Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital or Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more. Ones not to miss are:

Museo del Prado

The finest museum of painting in the world set in an 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world, Goya’s Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces.

Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía

Second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20 th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Located across the street from the Prado, this new museum houses one of the finest private art collections in the world ranging from 14th-20th century.

In addition to the fine art museums, Madrid possesses a wealth of historical museums. The best are:

Museo Cerralbo

A fascinating insight into the lives of Madrid’s nobility a century ago, this former residence of the Marquis of Cerralbo is almost exactly how he left in 1922 and houses a varied range of rare pieces.

Ermita de San Antonio

Situated between Parque del Oeste and Casa de Campo, this museum is a little off the beaten track but is worth visiting to view Goya’s frescoes. Goya was buried here in 1919 minus his head, which apparently was stolen by scientists for research.