is a popular destination not only in Spain but also in all of Europe.
With such an impressive collection and exhibits, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular museums in the world.
The best day to visit the Prado Museum is on weekdays when it opens at 10 am.
You will find fewer people on weekdays than on weekends, giving you more time to observe the work at your convenience.
Weekdays also allow you to extend your stay at the museum without the distress of overcrowding.
Weekdays are the best for a relaxed and hassle-free visit where you can soak in the highlights peacefully.
On the other hand, weekends are crowded and packed.
The best month to visit the Prado Museum
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months to visit the Museo del Prado.
The weather is pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and milder rains, making it a perfect time for sightseeing.
Autumn (September to November) is also a great time to visit the fantastic museum.
If you want to enjoy offers on hotel bookings, you can visit it during the winter months (December to January).
Although winter is not an ideal time to visit as the average temperature drops as low as 6 °C (43º F), the discounted rates are too reasonable to miss.
Which is the best? Peak Season vs Low Season
The summer (June to August) sees the most crowds in Madrid and is the peak season for the museum.
Although this season brings in a lot of tourists, the weather is still very hot.
The average temperature during the summer season goes around 27 degrees Celsius but can rise above that as well.
On the other hand, the winter season (December to January), the coldest time of the year, falls under the low season.
As the temperature drops, so does the number of tourists flocking to the museum.
This is an excellent time for budget travelers, who can avail of great discounts and hotel offers during this season.
Here’s a summarized version of the pros and cons of each season:
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (June to August) | Warm weather is perfect for sightseeing | Prices are higher |
| Low Season (December to January) | Discounts and hotel offers | Temperature dropping to 6ºC |
The low season comes with low prices and favorable offers. Buying your tickets for the peak season in advance can also help you get discounts.
FAQs
When should I visit the Prado Museum?
You should visit the Prado Museum early in the morning, as soon as it opens at 10 am, to avoid long lines.
Another good time to visit will be between 2 and 4 pm when the crowd inside the museum becomes quieter.
What is the best time of day to visit the Prado Museum?
The best time of day to visit the museum will be early in the morning or during the afternoon.
Also, another good, crowd-free time will be during the weekdays.
Book your tickets now to avoid last-minute disappointment.
What day is the Prado Museum closed?
The Prado Museum is closed on 25 December, 1 January, and 1 May.
On 24 and 31 December, it is open for limited hours from 10 am to 2 pm.
Other than these dates, the museum is open every day of the year.
Is Prado free after 6 pm?
The last two hours of the day are free for visitors.
From Monday to Saturday, the free hours start from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Sundays and holidays, they are from 5 pm to 7 pm.
How long is the Prado Museum queue?
Before entering the museum, ticket counter queues, security checks, etc., can take up to an hour or more during peak season.
If you wish to avoid the long queues, we recommend purchasing skip-the-line Prado Museum tickets.
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