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15 Best Things to Do in Toledo (Spain)

Toledo’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a glorious past greets you at every turn. The old city is a cross-fertilisation of Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures, and in many buildings you’ll see how all these influences are blended together.

You’ll gaze at sumptuous renaissance paintings and find out about the Spanish Kings who ruled an entire empire from Toledo. The rest of the time you’ll be trying to find your way around the labyrinthine streets that are enclosed by historic walls and defended by gates and fortified bridges that stand tall to this day.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Toledo :

1. Catedral Primada

The experts will tell you that this is the best example of High Gothic architecture in Spain.

Like many Christian buildings in Toledo and across the country, Toledo’s Cathedral is built on a Mosque (which itself had been built on a 6th-century church!).

Construction began in 1226, and the work would not be fully completed for another 250 years . So you can see a mixture of elaborate gothic and Mudéjar elements.

The cathedral has a large footprint and is one of those buildings you can get lost in as there are so many little curiosities, like the Ochavo, a 16th-century room dedicated to the martyrs and witnesses of Christ, with many opulent works of art.

2. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Even in a city of historic buildings, this monumental 15th-century monastery stands out.

It’s set close to the Bridge of San Martín on the west side of the Casco Historico.

It was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, for several purposes: To celebrate the birth of their son Prince John, to serve as their Dynastic Mausoleum and to commemorate winning the Battle of Toro against Afonso V’s Portuguese Army, which helped them safeguard their throne.

Check out the building’s granite facade, which shows chains and manacles, representing the Christian prisoners freed by the Catholic Monarchs at the completion of the Christian “Reconquista” at Granada in the 1490s.

3. Puerta del Sol

This northern city gate was built at the end of the 14th century and showcases the Mudéjar design that you’ll see across the city.

It’s hefty stone portal topped by battlements and with lots of interesting little flourishes that you should take a moment to appreciate.

The walkway is a classic Moorish horseshoe archway and above this are smaller intertwined scalloped arches.

The gate gets its name from the frieze above the passageway, which shows the ordination of the Visigothic scholar Ildefonso.

On the south side of the gate there was once a moon painted here, and on the north side a sun.

4. Puente de San Martín

Entering Toledo on the San Martín bridge will make you feel a bit like a knight contemplating the medieval walls from the west.

Before you will be the Monastery of San Juan, and you can look down at the reflective green waters of the Tagus River.

The bridge was first built in the 1200s but took a lot of damage through the years, requiring rebuilds in the 1300s and 1400s.

The biggest changes were made during the reign of Charles II in the 17th-century, and the bridge, defended by crenellated towers at each end, has remained the same ever since.

5. El Greco Museum

The fabled 16th-century artist El Greco (a Cretan, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos), is one of Toledo’s most important historical residents and helped immortalise it with his depictions of the cityscape.

These paintings, View of Toledo and View and Plan of Toledo are both on show at this museum.

What they tell you straight away, is just how little Toledo’s outline has changed in nearly 500 years.

Of the two paintings, View of Toledo is the one that has captured the world’s imagination.

It’s a landscape with an expressive representation of the night sky above the city and the green hills around it.

6. Mirador del Valle

On the Carretera de Circunvalación, which hugs the rim of the bluffs above the River Tagus, is this fabulous lookout that shows the city in all its glory.

You can put yourself in  El Greco’s shoes when you see the Alcázar, the Cathedral , the walls and a jumble of renaissance and Mudéjar architecture, all laid out in front of you and embraced by the neat curve of the river.

The panorama at night is especially picturesque, when all the main monuments are awash with orange light.

7. Iglesia de San Ildefonso

This church is one of Toledo’s baroque masterpieces.

The Jesuits got permission to settle in the imperial city in 1558, and they acquired this plot in 1569. Construction began in 1629, and the church took a century to complete, formed of more than a 100,000 bricks.

In design it’s a powerful anti-Reformation statement, with snow-white interior walls and a layout that channels light towards the high altar for the Eucharist and leaving the side-chapels darkened.

The dome is one of the highest points in the city and stands out next to the cathedral.

8. Iglesia de Santo Tomé

Also once a mosque, you can pick this church out by its exquisite Mudéjar tower, which uses stonework from the original minaret and has beautiful scalloped arches.

Inside there’s an eye-catching blend of gothic and Moorish design, with two baroque altars and a baptismal font that dates to the 1300s.

What many people come to see though is the majestic renaissance painting, Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco, which was commissioned for the church in the 1580s.

Santo Tomé was the painter’s local parish, and the Count of Orgaz had redeveloped the church in the 14th-century.

9. Puerta de Bisagra

There are two city gates named Bisagra.

The oldest was built in the 900s by the Moors and was the main entrance to the city from the plain.

This is still standing, but was later replaced by a grander gate close by.

La Puerta Nueva de Bisagra is an auspicious way to enter Toledo.

You’ll pass under a triumphal arch flanked by two circular defensive towers.

Above the arch is a huge relief of the city’s coat of arms, and beyond the entrance is a courtyard sequestered by crenellated walls and another pair of towers.

These bear the coat of arms of the 16th-century King Charles V.

10. Puente de Alcántara

The other way across the Tagus, this bridge has been standing since the Roman era.

Naturally, Puente de Alcántara has been updated many times since then, not least because it has suffered a fair bit of war damage down the years.

The worst of this occurred in the 11th century during efforts to re-conquer Toledo from the Moors.

It was rebuilt again during the reign of Alfons X a century later.

A baroque triumphal arch was added at the bridge’s entrance in the 1700s, and standing below it you’ll have a wonderful view of the bridge’s crenellated tower framed by Toledo’s walls and Alcázar.

11. Synagogue of El Tránsito

Toledo has Spain’s most significant Jewish building, built in the 1350s by Samuel Levi, who was treasurer to Peter of Castille.

The founder’s family had long ties to the Castilian kings, going back centuries, but this didn’t protect him from execution by Peter in 1360. The synagogue was later converted into a church, but a lot of the original character has survived.

It’s yet another stunning piece of Mudéjar architecture: There’s calligraphy in Arabic and Hebrew, geometric tiling and highly ornate stucco walls.

The Sephardic Museum inside tells you all about Spain’s Jewish history, running from the 5th Century BC up to their Expulsion in the 1400s.

12. Plaza de Zocodover

The city’s nerve centre for many centuries, Plaza de Zocodover is still a meeting place for the people of Toledo, full of cafes and bustle.

In Moorish times this was a big horse market, where mules, ponies and mares and stallions were traded.

Later it was the site of a general market that took place every Tuesday right up to the mid-20th century when it moved to Paseo Merchán.

Plaza de Zocodover is where Auto-da-fé was enacted by the inquisition in the 15th and 16th century.

Nowadays you’ll be pleased to know that public ceremonies are a lot more fun, with dances, concerts and costume competitions taking place here during Toledo’s fiestas.

13. Mosque of Christ of the Light

Just in from the Puerta del Sol is the Casco Historico’s oldest building.

This mosque was built in 999 during the Caliphate and despite its great age looks pretty much the same as it did back then.

This makes it one of Spain’s most vital pieces of Moorish heritage.

Two centuries after its construction it became a church, and then a hermitage.

On the building’s facade you can make out Kufic (early Arabic script) inscription that was rediscovered in the 19th century.

This tells who commissioned and constructed the building, and in which year.

Once inside, look up at the vaulting, which is just one of the many similarities with the famous mosque in Córdoba, built 30 years before.

14. Santa María la Blanca

This is the oldest intact synagogue building in Europe, dating right back to the end of the 12th century.

There hasn’t been a Jewish community in Spain since the 15th-century Expulsion.

So in the 1400s the Mudéjar-style  building became a church, although no major renovations were ever made.

It was then  a monastery before being abandoned and then used as a warehouse by a company that made estoques (bullfighting swords). Take a few minutes to see the delicate capitals beneath the horseshoe arches,  as well the beautiful  geometric mosaics running beneath the arcades.

15. Alcázar of Toledo

This bulky palace is at the highest point in Toledo, on a 550-metre hill next to the Tagus.

There has been  a fortress here for at least 2,000 years but standing there now is a renaissance building from the mid-16th century.

It was meant as a royal residence for Charles V, but by the time it was finished the court had moved to Madrid, and instead was where widowed queens would retire.

A quirk of the building is that all four facades are slightly different, reflecting the style in favour during different periods of the renaissance as the palace was being built.

Inside is an army museum with guns, knives, swords, medals, flags and uniforms from the 1800s onwards.

15 Best Things to Do in Toledo (Spain):

• Catedral Primada
• Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
• Puerta del Sol
• Puente de San Martín
• El Greco Museum
• Mirador del Valle
• Iglesia de San Ildefonso
• Iglesia de Santo Tomé
• Puerta de Bisagra
• Puente de Alcántara
• Synagogue of El Tránsito
• Plaza de Zocodover
• Mosque of Christ of the Light
• Santa María la Blanca
• Alcázar of Toledo

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Spanish Nomad

One day in Toledo, the ultimate itinerary you need for an unforgettable visit

Right after the massive lockdown in Europe in 2020, I got to travel to Toledo for a day. At the time, my brother was studying there so I got to drive with him to pick up some of his stuff. Spending one day in Toledo was the perfect getaway albeit a bit far from Cadiz, where I am from. However, this one-day trip is one of the many things you can do if you are visiting Madrid since it’s only a 30-minute train ride or a 1.5 hour bus ride.

I didn’t do much planning which I regret because I lost some precious time. That’s why after my not-so-perfect day in Toledo, I decided I would put together the itinerary I would have loved to follow. This is what I ideally would have done, had I had a better grasp of things during my visit to Toledo.

Before you visit Toledo…

These are some things to consider before you spend one day in Toledo or in any place for that matter. Just a reminder to do some research before embarking on your adventure.

You will not have time to see everything

That’s a fact. The historic city of Toledo has been declared Unesco heritage and it has innumerable historical sites that exude history… And one day in Toledo is not enough. Think about the places that you absolutely cannot miss and build your itinerary on that.

I have put together a map with a suggested route, main attractions and other places of interest around the area so that you can visualise where everything stands. If there is anything you would like to visit and is not there, just add it to the map.

Research lesser-known things to do

Do some research to learn what other activities that line up with your hobbies you can do. For example, I knew I wanted to go to a lookout to out of the city to take awesome photos, visit the Jewish museum and do a guided city tour because I love learning a little about history. So before I started my day I made sure I had all that arranged and planned. 

Think about things that you enjoy when you travel. History? Architecture? Photography? Food? Nature? Adventure sports? There is plenty to do in Toledo but if you do not research it you will miss out. 

These are some cool things off the beaten path you can do in Toledo during the day: – City zip line over the river – Self-guided city tour through a city escape – Join a food tour – Nature hike along the Tagus river and up the Valley

You can totally have a fulfilling day in Toledo for free, minus food and beverages, of course. Here are a few choices on how you can spend your money wisely if you decide to do so and how to save a few euros.

Tourist bracelet

You can buy a tourist bracelet for 10 Euros, totally worth it if you are going to visit 4 or more of the monuments. Otherwise, each monument costs 3 euros each. The bracelet is valid for as long as you have it in your wrist so you can use it multiple days and you can totally reenter all the monuments. I think it is also worth it even if you are just staying one day in Toledo, because some spots don’t take very long to visit. Check here what monuments are included in the deal. 

Free visits

Some museums, galleries and buildings will be free or at a reduced price on certain days of the week, especially during this “new normality”. Below, you will find more detailed information, but if you want an easy list of free monuments put together by a local tour operator click on this link (sorry, only in Spanish).

Well, they are not exactly free since you are expected to tip the guide. It is still cheaper than your average tour and quite informative. A few companies offer these services and you can make a reservation through here or show up in Plaza Zocodover and ask if you can join them.

Perfect one day itinerary

Let me be clear before we start, there is no perfect itinerary. This is my version of a perfect day in Toledo here and now. Next year I may feel different about it and you now may feel different, too. Everybody likes different things to do, travels at different paces, have different budgets… There is no one size fits all. (By the way, I hate it when I see that label on clothing. It clearly doesn’t fit people my hight, how absurd!! Just say I didn’t want to bother making smaller sizes…)

Having said that, remember, this is just a guideline so that you don’t feel lost as I did.

Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo

• How to get there : It depends on where you are staying
• Why you should visit: The jewel of the crown in Toledo
• Duration: 15 mins (outside), 1.5 – 2 hours (full visit)
• Price: 10.50 Euros / 12.50 including bell tower and tapestry museum
• Included in tourist bracelet: no
• Discount: Sundays from 14 to 18.30h. free for Toledo locals, 2.50 euros for Spanish citizens and normal price for non-citizens.
• Other points of interest in the area:  Museum of Manchego cheese, Alcázar and Military Museum
• Go to Mass at 9 am to listen to the service in the Hispanic-Mozarabic rite (as opposed to the Roman rite). 
• If you are interested in the Military Museum it’s better to visit it in the morning since this self walking tour will only lead you further from it.
• Pro tip: I have recently read that visits to the Cathedral will soon be free Monday to Friday 8 to 9.30 am. The reason is that Unesco Heritage buildings should be free at least 4 times a month, someone pointed that out and they are studying the case. You can read the news in Spanish here .
• Website: https://www.catedralprimada.es/en

Santo Tomé Church

• Distance from previous stop: 3 min. walk
• How to get there : walk up on Cardenal Cisneros road following Camino el Salvador and Santo Tome road.
• Why you should visit: This church from the 1400s holds the most important painting from El Greco, El Entierro del Señor de Orgaz .
• Duration: 5 mins (outside), 20 – 30 mins (full visit)
• Price: 3 euros
• Included in tourist bracelet: yes
• Discount: free for Toledo locals (so this is probably a no for you)
• El Salvador Church on Plaza de El Salvador (3 euros or free entry with tourist bracelet);
• the narrowest street in Toledo, Callejón de la Soledad , a bit further up Santo Tomé street.
• follow Paseo del Conde towards Mirador de San Cristóbal for a nice view of the most expensive cottages in Toledo, the Cigarrales .
• Tip: if you don’t have the tourist bracelet and you are not interested in seeing the most famous painting by El Greco, you can either skip this spot if swap if for El Salvador Church.
• Website: http://santotome.org/la-iglesia (Spanish only)

Transito Synagogue and Jewish museum

• Distance from previous stop: 4 min. walk
• How to get there : walk down the stairs and follow Reyes Católicos road.
• Why you should visit:
• Duration: 5 mins (outside), 45 mins (full visit)
• Discount: 5 Euros including El Greco Museum, free on weekends from Saturdays at 14h and on the following dates: April 8th, May 18th, October 12th and December 6th. All of June and July 2020 is free, too.
• Santa María la Blanca Synagogue, free with tourist bracelet
• Tip: If you don’t want to pay extra, pick the Synagogue that makes the most sense to you. Both of them are very pretty inside, but the Transit Synagogue has a very interesting museum on Jewish history in Spain. Closed on Mondays.
• Website: http://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/msefardi/en/museo.html

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

• Distance from previous stop: 5 min. walk
• How to get there: continue on Reyes Católicos road
• Why you should visit: It is one of the most beautiful Gothic-style temples in Spain.
• Duration: 10 mins (outside), 20 – 30 mins (full visit)
• Discount: no
• Palace of Cava (Dukes of Maqueda)
• you can walk through the narrow streets of Jewish Quarters on your way to the Royal School of Noble Girls (included in tourist bracelet)
• Tip: closed 14 -15h.
• Website: https://toledomonumental.com/san-juan (Spanish only)

San Román Square

• How to get there : continue on Reyes Católicos road
• Why you should visit: San Román church, Museum of Councils and Visigothic culture and statue of Garcilaso de la Vega
• Duration: 15 mins (outside), 30 mins (full visit including Museum)
• Price: square stroll is free, Museum inside church 2 euros.
• Included in tourist bracelet: no, but nearby attraction does
• Discount: n/a
• Museum of Councils and Visigothic culture inside San Román Church (cost of 2 euros, free on Wednesday afternoons, Sundays and on May 18th and 31st.)
• follow one of the robbed alleys down to Padre Juan de Mariana square to visit the Jesuit Church. It’s free with the tourist bracelet and there is a nice viewpoint of Toledo Old Town from its tower.

San Vicente Square

• Distance from previous stop: 2 min. walk
• How to get there : follow the narrow street behind Garcilaso’s statue and turn right onto Esteban Illán road.
• Why you should visit: San Vicente church is a repurposed church that serves as an exhibition hall in the present. If it is open you can check it out.
• Duration: 10 mins (outside look)
• Price: free
• robbed alley with a gate
• Alfileritos road, plenty of tapas bars
• Our Sorrowful Mother (aka Our Lady of the Little Pins) shrine, with a very cool legend you can read here
• Tip: If interested in the current exhibit at San Vicente, come right after the visit to the Cathedral and continue your self-guided tour counterclockwise. They are only open 10 to 14h.
• Website: https://cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/catalogo-patrimonio-cultural/iglesia-de-san-vicente-de-toledo (Spanish only) Scroll all the way to the bottom and you will find current and future events on the bottom left corner.

Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

• Duration: 5 mins. (outside), 15 mins max (full visit)
• Gate of Valmadrón (cool photos with Mosque in the background and beautiful viewpoint)
• Gate del Sol go there on your way to the next stop
• Tip: closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Website: https://toledomonumental.com/cristo-luz

Puerta nueva de Bisagra (Bisagra Gate)

• How to get there : go through Valmadrón Gate, and turn right whenever possible, then turn left on Real del Arrabal road and continue straight ahead.
• Why you should visit: the biggest entrance gate to the old city of Toledo. Very impressive
• Duration: 10 mins
• Included in tourist bracelet: n/a
• tourist information office nearby
• Tip: if you feel like you can walk more, you can walk towards San Martín bridge on Paseo de Recaredo, a very pleasant walk if you are not too tired. Cross the bridge and find the bus stop that takes you to the Valley lookout.

Mirador del Valle

• Distance by bus: around 15 minutes
• How to get there : bus line L71, bus stop “Alfonso VI (Junto a Fuente)” on Paseo Merchán, near the tourist information office. Click here for timetables .
• Why you should visit: greatest view of Toledo Old Town
• Duration 15 mins or longer
• Price: free/bus ticket 1.40 euros one way
• Ermita del Valle (only Spanish)
• you can hike up to the lookout if you feel energetic.
• For best shots go in the early morning or before sunset
• Have a drink at the nearby bar while you wait for the golden hour to take your perfect shot
• Bus passes by every hour, for more accurate information, ask the bus driver
• Buy a bus card for 5 euros at the bus station (Unauto office) with 7 trips automatically added. One way trip costs 0.64 cents if you do that.
• When you get back, remember you can stop at San Martin Bridge, Puerta de la Bisagra and Plaza Zocodover, so that you don’t have to walk that much after such a long day.

San Martín Bridge or Alcázar

• Distance from previous stop: 10 to 20 minutes
• How to get there : hop on the bus on the same stop it left you at the lookout, stop either at San Martín Bridge stop to cross the bridge or Plaza Zocodover to see the Alcazar lit up at night.
• Why you should visit: both are iconic spots in the city
• Duration: 10 mins, just enough to cross the bridge or walk around the Alcázar
• Discount: Military museum in Alcázar is currently free
• Santa Cruz art gallery near Zocodover square
• city outdoor escalator near Zocodover square
• if you absolutely want to visit the Military Museum, head towards the Alcázar right after your visit to the Cathedral.
• You can hop off the bus at the bridge ad then walk towards the Alcázar (30 mins)

Final thoughts

It takes a little over 2 hours to do the walking part of this itinerary excluding lunch stop, bus ride to the lookout and time inside premises. Your time at the lookout would add 1.5 hours to the itinerary, and if you decide to visit all the monuments and museums mentioned it would take between 3 and 4 hours. Altogether, the full itinerary would take over 8 hours to complete , which is a very dense and satisfying visit. In my opinion, this is a perfect itinerary to spend one day in Toledo.

Disclaimers:

This post has been written in July 2020 during what we commonly call ¨the new normality¨during the COVID crisis. Travel experiences during this period of time are very different from normal circumstances therefore:

• some businesses, museums and other tourist attractions may not be open when you visit and opening times and rest days may change.
• current free activities during the ¨new normality¨ may not be free in the future
• Availability to enter certain places may vary depending on demand
• websites attached are mostly in Spanish , but I think they are useful for you to check out the pictures and give you an idea of what the place looks like and if you are interested in going inside. Hopefully, google translate will help you out too.
• You can check this Castilla La Mancha tourism website for extra info in English, but I have noticed that the prices are outdated.

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37 comments.

You are so right in that you can’t see it all. I had allocated a day but needed a lot more. I wish I had your itinerary as it is a good route to take and the timings are helpful. My favourite parts of Toledo were visiting the Transito Signagogue and some of the museums.

I wish i had done my homework before my trip :). Transito synagogue was one of my favourites too, Spanish Jewish history would be hardly known if it weren’t for places like Toledo or Córdoba.

I spent a short day only in Toledo and didn’t get to see half of the things on your itinerary. It is such a gorgeous city. I hope to go back and spend more time there. The tourist bracelet is such a good idea and well worth the 10 euros.

Had I planned better, i probably would have gone for the tourist bracelet, too.

I’ve wanted to visit Toledo for a while now! I hope to be able to go one day soon!

I hope you can visit soon! It’s a great city!

Toledo sounds so interesting to me. I would love to visit. I especially would love to see the El Greco paintings in the churches and museum. I agree that one day sounds to short on time. Thanks for all the great info!

You’re welcome! I am sure you would like Toledo!

What a gorgeous spot. I’m dying to go to Spain, I cannot wait for the pandemic to be over so I can go.

I know! Hopefully we can all travel soon 🙂

Wow, so many great stuff to do and see! I´ve never been in Toledo and have no idea what to expect! But it looks like a great place to stay for a couple of days and explore! Would love to do so one day!

I didn’t know much about Toledo before. I’ll need to take a drive there some time!

We had a three night stay in Madrid I decided to take a day trip on the train to Toledo. It was a gorgeous sunny day and we had a great day exploring the little couple the back streets. We found a fabulous little place for lunch away from the main tourist squares that served delicious Spanish food. We didn’t go in to any of the buildings because the architecture I’m just wondering around The street was enough for us I loved our day there

Love how organized this article is! I have never been to Spain, but definitely do want to do in the future. Great content! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Sounds like an amazing experience! This is a great location for a day trip and find less touristy things to do. Thanks so much for sharing

I have seen some lovely pictures of Teledo on Instagram and it looks like a gem place to visit. I like how you provided all the information for a day’s visit. I’m interested in the Architecture and like you said, planning ahead will save time on the day.

Toledo is one of my favourite cities in Spain to visit! Great article!

I have never been to Toledo, but I would love to especially after seeing the photo from the Mirador del Valle viewpoint.

Toledo is a really lovely city worth to visit. I have been there twice and every time I love it even more. So characteristic! Really great itinerary!

It looks like a charming place to visit… Love your article and can’t wait to check it out myself 🙂

Loved reading your post! I studied in abroad in Toledo so it takes me back to my semester there. I loved hiking up to the Mirador del Valle. It does offer a great view of the city.

My biggest problem is that I want to see everything. I make an impossible plan but in the end, it never works 🙁 Your plan is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

Toledo look like a great day trip to take! The view of the city is beautiful, you itinierary and all the details are great to plan a trip there! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing!! Toledo looks gorgeous. Spain is next on my list! Saving this post for later :)!!

Toledo looks like such a beautiful city to visit. I’d really love to visit the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, it looks amazing. Thank you for sharing.

The Monastery is beautiful! Hopefully, you can visit some time soon. 🙂

Great post! I love Spanish cities and can’t wait to be back in Spain. Toledo seems so worth it, will check it out next time!

i spent a day in Toledo years ago and didn’t get to half these places lol. There is so much to see there! I’d love to go back for an overnight trip, especially so I could walk around before all the tourist crowds show up.

I would totally recommend an overnight stay and walk on the empty streets of the city.

I lover Spain! I can’t wait to go back and will defiantly be going to Toledo when I Do!

Toledo looks like such a lovely place! I didn’t know much about it before reading your post! I think the tourist bracelet is a brilliant idea! What a great way to make the most of seeing the some of the wonderful attractions! Thanks for the great guide!

Wow! Such a detailed guide. I didn’t know there’s so much to do in Toledo and I hope to be able to check it out soon.

Adding in the walking tour to this itinerary is super helpful. I always like to have a guide to stick to when you only have a day to see it all. Great post and Toledo looks like a beautiful place to visit x

Toledo is one of the few Spanish cities I still haven’t made it to! It looks like there is loads to do – I’ll def plan to spend more than a day. And what a good deal the bracelet is – I don’t think I’ve ever seen one so cheap!

It really is a good deal, and yes, there is plenty to do and see in Toledo.

This post is a timely read as I am going to Spain at the end of May for 3 months and plan to do a day trip to Toledo from Madrid.

I hope the itinerary helps! It’s quite intense but if you are fast paces like me, you will enjoy it!

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One day in Toledo

The grandiose Cathedral

On leaving the Alcázar and after walking through the streets for about five minutes you will get to the Cathedral along Calle Cardenal Cisneros. This building is so imposing and has so much to see that you could spend hours there: the Monarch’s Chapel, the famous gold monstrance, the magnificent paintings in the sacristy, the choir stalls… You can learn about the curious tradition celebrated here every 15 August, on the feast day celebrations of the Virgin of Sagrario, when the custom is to drink from a variety of earthenware pots, jugs and glasses which are placed in the Cathedral and filled with water from the well in the cloister, as it is said to have miraculous properties. You’d better make a note for future visits.

A bird’s eye view of Toledo

Leave the Cathedral and head towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square, where you will find the two Renaissance buildings of the Episcopal Palace and the Town Hall. Along the street on the left, you’ll come to the alley of the Cuesta de la Ciudad (the city hill) which you can climb to reach the Jesuit church (also known as the church of San Ildefonso) in the Plaza Padre Juan de Mariana. It is located at the highest point of the city, so this is a perfect opportunity to catch one more view over the clustered rooftops of Toledo from its towers.

Looking towards the south, on the upper banks of the Tagus River, you can see the Cigarrales mansions, the old recreational estates of Toledo's bourgeoisie, many of which have been transformed into luxury accommodation.

Food in an old Toledo mansion house

It's now time for lunch, and you're right beside Calle Alfileritos, which is full of bars and restaurants where you can sit and have a relaxing meal. The atmosphere in many of them is warm and inviting, because they are usually located in old Toledo town houses or small palaces spread over several floors, which have been reformed to preserve the most characteristic decorative features. Suggestions from the menu include 'cocido' (meat and chickpea stew), 'carcamusas' (stewed pork with tomato), partridge, venison, or all number of game dishes. To accompany the meal, one of the region’s Denomination of Origin wines, naturally. On the way to Alfileritos, to the left you will see the building of the former San Pedro Mártir convent, which today forms part of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. The two interior cloisters are perfect for stopping and enjoying a moment of calm.

It’s time to discover the side of Toledo known as ‘the city of the three cultures’ by visiting the Jewish quarter and the district of the convents. You can do this by taking a relaxed stroll around the area.

A tour through the jewish quarter.

After a good meal, head towards the city’s Jewish quarter. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Plaza del Salvador, where you can see the Municipal Archive in the modern style, the result of restoration works on the old church of San Marcos. The building is particularly unusual, among other reasons because the archaeological remains discovered during the building works are integrated into its structure.

Heading out of this square along Calle de Santo Tomé, you will come to Santo Tomé Church . Inside the church you can see the painting, “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”, one of the masterpieces by the famous painter, El Greco. Continue along Calle San Juan de Dios until you come to the Tránsito Synagogue , also the site of the Sephardic Museum . After marvelling at the beauty of its decorative plasterwork, you can head into the museum to learn more about the Jewish tradition in Spain. The next stop is another synagogue, Santa María la Blanca , which you can reach along the Calle Reyes Católicos. The filigree and details on its capitals are astounding. Continuing on up this street you'll come across the imposing monastery of San Juan de los Reyes , built by the Catholic Monarchs. After the tour, visitors will be surprised to learn that the monarchs apparently found it a little on the small side. There are numerous crafts and souvenir shops all over this area. Some of these shops also have a workshop where visitors can see the craftsmen at work. Particularly typical in Toledo are the items of damascene work, ceramics, leather and embroidery. Not to mention of course the famous Toledo steel swords.

In the neighbourhood of the convents

If you continue up the Paseo de la Virgen de Gracia avenue, you’ll come to the area of Toledo’s convents. If you want to enjoy a gentle stroll, this is definitely the ideal place, as the streets here are havens of peace and tranquillity. Some of the convents even sell sweets and pastries, handmade by the nuns. The convents of San Antonio, San Clemente and the Agustinas Calzadas are just a few examples. From time to time if you look up you’ll see a series of raised walkways: these were used by the nuns to go from one building to another without being seen in public. Continuing along on foot you'll come to the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and the Puerta del Sol , from where you can see the church of Santiago del Arrabal and the inside of the Bisagra Gate .

A great panoramic spot for watching the sunset

At this point you are very near the Plaza de Zocodover square, so you could jump in a taxi from the taxi rank beside the square up to the Parador hotel located on one of the hills on the outskirts of the city,

and enjoy a drink on the terrace of the café while you admire the superb view over Toledo as the sun goes down. This is the best reward after your day of sightseeing.

What to see

Places not to be missed

Alcázar fortress in Toledo

Toledo Cathedral

Nueva de Bisagra Gate

Puerta del Sol (Toledo)

Church of Santo Tomé (Toledo)

Cristo de la Luz mosque

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Santiago del Arrabal Church

El Tránsito synagogue

Santa María La Blanca synagogue

Santa Cruz Museum

Tips and recommendations

Visit to the Cathedral

Tickets to the Cathedral can be bought at the ticket office located opposite the Puerta Llana gate in Calle Cardenal Cisneros. On Sundays during High Mass you can listen to the majestic cathedral organ. Also, every day (from 9 am on working days and 9.45 am on weekends and public holidays), there is a mass in the Mosarabic Rite in the Mozarabic Chapel.

How to get there

Toledo is very easy to get to from Madrid by train, coach or car. The train is a good option as it is both comfortable and fast - the journey only takes around 30 minutes from Atocha station, with trains leaving once an hour. Turn right on leaving the station, and head into the historical old quarters by bus. Lines 5, 6 and 22 stop in Plaza de Zocodover square, where there is a Tourist Information Office. The journey can also be done on foot, which is uphill and takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

When to go on the trail

Corpus Christi. A very special time to admire the Cathedral is during the feast of Corpus Christi, between the months of May and June, when the walls are adorned with majestic tapestries. Holy Week . Most of the convents are enclosed order convents and are not open to the general public. However, they can be visited during Holy week thanks to the guided tours organised by the Tourist Board.

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One Day In Toledo Itinerary & Day Trip Guide

Toledo is one of Spain’s great historic cities. It’s romantic too, spectacularly sited on a hilltop atop the Tagus River. The river wraps around it like a moat.

Toledo boasts incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning vistas. It’s dubbed the “City of Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences.

The city has echos of El Greco, its most famous native son, that will thrill art lovers. Besides that, the entire place is a designated UNESCO site and is well worth a visit.

Toledo is just a short 30 minute train ride from Madrid. So, it’s a classic — and popular! –day trip destination. This itinerary features the city’s greatest hits to help you make the most of your one day in Toledo.

Overview of One Day In Toledo Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot of what you can see in Toledo:

• Historic Center
• Santa Cruz Museum
• Toledo Cathedral
• San Roman & Santo Domingo el Antiguo
• Jewish Quarter
• Santo Tomé Church
• El Greco Museum
• Mirador del Valle

You can add or subtract things based on your pace of travel. And I give you an estimated timeline for how to spend your day.

I advise getting to Toledo as early as possible, as there are so many things to see and do. If you make a late start, you’ll likely regret not having a few more hours to sightsee.

The biggies to see are Toledo Cathedral, the synagogues, the Santa Cruz Museum, and the El Greco Museum. To skip the lines at the main monuments, you may want to pre-book the Toledo Wristband .

9:00 AM: Historic Center

Begin your day with a delicious Spanish snack in Toledo’s charming Old Town. It’s incredibly well-preserved, with tiny medieval streets.

You’ll find cozy cafes and bakeries where you can savor traditional pastries, like churros or pulgas , paired with a strong cup of coffee.

Take a wander through the main squares — Plaza Zocodover, Plaza de la Magdalena, and Plaza de Santo Domingo el Antiguo.

Zocodover is the main square. The name derives from the Arab word for livestock markets.

This square was once the scene of bullfights and Inquisition judgments. You can plop down on one of the benches, decorated with colorful tiled scenes from Cervantes’ Don Quixote .

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour

10:00 AM: Santa Cruz Museum

Start your sightseeing with the Santa Cruz Museum. Your GPS likely won’t get you there. Go through the horseshoe arch and head down the stairs.

To the right, you’ll come across one of Toledo’s most stunning Spanish Renaissance structures, the Hospital y Museo de Santa Cruz .

Established in the 16th century by Cardinal Mendoza, a significant figure in Spanish history, the hospital had a dual mission of providing medical care to those in need and offering refuge to orphans.

The building boasts an intricately carved facade, lovely cloisters, and a remarkable staircase, all designed by Alonso de Covarrubias in the plateresque style.

The hospital now houses Toledo’s main museum of art and archaeology.

There are three spaces to see — the Renaissance cloister, the temporary exhibition hall (in the basement), and the bulk of the collection in the second floor galleries with works from the Paleolithic era to the present.

There are also Roman mosaics, sculptures, tapestries, and giant tusks of a Paleolithic mammal.

The final hall displays 16th century Renaissance artworks.

There are a dozen or so El Greco paintings, including The Assumption of the Virgin , The Immaculate Conception , and The Holy Family . The Assumption is one of El Greco’s masterpieces from his late period.

11:00 PM: Toledo Cathedral

Next, head to Toledo Cathedral , the city’s #1 attraction. It’s an extraordinary church that’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a mini art museum. Construction began in 1226, but it took 270 years to complete.

Start off by marveling at its intricate facade. The western portal has three heavily sculptured doors in the Moorish style. and a (partially obscured) rose window. The doors are only opened on special occasions.

There’s a Flamboyant Gothic spire to the left. To the right is a Baroque dome added by El Greco’s son, Jorge Manuel.

