The official guides are not available during the free entry hours, but the information desk has brochures in several languages that map out the popular paintings throughout the museum.\u00a0 In addition, the Prado website has information about 15 masterpieces<\/a> found at the museum.\u00a0 We used our Rick Steves’ Spain<\/em> guidebook to help us focus on particular paintings and learn additional information about each one, but we did find that most paintings had some sort of description in Spanish and English. \u00a0<\/p>\n Since the line didn’t take long to get through and the crowds were manageable during the free time, the only real downside is that the time is limited to the last two hours that the museum is open each day. \u00a0We were able to see plenty in those two hours, but there is so much to see in the Prado, so for many, a full (or at least longer) day might be more practical than waiting for the free time to start.<\/p>\n Close to the Prado, Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) sits on over 300 acres of land…in the middle of Madrid!\u00a0\u00a0It’s hard to believe that the beautiful and peaceful gardens are located in the middle of such a lively city.\u00a0\u00a0Throughout the park there are trees to provide shade and, in several instances, we noticed people laying around, either sleeping or reading a book. \u00a0If relaxing in the park fits your agenda, think about bringing a towel or blanket to really enjoy the park like a local. \u00a0<\/p>\n Retiro Park was\u00a0nice and relaxing, but also lively with tourists and locals alike – especially\u00a0around the lake. \u00a0We visited on a Saturday afternoon, so the area around the lake was packed with families and couples. \u00a0We sat on the ledge by the lake (seen in the picture to the right) and watched as people purchased food and souvenirs or just hurried by, chatting away. \u00a0We enjoyed watching the people having fun on the lake, rowing in the rented boats. \u00a0I was considering renting one, but it was very hot out (around 90\u00b0 or so) and the lake was completely unprotected from the blazing sun. \u00a0So, we sat instead, shaded by the trees surrounding the lake and enjoyed our time people-watching. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n With so many expensive attractions in large cities, it’s always nice when there is a little something for free. \u00a0In addition to the free hours at the Prado and the always-free Retiro Park, the Reina Sof\u00eda (a great modern art museum in Madrid) offers free hours<\/a>\u00a0and Plaza Mayor, always bustling, is free (and not too expensive for a sit-down meal and drink). \u00a0<\/p>\n However your time is spent in Madrid, do not forget to enjoy some of the greatest sites the city has to offer – for free!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Well, at least some of the best things are free!\u00a0 Two of my favorite sites in Madrid were the Prado museum and Retiro Park.\u00a0 The art featured at the Prado was fun to learn about and beautiful to admire and … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/PortEsp2774-500x333.jpg\" "\\"Retiro")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/PortEsp2776-333x500.jpg\" "\\"Lake")
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