10:00

Prado Museum

Enter at the regular opening time of 10:00 and devote about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the collection, choosing in advance the rooms that interest you so you don’t waste energy. Look for works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, among the key names in the itinerary. As a rough guide, expect a ticket in the range of about 15–20 €; availability, prices, and access may vary.

Check the official website for opening hours, ticketing, and rules for any bags.

11:45

Walk to Thyssen-Bornemisza

Reach the museum on foot in about 10–15 minutes, following the Paseo del Prado. Along the way, take in the layout of the boulevards and the cultural buildings that define this area; allow a few extra minutes to get your bearings and take a short break.

The route is flat and does not require public transport.

12:00

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Reserve about 75–90 minutes for a selection of the collection, which offers a broad journey through eras and styles, from the Renaissance to modern art. Focus on the rooms that round out the comparison with the Prado and Reina Sofía, rather than trying to see everything. Estimated admission: around €13–18.

Check the official website for any temporary exhibitions and admission conditions.

13:30

Lunch in Barrio de las Letras

Stop in the museum area or nearby Barrio de las Letras, reachable with a short walk. A simple meal in a bar or café can cost around €15–25, while choosing a table-service restaurant may require a larger budget. Set aside about an hour for the break, useful before the second museum visit.

If you have little time, choose a place near Paseo del Prado to reduce the next leg of the journey.

14:45

Reina Sofía Museum

Continue on foot to the museum in about 20–25 minutes; alternatively, you can consider a short taxi ride or public transport, taking waiting times into account. Dedicate about 90 minutes to the main works and the rooms devoted to 20th-century art, paying special attention to Picasso's Guernica and the historical information that accompanies it. Admission may be roughly in the €10–15 range, but check updated prices and access rules.

For a more focused visit, first identify the rooms with the works you want to see.

16:45

Atocha Station

From the Reina Sofía area, reach Atocha on foot in about 10–15 minutes. Admire the station's architecture and, if the area is accessible during your visit, the indoor tropical garden; remember that it is also an operational rail hub, subject to checks and access restrictions. There is no specific tourist fee for a short stop, but any services are paid.

Follow the signage and the station staff’s instructions.

17:15

Parque del Retiro

End with a walk of about 60–90 minutes in Retiro Park, which is within walking distance of Atocha, about 10–15 minutes away. Choose a relaxing route among the tree-lined avenues and the more central areas, without trying to cover the whole park; admission is generally free, but access and conditions may depend on events or local instructions.

If you’re feeling tired, keep the visit to a short walk and head back toward the center by public transport.