Madrid's Art Triangle and Toledo
The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums explored one per day, plus a trip to Toledo for El Greco.
Designed for art lovers: the three major museums are split across different days to avoid museum fatigue. On day 3, take the high-speed train to Toledo to see El Greco masterpieces. On day 4, visit the Archaeological Museum and Goya's dome frescoes. Finally, fit in the Sorolla Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Stay in the Literary Quarter, within walking distance of the museum corridor, for a relaxed pace.
A museum-focused itinerary that works well in winter too. Check each museum's closing days.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Madrid（Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum、Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid）
About 40 minutes from the airport to the Literary Quarter. In the afternoon, walk to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the neighboring Royal Botanical Garden.
On Mondays, the Thyssen's permanent collection opens only after noon.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 2 · The Prado and Retiro Park
Madrid（Prado Museum、El Retiro Park）
Walk 5 minutes to the Prado. After the museum, cross the street into Retiro Park, and in the evening return to a small eatery in the Literary Quarter.
At the Prado, focus on Velázquez, Goya and the Flemish painters.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 3 · Toledo Day Trip
Take the AVANT from Atocha station, about 33 minutes to Toledo. Then take a bus or walk up to the Old Town, and return in the evening.
At the Church of Santo Tomé you can see The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Book train tickets in advance during peak season.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 4 · Archaeological Museum and Goya's Frescoes
Madrid（National Archaeological Museum、Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida）
In the morning, walk or take the Metro to the National Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, take the Metro to the area near Príncipe Pío station to see Goya's chapel.
The Archaeological Museum and the chapel are closed on Mondays.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 5 · Sorolla Museum and Reina Sofía
Madrid（Sorolla Museum、Reina Sofía Museum）
In the morning, take the Metro to the Sorolla Museum. Return to the Atocha area to visit the Reina Sofía Museum in the afternoon, then head to the airport.
The Reina Sofía Museum is closed on Tuesdays and the Sorolla Museum on Mondays.