When pointing is best

 We are in the Golden Triangle of Madrid's art quarter and we will visit the last of the last corner during today. Meanwhile we are leaving the Prado.

While we have a moment we left Madrid just being made a capital city in 1561.  The argument often put forward is that Madrid is the centre of Spain and a good place to unite the peninsular. Maybe. Toledo was available but it already had established powers and it was a difficult to expand. Madrid, didn't and the Habsburgs were only on the second generation of their dynasty. Phil-2 came and between 1561 and 1700 so did lots of other people. The population rose to 100,000 by 1600. Half of them left for Valladolid [1601-06] when it became the capital. The court came back and government became a major city industry.

Over the next two centuries the population rose to 150,000. Diverse palaces and churches were built.  Charles III seems to have created a cleaner urban space. Above all, Madrid claimed a decent riot. The Esquilache Riots of 1766 occurred when  food prices soared, but were, apparently about banning traditional cloaks and hats.

We are going to MacDonalds. We had just done an over night coach journey and needed to point at food and not ask for it. I think this was the Maccie-Dees we went to.  Mind you, like supermarkets, it is all ways fun to see how the similar is different.  It gets 4.1 stars. Miguel gave 5. Two minutes ago he wrote 'Abigail is a very friendly person and provides excellent customer service!'

Crossing the road we are going to Atocha station. The station was inaugurated in 1851 and happily welcomed trains until it burnt down. Reopened in 1892 and functioned until 1992. At which point it was turned into a concourse of cafes, shops and swinging hot spot.

In the middle of the station is a tropical garden. Bora wrote 'If you’re a tourist in Madrid and happen to pass by a nearby spot (otherwise, it’s not really necessary), you can stop by to experience a different ambiance. It offers a truly unique view inside the train station. Despite being an indoor space, you can still feel the fresh air inside.'

We are zig-zagging back over the road to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. https://www.museoreinasofia.es/ Today's art is Gustavo Toner's 'Whites'

Chan gave useful advice. 'Monday 13 July 2026: I got in line at 7:19 pm and it only took 10 minutes to reach the ticket window. (People who had pre-booked tickets had no line and basically just entered easily). It happened to be free entry 7-9 pm so that was a nice surprise.' Kelly reckoned 'Such a beautiful collection of Picasso, Salvator Dali, and Joan Miró pieces… amongst several other talented artists ! I preferred this museum significantly over the Prado; it had much better organization and ease to find pieces. The Guernica in person was magnificent. It is a very large museum which you can spend at least 2-3 hours inside. If you are on a time crunch, the temporary contemporary exhibitions were pleasant as well but less a standout compared to the permanent collection.'

We are passing the Mueso de la Felicidad. I wasn't going in then I saw this review by Hazel. 'Worst museum I've ever been to!! They should hand out antidepressants instead of smarties. Made me very sad and quiet angry! Complete rip off!!! Try Ikonos or sweet space. Way better' https://www.museodelafelicidad.com/

We will end at the cafe Cantespino. It gets 3.5 stars. Justin as happy. 'I’m amazed at how this staff can manage such a huge lunch rush. The food is excellent, and perfect place to sit outside in the sun.' Diana less so. 'Croissant and coffee were fine. Could have been a better experience. First it took forever to get served. The waitresses here are not very friendly. They kept bumping into my chair as I was eating when they were serving the plates. The customer service here and appreciation for being a customer is non existent. Probably won't come here again.'