The Museo Del Prado in Madrid is one of Europe's finest museums and the pride of Spain. The construction of the neoclassical building began in 1785, and it was originally planned as a museum of natural history and science, but in 1819 Fernando VII converted it to the royal painting archive. The 7000 works of art hanging on the walls are of the Spanish, Flemish and Venetian schools and were collected over the centuries. The museum's guidebooks provide histories on the various pieces and offer informed criticism, which assist in guiding you through the immense selection.

If you think that Madrid's Museo Del Prado is the only museum you're going to see in the city, you're very mistaken. There are copious Madrid museums that wait for your visit, and there are many first-class Madrid hotels where you can enjoy your stay in Madrid in comfort.