Inside, you’ll find an art-filled space filled with works by El Greco and other Spanish masters.

You enter the cathedral from a side entrance, Puerta Llana, on Calle Cisneros. You buy a ticket from the shop opposite the entrance. You can also book a guided tour to see it all.

Inside, there is lofty ribbed vaulting and 800 stained glass windows. The wooden choir stalls are masterpieces from the 15th century.

The main altar is a gigantic Flamboyant Gothic polychrome carving. It’s gold on wood. It depicts the story of Christ’s life, conveying the message of salvation.

The choir stalls are absolutely exquisite. The lower stalls are made of walnut. Animal carvings depict the vices and virtues of mankind. The upper stalls feature alabaster prophets and saints and apostles carved in wood.

The two enormous organs, one Baroque and one Neoclassical, are still used. Each has over 600 pipes.

In the main chapel, just opposite the choir, you’ll find a Baroque folly called the Transparente from 1732. It’s unique architectural feature designed by the Spanish architect Narciso Tomé in the 18th century.

A skylight above allows light to penetrate from the ceiling and illuminate the tabernacle. Below the skylight is a sculpted tableau that represents the Ascension of Christ.

To the right is the exquisite Chapter House. It features magnificent coffered ceilings, one with gold leaf. There is a double row of portraits of Toledo’s most powerful archbishops, some from the imagination and some from life.

Frescos on the sides depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Above is an ornate coffered ceiling.

For art lovers, the highlight of the cathedral is the sacristy. This is an art gallery in itself.

There are restored works by El Greco, Zubbaran, and Goya. And an elaborate ceiling fresco by Luca Giordano, The Descent of the Virgi n.

The showstopper is El Greco’s Disrobing of Christ , Il Expolio . It depicts the moment when Jesus was undressed before being crucified.

The painting is an early work by El Greco. It’s very Italian, reflecting the artist’s tenure in Venice where he was influenced by artists like Titian. (Note the bright red color of the robe.)

Two attached rooms display more masterpieces, including artworks by Caravaggio, Zurburan, Van Dyke, Titian, Raphael, Velazquez, and Rubens.

You can also visit the Treasury. You’ll find the 10 foot high gold and silver monstrance made for Queen Isabella in the 16th century.

It once held the consecrated host. On Corpus Christi day, it’s paraded around town.

I think this is the top cathedral in Spain. Seville Cathedral may be larger. But, to my mind, this one boasts unrivaled art and artistry.

>>> Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket for the cathedral

12:30: San Roman & Santo Domingo el Antiguo

San Roman is Toledo’s oldest church, featuring Romanesque architecture. It’s just a few minutes from the cathedral. It’s the most interesting church in Toledo, having kept its original 13th century structure.

Originally of Visigoth origin, San Roman served as a mosque before its reconstruction in the Mudejar (Arab) style during the 13th century.

Today, it hosts a museum showcasing Visigothic culture. Inside, you’ll encounter a unique blend of Caliphal arches, Roman columns, Visigoth capitals, and exquisite frescoes.

Next, head down the street to Santo Domingo el Antiguo. Established in 1085 by the Cistercians, it was Toledo’s first convent.

The interior boasts Neo-Classical design and houses three El Greco paintings. It’s also the final resting place of El Greco himself, with his tomb visible through a floor grill.

1:00 PM: Lunch in Toledo

Take a break for lunch at a local “mesón” or tavern. Toledo is known for its savory cordero (roast lamb) and carcamusa s (stew).

Modern Toledo depends on tourism. So you may became jaded at the sight of so many bilingual menus. Steer into the steep cobbled streets for the best eats.

If you are in a rush you can always grab a sandwich to go, with Iberian ham or chorizo. That’s what I ended doing just to save time as I toured around.

If you have a sweet treat after lunch, I recommend sampling some marzipan. Toledo’s specialty, at Santo Tome. It’s a family business that has flourished since 1856.

They make it by combining Spanish almonds with sugar, honey, and water to make a thick paste. Once hardened, the marzipan can be sculpted into ingenious shapes.

2:30 PM: Explore the Jewish Quarter

After lunch, stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Spain. Don’t miss the picturesque Calle del Ángel and Calle de los Reyes Católicos.

If you have time, pop into the Church of Santa María la Blanca . It was the main synagogue in the Jewish Quarter in the late 12th century and is immaculately restored.

It has a Moorish design with five naves and horseshoe arches. It reminded me somewhat of the Mezquita in Cordoba .

The other synagogue to visit is the Transito. Commissioned in the mid 14th century, it houses the Sephardic Museum. You enter through the left side door at the foot of the prayer hall.

The synagogue has been completely restored and has a showstopping Mudejar main worship hall.

It’s topped with a coffered ceiling and covered in ornate stucco decorations with floral and geometric shapes and Arabic inscriptions. It may remind you of Granada’s Alhambra .

If you have time, stop into the Franciscan Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.

It was build by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, as their funery mausoleum, though they were later buried in the Royal Chapel in Granada .

The building was constructed by Juan Gaus in the Gothic Isabelline style. it consists of a church, two cloisters, monastic quarters, courtyards, and gardens.

On the exterior, you’ll see chains hanging on the western side. They are the shackles of Christian prisoners freed by the Catholic monarchs in 1483.

The interior boats a rich stone decor, built in just 35 years. The dome is shaped like a royal crown. The most spectacular part is the upper floor and its magnificent painted Mudejar ceiling.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter

4:00 PM: Santo Tomé Church

Next, make your way to Santo Tomé Church . The church itself is a fine example of Spanish Gothic architecture and has a rich history dating back many centuries.

But what you come here to see is El Greco’s finest and most beautiful masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz .

It was commissioned by Don Gonzalo Ruiz. He was a wealthy and influential nobleman in Toledo during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

The painting is monumental, more than 15 feet high. It depicts a legendary miracle where St. Augustine and St. Stephen descended from heaven to assist in the burial of the count.

The painting is divided into two sections by a row of noblemen’s faces. Each one is a distinct portrait. El Greco even included portraits of himself and his 8 year old son in the painting.

The bottom half of the painting depicts the miracle and the count’s funeral.

It’s a variant of entombment paintings you may have seen by Raphael or Titian. Two dead saints, unexpected guests, appear to lower the count’s body into the tomb.

In the top half, you see the heavenly realm and key religious figures. An angel sent to earth by God guides the count’s soul up for his judgment. He appears as an embryo the size of a baby.

The Virgin also makes an appearance, seeming to say “come with us.” Beside her, St. John the Baptist speaks to Jesus, interceding for the soul of Orgaz.

The message of the painting for 16th century Toledo citizens was clear. If you want to make it to heaven, behave like the good count.

5:00 PM: El Greco Museum

Your last stop is at the El Greco Museum . El Greco was the city’s most famous resident artist. No visit to Toledo is complete with seeing his eponymous museum.

It’s the only museum dedicated to the renowned Greek painter. Its primary mission is to offer insight into El Greco’s artistic contributions and the profound influence his works and persona had on early 17th century Toledo.

The museum is housed in a lovely Spanish casa . It was founded by the second Marquis de la Vega-Inclán, a great promotor of Spanish art.

He thought, or so the story goes, that he was buying El Greco’s home. But it wasn’t.

Nonetheless, he lovingly renovated the 14th century mansion, in period authenticity, to house the collection of the Council of Toledo.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of El Greco’s masterpieces. They all seem to ripple and writhe as if on the verge of ascension, with elongated bodies and elegant hand gestures.

You’ll find notable works like View and Plan of Toledo (a variant of which resides in the Prado Museum ), Tears of St. Peter, and St. Bernadine of Siena .

The View is an extraordinary piece, giving you a panoramic view of Toledo at the time. The city is celebrated in all its excellence and glory as Spain’s oldest city.

The painting is rendered in El Greco’s later style, which featured looser brushstrokes and a more abstract composition. The buildings are reduced to simple geometric forms, which likely influenced the French Post-Impressionist Paul Cezanne.

The museum also features a meticulously curated series of portraits known as the Apostolate series from 1607. Christ is in the center surrounded by 6 apostles on each side.

Only 3 of the 13 paintings are finished. The focus, and where you’ll see El Greco’s highest quality work, is on the hands and faces of the apostles. Legend holds that El Greco used mental patients from an asylum as models, and indeed some of them appear malnourished.

There are another 100+ paintings by Spanish masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, many of them from El Greco’s workshop.

6:30 PM: Toledo’s Mirador del Valle

As the sun begins to set, head to the Mirador del Valle. It’s a viewpoint that offers the classic panoramic view of the city. It’s a great spot for photographs and I highly recommend going.

It’s about a 30-40 minute walk from the city center. Head towards the direction of the Alcázar of Toledo. As you approach the Alcázar, continue uphill along the road called Paseo de la Rosa to the mirador.

You can also take a taxi or drive there. Local buses leave from Zocodover Square and the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus stops there as well. If you are on a guided day tour from Madrid, you bus will likely stop there.

7:30 PM: Dinner in Toledo

For your final meal in Toledo, dine at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

Try local dishes like the prized perdiz a la toledana (a long tailed partridge) and have marzipan for dessert. Check out Adolfo or Venta de Aires Restaurant for good eats.

Toledo is especially magical at night. If you have any time, take a stroll around the city when everything is illuminated. The last train back to Madrid usually departs around 10:30 or 11:00 pm.

Practical Tips For One Day Trip In Toledo

Here are some must know tips for day tripping to Toledo:

1. How To Get To Toledo

Toledo is easily accessible from Madrid by high-speed train (AVE) or bus. Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

You’ll then have a bit of a steep climb to get to the historic center. It’s a 30 minute walk, so you should probably hop in a cab.

Naturally, you can also get to Toledo on a guided day tour from Madrid . You can also book a tour that takes you to both Toledo and Segovia . To make things really easy, this private guided tour picks you up at the train station and takes you on a panoramic taxi tour of the city.

If you’re driving to Toledo, you’ll want to park your car in one of the designated parking areas outside the city’s historic center. Don’t drive into the historic center!

You can find spots in Parking Safont (north), Parking Cigarrales (south), or Parking Alcázar (near the Alcazar). A car has the advantage of allowing you to drive to the different viewpoints.

2. How To Get Around Toledo

Toledo is fairly small and walkable. You can get to most attractions on foot, if you’re inclined to walk. Be forewarned that it’s hilly and you’ll be walking up and down.

You can also take the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus .

3. Tickets:

Consider buying the Toledo Bracelet Card , which gives you access to multiple attractions, saving you time and money.

4. Where To Stay In Toledo

Considering staying overnight in Toledo? If so, you have a range of hotel options.

The Eugenia De Montijo, Autograph Collection is a gorgeous luxury hotel with regal Renaissance decor. It’s only 600+ feet from the cathedral, so well situated for sightseeing.

The Hotel del Cardenal is right next to the Gate of Alfonso VI, once the main entrance into Toledo. it’s literally built in the city wall. It’s quite reasonable, especially given the fountains, gardens, and patios it has on offer.

Parador de Toledo sits on a hill with an ideal vantage point over the city. It has a swimming pool and luxury amenities.

5. Pro Tips:

Many shops and restaurants close for siesta, usually from around 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes for hiking up and down the steep hills and tromping on cobblestones.

6. Is One Day In Toledo Enough?

One day in Toledo is enough time to see the highlights, but not enough to see everything. But you can check off the top attractions and decide what you want to come back to see.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Toledo itinerary and day trip guide. You may enjoy these other Spain travel guides and resources:

• 10-14 days in Spain itinerary
• 1 day itinerary for Barcelona
• 3 day itinerary for Barcelona
• 40+ Landmarks in Barcelona
• 33 secret towns in Spain
• 10 day itinerary for Andalusia
• Most Beautiful Towns in Andalusia
• 1 day itinerary for Seville
• 3 day itinerary for Seville
• 2 day itinerary for Madrid
• 2 day Itinerary for Bilbao

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Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Toledo, Spain

Written by Lana Law , Michael Law , and Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law visited Toledo in the fall of 2022 as part of an extensive trip through Spain.

Toledo is the heart and soul of Spain. This monumental walled hilltop city is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site . Behind its daunting medieval walls, in a labyrinth of winding pedestrian streets, are some of the most important historical attractions in the country.

Magnificent old stone buildings and quiet cobblestone streets whisper the legacy of the past. For centuries, Christians, Jews, and Muslims flourished in a " city of three cultures " and built a dazzling array of churches, convents, palaces, fortresses, synagogues, and mosques. These are some of the most important places to visit in Toledo.

Toledo is also known for its traditional crafts , including damascene metalwork, antique-inspired swords, and handmade marzipan (sweet almond candies). However, the most famous artworks found in Toledo are the masterpieces by El Greco displayed throughout the city's churches and convents, as well as at El Greco Museum.

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid , which is just half an hour away by train. However, the city abounds with sightseeing treasures, so it is well worth spending more time here. Discover interesting things to see and do with our list of top attractions in Toledo.

See also: Where to Stay in Toledo

1. Catedral de Toledo

2. casco histórico de toledo (old town), 3. mirador del valle, 4. monasterio de san juan de los reyes, 5. alcázar de toledo, 6. sinagoga del tránsito, 7. museo de santa cruz, 8. museo el greco, 9. mezquita cristo de la luz, 10. iglesia de santo tomé, 11. puente de alcántara: 13th-century moorish bridge, 12. las murallas (ramparts), 13. santa maría la blanca: ancient synagogue converted to a church, 14. cristo de la luz, 15. iglesia de san ildefonso, 16. hospital de san juan bautista, 17. castillo de san servando, 18. iglesia de santiago del arrabal, 19. roman baths, where to stay in toledo for sightseeing, day trips from toledo, the windmills in consuegra, arisgotas and the museo de arte visigodo.

With its soaring tower and marvelous Gothic architecture, Toledo's cathedral is one of the most important Christian landmarks in Spain . It was built in the 13th century on the site of a Muslim mosque next to La Judería (Jewish quarter).

You will walk through the Puerta de Mollete doorway to enter. The cathedral's exterior is somewhat obscured by the tightly packed buildings surrounding it, but the grandiose sanctuary is astounding.

The enormous interior stretches 120 meters in length. A collection of 88 richly decorated columns makes a striking impression and beautiful stained-glass windows dating from the 14th to 16th centuries lend an ethereal glow.

The choir is considered one of the grandest works of art in Christendom, with masterfully carved Renaissance stalls. The stalls in the lower tier feature historical scenes from the Catholic Monarchs' conquest of Islamic Granada, and the upper tier depicts Biblical scenes by Alonso Berruguete and an alabaster Transfiguration in the left-hand section.

On the altar of the choir is a Romanesque-style stone figure of the Virgin Mary, the Virgen Blanca created in 1500. Surrounding the choir is a Plateresque screen created in 1548.

The richly gilded Capilla Mayor displays a huge gilded retablo of New Testament scenes with life-size figures, and the Churrigueresque-style domed marble altar is dedicated to the Virgin. The Flamboyant Gothic Capilla de Santiago contains the 15th-century marble tombs of the Condestable Álvaro de Luna and his wife. In the chapter house, are portraits by Juan de Borgoña and two paintings by Goya.

A highlight of the cathedral , the sacristy has two exceptional paintings: El Greco's Disrobing of Christ ( El Spolio ) and Goya's Arrest of Christ as well as a series of 16 Apostles by El Greco . The sacristy also displays paintings by Morales, van Dyck, Raphael, Rubens, and Titian.

Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Toledo, Spain

The essence of Toledo is found in the atmospheric narrow lanes of its Casco Histórico (Old Town), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site . The Casco Histórico is a fascinating warren of winding pedestrian streets, peaceful courtyards, and artisan shops tucked away in little alleys.

The area contains over a hundred historic monuments: palaces, churches, convents, synagogues, and mosques. For centuries, Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together in Toledo. The various cultures enjoyed a sense of mutual respect and harmony.

During the Middle Ages and until the Inquisition, La Judería (Jewish Quarter) was a thriving neighborhood. Visitors can trace the history by wandering the distinctively paved cobblestone streets and visiting two historic synagogues, one of which, El Tránsito, houses a Sephardic museum that illuminates the rich Jewish life in Toledo before the Inquisition.

To admire breathtaking panoramas of Toledo while gaining a sense of the city's setting and topography, head to the Mirador del Valle. For those without a car, this hilltop viewpoint can be reached by hiking or by taking the Trainvision shuttle across the river.

If you have a vehicle, it's an easy drive to the viewpoint, with ample parking. Nearby is the Parador de Toledo ; this lovely hotel is perched perfectly on the hill and is a wonderful place to have dinner on the terrace and watch the lights of Old Toledo come on.

Northwest of the Judería and cathedral, the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes was a Franciscan convent founded in 1476. The church dates from 1553.

On the exterior facade are the chains of Christians freed from Moorish captivity. The monastery has a sumptuous chapel with a single nave and a stunning vault. Especially noteworthy are the retablo by Felipe Vigarny and Francisco de Comontes and the friezes of the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs in the transepts.

The 16th-century cloister is considered one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in Spain . Looking out onto peaceful gardens, the cloister has a serene ambience that inspires spiritual reflection. In the upper gallery of the cloister, the ceiling features a very decorative artesonado ceiling.

The monastery is open to the public year-round.

Address: Calle de San Juan de los Reyes 2, Toledo

Standing watch over the city, the Alcázar has a commanding hilltop location. This ancient Moorish fortress, built on the site of an earlier Roman fort, was later renovated by the Christian Kings.

