Madrid is not only the political capital but the Golden Art Triangle — Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen. 3 days for the essentials. DAY 1: HISTORIC CENTER Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel (tapas), Puerta del Sol — kilometre zero of Spain. Evening Gran Vía. DAY 2: ART TRIANGLE Prado Museum (10:00 opening, Goya, Velázquez, El Greco — 3 hours), Reina Sofía (Picasso's Guernica, 2 hours), Retiro Park rest. Free entry Prado 18-20. DAY 3: LA LATINA + TOLEDO Morning La Latina — Sunday Rastro market, tapas crawl. Afternoon AVE train to Toledo (30 min) — UNESCO Old Town of 3 cultures. WHERE TO STAY Malasaña (alternative), Sol (central but noisy), Chueca (LGBTQ-friendly), Salamanca (luxury). METRO Buy Tourist Pass Multi 24h/48h. Cheap, clean, AC.