Strolling through several art museums can make for an expensive walk! However, Madrid has great options for free museums and even offers affordable moments for their more fancy museums as well.
So no matter what your budget - or time frame - you can definitely find the right place at the right time to experience grand art and culture in Madrid, Spain.
*There are TONS of discounts and free tickets at most museums for students under the age of 25 and/or children. Go to the links provided for more details. This is NOT an affiliate post!*
Golden Triangle
The Must-Do's for the Museum Lover
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia: FREE Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 19:00-21:00, Sunday from 13:30-19:00, April 18, May 18, October 12, and December 6.
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza: FREE Monday from 12:00-16:00.
Museo del Prado: FREE Monday-Saturday from 18:00-20:00, Sunday & holidays from 17:00-19:00.
*My husband, Marc, and I did all three of these museums during their free times. Definitely make sure to line up early, as you don't want to end up waiting during the entire free opening time! All three house a variety of art pieces and deserve your time.*
Cultural Ministries Museums
The Hidden Gems
Museo Cerralbo: FREE Saturday from 14:00-15:00, Thursday from 17:00-20:00, Sunday from 10:00-15:00, and April 18, May 18, October 12, and December 6.
Museo del Romanticismo: FREE Saturday from 14:00-20:30, Sunday from 10:00-15:00, and April 18, May 18, October 12, and December 6.
Museo Sorolla: FREE Saturday from 14:00-20:00, Sunday from 10:00-15:00, and April 18, May 18, October 12, and December 6.
Casa Museo Lope de Vega: ALWAYS FREE, but advanced reservation for the tours is necessary.
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas: FREE from July 1 to August 31, late on Thursday, Sunday, Saturday from 14:00-15:00, and April 18, May 18, October 12, and December 6.
Museo Lázaro Galdiano: FREE Tuesday-Saturday from 15:30-16:30, Sunday from 14:00-15:00
*I have been to the Romanticismo and Cerralbo museums and both were FANTASTIC!!! Large enough to be interesting, but small enough to manage and full of intricate items from bygone days. I will do the rest of the museums on this list on my next trip to Madrid because they were located a bit further from where we were staying this last time.*
Already There
The Outdoor Options
*ALL of these landmarks are stunningly gorgeous and located in great areas of Madrid. The real star of the city is always Retiro Park, and I highly recommend renting a rowboat on the lake to enjoy the sunny day. I like to pair these sites with a nearby museum for a fabulous morning, then head to a delicious restaurant before the afternoon siesta.*
Bonuses
While You're Here
The real treat in Madrid is getting to experience Spanish city life, and the museums that store and display the cultural heartbeat of this great city are a huge part of this experience. I have loved every museum I've been to in Madrid and am looking forward to finding more beautiful places in one of my favorite European cities the next time I visit!
