We are deciding whether it is worth the guided tour. We would like to spend as much time as possible at the museum. If we buy a ticket without a tour will it allow us to get a stamp and return for that day and do they have the recordings of guided tours
Posted by
Chicago
7811 posts
You don't have to leave after you get a guided tour
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4300 posts
I always try to take a guided tour at art museums. I learn so much!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
I spent a blissful 7 hours on my own in the Prado. A lot of the art I learned about in high school was there so I was happy with my recall. I am one who prefers the viceral reaction to art over what someone defines for me. Rick's Spain guide has a paper guide of the museum and most likely, also an audioguide.
Yes, you have re-entry privileges.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you. I needed that confirmation. We want to do it on our own.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
We did it on our own 3 weeks ago.
The museum's audio-guide is helpful.
Also, Rick has a self-guided tour in his guidebook and it's also down-loadable so you can play it on your smart phone while you're walking through the museum. .
Long lines so definitely reserve your day in advance online, as soon as you know your dates.
Posted by
Boston
380 posts
If you are doing it on your own, you could also go to their website to view the collection. Then, you can plan ahead what you want to see. After about 90 mins, take a break to rest your brain.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
They have a café in the Jeronimos addition.
The museum admission should be reserved in advance online. You select a day but there's no timed entry so you don't have to be there at a certain time.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1600 posts
We also visited the Prado on our own. We rented audioguides. Also, the brochure has a list of the most important or most popular paintings, so you can use that as a guide, too. We spent about 4.5 hours at the Prado, including a light lunch at the cafe.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks to all of you for great advice. It’s appreciated.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
882 posts
There must be hundreds of "Prado Tours" led by guides who range from OK to Amazing. My only experience was the result of being on the RS "Best of Barcelona and Madrid" tour, which included The Prado. Our RS guide, Federico Barroso, also has his own tour company in Madrid, called Spain Fred. I've included a link to the page on his website that offers Museum Tours.....
https://www.spainfred.com/tour/madrid-museums/
Keep in mind, Federico is in very high demand, and for good reason. A walk thru a museum with him is a magical experience. I hope this is helpful.