Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

Of Madrid's three famous museums, the elegant Museo Nacional del Prado is the most celebrated. Eminent Spanish works include Velazquez's Las Meninas, Goya's The Third of May 1808, El Greco's Adoration of the Shepherds and Caravaggio's David with the Head of Goliath. But the elaborate museum also contains works by other European artists, such as Rubens.

There are normally long lines outside the Prado, so plan on getting there early, wearing comfortable shoes. And although the Prado does charge an admission fee, many recent visitors recommend visiting during the museum's free hours (usually the last few hours of the evening). Located just north of the Real Jardin Botanico, you can reach the Prado off the Atocha metro stop.