Just the Ticket for Art Lovers

If you plan to visit the big three art museums, it’s worth investing in the Tarjeta Paseo del Arte. At 29.60€), it saves you 20% on the cost of tickets to the permanent exhibitions at Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Perhaps even more importantly, it lets you skip the queues. You can buy the card at any of the three museums, or online (entradas.museoreinasofia.es). It is good for a year, but note it allows just one entry to each museum—it is worthwhile only if you plan to visit all three. If you only have time to visit one, buy your ticket in advance on-line in order to skip the line. Tip: All three museums offer free admission during the last couple of hours of each day that they’re open, which is great for those on a budget. However, this is no secret, and you may find it hard to get close to the pictures.

Private Galleries

Madrid has about 150 private art galleries, where you can view and buy the work of modern artists of all styles. Some of the best galleries are located on Claudio Coello in the Salamanca district. These include Guillermo de Osma, Claudio Coello 4-1° izda. (tel. 91-435-59-36; www.guillermodeosma.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 4:30-8:30pm, Sat noon-2pm; Metro: Retiro; bus: 2, 19, 20, 21, 28, 53, or 146); Paz Feliz, Claudio Coello 17 (tel. 91-575-86-86; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53, or 74); and Jorge Alcolea, Claudio Coello 28 (tel. 91-431-65-92; www.galeriajorgealcolea.com; 10:30am-2:30pm and 5:30-9:30pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53, or 74). If you're keen on sculptures, visit Capa Esculturas, Claudio Coello 19 (tel. 91-431-05-93; www.capaesculturas.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Retiro or Serrano; bus: 1, 21, 53, or 74).

A prominent gallery in Chueca district is Oliva Arauna, Barquillo 29 (tel. 91-435-18-08; www.olivarauna.com; Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm; Metro: Chueca; bus: 2, 19, 20, 21, 28, 53, or 146).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.