If there is one obligatory stop on Madrid's tourist trail it's the Museo del Prado. Ranking amongst the world's great art museums, the Prado's collection of Spanish, Italian and Flemish art is peerless and almost impossible to do justice to in one visit. To make the most of a short visit, pick up a floor plan and home in on some of the greatest painters and their works.

Spanish Highlights

Amongst the unmissable highlights of the Spanish collection are El Greco's dreamlike religious works and his acutely observed portrayals of sober Castilian noblemen, Velázquez's masterpiece Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) and the magnificent epic works of Las Hilanderas (The Spinners), El Triunfo de Baco (The Triumph of Bacchus) and La Rendición de Breda (The Surrender at Breda).

Most fascinating and rewarding of all is the work of Goya whose versatility and technical expertise is showcased with a fabulous collection of his paintings. Ranging from the erotic pairing of the Maja Vestida and Maja Desnuda to the emotive depiction of the executions of the Tres de Mayo and the dark, disturbing and yet brilliant collection of later work known as the Black Paintings, there is no better place to appreciate Goya's genius.