The imposing fortress has a square shape with crenellated defenses and four corner towers added under the reign of Emperor Charles V in the 16th century.

During the Spanish Civil War, the Alcázar was used as a Nationalist garrison and is considered as a monument to the heroism of Franco supporters. The Alcazar has been restored and now houses an Army Museum with excellent exhibits about the Civil War.

The Alcázar is reached from the Plaza de Zocodover , a lovely square at the center of Toledo that is lined with elegant arcaded houses. At 7 Plaza de Zocodover, the well-known Confitería Santo Tomé (confectionary shop) tempts visitors with its delectable handmade marzipan candies.

Address: Calle Unión, Toledo

The most prominent Jewish monument in Toledo, the Mudéjar-style Sinagoga del Tránsito is in the heart of the Judería, which was a thriving Jewish community in the 14th century. Built in 1356 by Samuel Levi, treasurer to King Pedro I of Castile, El Tránsito Synagogue is the most important example of Sephardic (Jewish-Spanish) architecture in existence .

The synagogue is decorated with Moorish-influenced elements, as well as intricate geometric and floral motifs, along with inscriptions in Arabic and Hebrew. Exquisite geometric-patterned windows with cusped arches allow light to filter into the sanctuary. The interior also features an exquisite ceiling.

After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the synagogue was given to the knightly Order of Calatrava.

The rooms adjoining the Sinagoga del Tránsito house the Museo Sefardí (Sephardic Museum), which educates visitors about the history and culture of Spain's Jews. A highlight of the collection is the Sarcófago de Tarragona featuring a trilingual inscription in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

The Sinagoga del Tránsito and the Sephardic Museum are open Tuesday-Sunday. Tourists could plan to also visit the El Greco Museum, which is just steps away from the synagogue.

Address: Calle Samuel Levi, Toledo

This exceptional museum is housed in the 16th-century Hospital de Santa Cruz, an elegant building with an exquisite Plateresque facade. The Santa Cruz Museum includes three collections: Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, and Archaeology.

In the Fine Arts collection, the paintings of the 16th and 17th century School of Toledo are the main attraction, especially the works by El Greco and Luis Tristán, a student of El Greco. Not to be missed is El Greco's large-scale masterpiece, the Assumption of the Virgin . Other highlights are the Christ in Chains by Morales and the Crucifixion by Goya. The retablo dedicated to the Virgin by Alonso Berruguete is another valuable piece.

The Decorative Arts section includes Flemish tapestries of the 15th and 16th centuries and a tapestry illustrating the signs of the Zodiac as well as local artisan crafts.

The Archeology section contains prehistoric, Roman, Visigothic antiquities, and exhibits of Moorish and Mudéjar decorative objects and ceramics.

Address: 3 Calle Miguel de Cervantes, Toledo

The famous master of Spanish painting, Doménikos Theotokópoulos was born in Crete (Greece's largest island) in 1541, and in 1577 came to Spain where he was simply called El Greco ("The Greek").

The Casa El Greco in the Jewish quarter near the synagogue of El Tránsito is the house where El Greco is known to have lived. Renovated in 1906, the building is decorated with furniture and sculptures that belonged to El Greco.

In the building adjoining the Casa El Greco is the Museo El Greco . On the first floor are three rooms containing more than 20 works by El Greco, including famous paintings View of Toledo , Christ with the Apostles , the Crowning with Thorns and San Bernardino . The museum also displays paintings by other Spanish painters including Zurbarán and Miranda.

Address: Paseo del Tránsito, Toledo

This 10th-century mosque is the oldest monument in Toledo and is remarkably well preserved. It's one of the best places to visit in Toledo for a glimpse of Andalusia's Islamic heritage.

Although it was converted into a church in the 12th century, the building has retained its original Mudéjar elements and is one of Spain's rare gems of early Hispanic-Muslim architecture.

Like the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz was built during the Caliphal period and reveals similar features: a splendid vaulted interior with columns and horseshoe arches. The facade is adorned with intricate brickwork influenced by Middle Eastern art.

In front of the building is a lovely garden area with trees and flowering plants. Beyond the garden you step out onto the top of the ancient city walls . The views from here offer an interesting perspective over the city. If you look over the edge you'll be able to see, off to the right, one of the ancient city doors, the Puerta de Valmardón.

The admission fee allows access to the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, the gardens, and the city wall.

Address: 22 Calle Cristo de la Luz, Toledo

West of the cathedral bordering the Judería (old Jewish quarter), the 12th-century church of Santo Tomé is another monument that was originally a mosque. In the 14th century, the church was renovated by the Count of Orgaz in Gothic style with a Mudéjar tower.

Several of the windows also reveal Mudéjar design with the characteristic horseshoe arch shape. The church possesses one of El Greco's most famous paintings, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz (created in 1586), which is displayed in a special room.

Address: 1 Plaza de Santo Tomé, Toledo

Below the Hospital de Santa Cruz, the Puente de Alcántara spans the dramatic gorge of the Tagus River. Originally an ancient Roman structure, the bridge was completely rebuilt by the Moors in 866. The present bridge dates mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Puerta de Alcántara gate tower dates to 1484, while the Baroque gateway was built in 1721.

The best place in Toledo to get a view and picture of the bridge and the river gorge is at Plaza de Victorio Macho . You'll find it located just off Calle de los Reyes Catolicos, behind the Hotel San Juan de los Reyes and beside the Museo Victorio Macho. Although the lookout appears to be behind a fence, just walk towards the museum to find the always-open gate.

If you decide to walk down to the bridge, your effort will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Alcázar and the town, rising steeply up above the river.

Address: Calle Gerardo Lobo, Toledo

Constructed originally by the Romans, renewed by the Visigoths, expanded by the Moors, and enlarged again after the Christian reconquest, Toledo's walls are surprisingly complete today, with well-preserved reminders of the city's multi-layered history.

You can walk alongside the ancient ramparts, and stop to check out the three entrance gates (Puerta Vieja de Bisagra; Puerta del Cambrón; Puerta del Sol), which still provide access to the historic town center through the enormous defensive walls. Typical of Hispanic-Muslim urban planning during the medieval era, Toledo's imposing fortifications resemble a citadel surrounding a medina.

The only remaining part of the Moorish town walls is the Puerta Vieja de Bisagra, a 9th-century entrance gate . Typical of Muslim architecture, the gate features horseshoe arches; a central arch is the entrance, and two blind pointed arches are for decoration. This monument is also known as the Puerta Vieja de Alfonso VI because the king made his entrance to Toledo in 1085 through this gate.

The 14th-century Puerta del Sol is also impressive, built by the Knights Hospitaller.

A few centuries older than El Tránsito, this 12th-century Mudéjar synagogue is in the Jewish quarter (La Judería) of Toledo, which at one time had at least ten synagogues. After the Christian Reconquest of Toledo in 1405, the synagogue was converted to the Church of Santa María la Blanca.

The splendid sanctuary features rows of pillars supporting 28 horseshoe arches, obviously influenced by Almohad-era Moorish architecture. The arches are supported by columns adorned with pine-cone capitals. Also noteworthy is the artesonado (decorative coffered wood) ceiling, characteristic of Mudéjar design.

In the eastern wall of the building, which faces the direction of Jerusalem was an ark that held the scrolls of the Torah. Elements of the later Christian church include Plateresque altars and an altarpiece by the School of Berruguete.

The monument is no longer used as a house of worship but is open to the public for visits (for an admission fee).

Address: 4 Calle de los Reyes Católicos, Toledo

A fascinating monument that reflects Toledo's multicultural heritage, this little chapel was built as an Arab mosque in the year 999 on the site of an earlier Visigothic church. Concealed within a brick a wall, a precious statue of Christ from the church was discovered by Alfonso VI and El Cid.

The original Moorish building has remained intact with its arcaded facade and a series of vaulted horseshoe arches in the sanctuary that recall the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

Some of the interior columns are from the Visigothic church. In the 12th century, the mosque was converted to a Christian house of worship; the transept and Romanesque wall paintings date from this period. The apse with its blind arches exemplifies Mudéjar-style (Islamic-influenced) architecture.

Near the cathedral in a charming square is the Baroque church of Saint Ildefonso. The church has an imposing twin-towered facade and an awe-inspiring, bright interior with two paintings by El Greco. Of special note is the stained-glass window above the entryway.

The church dates from 1629 and is in remarkably good condition. Toledo, with its warren of small streets, can feel a bit confining. For a bird's-eye view of the old town, climb the tower, and get your bearings.

Address: Plaza del Padre Juan de Mariana, Toledo

Outside Toledo's ancient town walls, the 16th-century Hospital de San Juan Bautista (also called the Hospital Tavera) is a large complex of buildings filled with notable works of art. You can visit the courtyards, church, and sacristy. Special guided tours also allow access to the museum and pharmacy.

Designed in the Renaissance-era classical style, the church has a stunning marble facade by Alonso Berruguete. Precious works of art in the church include the marble sepulcher of Cardinal Tavera by Alonso Berruguete and sculptures by El Greco, as well as the Saint Peter Crying painting by El Greco.

A highlight of the property is the Museo Fundación Duque de Lerma , which displays masterpieces of Italian painting from the 16th to 18th centuries, including works by El Greco, Tintoretto, Ribera, Canaletto, Alonso Sánchez Coello, Juan Francisco Zurbarán, Luca Giordano , and Juan Carreño de Miranda. Not to be missed is El Greco's Sagrada Family ( Holy Family ).

Address: 2 Calle Duque de Lerma, Toledo

High above the left bank of the river, opposite the Alcántara bridge, is the 11th-century Castillo de San Servando. The castle was built in the 14th century as a monastery, commissioned by Alfonso VI but also served military purposes because of its strategic location.

The building is an exceptional example of a Mudéjar-style fortress in Spain . With its formidable towers, crenellated defense walls, and Arabic-style entrance gateway, the castle has an imposing presence.

This monument is not open to the public, you can only visit the exterior and the grounds. However, the castle has been converted to a youth hostel , which is ideal for those seeking budget accommodations, although the interior has retained very little of its historic character.

Address: Carretera de Circunvalación-Frente al Puente de Alcántara, Toledo

The 13th-century church of Santiago del Arrabal is found in an outer district of Toledo near the town walls. To arrive here, continue past the Puerta del Sol along the Calle Real del Arrabal.

This church is one of the most stunning Mudéjar landmarks in Toledo. Built of brick and masonry, the building has a decorative exterior of portals framed by Islamic-style horseshoe arches. The church is not open to the public, but tourists can visit the exterior of the building.

Address: Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo

While exploring the historic city center, be sure to head underground to find remnants of Toledo's Roman past at the Roman Baths (Termas Romanas). The baths date from the late first or early second century and were in use until around the sixth century. They were only discovered and excavated in 1986.

A walking trail with metal bridges and glass floors takes you around and over the well-excavated baths, and multilingual staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Located near Plaza Amador de los Rios, this free attraction is down two sets of stairs and underneath a building. It's small but worth a stop.

Toledo's tourist attractions are inside its formidable medieval walls, so the most convenient hotels are those in this tight tangle of narrow stone streets. Hotels outside the walls are less convenient, but an escalator climbs to the Old Town. Here are some highly rated hotels in Toledo's best locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is in La Judería near the Sinagoga del Tránsito and the El Greco Museum. This four-star hotel has private parking, a casual café, a sunny outdoor terrace, and a gourmet restaurant that serves traditional local cuisine.
• Just outside the Casco Histórico, the Hacienda del Cardenal is near the escalator that takes tourists up to the Old Town. This upscale hotel occupies an elegant 18th-century villa in a lovely garden setting. Amenities include two restaurants, Arab Baths, and an outdoor terrace.
• The Eurostars Palacio Buenavista is about a five-minute drive outside the Old Town (a free shuttle service is available). Nestled in a tranquil environment with superb views of Toledo's cityscape, this five-star hotel features a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The four-star Sercotel Hotel Pintor El Greco is in the Casco Histórico, adjacent to the El Greco Museum. This quaint hotel has larger rooms than many in the old town.
• Next to the Alcázar in the heart of the Old Town, the four-star Sercotel Alfonso VI offers a 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Some of the rooms have private balconies.

Budget Hotels:

• In the city's historic center, the Hotel Santa Isabel occupies a 15th-century nobleman's house near the cathedral. This two-star hotel provides spacious rooms with modern amenities. The building's rooftop terrace affords stunning views.
• Rooms are small at the Hotel Domus Plaza Zocodover , but the hotel is excellent value for its location in the Old Town near the Santa Cruz Museum. Some rooms have views of the Alcázar and the cathedral.

If the narrow confines of Toledo's Old Town have you craving wide-open spaces, a day trip to the Consuegra to see the windmills and castle is a good idea.

Standing proudly atop a ridge, these 12 restored windmills date from the 16th century and are said to be the inspiration for Cervantes when he wrote the Second Sally chapters in Don Quixote .

Today there's no need to plan an attack on these solid giants like Don Quixote. All you need to do is drive up a winding roadway and follow the gravel walkway. Although many people will tell you to go at sunset, the best time is actually mid morning, when the sun hits the windmills in a soft light.

The fields surrounding the ridge are planted with saffron, and the harvest typically takes place in October.

Also on the ridge is the Consuegra Castle dating from the 12th century. The castle is open for self-guided tours every day.

The drive time to Consuegra from Toledo is about 40 minutes.

An undiscovered town deep in the countryside, Orgaz is an off-the-beaten path tourist destination 33 kilometers from Toledo (about a 25-minute drive).

This typical historic Spanish town has an elegant Plaza Mayor , a magnificent 18th-century cathedral , ancient town gates, a medieval castle built in the 14th century, and several little hermitage churches.

Those willing to travel five kilometers farther outside Orgaz to Arisgotas are rewarded with an interesting cultural attraction, the Museo de Arte Visigodo (Museum of Visigothic Art). The museum displays rare examples of archaeological finds from the 7th century (the Visigothic period).

In an unspoiled rural environment, the tiny village of Arisgotas only has 70 inhabitants. The village takes its name from the local oak groves.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, it's worth a detour less than 10 kilometers from Arisgotas to the nearby town of Sonseca . This small town is known for a special type of pastries called "Marquesas," little sugar-dusted almond cakes that are traditionally enjoyed at Christmastime.

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Wander-Lush

10 Wonderful Things to Do in Toledo, Spain’s Imperial City

Home to one of Spain’s best-preserved old towns (and the country’s second-biggest church!), Toledo in central Castilla-La Mancha region is a must-visit. Here are 10 incredible things to do in Toledo , including the best of the UNESCO-listed medieval city.

About the author: Linn Haglund is originally from Norway and has spent most of her adult life travelling and living abroad, the last 6 years in Spain. She founded her travel blog, Brainy Backpackers , to help people make a positive impact when they travel.

One of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain, Toledo’s old town is a haven for any history buff. A local once told me that the only city with more historical sites per square metre is Rome… Now that’s saying something!

While most people go on a day trip to Toledo , the medieval town deserves so much more. If you want to get lost in the streets and really take the time to absorb everything, you should plan to stay for 4 to 5 days .

There are so many things to do in Toledo, it’s hard to know where to start. In this guide, I’ll show you the top 10 sights that you can’t miss when visiting Toledo.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Toledo essentials

Where to stay in Toledo: Agapo Home (budget); Hotel Boutique Adolfo (boutique). Browse more Toledo accommodations on Booking.com . Toledo car hire: Planning a Spain road trip ? Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car in Toledo . Toledo Card: Get admission to Toledo’s top attractions plus city transport for a discounted price. Buy your Toledo Card online through Get Your Guide . Top-rated Toledo tours and experiences: Private city tour with a local guide (from €30); Underground city tour (from €12); Guided tour of Toledo Cathedral , Spain’s second-largest church (from €19); Night tour with tapas tasting (from €70). Pro tip: Make sure you have comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot in Toledo. I also suggest you pack a reusable water bottle in your eco-friendly backpack .

10 wonderful things to do in Toledo

To get the most out of your time in Toledo and save money on the top attractions, consider picking up a tourist bracelet from the Tourist Office. It costs €10 and includes entry to many of the attractions mentioned here.

1. El Alcazar

Perched on one of the highest points in Toledo, El Alcazar overlooks the city. The old fortress originates from Roman times but was rebuilt by Alfonso VI and Alfonso X and later by Emperor Charles V.

Today, El Alcazar is a Military Museum exhibiting the history of the Spanish army. The building itself, especially the main patio and stairs, are very impressive. It’s worth visiting just for the stunning city views from the top balcony.

2. Mezquita Cristo de la Luz

Located inside the ancient medina where Toledo’s wealthy Muslim families used to live, the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz was built in 999. The square-shaped mosque is still in pretty much the same state as when it was built, which is makes it quite special.

When Christians took over Toledo in 1085, they added to the building and converted it to a church. Mezquita Cristo de la Luz is situated close to Puerta del Sol.

3. Plaza Zocodover

Plaza Zocodover is a large open plaza that connects many of the main sites in Toledo. It has a long history of being a connection point for the city, and is a natural meeting place for tourists today.

The plaza also has a dark side. A ‘cage of the dead’, where the bodies of people who didn’t have family to bury them were kept and bullfights and public burnings were staged, used to sit in the center of the square.

