Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez)

The basics

Since 1987, Velázquez Palace has served as a cultural space dedicated to monographic exhibitions of world-renowned artists. Visitors that want to see the palace—but not the art exhibitions—can take a tour of the sprawling Retiro Park. Private tuk-tuk tours offer a more personal experience, while group Segway tours provide great value. These tours typically pass Velázquez Palace—one of Retiro Park's main attractions. To explore the galleries, it's a good idea to visit on your own for a self-paced tour.

Things to know before you go

• Arts enthusiasts shouldn't miss Velázquez Palace, which is free to visit.
• Architecture fans should check out the 1883 building, covered with glass and iron domes modeled after London's Crystal Palace.
• Since Velázquez Palace is in Retiro Park, plan to explore the park before or after hitting the galleries.

How to get there

Because Velázquez Palace is situated in Retiro Park, most tours of the park pass the palace, but typically don't offer time to explore the galleries. To spend time in the exhibitions, most travelers prefer to take the metro. Take the 9 line to the Ibiza stop, or the 2 line to the Retiro stop. The museum is located in the center of the park, off of Paseo Venezuela.

When to get there

Velázquez Palace is open daily at 10am, but closing times change seasonally. In winter months, the museum closes at 6pm, while over spring and summer, the museum closes at 10pm. In October, the museum closes at 7pm. Expect crowds on Saturdays and Sundays, since many park visitors stop into the museum. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit early in the week, in the mid-afternoon (since many Madrileños typically take a midday siesta).

Exploring Retiro Park

Retiro Park is a well-loved public park in Madrid, known for its arts spaces and verdant walkways. Experience art at the Velázquez Palace, Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), and the 18th-century Statue Walk (Paseo de las Estatuas). Other must-see attractions include the Rose Garden (La Rosaleda)—displaying thousands of species of roses and ivy-lined trellises—and the lake, where you can rent a rowboat for a small fee.