Prado vs Reina Sofía — Which Madrid Museum Is Right for You?
Both are world-class, but they're opposites: the Prado is old-master Spanish painting, the Reina Sofía is 20th-century modern art and Guernica. Here's the side-by-side.
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$12 EUR
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Prado vs Reina Sofía: what to know before booking
Both are world-class, but they're opposites: the Prado is old-master Spanish painting, the Reina Sofía is 20th-century modern art and Guernica. Here's the side-by-side.
- Availability
- 6 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $12 EUR before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 5,611 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Both on the Paseo del Arte: Prado (Ruiz de Alarcón 23), Reina Sofía (Santa Isabel 52)
- Best time
- Late afternoon for thinner crowds; avoid the free-entry evening queues
- Ticket note
- Timed-entry; the Paseo del Arte combo covers both plus the Thyssen
Prado vs Reina Sofía in Madrid
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Side-by-side: Prado vs Reina Sofía
If you only have time for one, choose the Prado — it's the essential Madrid museum and home to the Spanish old masters you came to see. Pick the Reina Sofía first only if modern art (and standing in front of Guernica) is your priority. With a free afternoon, do both: they're a 10-minute walk apart on the Paseo del Arte, and a combo ticket covers them plus the Thyssen.
Everything you should know before you book
The Prado and the Reina Sofía sit a short walk apart on Madrid's Paseo del Arte, but they're opposite ends of art history. The Prado is the home of Spanish old masters — Velázquez, Goya, El Greco — while the Reina Sofía is Madrid's modern-art museum, anchored by Picasso's Guernica.
If you can only pick one, the Prado is the classic choice, but the decision really comes down to whether you prefer old masters or 20th-century modern art. The table below breaks down collections, time, price, and crowds so you can choose fast — or plan to do both.
Frequently asked questions
Should I visit the Prado or Reina Sofía?
The Prado for old-master Spanish painting (Velázquez, Goya); the Reina Sofía for modern art and Guernica. The Prado is the classic first choice if you can only do one.
Can I visit both the Prado and Reina Sofía in one day?
Yes — they're a 10-minute walk apart. Allow 2–3 hours for the Prado and 1.5–2 for the Reina Sofía, with a break between.
Is there a combined ticket?
Yes, the Paseo del Arte ticket covers the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza at a discount versus buying separately.