I thought I read on this forum that it was best to hire a tour guide if you only have a half day for the Prado. However, I searched the website, but could find nothing. Can anyone provide any guidance ? If a tour is best, can you recommend a tour company ? Thanks

There are audio guides you can rent at the Prado that give the highlights.

Thanks Emily. I love audio tours, but in this instance I prefer to skip any line, and go only to preferred sites. I don't have time to see everything.

We actual did The Prado, on our own, on a free entrance night. We had sufficient time to see all that we were interested in seeing.

[From Monday to Saturday, 6pm to 8pm, and Sundays and holidays from 5pm to 7pm.]

You could line up early but we waited in a bar across the street and as soon as the line started to move, we walked across the street and were in within 10 minutes of opening time.

With only 1/2 day, I think you are correct in thinking you would need to be selective. By way of contrast, I spent the ENTIRE day there -- on a day with evening hours -- and knew that I was seeing less than I would have liked. But that's just me!

You would also love to visit The museum in Prado. The place is great.. so get your tour ahead

I don't remember seeing private guided tours,,but I was not really interested. We had one many times to the museum and think that planning in advance is much more funny than a private tour. ThenPrado is big of course, but with a little planning you can see any masterpiece you want.
If you like sculpture, don't miss Elizabeth II veiled. I think half a day is enough to take a good look at the main masterpieces .
Enjoy!

Check out the great suggestions that the Prado has put together
https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-...n/what-to-see/

This company offers 9 private tours of the Prado. They are very highly rated on Trip Advisor.

http://www.madridmuseumtours.com/pri...eum_tours.html

chapla, great link! I love that it gives options, depending how much you want to see in an organized route. Very helpful!

I appreciate the link to the Prado tours too, chapla!

Thank you also for the link. We are getting a bit 'museumed' out but still want to visit during our time in Madrid this October, during a free entrance evening.