Madrid: Prado Museum Tour & Botín Lunch with Walking Route

Summary

Prado masterpieces, Madrid streets, and Botín’s ancient ovens

You’ll follow an expert guide through Madrid’s Prado Museum highlights, stroll lively streets from the Literary Quarter to Plaza Mayor, then head behind-the-scenes at Botín before sitting down for their signature three-course lunch. Expect laughter, local stories, and sensory moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand in front of a Velázquez painting and actually get it? That was me, sort of half-awake outside the Prado Museum by the Goya statue, trying to look cultured. Our guide, Marta, had this way of talking about art that made even Goya’s weirdest stuff feel personal—she pointed out these tiny brushstrokes I never would’ve noticed. The museum was busy but not overwhelming since we skipped the line (felt smug about that). I kept catching whiffs of old paper and polished wood in those galleries, which somehow made everything more real. There’s so much in there—7,000 pieces apparently—but Marta just picked the ones with the wildest stories.

Afterwards we spilled out into the sun and wandered through Madrid’s Literary Quarter. It’s funny how you can almost hear echoes of old poets if you squint hard enough (or maybe that was just me being dramatic). We stopped at Plaza Mayor where Marta told us about royal parades and public executions—her words, not mine. There were street performers doing their thing and some guy selling roasted chestnuts; I nearly bought some but got distracted by a group of kids chasing pigeons. The city felt alive in this gentle, everyday way.

I’d heard about Botín before—the oldest restaurant in the world sounds like a tourist trap, right? But walking past everyone lined up outside while our guide led us straight in felt pretty cool. The kitchen smelled like wood smoke and roasting meat; you could see these ancient ovens still going after centuries. Downstairs in the cellar was darker than I expected and sort of chilly—the walls almost sweating history. Lunch was three courses (I went for the roast suckling pig because when else?) and honestly it was richer than I thought it’d be. We laughed over croquettes and tried to pronounce “cochinillo” correctly; Marta didn’t judge my accent too harshly. I still think about that meal sometimes when I catch a whiff of garlic or burnt sugar somewhere random.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Prado Museum tour and lunch at Botín

• Meet guide at Francisco Goya statue
• Skip line into Prado Museum
• Tour masterpieces by Goya and Velazquez
• Free time to browse gift shop
• Walk through Literary Quarter
• Stop at Plaza Mayor for stories
• Tour Botín's underground tunnel and kitchen
• Enjoy three-course meal at Botín

Top questions

How long does the Prado Museum tour last?

The guided portion inside the Prado Museum is 1.5 hours.

Is lunch at Botín included on this tour?

Yes, a three-course traditional Spanish lunch at Botín is included.

Are drinks provided during lunch?

The tour includes two alcoholic beverages per person with lunch.

Does this tour include skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum?

Yes, skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum is included with your local guide.

Is this walking tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, due to stairs and walking distances, it's not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchairs.

Can vegetarians or people with food allergies join this tour?

The tour can accommodate vegetarians and certain dietary restrictions if notified after booking; not suitable for vegans or celiacs.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the statue of Francisco Goya outside the Prado Museum in Madrid.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line entry to Madrid’s Prado Museum with an expert English-speaking guide leading you through selected highlights; a guided walk through historic neighborhoods including Plaza Mayor; exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Botín restaurant; plus a three-course Spanish lunch with two alcoholic drinks—all wrapped up by early afternoon so you can keep exploring if you want.