Palencia

Things to do in Palencia

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Palencia

View all Attractions
Prado Museum
2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Prado Museum

9.9
4.7/5
1.3k reviews

The building that today houses the Museo Nacional del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III. However, the building's final purpose - as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures - was the decision of the monarch's grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza. The Royal Museum, soon quickly renamed the National Museum of Paintings and Sculptures and subsequently the Museo Nacional del Prado, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819. Since it was founded in 1819 and over its multi-century history, the Museo Nacional del Prado has performed the important task of conserving, exhibiting and enriching a set of collections and works of art which, due to their close ties with Spanish history, are recognized as one of the most valuable compendiums of artistic expression known to humanity. Loans to temporary exhibitions are the Museum's most direct means of communication with society. They offer the opportunity of reinterpreting the collections while linking them to currentl issues. At the same time, they also provide an especially attractive scope for museography allowing for experimentation on new styles and technologies. They contribute to projecingt a new identity of the Museum by encouraging innovation, research and the public interest in its collections. With this intention in mind, the Museo Nacional del Prado offers its visitors a wide exhibition program while contributing to the promotion of its collections through the loan of works from its collection to exhibition projects organised by other cultural institutions, both national and international.

Spain · Madrid

Experiences you can't miss in Palencia

Featured Culture & history in Palencia

View all Culture & history
Palencia Audio Tour: Echoes of Stone, Faith, and Time
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
From$5.79$7.24
Top Palencia: Private guided tour with your mobile
󱌍
Duration: 40 mins
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From$5.58
Cuellar Audio Tour: Historical Echoes of Cuéllar
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
From$5.79$7.24
Toro Audio Tour: Castles, Cloisters & Legends of an Ancient City
󱌍
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
From$5.79$7.24
Ribera del Duero Winery Tour & Wine Tasting Near Valladolid
󱌍
From$41.24
Guided tour of El Burgo de Osma (by eco-bus)
󱌍
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From$17.84
Top Burgos: Private guided tour with your mobile
󱌍
Duration: 50 mins
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From$5.58
Valladolid Highlights Audio Tour: Exploring Historical Treasures
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
From$7.12$8.91
Palencia Today's weatherShowers 12-17℃
Palencia weather for the next 2 days11/9: 12-18℃, 11/10: 12-16℃

What travelers say about Palencia

user-avatar
201***83October 10, 2026
5.0
Actually, I missed the meeting point because I didn't pay attention to the ticket instructions; the meeting point wasn't at the palace entrance. I had to buy a separate ticket to get in, but it was definitely worth it. The palace is incredibly luxurious and magnificent, with stunning interiors. It was a truly worthwhile trip.

Royal Palace of Madrid

user-avatar
wendy0511October 12, 2026
5.0
The good thing about the Prado is that photography isn't allowed, so I can't upload photos of the exhibition halls, but I can upload a picture of the entrance. The classic Las Meninas is still very impressive, and there were many people looking at it. There are also many famous works by Goya, Velázquez, Bosch, and many others. Last time, I visited three floors and countless halls, but I couldn't see everything. It was a visual feast, and I can only marvel at how talented the older generation of European painters were! The paintings are so beautiful!

Prado Museum

Popular cities near Palencia

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.