The square is beautiful at night when the surrounding buildings are all lit up.

4. Catedral Primada

The main cathedral of Toledo , Catedral Primada, is one of the most majestic structures in the medieval town centre. The Medieval Gothic style architecture is very unique and ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in Spain.

Inside the cathedral, the details are impressive. The building holds a gallery exhibiting works by El Greco, Goya, Velazcuez, and many more iconic artists.

Be sure to climb the tower of Catedral Primada that stands 44 metres tall and relish the incredible city views from the top.

5. Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes

It’s impossible to overlook Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes in the heart of Toledo’s Jewish Quarter. The late-Gothic style monastery was built in the 15th century to commemorate the political victory of the Catholic Monarchs.

The structure is beautifully decorated both on the inside and out. The interior features a combination of late Gothic-style detailing on the bottom floor and Mudejar design on the top floor. On the northeastern wall, you can see chilling depictions of chains of freed prisoners.

Walk up to the Plaza Virgen de la Gracia viewpoint for a great view of the monastery and surrounding area.

6. The El Greco Museum

The El Greco Museum is dedicated to late renaissance art painted by the famous El Greco. He was originally Greek (El Greco means ‘The Greek’ in Spanish), but lived most of his life in Toledo. The museum opened in the Jewish Quarter in 1911 and consists of two buildings, a beautiful courtyard and a garden.

Other than El Greco paintings, the museum contains works by other Spanish artists from the 17th century, as well as furniture and ceramics.

7. Puente de Alcantara

Puente de Alcantara might just be the most beautiful of the historic bridges in Toledo. Crossing the Tajo river, the old Roman bridge used to be the only entry to the city for pilgrims. The bridge is situated below the medieval Castle of San Servando.

While the Puente de Alcantara originates from Roman times, the bridge you see today was rebuilt in the 10th century after it was damaged.

It’s a great place for night photography, as you can see the Castle of San Servando behind it on one side, while the Alcazar lights up on the other side of the old stone bridge.

8. Puente de San Martin

Puente de San Martin has a dramatic history. Legend says that while the bridge was being constructed, the architect realised he had made a terrible mistake in his calculations. Since he didn’t know how to solve the problem, he kept silent and let the building continue.

Finally, he confessed his error to his wife. During a thunder storm, she went out and lit the middle part of the bridge on fire so it looked like lightening had struck and parted the bridge in two.

Afterwards, the architect was able to make new calculations to correct his initial error and finally finish the impressive bridge that stands today.

The middle arch on the bridge is 40 metres wide and 27 metres high – impressive dimensions at the time it was built. Today, the funnest way to experience the bridge is by riding the zip-line that goes from one side of the river to the other.

9. Convento de Santo Domingo el Antiguo

Another fascinating medieval building that dates back to the 9th century, the Convento de Santo Domingo el Antiguo was the first monastery in Toledo’s old town. While it truly grabs your attention as you walk pass it, the interior is what makes this such a special site.

The cloister contains the grave of El Greco and a museum that displays his first paintings from when he arrived in Toledo, long before he became famous. There are also other items like ceramics and sculptures that are worth seeing.

10. Monasterio de Santa Clara la Real

Close to Convento de Santo Domingo el Antiguo, you’ll find the Monasterio de Santa Clara la Real, a Poor Clares monastery consisting of two Mudejar palaces.

The interior of the church is beautifully decorated with paintings by important Spanish artists such as Jorge Manuel Theotocopuli, Luis Tristan, and Juan Bautista Monegro.

There is a lot of history to this place and just wandering around the interior is a great experience. The patio is the oldest part of the monastery – here you’ll find yet more fantastic vistas of Toledo.

Where to stay in Toledo

There are lots of accommodations to choose from in Toledo. I recommend staying in the old town, as that’s where you will want to spend most of your time.

A reasonably priced accommodation with shared bathroom and kitchen is Agapo Home , which is situated in one of the back streets of Plaza Zocodover. The owner is super friendly and the rooms are simple but clean. I can recommend this place warmly – it’s one of the best-priced accommodations in town. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

If you want a classier hotel, Hotel Boutique Adolfo is perfectly situated on Plaza Zocodover with astounding views of the square and surroundings. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Enjoy your trip to Toledo!

If you start with these 10 things to do in Toledo’s UNESCO old town, I’m sure you will have a great time in this historic city.

If you visit during the autumn-winter months, you will avoid the major tourist pressure that Toledo experiences in the spring time.

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The Top 24 Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

Toledo is an incredibly cultural city; it has seen numerous cultures and dynasties pass through its walls, as well as wars, royalty and artists. The legacy it guards is an essential part of Spanish culture, so visiting the city is bound to be a unique experience. Culture Trip has explored the streets of Toledo, searching for the very best attractions and activities.

1. visit the catedral primada de toledo.

2. Take in panoramic views atop the Alcázar

Archaeological site, Historical Landmark

The Alcázar, built on the city’s highest point for military and strategic benefits, is a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture and offers striking panoramic views. Its roots date back to the third century when there was a Roman palace on the site. In the 10th century, the Moors, who had a very strong influence in the city, constructed the fortress, before it was passed to some of Spain’s royalty. Today, it’s a museum with various exhibitions that centre around the evolution of military strategy and weapons. Visit the Alcázar on a tour with a licensed guide to learn all about its fascinating origins.

3. Visit La Juderia

4. explore the city's culinary scene.

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Spanish, European

5. Check out the architecture of the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Building, Church, Memorial

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6. See Toledo from the Mirador del Valle

Cathedral, Church, Museum

7. Take a Ruta Nocturna tour

Historical Landmark

One of the most memorable things to do in Toledo is to explore it by night when it takes on a completely different air. The lights turn on and point to the main buildings, creating beautiful shadows, while the noise from the hustle and bustle of the day dies down. Also, the unbearable heat during the summer days cools slightly, creating the perfect atmosphere for a walk around the city. Several guided tours are available after dark, so after visiting the interiors of Toledo’s buildings and enjoying its museums, why not learn about the history behind it all while talking a breezy walk?

8. Walk through La Puerta de Bisagra

9. Cross the Puente de San Martín

10. explore the museo del greco.

11. Head to El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum

This stunning place of worship dates all the way back to 1356. Less than 150 years later the Jewish population was expelled from the city and the building was converted into a church. Today is has been converted into a museum exploring the fascinating history of Jewish culture in medieval Toledo, and indeed southern Spain in general. Join a guided tour with a local archaeologist to learn more about the synagogue as well as some of Toledo’s most historic landmarks and ruins.

12. Visit the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

Explore Toledo’s Muslim past at this ancient mosque within the Old Town, an important monument that combines Moorish and Spanish traditions to impressive effect. It was formerly known by the Arabic name of Bab al-Mardum, named after the nearby gates of the walled city. The structure features on the city’s incredibly interesting underground walking tour. Recommended from Clare Speak .

13. Get a birds' eye view of Toledo

Sports Center

See Toledo from a different perspective with Fly Toledo , by flying over part of the Tajo River on a zipline. It might look a little scary, but it’s a short line and the speed is pretty low. You get your photo taken and a video of your ride included in the ticket price. Or you could even take it up a notch and book a scenic hot-air balloon ride. Recommended from Clare Speak .

14. Relax in the Arabic Baths

Swimming Pool

Another way to experience Arabic culture in Toledo is through the ancient tradition of bath houses such as this one. The Medina Mudejar Banos Arabes is still very much functional, and you can relax in the hot and cold pool circuit and enjoy a massage, as well as Arabic mint tea and biscuits. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Get learning at a sword workshop

Toledo steel has been sought after for centuries, and in medieval times a Toledo sword was the ultimate mark of a great warrior. The weapons were legendary between the 15th and 17th centuries for their superior strength and durability. Today, they can be seen on display in armoury museums around the world. While in Toledo, stop in at Mariano Zamorano’s famous sword workshop , housed in what was formerly the royal stables. In the cramped workshop rooms, Zamorano and his highly skilled craftspeople still work in darkness and extreme heat as they forge and polish sword after sword, working in the very same style as was seen here hundreds of years ago. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Explote the Cultural Centre

The cultural centre of Toledo is not just a meeting point for artists but for the city’s young people as well. It organises all kinds of performances and exhibitions by local, national and international artists of all types. Recommended from Clare Speak .

A Toledo Time Capsule

Get wrapped up in Toledo’s history with this new initiative. The Toledo Time Capsule is a wraparound cinema, with screens in front of you and on both sides, showing the story of the city and bringing its multicultural history to life. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Celebrate Local Festivals

Toledo’s most important festival is Corpus Christi, celebrated in May. It’s famous all over Europe for its solemn and atmospheric procession through the city, decorated with lanterns, wreaths and tapestries, while the streets below are strewn with flowers and aromatic herbs. Not to be missed. Recommended from Clare Speak .

The Best Day Trips from Toledo

Recommendations from Clare Speak.

15. Aranjuez

Architectural Landmark

The scenic town of Aranjuez, a former site of a royal summer palace and hunting grounds, is today a Unesco World Heritage Site filled with dreamlike gardens and majestic architecture that rivals even that of Madrid. The town is also surrounded by lush green fields filled with strawberry plants, making for a scenic drive from Toledo.

This pretty town hosts various foodie festivals throughout the year, from an autumn garlic festival to fairs celebrating local liquor in spring. All year round you can stroll along the pretty cobbled streets lined with balconied houses, visit its numerous artisan shops and admire the famous Plaza Mayor, famous for its irregular shape.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

One of the most famous sights in the region surrounding Madrid is the enormous palace-monastery of Philip II in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which has also been awarded Unesco World Heritage Site status. The building is full of incredible artworks as well as the royal pantheon of tombs of Spanish monarchs.

16. Consuegra

Famous for windmills and the work of Cervantes, this town has been famous locally since the 16th century. It’s known as the setting of a famous scene in Don Quixote, in which the knight errant battles with windmills he’d mistaken for giants. The town also has an impressive castle and a renaissance-style town hall.

Cabañeros National Park

If you’d rather be immersed in nature, tranquillity awaits at the undeveloped Parque Nacional de Cabañeros. Often compared to the African plains for its wide-open spaces and hypnotic sunsets, the area is also perfect for hiking, with good paths and signposting. Information and guide services, along with souvenirs, can be found at the visitor centre.

Barrancas de Burujón

The spectacular, rugged scenery at Burujon, a natural site filled with flora and fauna, was cut out of the landscape by a river. Nature lovers can take the accessible hiking route, which takes in several impressive viewpoints giving different perspectives of the ravines of red earth, whose tones vary at different times of day. There’s absolutely no shade at all, so it’s best to go outside of the summer months and wear sunscreen at all times.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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15 Best Things to do in Toledo, Spain

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Located right in the center of Spain, Toledo boasts a rich history and culture and is one of the country’s most rewarding places to visit. Known as the ‘City of the Three Cultures’ due to the profound impact and influence of its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities, it is home to an impressive amount of historical, cultural, and religious tourist attractions.

Perched atop a prominent hill overlooking the Tagus River, the city’s sprawling historic center is a treat to explore, with exquisite architecture and artistic treasures wherever you look. Among the best things to do in Toledo are countless age-old churches, mosques, and synagogues, and as it is just half an hour away from Madrid by train, it is a popular day trip destination.

Map of Things to do in Toledo, Spain

15. Museo de Santa Cruz

Located in a beautiful 16th-century building that was once a hospital, the Museo de Santa Cruz is a lovely place that is home to impressive artworks, sculptures, and artifacts. Set over two floors, the museum exhibits wonderful architecture, with airy courtyards and galleries on show alongside an astounding plateresque portico.

Inside, you can find centuries-old ceramics and Toledan folk handicrafts accompanied by informative panels explaining their past. The undoubted highlight, however, is El Greco’s Sagrada Familia con Santa An, which lights up one end of the gallery with its vivid colors and larger than life biblical figures.

14. Iglesia de San Ildefonso

Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Iglesia de San Ildefonso lies in the historic center of Toledo and boasts a breathtaking Baroque facade. Also known as the Jesuit Church due to the religious order that founded it, the church was built over more than a hundred years, finally being consecrated in 1718.

Its sparkling white interior is home to a number of fine artworks and statues, as well as a large and lavishly decorated altarpiece. While it is very pretty and pleasant to visit, most people stop by for the commanding views of Toledo on offer from its lofty tower.

13. Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

Once one of ten mosques in the city, Cristo de la Luz is the only one still standing from when the Moors ruled over Toledo. Erected in the year 999, it was later converted into a church and then a hermitage.

This explains the intriguing mix of styles on show, with faded frescoes spotted alongside elegant arches and intricate facades -all lying amidst a lush garden. Located near the Porta del Sol entrance to the old town, the mosque displays some beautiful brickwork and is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the whole of Toledo.

12. Synagogue of Saint Mary the White

Built way back in 1180, Saint Mary the White lies on the outskirts of Toledo and is the oldest synagogue still standing in Europe. Possibly even more impressive is the fact that it was constructed under Christian kings by Islamic architects for the city’s Jewish population.

Now a popular tourist destination and museum, it boasts some absolutely exquisite architecture, with geometric mosaics and intricately detailed capitals set beneath lovely horseshoe arches.

While Spain’s Jewish community unfortunately later faced centuries of persecution, the synagogue stands as a reminder and symbol of cooperation and tolerance between faiths.

11. Alcantara Bridge

Having stood in the same spot since Roman times, the age-old Alcantara Bridge is set at the foot of the Castle of San Servando, spanning the breadth of the Tagus River. Damaged, rebuilt, and repaired numerous times over the millennia, it now sports two brick arches, bordered to each end by a Baroque triumphal arch and castle tower.

During the Middle Ages, it was the principal entrance for pilgrims to the city. To this day, it is still used by tourists and locals. From the bridge, you can enjoy divine views over the river, gorge, and city, as well as the Alcazar perched atop the hill.

10. Puerta de Bisagra

Once the main entrance to the city, Puerta de Bisagra’s imposing towers still welcome visitors to Toledo some thousand years or more since they were first built. Erected under the Moors before being reconstructed in the 16th century, the monumental city gate now showcases a beautiful triumphal arch and a massive relief of the city’s coat of arms.

Beyond the arch is a fine courtyard ringed by crenelations and sturdy battlements, in which lies a sublime statue of Miguel de Cervantes – one of Spain’s greatest writers. After having passed through Puerta de Bisagra, the historic center of Toledo and all its incredible architectural and artistic treasures beckons you on.

9. El Transito Synagogue

Now home to the excellent Sephardic Museum, El Transito Synagogue is the most important and impressive of the city’s scattering of Jewish sites. Still in remarkably good condition, it was founded in the 1350s and exhibits some marvelous Mudejar architecture, with geometric tiles, rich stuccos, and elegant arches all on show.

Later used as a church and military headquarters, it now hosts various artefacts and archaeological findings and has its own tranquil memorial garden. Wandering around the museum and synagogue is a great way to learn more about Toledo and the Iberian Peninsula’s Jewish past.

8. Iglesia de Santo Tome

Although it displays a magnificent mix of different artistic and architectural styles, Iglesia de Santo Tome is primarily known for being home to El Greco’s most famous masterpiece. Located in the Chapel of the Conception, ‘Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is widely considered to be the epitome of the great artist’s works; it is certainly worth visiting for its dramatic heavenly and terrestrial scenes.

Built atop an old mosque, the 12th-century church is just as lovely to behold: its mighty Mudejar tower rises above beautiful Baroque, Gothic and Moorish features.

7. San Martin Bridge

One of the city’s main symbols, San Martin Bridge lies to the west of the historic center and spans the Tagus River. Constructed in the late 14th century, the medieval bridge boasts some brilliant brickwork. In total, its five arches reach over 140 meters in length. This was quite an engineering feat for the time, and the bridge’s beauty is perfectly complemented by the two crenelated towers that lie at either end.

While strolling along and looking out over the Tagus and Toledo is delightful at any time of day, the bridge is particularly romantic in the evening when it is illuminated by little lights and the sun setting over the city.

6. Museo del Greco

Located in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo, the Museo del Greco offers a fascinating look at the life and works of the famous artist. A former resident of the city, El Greco painted Toledo numerous times throughout his life.

Some of these stunning cityscapes and landscapes can be found in the museum. Set in two buildings decorated in period furniture, the museum’s galleries and rooms are home to the mannerist master’s artworks and a handful of paintings by other Spanish artists.

Set in the highest spot in Toledo, the hulking fortress of Alcazar dominates and defines the city’s spectacular skyline from its prominent vantage point. While fortifications of some kind or other have occupied the 550-metre-high hilltop for at least two millennia, the current building dates to the 1540s, when it was rebuilt as a royal residence for Carlos I.

Now a military museum, the Alcazar hosts different exhibitions on Toledo and the nation’s history and culture. While wandering around its extensive collection, you’ll come across centuries-old uniforms, medals, and weapons as well as ancient archaeological finds.

4. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Boasting astounding art and architecture, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is one of the most beautiful buildings in Toledo. Erected in 1504, it was founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille to commemorate the birth of their son and their important military victory over the Portuguese.

As they intended to use the monastery as a royal mausoleum, no expense was spared when it came to its design; so you’ll find a plethora of exquisite Mudejar architecture on show. Besides its fabulous granite façade, you can find charming chapels and cloisters, elegant and airy arches and vaults, and a lush, lovingly landscaped garden.

