Am I crazy to get off the train in Madrid on my way from Granada to Barcelona? I would have approximately 3.5 hours to go to the museum that is in walking distance to station. I have been to Madrid in a tour, and we had a fabulous tour (albeit, not ling enough) of the Prado, but I really want to see Picasso’s “Guernica.” I haven’t a strict timeline, but I am meeting my friend in Barcelona at an Airbnb the same day I leave Granada. WWYD?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7324 posts
I’m not familiar with trains from Granada to Barcelona, but if you do pass through Atocha station (it has a longer name now) the Reina Sofía museum is directly across the street from it.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Yes, that is where I will be, and that is the museum!
Posted by
NC
457 posts
In September, we dropped a car off at Atocha Station, walked to Reina Sofia, stopped for a snack in the square, then entered the museum directly and were in front of Guernica within an hour. You should have plenty of time. Go for it!
Posted by
Amman, Jordan
186 posts
I'm not a huge museum person, but Guernica is super cool to see in person. I'd go for it for sure.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8103 posts
Madrid has three extremely famous museums, and a massive fourth that is regularly overlooked. Guernica is not the only incredible treasure there. Barcelona's popularity with our host Rick often causes readers to assume that Madrid is some sort of government-dominated, gritty, faceless business city. It is quite a historic place, and very nice visit. (And a useful airport.) Referring to the Spanish Civil War, there are restaurants in Madrid where Hemingway ate. But there are also much older things to see.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2841 posts
It was worth seeing in person, but if you happen to be there during free entry times it could be bonkers crazy (check here: https://www.museoreinasofia.es/en/visit/opening-hours-and-ticket-prices). That's when I saw it, along with half of Barcelona it felt like. You'll have to store your bag somewhere as only small purses/backpacks are allowed in the museum.