Home to one of the world's finest art collection

Word to the wise: It's worth paying a bit more to book online and avoid the queues, and try to go in the afternoon after the large groups have left.

Designed by Juan de Villanueva in 1785, King Charles III decreed the building was to house a natural history museum. By the time it was completed however, his grandson, Ferdinand VII, decided to use it as a Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture. It finally opened its doors in 1819 and is now known as El Prado.

Boasting over 30,000 works of classical art, including drawings, sculptures, coins and furniture, El Prado is the largest and most visited museum in the world. Be sure not to miss the Spanish - Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Murillo, Ribera and Cano.