3. Mirador del Valle

While the views of Toledo from San Martin Bridge and Alcantara Bridge are divine, Mirador del Valle boasts the most breathtaking of them all. Lying across the Tagus River from the city, the famous viewpoint is set upon a prominent bluff that overlooks everything.

From the lookout, you can see the Alcazar rising dramatically above the city, as well as Toledo’s mess of medieval streets that meander down the hillside to the reflective waters of the river. For the ultimate photo of Toledo in all its glory, the marvelous Mirador del Valle is not to be missed out on and is easily reached on foot or by bus from the historic town.

2. Toledo Cathedral

Widely considered to be one of the best examples of High Gothic architecture in Spain, Toledo Cathedral is the crown jewel of what the city has to offer. Such is its size, scale, and splendor that it took more than 250 years to build, finally being completed in 1493.

Set atop the site of a former mosque, the sprawling complex exhibits exceptional architecture, with flying buttresses, elongated arches, and stupendous statues and stained-glass windows.

While there are fabulous facades, portals, and chapels aplenty for you to explore, its many highlights include its beautiful Baroque altarpiece El Transparente and its stunning sacristy, full of phenomenal paintings by renowned masters.

1. Old Town

Home to a mesmerizing mess of atmospheric medieval streets, Toledo’s Old Town is packed full of incredible tourist attractions, with impressive historical and cultural sights wherever you look. Enshrined within its imposing city walls and gates, you’ll find centuries-old churches, mosques, and synagogues, with magnificent museums and monasteries also on show.

Besides its astonishing array of artistic, architectural, and archaeological treasures, the Old Town also boasts countless cozy cafes, traditional restaurants, and artisanal shops. Spread across a prominent hilltop overlooking the Tagus River, its winding cobbled streets are a delight to explore and are the highlight of any visit to Toledo.

Best Time to Visit Toledo

While Toledo sees the most visitors in July and August due to the holidays, you’re probably best off avoiding these months if possible. Average temperatures hit a scalding 32 to 33°C (89 to 91°F) with it often feeling even hotter due to the city’s exposed hilltop setting. Many locals escape to the coast during this period with shops and restaurants also shutting.

As temperatures remain a more manageable 18 to 28°C (64 to 82°F), April through June and September and October are also very popular months to visit. Slightly less crowded though not necessarily cheaper, getting lost amidst its atmospheric old medieval streets is a delight during this time.

Spring and autumn also see some of Toledo’s most important festivals take place. For Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Corpus Christi in April and May, all kinds of processions, concerts and cultural events are held in its historic streets and squares.

Outside of these months is relatively quiet in Toledo. Although colder, gloomier and wetter, a constant stream of day-trippers make their way here from Madrid. The Christmas decorations and market can make December a magical time to visit.

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[Ultimate Bucket List] The 27 Best Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

Toledo, Spain, also known as the City of the Three Cultures , is absolutely packed with incredible sights and epic monuments to visit.

The question is:

What are the best things to do in Toledo, Spain?

Let’s find out!

The city was founded in Roman times , and was then known as Toletum . After the fall of the Roman empire, it became the capital of the Visigoths from 542 to 725 AD.

In 725, it was taken by the Arabs and remained under Arabic rule until 1085, when it was conquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile .

Due to its rich history, Toledo has influences from 3 cultures: Christians, Muslims and Jews. This makes it a very unique city, and there are plenty of magnificent monuments to discover .

In this travel guide about the best things to do in Toledo, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from the best things to do & the best free things to do to how to get there & more.

Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where is Toledo?

The full list of the best things to do in toledo spain, what to do in toledo, spain – visit toledo, free things to do in toledo, spain, recommended itinerary to see toledo in 1 day, how to get to toledo, where to stay in toledo, visit spain.

Toledo is a city in Spain, located 1 hour south west of Madrid. If you’ll be traveling around Spain, plan your trip there with these Spain travel tips .

It’s the capital of the Castilla-La Mancha region, created in 1982, which is home to the provinces of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara and Toledo.

No time to read the full guide?

It’s ok I got you .

You’ll find below all the best things included in the guide, just copy/paste them in your notes and you’re ready to discover the city!

Best things to do in Toledo Spain:

• Catedral de Toledo
• Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
• Puente San Martín
• Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca
• Mirador del Valle
• Iglesia de los Jesuitas
• Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Zocodover
• Puente de Alcántara
• Alcazar de Toledo
• Museo del Greco
• Cuevas de Hércules
• Taste the Local Food
• Paseo del Miradero
• Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal
• Puerta de Bisagra
• Sinagoga del Tránsito
• Iglesia de Santo Tomé
• Mirador del Azor
• Castillo de San Servando
• Termas Romanas
• Museo de Santa Cruz
• Circo Romano
• Jardines de la Vega
• Casino de Toledo
• Puerta del Cambrón

Now if you want more information about each of these places, including photos, keep reading below!

Toledo is an incredible city, full of history, and there is so many things to discover in the city. As most people visit during a day trip from Madrid, they always recommend the same Toledo tourist attractions: the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Museo del Greco.

And for a reason; they’re amazing.

But trust me, there is a whole lot more to see in the city, and you can spend several days in Toledo. If you’re planning on visiting for more than only 1 day, or if you have already visited the main sights, you’ll find in this ultimate bucket list 27 things to do in Toledo.

1- Catedral de Toledo

We’ll start the list of what to see in Toledo, Spain, with the Catedral de Toledo.

The Catedral de Toledo is the masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Spain.

It’s an absolutely huge cathedral, and it’s filled with interesting things to discover, from more than 20 chapels to a museum, including a cloister and a bell tower.

2- Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

The second item on this list is another religious monument, the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes.

It was meant to be the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, and it’s thus truly magnificent. It has a beautiful cloister, with a lower and an upper level, and both are open to the public.

3- Puente San Martín

Located right next to the previous spot, the Monastery San Juan de los Reyes, you’ll find the Puente San Martín.

It’s one of the 2 original access to Toledo old town, across the Tagus river. Built in the 14th century, it’s a feat of medieval architecture, and a good start to any visit to the city.

4- Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca

Right down the street from the Monastery de San Juan de los Reyes, you’ll find our 4th best places to visit in Toledo, the Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca.

It was built in the 12th century, and it’s the oldest synagogue still standing in Spain! The inside is breathtaking, with bright white & gold colors everywhere.

5- Mirador del Valle

Probably my favorite spot in the city, the Mirador del Valle.

From the Mirador, which is located outside of the city, you’ll have the best view over Toledo. It’s my favorite place in the whole city, and I highly recommend catching a sunrise or sunset there!

6- Iglesia de los Jesuitas

Looking for another spot with a view over Toledo? Then you need to visit the Iglesia de los Jesuitas.

The church itself is stunning, both outside and inside, but what really makes it one of the best things to do in Toledo, Spain, is the fact that you can climb up the twin bell towers. From up there, you’ll get a grand view over the city, with the Cathedral and the Alcazar.

7- Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz

The Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz is an old mosque, and it was part of the 10 mosques in the Moorish Toledo (from 753 to 1085).

The mosque was built in 999, and it’s been incredibly well-preserved over the years. It’s a rather small monument, but definitely worth a visit.

8- Puerta del Sol

Located right next to the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, the Puerta del Sol is worth checking out if you’re visiting the mosque.

The Gate of the Sun, one of the 9 gates of Toledo, was built in the 14th century. It’s a massive gate in typical Mudejar style , and one of the icons of the city.

9- Plaza Zocodover

The Plaza Zocodover, or Zocodover square, is the main square in Toledo old town.

I love this square for 2 reasons: first, it’s surrounded by magnificent buildings just like the one on the picture above and second, you’ll find some nice cafés & restaurants to sit down and enjoy life like a local.

10- Puente de Alcántara

As we saw previously, there was 2 original bridges linking to the old town: the Puente de Alcántara is the second one!

This one is the most ancient of the bridges in Toledo, as it was built by the Romans when they founded the city (around 17 AD). It’s one of the eastern entries to the city, and it will take you to the Alcazar.

11- Alcazar de Toledo

On everyone’s list of what to do in Toledo, Spain, you’ll find the Alcazar de Toledo. Literally Toledo Castle , the Alcazar is the first thing you’ll see when you approach the city, with the 4 white & blue towers sticking up above the roofs.

Not like the typical medieval castle, you’ll find inside the Alcazar the Museo del Ejercito, the Army Museum.

12- Museo del Greco

I’ll admit that I’m not a big fan of museums, but Toledo has a few really nice ones that you should consider visiting if that’s something you enjoy.

The Museo del Greco is dedicated to El Greco, mannerist painter from the late 16th century. His most famous work is a painting named View of Toledo (on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC), together with one named View and Plan of Toledo that you can see in the museum.

13- Cuevas de Hércules

Let’s go underground for our 13th item on this list of things to see in Toledo, Spain.

The Cuevas de Hercules is not really a cave, but more of an underground water cistern dating from Roman times. It’s free to visit, so just swing by and admire this remnant of ancient times.

14- Taste the Local Food

While you’re exploring Toledo, you should stop to enjoy the local food; after all, Toledo was voted Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2016!

Try a typical Mazapán de Toledo, a sweet pastry made of almonds, sugar and egg yolks. Or go have a drink at the local bar and ask for Carcamusas, a warm bar snack made of pork, tomatoes, peas and white wine.

15- Paseo del Miradero

Looking for more Toledo sights? Then climb up the stairs from the Puente del Alcantara to reach the Paseo del Miradero!

The Paseo del Miradero  is a viewpoint in Toledo, created in 1575. It’s a large open area, where you’ll have a nice view over the surroundings.

16- Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal

Built in 1245, the Church of Santiago del Arrrabal was built on a previous mosque after the Moors. It still has the distinct horseshoe shape of a mosque, with the addition of the bell tower.

The church was originally attached to the Puerta de Bisagra, that you can still visit right nearby.

17- Puerta de Bisagra

The Puerta de Bisagra Nueva is indeed right next to the Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal. It’s a massive gate, with the coat of arms of the Emperor Charles V clearly visible on the front.

It’s been the main gate of Toledo since 1559, replacing the Puerta de Bisagra Antigua built in the 10th century.

18- Sinagoga del Tránsito

Next on our list is the Sinagoga del Tránsito, a National Monument that was recently converted into a museum, the Sephardi Museum.

The building is famous for its fine details, and insanely rich decoration inside, in stucco style.

19- Iglesia de Santo Tomé

The Iglesia de Santo Tomé is a nice church, with a beautiful bell tower; but it’s mainly known for what’s inside!

Inside of the church you’ll find the masterpiece of El Greco, the painting “ El Entierro del Señor de Orgaz ” or The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

The entry costs 3€, but it’s included in the Toledo Tourist Bracelet .

20- Mirador del Azor

The Mirador del Azor is the last viewpoint on this list, and also an underrated spot.

Located right next to the Puerta del Sol, it offers a unique view with the alignment of the Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Bisagra.

There’s another Mirador del Azor right next to the Alcazar de Toledo, but it’s a different one.

21- Castillo de San Servando

The Alcazar de Toledo is not the only castle in the city; there is also the Castillo de San Servando.

Located on a hill right above the Alcantara bridge, the castle was originally a monastery, built in the 7th century. It was then occupied by the Templars, and later became a National Monument.

22- Termas Romanas

After going underground to see the Cuevas de Hércules, we’ll go down again to visit the Termas Romanas.

You’ll find remains of ancient Roman baths, in a place that was converted into a museum where you can learn more about the Roman history of Toledo.

The entry is completely free.

23- Museo de Santa Cruz

Talking about museum, our next spot is the Museo de Santa Cruz, an hospital from the 16th century turned into a museum in the 19th century.

This place is worth a visit for the building itself, with a gorgeous facade and a nice patio inside, but also for the arts displayed inside, including paintings from El Greco.

24- Circo Romano

I guess you’ll have figured it out by now, Toledo is an old Roman city, and you can still find plenty of Roman ruins in the city.

Right outside Toledo old town, you’ll find the Circo Romano , or Roman Circus.There are only 6 Roman Circus identified in Spain, and the one of Toledo is among the 3 best preserved ones.

25- Jardines de la Vega

Located in front of the northern entrance of Toledo, next to the Puerta de Bisagra, there is a nice park named Jardines de la Vega.

It’s one of the best places for the locals, and the perfect place to relax in the city. There are several kiosks where you can buy food & drinks, such as granizado de limon (lemon slush), hot chocolate and churros!

26- Casino de Toledo

Yep, this one is a bit different from the other items on this guide, but it’s definitely on top of the list of the fun things to do in Toledo.

Especially if you’re from a country where casinos are prohibited, you’ll have loads of fun going to the Casino de Toledo and playing on some of the machines. It’s also a good place if you’re looking for food late at night, as they cook until late.

Remember to play with caution and don’t bring too much money 🙂

27- Puerta del Cambrón

And that’s it, the 27th and last spot on this list of top things to do in Toledo, Spain!

The Puerta del Cambrón is one of the city gates, located in the west side of Toledo. It’s a very unique gate, looking like a fortified castle, and you can even drive through it! I hope you’re a good driver because there’s barely any space .

So there you have it, your list of the 27 best things to do in Toledo Spain! It’s a complete list, with a lot of things to see, and definitely too much for only 1 day in the city . But if you’re staying for a couple of days, or longer, I hope this guide gave you some ideas of what to visit!

A lot of these 27 things to do in Toledo require to spend money, since you’ll be visiting a lot of monuments. But don’t worry, there are still some amazing things to do in the city to visit Toledo without breaking the bank!

Here are the best free things to do in Toledo Spain:

Now go enjoy all of these free things and discover Toledo without spending any more money!

Are you planning a day trip from Madrid to Toledo? Then you won’t have enough time to see everything included in this guide, that’s for sure!

It’s ok though, you can still have a wonderful experience in Toledo in one day.

I’ve created a free custom map that you can use to plan your 1 day itinerary in the city.

Here’s your Toledo Itinerary map:

This itinerary will allow you to explore Toledo in the best way possible, to make the most out of your Toledo day trip. If you want more information about this itinerary, including photos and details about each place you’ll visit, click on the guide below.

You can either get to Toledo by car, or by train.

Toledo is a perfect day trip from Madrid, and from other Spanish cities. You’ll find below the driving time from nearby cities:

From Madrid : 1h

From Segovia : 1h35

From Valencia : 3h30

It’s difficult to drive and park in the city; the best option is to find a parking outside of the city walls, then walk to the center.

When you’ll reach Toledo, head to the north east of the city, right outside of the city walls. This is where you’ll find the cheapest parking options, and the most parking spaces available. It’s also right next to the bridge.

If you don’t have a car, you can get to Toledo by train from Madrid. There is a direct train that goes straight from Madrid to Toledo.

From : Madrid-Puerta de Atocha

To : Toledo

Duration : 33 minutes

Cost : 13.90€ (average price)

Book here : Train to Toledo

You can also take the trains from other cities in Spain (Barcelona, Segovia, …), just click on the link above to see all options.

From the Toledo train station, you can walk to the city center, which will take you around 20 minutes.

If you’re visiting Toledo, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget : Albergue Juvenil Los Pascuales

Cheapest accommodation in Toledo, for around 14€ per night.

This youth hostel is only 2 minutes away from the Toledo Cathedral and the Toledo Castle. It also comes with included breakfast!

Comfy : Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is my favorite accommodation for a comfy stay in Avila, for around 75€ per night.

It’s ideally located in Toledo, a short walk from all the main sights. The beds are pretty comfy, and the included breakfast makes it a perfect choice for your stay in Avila. You’ll also enjoy free parking (which is nice in Toledo), and spacious bathroom with a hydro-massage bathtubs, perfect to relax after a long day of exploration in the city.

Luxury : Almunia de San Miguel

The best hotel in Toledo , hands down.

The Almunia de San Miguel has everything you’ll need, and even more: free parking, breakfast included, incredible rooms, and the location… The hotel is right next to the castle and the cathedral, you can’t be closer! There’s even a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Planning a trip to Toledo and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Toledo Guides:

Vist the Monastery de San Juan de los Reyes

The Stunning Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca

A Church AND an Epic View over Toledo

Spain Guides:

Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca

Free Walking Tour of Avila

How to get from Madrid to Segovia

I hope you enjoy your trip to Toledo and to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

Photo credits: 10 | 11 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27

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I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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Hi Kev, great compilation job you’ve done. I am going to spend a few days in Toledo in June, could you tell me if you know of some places where I can park my motorhome (without paying if possible 🙂 ) to see the city?

Great blog! Thank you so much!

Hi Kev, I’m looking for a high quality picture of Toledo as shown in the above post (the first image on page). It really is stunning! Any chance you could email me? https://www.kevmrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/the-ultimate-bucket-list-of-things-to-do-in-toledo-spain.jpg

Hello! What would you use it for?

Kev my man! Thanks so much for your reply. I would love to have this as my wallpaper. I have quite a love for Spain, you see. I wouldn’t be posting on web or anything remotely like that. Greatly appreciate if you could email to me. Warm regards, Cian

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Toledo, Spain Travel Guide: Exploring the Cultural Capital

LAST UPDATED: 3/31/24 – Toledo, Spain Travel Guide

Anyone who has visited Spain will tell you that the country has no shortage of incredible cities for one to visit. While some of the larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia may get most of the attention, I have a soft spot for the culturally rich smaller Spanish cities and towns.

