Prado Museum Tour & Lunch at the Oldest Restaurant in the World

Enjoy Spanish culture with a guided tour of the Prado Museum’s masterpieces followed by a traditional 3-course lunch at the legendary Botín restaurant. Admire Velázquez’s ‘Las Meninas’ and Goya’s ‘Saturn Devouring His Son‘ before exploring Madrid’s literary quarter. Sip an aperitif at a historic tavern before feasting on roasted suckling pig and other regional delicacies at Botín, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. This tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience, blending art, history, and gastronomy for an unforgettable day in the heart of Madrid. To learn more details about this exceptional tour, read on.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In Madrid.

Key Points

• Guided exploration of Prado Museum’s renowned artworks, including masterpieces by Spanish painters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
• Sightseeing in Madrid’s historic literary quarter and enjoying an aperitif at a renowned local tavern.
• Traditional 3-course Spanish lunch with wine at the iconic Botín restaurant, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.
• Inclusion of skip-the-line admission to the Prado Museum and 3 alcoholic beverages in the tour.
• Tour provides a comprehensive experience of art, history, and Spanish culinary traditions, though not wheelchair accessible and involves significant walking.

Overview of the Tour

The tour combines a guided visit to the renowned Prado Museum with a traditional Spanish lunch at Sobrino de Botín, recognized as the world’s oldest restaurant.

Travelers will explore the museum’s highlights with an English-speaking guide, then head to the literary quarter to sip an aperitif at a historic tavern.

This is followed by a 3-course lunch with wine at the iconic Botín. The tour includes skip-the-line admission to the Prado Museum and three alcoholic beverages.

While the tour involves at least 2 km of walking, it’s not recommended for guests with mobility issues. The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Highlights of the Prado Museum

On the Prado Museum tour, guests explore some of the institution’s most renowned artworks. Visitors will view masterpieces by renowned Spanish painters like Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and El Greco, gaining insight into the museum’s extensive collection.

Highlights of the tour include:

Velázquez’s monumental painting ‘Las Meninas‘, a complex work depicting the Spanish royal family.

Goya’s harrowing ‘Saturn Devouring His Son‘, a disturbing portrayal of the Greek myth.

El Greco’s dramatic ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’, showcasing his distinctive elongated figures.

Bosch’s fantastical triptych ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’.

Titian’s sensual ‘Bacchus and Ariadne’, a striking depiction of classical mythology.

Literary Quarter and Historic Tavern

After exploring the Prado Museum’s masterpieces, the tour moves to Madrid’s historic literary quarter, where guests sip an aperitif at a renowned local tavern.

This charming neighborhood is home to some of Spain’s most celebrated writers and intellectuals, who once gathered here to debate, socialize, and be inspired. The guide leads the group on a stroll through the winding streets, pointing out iconic literary landmarks and sharing stories of Madrid’s rich cultural heritage.

At a historic tavern, guests savor a refreshing aperitif and soak in the lively atmosphere before continuing on to the next stop – a legendary restaurant that’s been serving traditional Spanish cuisine for centuries.

Traditional Spanish Lunch at Botín

Next, the group makes its way to Botín, the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, for a traditional 3-course Spanish lunch complete with wine.

At this historic hotel, the travelers are served classic dishes like:

• Roasted suckling pig
• Garlic shrimp
• Crema catalana

The meal is a true feast for the senses, with the rich flavors and convivial atmosphere transporting everyone back in time.

The group savors every bite, sip, and moment, appreciating the culinary heritage and traditions that have been upheld at Botín for centuries.

The lunch is a highlight of the day, providing a delicious and immersive glimpse into Spain’s celebrated gastronomic culture.

Inclusions and Tour Details

The tour includes a guided 1.5-hour visit of the Prado Museum, allowing travelers to see the museum’s highlights. Travelers also explore Madrid’s literary quarter and enjoy an aperitif at a historic tavern before sitting down for a traditional 3-course Spanish lunch with wine at the world-famous Botín restaurant.

Inclusions	Details
Local English-speaking guide	Provides commentary and expertise
1.5-hour tour of Prado Museum	See the museum’s most famous artworks
3 alcoholic beverages	Includes aperitif and wine with lunch
3-course traditional Spanish lunch	Authentic and delicious local cuisine
Prado Museum Skip the Line Admission Ticket	Avoid waiting in line at the museum

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour convenes at the Statue of GOYA outside the Prado Museum, with travelers then wrapping up the experience at the Botín Restaurant.

This convenient meeting point allows the group to begin their journey into the museum’s renowned collection.

At the end of the tour, guests are escorted to the historic Botín Restaurant, the world’s oldest eatery, to enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and includes at least 2 km of walking, so it’s not recommended for guests with mobility issues. However, the experience can be adapted for dietary requirements, excluding celiac disease.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Tour Accessibility and Mobility

While the tour’s meeting and pickup location is conveniently situated, it’s important to consider the experience’s accessibility and mobility requirements.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and involves at least 2 km of walking, making it unsuitable for guests with mobility issues. Travelers should keep this in mind when booking, as the tour may not be enjoyable for those who struggle with extended periods of walking.

The tour can be adapted for dietary requirements, excluding those with celiac disease.

With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the experience give you a more personalized and intimate tour.

Dietary Accommodations and Group Size

Along With the tour’s accessibility considerations, the organizers have made efforts to accommodate dietary requirements, excluding those with celiac disease. The tour can be adapted for various dietary needs, allowing a more inclusive experience.

The tour’s flexible menu can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences. Guests with food allergies or intolerances are encouraged to inform the organizers in advance.

On top of that, the small group size of 12 travelers or less give you a personalized and intimate tour. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The limited group size also allows for easier navigation and better access within the Prado Museum.

The intimate setting at the historic Botín restaurant enhances the overall dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Prado Museum?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Prado Museum, but visitors are asked to avoid using flash and to respect any restricted areas. Visitors should also be mindful of other guests and not disrupt the museum experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual attire suitable for walking and visiting a museum is recommended. Guests should dress appropriately to visit the Prado Museum and have lunch at a traditional Spanish restaurant.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be recommended for young children due to the walking and museum visit involved.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own food and beverages on the tour. The tour package includes a 3-course traditional Spanish lunch with wine at Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes a bathroom break, though the duration and location are not specified. Participants should feel free to ask the guide for a restroom stop if needed during the tour.

Recap

This immersive tour blends the artistic grandeur of the Prado Museum with the historic charm of Madrid’s literary quarter and the world-renowned Botín restaurant.

Guests will marvel at masterpieces, discover local haunts, and savor a traditional Spanish lunch, crafting an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the city’s rich cultural heritage.