The Basílica de San Francisco El Grande is a leading candidate for the title of Madrid’s favorite church, far more so than the rather sterile cathedral. Legend has it that St Francis of Assisi built a chapel on this site in 1217. The current version was designed by Francesco Sabatini in the 18th century.

The basilica has an unusual circular floor plan and is known for its iconic dome, which is the largest in Spain and the fourth largest in the world. The circular nave is surrounded by chapels adorned with frescoes in different historical styles. One of the most famous chapels is the Capilla de San Bernardino, which features a fresco painted by Francisco Goya early in his career. Unusually, Goya painted himself into the scene as the figure in the yellow shirt on the right side. The basilica also contains other notable artworks such as paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán and Francisco Pacheco.

The Museo del Prado is one of the world's premier art galleries. Home to some of Spain’s most incredible masterpieces, the collection acts as a window into the historical vagaries of the Spanish soul. Inside you’ll find the grand, imperious royal paintings by Velázquez, Goya's dark, tumultuous Black Paintings, as well as sophisticated works of art from across Europe.

The Prado's western wing, the Edificio Villanueva, was completed in 1785 in the neoclassical style. It originally served as a cavalry barracks during the Napoleonic occupation from 1808-1813. In 1814, King Fernando VII decided to convert the palace into an art museum, which opened in 1819. The Prado’s eastern wing (Edificio Jerónimos) is part of the museum’s stunning modern extension. Dedicated to temporary exhibitions (usually to display Prado masterpieces held in storage for decades for lack of wall space), its main attraction is the 2nd-floor cloisters. Built in 1672 with local granite, the cloisters were until recently attached to the adjacent Iglesia de San Jerónimo El Real.

All told the Prado holds more than 7,000 paintings, though only around 1,500 are on display at any time. It is home to the largest collection of works by Velázquez, including his masterpiece Las Meninas, completed in 1656. It depicts Velázquez himself on the left, painting the king and queen. The rooms around Las Meninas contain more fine works by the artist, especially his paintings of Spanish royalty. The museum also holds a premier collection of works by Goya, which can be found on all three floors. His famous paintings El dos de Mayo and El Tres de Mayo, depicting the 1808 revolt against French forces, are emblematic of Madrid. Visitors can see Goya's disturbing Black Paintings, named for their distorted figures and dark palette. In addition, the Prado also contains paintings by El Greco, Bosch, Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian, Raphael, Sorolla, and other European masters. Within the famed Flemish collection, you’ll find the weird and wonderful The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch (c 1450-1516), which cannot be missed.

The museum has a timed entry system; tickets and timeslots can be booked online for €15.

Home to arguably Spain's most famous artwork, Pablo Picasso's 1937 painting Guernica, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Madrid's premier museum of 20th-century and contemporary art. From modern greats like Dalí, Picasso and Miró to cutting-edge contemporary work in new media, this gallery is sure to delight fans of the avant-garde.

The museum uses a theme-based approach, so works by a given artist may be spread across multiple floors. Picasso's Guernica is always located in Room 206 on the 2nd floor. Other highlights include Dalí's surrealist painting The Great Masturbator; Miró's bright, colorful paintings that became symbols of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics; and cubist works by Juan Gris and Georges Braque. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and sketches by lesser-known 20th-century Spanish artists as well.

The building itself is an important architectural landmark in Madrid. It is housed in a converted 18th-century hospital and features an eye-catching extension designed by Jean Nouvel that hosts temporary exhibitions, auditoriums, a bookshop, a cafe, and the museum library.

If you have the time, the €18 two-day ticket allows you to take it all in; otherwise, cover the highlights with a one-day €12 ticket. The museum is free some evenings, so check the details. El Brillante, a popular nearby bar known for its bocadillos (filled rolls), is located just outside the museum.

The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid is the city's prestigious fine arts academy and gallery. Founded in the 18th century by King Fernando VI, it has nurtured generations of Spanish artists and houses a rich collection of paintings. Highlights include Zurbarán's series of portraits of friars, El Greco's San Jerónimo, and 13 pieces by Goya, including self-portraits and portraits of King Fernando VII.

Though not as extensive as the Prado or Reina Sofía, the collection offers a fascinating insight into Spanish art history. The pantheon of former students includes many of Spain's most famous artists ⁠— Picasso and Dalí studied there but found it too traditional. Nonetheless, the academy has played a pivotal role in Madrid's artistic life for centuries.