One of my favorites of these cities is the incredible city of Toledo, which is why I have put together this Toledo, Spain travel guide for other travelers to enjoy. Toledo is one of the oldest and most unique cities that you will find in all of Spain. It was the country’s capital before Madrid and is still widely considered to be Spain’s cultural capital to this day.

The city of Toledo absolutely brims with historical landmarks and is renowned for its wonderful festivals that date back centuries. For travelers to Spain who are looking for an authentic Spanish cultural experience, I can think of few cities better to visit than the incredible city of Toledo.

So, while you might be excited to start planning your trip to Toledo right away, I would strongly suggest that you take the time to research this amazing city so that you can plan a trip you will remember for a lifetime. One of the best ways to do that is to read this detailed Toledo, Spain travel guide that I have prepared for you.

An All-You-Need Toledo, Spain Travel Guide

In this Toledo, Spain travel guide guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to plan a successful trip to Toledo. I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip. 

In addition, I outline the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are.  With the information in my Toledo, Spain Travel Guide in hand, you can be confident that your trip to Toledo will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

Toledo, Spain Travel Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Spain. 

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Spain. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Spain. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Spain, I outline the key entry requirements below. I have included a link to my Spain Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for the Visitors Guide, which you will want to review.

This guide will give you all the information you need to ensure you are allowed entry into Spain. This includes the VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Spain, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations. Not only to protect yourself but to protect others. You may have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them. To answer these, I have included some guidelines from my own experience for you to review in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with  Walgreens   or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website   can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Spain Immunization Recommendations

You may be wondering what travel vaccinations you might need. In this case, you are in luck. I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Hepatitis A & B  (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus  (if you aren’t current).
• Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Toledo, Spain

The city of Toledo is an absolutely breathtaking city with an abundance of incredible things for visitors to see and do. You can take a stroll around the city to enjoy the beautiful architecture or try one of the city’s many incredible restaurants.

There is a lot that you can see just by exploring this amazing city on foot. To help ensure that you have all of the top sights on your itinerary, I have outlined the Top Ten things that I would recommend seeing while in Toledo in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

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Catedral Primada

There are several incredible architectural wonders in the city of Toledo, but my favorite is undoubtedly the beautiful Catedral Primada, otherwise known as the Toledo Cathedral. Built beginning in the year 1226, the Catedral Primada is a Roman Catholic Church that is the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Toledo.

Influenced tremendously by the French Gothic style of the 13th century, the cathedral is one of Spain’s prettiest and definitely a must-stop attraction when visiting the city. For information on mass hours and how to tour the cathedral, please visit the official website of the Catedral Primada .

Puente de San Martín

When you visit the city of Toledo, one of the first things that will catch your eye is the incredible bridges that cross the Tagus River and take you into the city. One of the prettiest of these bridges is the Puente de San Martin. This beautiful bridge features five delightfully crafted arches, with the largest having a span of nearly 40 meters.

At the time of its construction, it was among the longest bridges in the world. When visiting Toledo, taking a walk across the bridge and admiring the fantastic views of the city is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Mirador del Valle

One of my favorite things about Toledo, Spain is how picturesque the city is. Arguably the best place to appreciate the beauty of the city is from the well-known viewpoint named Mirador del Valle. Not only does this viewpoint offer some of the best panoramic views of Toledo, but it is also a great spot to watch the sun rise or set over the city. Taking a stroll to the Mirador del Valle is definitely a must during any visit to Toledo.

Plaza de Zocodover

Designed by Juan de Herrera during the reign of Philip II, the Plaza de Zocodover has long been considered the main square and the nerve center of the city of Toledo. If you love to shop, then you won’t want to miss out on visiting the Plaza de Zocodover during your trip to Toledo. In addition to the many shops and boutiques to peruse through, you will also find many incredible restaurants to enjoy and lots of opportunities to people-watch during your visit.

Puerta de Bisagra

Constructed in the time of the Moorish Taifa of Toledo in the 10th century, the Puerta de Bisagra (or city gate) of Toledo is one of the prettier city gates that you will see when you tour Spain. The intricately crafted decorative stonework around the gate is beautiful. If you are walking about the city during your stay, I would definitely recommend stopping at the gate for some pictures.

Puente de Alcántara

The bridges that surround the city of Toledo are legendary for their beauty and rich history, and the Puente de Alcántara is certainly no exception. This beautiful bridge is located at the foot of the Castillo de San Servando and was built by the Romans when they founded the city.

During the Middle Ages, it was one of the few entrances in which people could access the city of Toledo. Although the bridge that you see today is stunning, it isn’t exactly how it has looked throughout its history. The bridge suffered significant damage and sections had to be rebuilt during both the 10th and the 18th centuries.

However, the spirit and general look of the bridge have remained much the same for all these centuries. If you are into history and architecture, the bridge is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting Toledo.

Mosque of Christ of the Light

At one point in time, ten incredible mosques stood in Toledo. Today, there is only one that remains. Despite its small size, the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz (or Mosque of Christ of the Light in English) is one of the prettier mosques that you will find in Spain. Constructed over the site of a Visigoth church in the 10th century, the mosque is one of the oldest Moorish monuments in Spain.

Even though the conquest of Toledo occurred in 1085, the mosque was still known as Bab-al-Mardum until it was converted into a chapel by King Alfonso VIII in 1186. I would strongly suggest that anyone visiting the city of Toledo take the time to visit this incredible building and learn more about its fascinating history.

Alcázar of Toledo

One of the most impressive features that you will see in the city of Toledo is the Alcázar of Toledo, which is an old stone palace that was built at the highest point of the city. As you approach Toledo, you really can’t miss it. The structure is the most prominent feature in the city’s skyline. In addition to being one of the highest structures in Toledo, it is also one of the most fascinating.

Once used as a Roman palace in the 3rd century, the fortress has been rebuilt a few times over its history. The first was under Charles I and his son Phillip II of Spain back in 1521, then the fortress was most recently rebuilt between 1939 and 1957 after the siege of the Alcázar during the Spanish Civil War. Today, the fortress has a treasure trove of history and culture for visitors to explore, which is why it should be on the itinerary of any traveler visiting Toledo.

Puerta del Sol

The bridges may be the headliners when it comes to the beauty of Toledo’s cityscape but don’t forget about the incredible gates to the city’s perimeter wall. One of the prettier of these gates is the Puerta del Sol, which was built in the late 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller.

The Visigothic Ildephonsus, Toledo’s patron saint, is depicted on the medallion above the gate. In fact, the name of the gates is derived from the sun and the moon that was once painted on the sides of this medallion. When you visit Toledo, I would strongly recommend taking a walk through the city to check out the beautiful landmarks such as the Puerta del Sol.

Parque de La Vega

I have no doubt that you will spend most of your time in Toledo touring the beautiful historical buildings, shopping and eating your way across the city, and admiring the beauty of the city from one of the many viewpoints. However, I think you would be remiss if you didn’t take the time to walk through the breathtaking Parque de La Vega.

This stunning park will enchant you with its beautiful fountains, lovely gardens, and peaceful walkways. It is a great place to go for a walk after a nice lunch or just before heading back to your accommodations for the night. Believe me, you will fall in love with it on your first visit.

How to Get to Toledo, Spain

If you are traveling to Toledo from outside of Spain, the quickest way to get to the city is undoubtedly to fly into either the Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport (MCV/LECU) or Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD/LEMD) in Madrid. From Madrid, the city of Toledo is only a short train ride or drive away.

For those who are planning an extended tour of Spain and will be visiting Toledo from one of the other amazing cities within the country, Spain has an extensive rail system and incredible roadways that you can use to get around.

If you are starting to plan your trip and would like more information, I have included a map and table in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below that outlines the travel times to Toledo from various cities in Spain.

Travel Time from Other Cities in Spain

Traveling by car in spain.

If you are planning on renting a car to get around while you are visiting Spain, there are some things that you will need to know before you arrive. To help you prepare for your trip to Toledo, I have included some valuable driving tips for visitors in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

To drive in Spain, you will need to carry your valid primary driver’s license as well as an international driving permit (IDP). There are also several pieces of safety gear that you are required or recommended to have with you in the car at all times. For an overview of the required licenses and gear that you will need to have, please see the list I have included below.

Required Equipment for Driving in Spain

• Driver’s license and IDP (required)
• Insurance documents (required)
• Car title or rental documents (required)
• Fluorescent jacket for all occupants (required)
• Two warning triangles (required)
• An extra pair of glasses, if you wear them (required)
• Fire extinguisher (recommended)
• First-aid kit (recommended)

In addition to the necessary permits and gear, there are also several driving regulations that you will need to be aware of while driving in Spain. These regulations include the following:

Passengers in the front and back seats are required to wear seat belts at all times.

Driving Age

In Spain, you must be 18 years old to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a car. Even if you have a valid driver’s license from the United States, you won’t be able to drive in Spain unless you are 18 years of age or older.

Alcohol Consumption

The legal limit for blood alcohol to drive in Spain is 0.05 percent or 0.25 milligrams per liter in exhaled air. You will want to pay extra care to obey this law as the penalties for drunk driving in Spain are very severe.

Cell Phone Usage

The use of cell phones while driving, unless you are using a hands-free system without headphones, is strictly prohibited. You are also not allowed to use screen-based navigation systems while driving in Spain.

In residential areas, avoid parking next to a yellow line or your vehicle will be towed.

In Spain, leaded gasoline is called Super or Super 68, unleaded gasoline is called “sin plomo 98” or “Eurosuper 95”, and diesel is called “gasoleo”.

Moving Violations and Tickets

Unless you have a residence in Spain, you will likely be asked to pay all fines and tickets immediately upon receipt while visiting Spain.

All children under 10 years of age or less than 4 feet, 5.5 inches (135 centimeters) must ride in a car seat.

Emergencies

Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe to be put in touch with Emergency services.

When driving in Spain, you will want to always be aware of the speed limit, even when you don’t see a posting. As a general rule of thumb, the speed limit for roads in Spain can be summarized as follows (unless marked otherwise):

Speed Limit Guidelines in Spain

• Expressways and major highways – 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour)
• Other roads – 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour)
• Urban areas – 31 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour)
• Residential areas – 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)

Traveling by Train in Spain

If you do not wish to rent a car while visiting Spain, the other popular mode of transportation with tourists is to use Spain’s incredible rail system. The rail network in Spain, and throughout Europe, is quite extensive, so you can get to most places by train if you want to. If you are thinking about using the rail system to get around while visiting Spain, I have included some tips for you to review in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

Tips for Using the Rail System in Spain

• If you plan on taking three or more long train rides while in Spain, then a rail pass is likely to save you money. Otherwise, you are probably better off just buying your train tickets without a rail pass.
• The two rail pass options you can purchase are the Spain Eurail Pass (good for use just in Spain) and the Eurail Global Pass (good for use in 33 countries).
• Rail passes for Spain cover all travel on trains run by  Renfe , Spain’s national railway.
• Many train routes require a paid reservation, which must be paid even if you have a rail pass. This is why it may not make sense to purchase a rail pass if you aren’t planning on taking many longer, expensive rides.
• Rick Steves has a great article on whether it makes sense for you to get a rail pass for your trip to Spain that I would recommend reviewing.
• When purchasing rail tickets, purchasing a round-trip ticket instead of two one-way fares can save you up to 20% of the cost.
• Advanced purchase discounts for AVE trains are available about 60 days ahead of departure, so purchasing your tickets well in advance can save you money as well.

The Best Times to Visit Toledo, Spain

Average Temperature (°F)

With low temperatures that don’t fall much below the upper 30s during the winter, the city of Toledo is a great place to explore year-round. Most of the year the average high temperature ranges between the 50’s and 70’s, but the summer months of June through August can see the temperatures that reach into the 90’s.

So, if you are planning on spending a lot of time outdoors and don’t do well in hot temperatures, you might want to take this into consideration. If you are looking for the perfect temperatures for exploring Toledo, they can be found in the shoulder months of the spring and autumn where the temps aren’t so hot during the day and the crowds are typically much smaller.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The city of Toledo doesn’t get an extraordinary amount of rain throughout the year, but certain months of the year are typically wetter than others. For instance, if you don’t want rain to ruin your day out in the city, then the spring months of April and May and the autumn and winter months of October through December should probably be avoided. Instead, I would suggest targeting the month of June in early summer or the month of September in early autumn. These tend to be the driest months of the year in Toledo.

Where to Stay in Toledo, Spain

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Toledo is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Toledo, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as  Airbnb  or  VRBO  if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Best Places to Eat in Toledo, Spain

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Toledo to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

Recommended Tours and Excursions in Toledo, Spain

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Toledo area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Toledo, Spain travel guide below.

Toledo, Spain Photo Gallery

One thing that Toledo is not in short supply of is amazing things to photograph. I was able to capture a lot of great photographs while touring Toledo, and I have included some of my favorites in a gallery in my Toledo, Spain travel guide for you to review below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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Thanks so much Nate!! That would be awesome, my friend!!

Great info Josh! One of these days we are going to run into each other on a trip.

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Day trip to toledo itinerary: getting wonderfully lost in medieval spain.

Getting lost in the narrow streets of Toledo’s old town is like getting lost in time. There is no corner without a spectacular medieval building you need to explore before you keep walking.

Probably even in the wrong direction of where you planned to. With so many incredibly wonderful distractions it is hard to get through it all on a day trip to Toledo.

One of many interesting facts about Spain is that the country has the world’s third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and Toledo is known as the mighty UNESCO World Heritage town of central Spain.

With so many interesting things to do in Toledo , it is not strange that the city tops the list of the best places to visit in Spain for first time visitors .

That’s why I put together the most important things to see in Toledo Spain if you are short of time in this fascinating city.

At the entrance of the old town by Puerta del Sol, there is a tourism office. I Recommend you go there to get a free map to keep track of where you are and where you are going.

The streets are easy to get lost in and as the distractions are many, it is a good idea to have some guidance along the way.

Before we get to the Toledo itinerary, let’s have a look at some practical information.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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How to get to Toledo Spain

The most common is to go on a Toledo day trip from Madrid. There are tours, of course, but you can easily get there independently by bus, train, or car.

Besides, there are multiple organized tours from Madrid to Toledo if you prefer the commodity.

It only takes an hour to drive from Madrid to Toledo. It is not allowed for non-residents to drive inside the Old Town, but there are a few large, free, public parking lots just outside.

I used the one by Puente de Alcántara. If you put Alcántara Parking Toledo in your GPS, it will take you there. If you’re touring Spain by campervan or motorhome , note that you’re not allowed to stay the night there.

From the parking, walk up to Puente de Alcántara, cross it, cross the traffic lights at the road on the other side and turn right up the hill (NOT straight through the arch in front of you). After a few minutes, you will come to the mechanic stairs where you want to go UP to the end.

Once at the top of the mechanic stairs, you are between Puerta del Sol down the hill and Plaza Zocodover a couple of hundred meters up the hill.

👉 CHECK CAR RENTALS HERE

There are numerous bus companies commuting between Madrid and Toledo, and prices start at less than 6 euros. ALSA offers 74 trips from Madrid to Toledo a day, and that is only one company, so there is no doubt you will find a bus!

Buses leave from Plaza Elíptica transport hub at level 1 and drop you off at Estación de Autobuses de Toledo.

👉 CHECK BUS TIMES HERE

The train from Madrid to Toledo is the fastest option. For 10 Euros you get there in only half an hour!

Trains leave from Puerta de Atocha train station in Madrid and get you to Toledo train station.

From there you can take the local bus straight into the Old Town at Plaza Zocodover or you can walk the same stretch which is only a 20-minute walk without photo stops.

👉 CHECK TRAIN TIMES HERE

Organized tours from Madrid to Toledo

If you prefer the comfort of an organized tour to Toledo , there are multiple choices from Madrid. These will typically include the bus ride, a local guide, and some of the entry tickets.

If you’re planning a larger Spain itinerary , this might be an easy option to avoid too many planning details.

I suggest this day tour to Toledo as it gives you plenty of free time to uncover the city beyond a guided walking tour and entrance to the cathedral.

👉 BOOK A GUIDED TOUR FROM MADRID

If you also want to discover the historical town of Segovia on the same day tour, I suggest this option .

It is a great opportunity if you don’t have the time to go on two day trips from Madrid , but want to see both places. And I really recommend seeing both.

You won’t get as much time in each, but at least you get a few hours and a walking tour that gives a lot of information and is truly valuable.

POPULAR TOURS FROM MADRID

Best time to go on a Toledo day trip

The peak season in Toledo is April to June. In this period, it’s not too hot in the daytime and not too cold at night. Prices normally go up, but it is a pleasant time to be there.

In the summer months of July and August, it can get extremely hot, and if you have the opportunity to avoid visiting at this time that is probably the best. Some local shops might be closed at this time of year.

The rest of the year, temperatures can be nice, sunny, and warm at day time, but drop drastically at night. Especially January and February are extremely cold months you can get your share of rain.

Even though the autumn and winter months are less touristy, there will always be high numbers of tourists roaming around this popular Spanish city.

Make sure you have a good, eco-friendly backpack for your day trip to Toledo .

You might also like: Road trip in Mallorca: Explore the best of Tramuntana

Day trip to Toledo itinerary

Now that you are all set to go, let’s start our one day in Toledo itinerary!

