Madrid: Prado Museum & Lunch at World's Oldest Restaurant

Madrid’s cultural riches come alive on this guided tour of the renowned Prado Museum. Visitors can marvel at masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, then savor a traditional Spanish lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín. With skip-the-line access and an expert guide, this immersive experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the city’s artistic heritage. But the true delight lies in discovering the unexpected…

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Key Points

Guided tour of Prado Museum and traditional Spanish lunch at Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant since 1725.
Duration of the tour is 4.5 hours, conducted in English, with skip-the-line access to the Prado Museum.
Tour price starts from £125.35 per person, including the guided tour, three-course lunch, and two drinks.
Highlights include focusing on 15-20 masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch, and a VIP tour of Botín’s kitchens and tunnels.
Tour guides are highly praised for their knowledgeability and enthusiasm, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 42 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The activity on offer is a guided tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid, followed by a traditional Spanish lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín.

The tour lasts 4.5 hours and is conducted in English. Priced from £125.35 per person, the experience includes skip-the-line access to the Prado, a guided tour of 15-20 masterpieces, and a three-course lunch with two alcoholic drinks at the historic Botín restaurant.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot without payment upfront.

The tour is suitable for most dietary requirements, except for vegans and those with gluten intolerance.

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Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Monument to Goya in the Las Letras Quarter, the tour provides a 40-minute guided exploration of the Prado Museum, allowing visitors to skip the line and admire 15-20 masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.

Explore the Prado Museum with a guided tour, skipping the line and admiring 15-20 masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.

The itinerary also includes:

A stroll through the Plaza Mayor and Literary Quarter.
A visit to Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant since 1725.
A VIP tour of Botín’s kitchens and underground tunnels.

Guided Tour of the Prado Museum

After being greeted at the Monument to Goya, the guide leads participants through the Prado Museum‘s entrance, skipping the lengthy queues.

The 40-minute guided tour focuses on 15-20 masterpieces, including Velázquez’s iconic Las Meninas, Goya’s powerful paintings, and Bosch’s surreal The Garden of Earthly Delights.

The guide provides insightful commentary, bringing these renowned artworks to life and sharing the stories behind them.

Guests have the opportunity to explore the museum’s treasures at their own pace after the guided portion, seeing the Prado’s vast collection of Spanish and European art.

Exploring the Literary Quarter

From the Prado Museum, the tour makes its way to the nearby Literary Quarter, where guests can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this storied neighborhood.

The guide leads visitors through:

Plaza Mayor, the iconic central square surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
Charming side streets lined with bookshops, art galleries, and local hangouts popular with writers and intellectuals.
Cervantes House, the former home of the legendary author of Don Quixote, offering a glimpse into 17th-century life.

This leisurely stroll through the Literary Quarter provides a captivating complement to the Prado Museum experience.

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Dining Experience at Sobrino De Botín

The tour then takes guests to the renowned Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant established in 1725.

Visitors enjoy a VIP experience, exploring the kitchen and underground tunnels. The traditional Spanish lunch features suckling pig, seasonal vegetables, and dessert, complemented by two alcoholic drinks, including Rioja red wine.

The dining experience caters to various dietary needs, accommodating vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with gluten-free or dairy-free requirements.

However, the menu isn’t suitable for vegans or individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

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Tour Adaptability and Restrictions

This tour is suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with gluten-free or dairy-free requirements. Non-alcoholic options are also available.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

The walking requirement is moderate, at a comfortable pace without difficulty. This ensures the tour is accessible to most participants, though those with limited mobility may find it challenging.

The tour has a moderate walking pace, accessible to most participants, though those with limited mobility may find it challenging.

Vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free/dairy-free options available
Not suitable for wheelchair users, vegans, or those with gluten intolerance/celiac
Moderate walking pace, accessible to most participants

Customer Feedback and Guide Quality

Participants have overwhelmingly praised the quality of the guides leading this tour, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 42 reviews.

Guests commonly applaud the guides’ knowledgeability and enthusiasm, which enriches the experience. Two guides, Arantxa and Alonso, have received particularly high recommendations for their expertise and superb tour delivery.

The guided tour through the Prado Museum and exploration of the world’s oldest restaurant provide an immersive cultural experience that leaves customers highly satisfied.

The combination of skip-the-line access, engaging commentary, and traditional Spanish dining creates an exceptional value for participants.

What to Expect on the Tour

As participants embark on this immersive cultural adventure, they can expect to begin at the Monument to Goya in Madrid’s vibrant Las Letras Quarter.

The tour then takes them on a 40-minute guided exploration of the Prado Museum, providing skip-the-line access to admire 15-20 masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.

Following the museum visit, guests will stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor and Literary Quarter before culminating the experience with a three-course traditional Spanish lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, complete with a VIP kitchen and tunnel tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a formal dress code. Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking and touring is recommended. No specific attire requirements are mentioned, allowing participants to dress according to their personal preference and comfort level.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, bringing one’s own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The tour includes a three-course traditional Spanish lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, along with beverages such as Rioja red wine.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Prado Museum?

Photography is permitted inside the Prado Museum, but visitors can’t use flash or tripods. Taking photos is allowed for personal, non-commercial use. However, certain artworks may have restrictions due to copyright or conservation concerns.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs?

There’s no mention of a dedicated souvenir shop or time for shopping during the tour. However, the Prado Museum likely has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and mementos following the guided portion of the experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The typical tour group size is around 15-20 people. This allows for an intimate and engaging experience with the knowledgeable guide while ensuring everyone can easily hear and participate throughout the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a compelling blend of art, history, and local cuisine. Visitors will gain skip-the-line access to the renowned Prado Museum, exploring its masterpieces with an expert guide. The experience culminates in a traditional Spanish lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, providing a unique culinary journey. This tour is adaptable and caters to a range of interests, ensuring a memorable exploration of Madrid’s rich cultural heritage.