Make sure you arrive early so you get the most out of the day, and your shoes better be comfy because you have a day full of walking ahead of you!

To save yourself some money on entrance tickets you can buy a tourist bracelet that gives you entrance to many different attractions. In 2020, prices start at 9 Euros. You can get the bracelet at the tourist office (Paseo Merchán, S/N, 45003 Toledo. Opening hours all days 10:00-18:00).

If you come walking from outside the Old Town, I suggest you enter by the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) and walk up to Plaza Zocodover from there. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the city below.

If you park at Azarcuiel Parking, then you will get the views of the impressive bridge instead but still, come up by Plaza Zocodover.

Plaza Zocodover

Plaza Zokodover is a great place to start your Toledo itinerary as it is central to other places you will want to see.

In the case that you come to Toledo by train and take the bus directly to Plaza Zocodover, you can take a quick walk down to Puerta del Sol if you like. It is only a few minutes walk down the main road.

The square used to be the hub of the city throughout history, from Roman to Arab times. The current name of the square, Plaza Zocodover, really just dates back to 1945 when it was reconstructed, after changing names numerous times before.

There is a long and dark history to the square, where they had public burnings, and bullfights. It is said, that they kept the bodies of dead people that didn’t have any family in the middle of the square, in what they called the cage of the dead.

Today, the quaint square is a meeting point for city tour guides and is overflowed with fast food giants.

By walking up the main road from Plaza Zocodover, you get straight to the Alcázar de Toledo, a fortress sitting on the city’s highest point. Originally the construction dates back to Roman times, but was later rebuilt during the time Alfonso VI and Alfonso X reigned and again under the reign of Emperor Charles V. Now it houses a military museum.

Outside the Alcázar, there is a garden with spectacular views of the river below. Also, a good spot for sunset.

Catedral Primada

Toledo’s Catedral Primada is an eye-catching medieval Gothic structure in the middle of Old Town. Walking up from El Alcázar it’s only a 7 minutes walk, as long as you don’t get trapped gazing at all the beautiful architecture along the way.

The exact spot where the cathedral stands today has been a central place for worship since Muslim rule when the town’s main mosque stood there. Later, it was converted into a church and eventually destroyed. Long after, the Catedral Primada of Toledo was built on the same ground.

On the square in front of the cathedral, there is a beautiful piece of art, similar to a pond that fills up with water to give you incredible reflections of the cathedral and surrounding structures.

The inside of Catedral Primada is full of implausible details and an art gallery with masterpieces of artists like El Greco, Velázcuez, and Goya.

Lunch at Restaurante Madre Tierra

Restaurante Madre Tierra is a vegetarian restaurant with vegan options, just around the corner of Catedral Primada. The food is good and though I have read a couple of bad reviews on the service there, I experienced it as great.

One time, I had my dog, Ayla, with me and they let me take her inside and prepared me a table in a corner so I didn’t have to take the food with me out in the cold.

After energizing with some food, it’s time to head to the Jewish Quarter of Toledo Old Town.

Plaza Virgen de La Gracia viewpoint

Make sure you make a stop at the viewpoint of Plaza Virgen de La Gracia on your way to Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes. I ended up here by chance, but it was absolutely worth a peek at the monastery from above and the river views. From there, it is a short walk down charming, narrow, winding roads.

Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes

The Gothic monastery was built to celebrate the birth of a son and the victory of a war. The main facade is decorated with the chains of the freed Christian prisoners from Muslim times (you can see them on the left wall of the picture below).

The two-level cloister is one of the absolute highlights with a late Gothic style on the bottom floor and a Mudéjar on the second floor.

Puente de San Martin

Puente de San Martin is just next to Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes. It is one of 3 Medieval bridges crossing the Tajo river. With 5 arches, the biggest one in the middle has a span of 40 meters wide and 27 tall, which is pretty unique for the time it was built. The bridge has fortified towers at the ends for protection.

If you are the adventurous kind and have the time, you can try the zipline that goes across the river beside the bridge.

Opening hours for the zipline Fly Toledo are 10:00-18:30 and the price is 10 Euros.

End the day with dinner at Piensa En Mi Taqueria Mexicana

There are many places to have dinner in the Jewish Quarter if you don’t want to move too far. However, I went to this tiny Mexican that was packed with locals. And I went back again because the food was sooo delicious! Piensa En Mi Taqueria Mexicana is situated in Calle Plata 15, only a few minute’s walk up from Plaza Zocodover. They have good options for vegetarians and vegans and very cheap and mouthwatering tacos.

Responsible tourism in Toledo

As a natural tourist destination, Toledo is a city that at times gets too many tourists at once as it is an extremely popular day trip destination.

If you have the chance, you should try to spend more than one day in Toledo, but if you don’t you should totally go for the day!

An option is to try to travel in the low season as I did.

Make sure you respect the locals and be friendly even though you feel stressed to get to see everything in a short time.

There is a bull ring in Toledo that is still used for bullfighting. Please stay away from activities related to this and give your vote against unethical animal tourism and events.

Luckily, there are more and more bullrings shutting down across Spain, but unfortunately, there are still a lot left that are extremely popular. Among them, Toledo bullring.

The old town in Toledo is, as mentioned before, a UNESCO World Heritage site so help out by keeping it clean and use the rubbish bins provided. If you travel with a dog, not only do you have to pick up its poop. You also need to pour water over its wee, or you can get a fat fine.

Dog owner or not, make sure you bring your reusable water bottle on your day trip to Toledo. This way, you don’t contribute to plastic waste.

The tap water in Toledo is drinkable, so you can fill it up during the day. I love my eco-friendly water bottle from Bambaw as it keeps the water cold all day no matter how hot it is outside. If you like to filter your water anyway, test out this filtered water bottle from Brita .

With these small acts of responsible tourism , you will make a big difference.

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Top 12 Things You Should See In Toledo, Spain in 2024

Sara Setti Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Spain? You may have heard about stunning Toledo, and it deserves its popularity. But you must plan your visit, especially if you take a one-day trip because the historical and artistic value of this Spanish gem is immense. To help you make the most of your time, I have prepared this list of the top things to see in Toledo.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our exciting Toledo tours from Madrid and the best restaurants in Toledo .

The Best Things To See and Do in Toledo, Spain

Known as the city of the three cultures, Toledo is one of the most fascinating cities in Spain. Here, Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted for centuries, practising their religions and leaving a priceless heritage in architecture.

There are plenty of things to see in Toledo, but you can easily visit the main attractions in one day trip—with comfortable shoes! But if you have the opportunity to spend the night, you must. Toledo’s Old Town is amazing when the sun goes down and the streets light up. There are plenty of charming little hotels and restaurants to have dinner.

Not ready to book a tour yet? Explore our Madrid Guide .

How To Get to Toledo from Madrid:

Going from Madrid to Toledo by car takes around 50 minutes on the A42 highway. I suggest parking outside the old town or opposite the Tagus river and visiting the center on foot. Free and paid parking is available crossing the Alcántara bridge and next to the escalator—you will also find a tourist information office here.

Public transportation is also a good option. A direct train from the Atocha station will get you to Toledo in half an hour. Alternatively, take the bus from the Plaza Elíptica and get to Toledo in about one hour.

Pro Tip: Most of the monuments in Toledo have a €3 entrance fee. You can get the Tourist Wristband (€10) that includes seven buildings—excluding the cathedral (€10) and the Alcázar (€5).

If you’re interested in exploring Toledo, we know you’ll love seeing Segovia and Avila too! Join our Toledo, Avila, and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid for a worry-free way of getting from Madrid to these three cities and back. With transport and tickets included, you’ll enjoy a fun day filled with history, culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food. Here are the top things to see in Toledo.

12. Cobertizos and City Gates

The Old Town’s narrow streets make you feel like a knight or a damsel of ancient times, especially after sunset. Experience the magic and discover the cobertizos . They are covered walkways that connect two opposite buildings, and their function was to facilitate passage between two parts of the same property without crossing the street.

They could be as small as hallways or large enough to host rooms. In 1509, there were so many that they were eventually declared illegal because they were depriving the streets of natural light, as documented by professor Félix Pillet Capdepón in his book El espacio geográfico del Quijote en Castilla-La Mancha .

Another thing to appreciate is the fantastic city gates leaning against the ancient city walls. Puerta del Sol and Bisagra are among my favorites to visit here.

11. Toledo Steel Forges

I am not suggesting that you travel with a sword in your luggage—even if you are a passionate medievalist, it can get you in trouble. But a visit to the steel forges is something you shouldn’t miss out on in Toledo.

The swords forged in the city have been famous among kings and knights for centuries, thanks to the iron and steel mix that makes them resistant. They are also beautifully decorated.

Nowadays, the forges create reproductions for movies and collectors. If you want a more discrete souvenir, go for the beautiful damascene silver and gold works. You can buy jewelry and precious objects decorated with this technique.

10. Toledo’s Alcázar

Perched on the highest part of the city, the Alcázar has watched over Toledo since the Roman era. However, it has undergone many changes and restorations from the Visigoth period to the 16th century, not to mention the damage it suffered from fires and accidents. The latest one was the catastrophic siege of the 1936 civil war, which led to its reconstruction.

The Spanish press documented the damages suffered by the Alcázar during the conflict, and the photos are now collected on Toledo’s town hall website. The event is also mentioned in many local newspapers and by the Ministry of Defense website.

For those passionate about military history, don’t miss a visit to this impressive museum. Just be sure to go with enough time because the collection of battle and war paraphernalia is immense. The building also houses the regional library.

Pro Tip: Just a few steps away from the Alcázar is The Zocoverder square, where all the action happens. It is superb during festivities in Toledo, especially Christmas and Easter.

Address: Calle de la Union

Planning a trip to Spain? Check out our tips on the top foods to try in Barcelona , the best places to stay in Seville , and what to see at the Alhambra in Granada.

9. santa cruz museum.

This museum may not be the most visited in the city (it’s usually part of a two-day trip itinerary), but it deserves to be listed among the best things to see in Toledo. The collection is diverse, including paintings and sculptures from important artists like El Greco and Berruguete. In addition, it has a priceless collection of archaeological finds from the Roman, Visigoth, Arabic, and Mudéjar eras.

The building is also part of the attraction. The richly decorated palace was the Santa Cruz Hospital, an innovative building for the medical assistance of orphans and the homeless.

Address: Calle Miguel de Cervantes, 3

8. Mirador del Valle and Ermita Virgen del Valle Viewpoints

With this tip, you will get the best postcard view of Toledo. On the opposite side of the Tagus river, a small chapel from the 17th century has terrific views of the Old Town. Many tourists go there on foot. However, the route can be challenging, as it is entirely uphill.

If you want to get there by car, there are free parking spots after the chapel, in front of Mirador del Valle’s viewpoint. Also, if you can’t get enough of this beauty or would like to see Toledo by night, there is a restaurant beside the chapel where you can enjoy dinner with a view.

Address: Carretera Circunvalación, 19

7. El Greco Museum

The next stop is a must-see for all the art lovers visiting Toledo. El Greco Museum is the only museum dedicated to the Renaissance painter Domḗnikos Theotokópoulos. The Ministry of Culture reports that the artist lived in the city from 1577 to his death in 1614. This bond with Toledo embellishes many buildings in the town, leading to the most recognized artworks of his career, such as the Caballero de la mano en el pecho (now in the Prado Museum).

The collection includes over 200 pieces; El Greco paintings, artworks of other relevant artists, and temporary exhibitions. The entrance is €3 or €5, including the Sefardí Museum in the same street. And it’s free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

Address: Paseo Del Tránsito

6. Santo Tomé Church and The Burial of The Count of Orgaz (El Greco)

In addition to the museum and Cathedral, El Greco left his mark on the Santo Tomé Church (pictured above). Legend has it that Saint Stephen and Saint Augustine descended from the heavens to honor the burial of the Count of Orgaz, a primary benefactor of the church.

As a testimony of the miracle, El Greco painted The Burial Of The Count Of Orgaz , one of the highest expressions of his technique and style. The painting found inside this church sums up El Greco’s influences, like Christian Orthodox iconography, the Flemish paintings, and the Venetian school.

What impresses me the most is the use of color and light to catch the sensibility of his era. As you step inside and view the painting, notice the contrast between the bright and chromatic upper area (which represents the heavens) and the darker terrestrial world where the only color is on the golden robes of the saints. The crowd’s facial expressions also show feelings and reactions of humanity in front of the dead—it is an authentic masterpiece.

Address: Plaza del Conde, 4

5. Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca

You always discover new charming spots while walking in the Jewish quarter. You can find most of the things to see in Toledo here, and it is also great for a coffee al fresco.

Start your visit with the Synagogue of Saint Mary the White. The date of construction is uncertain, but the traces of Nazarí art shows it is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. The Department of Culture website says that the synagogue was converted into a church after the dramatic pogroms of 1391, years before the Jewish expulsion decree signed by the Catholic Monarchs in 1942.

Despite the conversion, it still keeps most of the original decoration. And it is one of the only two synagogues still standing in Toledo, out of the ten that use d to be in the city, according to the website of the Archbishopric of Toledo.

Address: Calle de los Reyes Católicos, 4

4. Synagogue of El Tránsito

One of the best-preserved medieval synagogues, the austerity and simplicity of this building in the Jewish quarter may fool you. However, its interior decoration is breathtaking. The synagogue of Samuel ha-Leví dates back to the 14th century and, as per the information provided by the official tourist website, it was part of a palace that has now disappeared. Today, it hosts the Sefardí Museum, which is a walk through the Sephardi Jewish community’s history.

It was named El Tránsito after being converted into a church due to its painting called El Tránsito De La Virgen (The Death Of The Virgin) that is now found in the Prado Museum. The internal plaster decoration is a unique and intricate mix of calligraphy and heraldry, with evident technical influences from Islamic art.

Address: Calle Samuel Levi

Headed to Spain? Don’t miss the best luxury hotels in Madrid , tips on how to visit the Prado Museum , and the best places to eat in Granada .

3. mosque of cristo de la luz.

The oldest building in Toledo is a tiny precious mosque close to the Valmardón city gate. The Archbishopric of Toledo was able to date it back to 999, thanks to an inscription found on the façade. A discovery that makes it the last standing mosque of the Al-Ándalus era. Like many Islamic temples in the country, it was turned into a church with the addition of the apse.

Time hasn’t been kind to it; the tower has collapsed, and the frescos are now significantly deteriorated. However, the 2006 restoration has brought to light the original inscriptions and the paved road from the Roman era that you can now see beside the building.

Address: Calle Cristo de la Luz, 22

2. Monastery of San Juan De Los Reyes

According to the Castille-La Mancha tourist website, San Juan De Los Reyes was built between 1477 and 1496, and it is one of the most beautiful examples of Hispanic-Flemish Gothic architecture. It is one of the best things to see in Toledo by far, but I will not give too much away because it is a tour that will leave you speechless. Here are some details to pique your curiosity.

It was meant to be the burial place of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, which explains its monumentality and richness. There are also plenty of gospel inscriptions and engravings on the facades.

You may also notice the chains hanging from the stones. Those are donations from the Christian prisoners liberated during the Reconquista in Andalusia. Lastly, visit the cloisters. It is an oasis of peace created to represent the Garden of Eden, and it is idyllic.

Address: Calle de los Reyes Católicos, 17

1. Primada Cathedral of Toledo

Did you know that Toledo’s cathedral took 266 years to complete? The cathedral’s official website states that the work to transform it from a mosque into a church started in 1227 and ended in 1493. However, changes continued for centuries after that date. The result is a mix of French Gothic, Spanish, and Moorish styles, which is also a testimony to the city’s extraordinary history.

You cannot miss the collection of El Greco, Goya, Titian, and Caravaggio’s artworks in the vestry—it’s priceless. Another interesting spot is the Mozarabic Chapel from 1504. It was the only place in Spain to celebrate the Mozarabs rite after the Reconquista. Although I haven’t yet been there during the modern celebrations, their official website states that the rite continues to be celebrated to this day. So you can catch it if you are lucky enough to be there!

Address: Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 1

Where To Stay in Toledo

Toledo is a must-visit city brimming with history just outside Spain’s capital. With this guide, you’ll easily find the best hotels and neighborhoods for your stay in Toledo.

About Sara Setti

Sara Setti is a Madrid-based writer with an MD in Literature & Cultural Studies. Italian by birth, she moved to Spain in 2011, where she writes for companies about travel, outdoor activities, and technology. She is passionate about arts, food, and can´t resist taking pictures of clouds. Sara has also lived in Bologna, Doha, and London. She writes in English, Italian, and Spanish.

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40 Things to Do in Toledo Spain, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in toledo spain.

If you are planning a trip to Toledo Spain and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Toledo is a city of three cultures (Christian, Muslim, and Jewish) resulting in a medieval mix of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian architecture, food, and people. Toledo is like stepping into a museum. The city is full of tiny cobblestoned streets, stone buildings, small hidden squares, medieval gates, city walls, incredible bridges, and is famous for sword making. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Toledo Spain bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Toledo Spain day trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ Complete Travel Guide to Spain, What You Need To Know READ Best of Spain Travel Itinerary for First-Timers

Things to Do in and Around Toledo Spain

Enjoy the panoramic view from Mirador del Valle

Explore the courtyards of El Alcazar

Check out the Mirador Del Azor Viewpoint

Browse the Alcazar’s Museum of Suits of Armor and Sword

Enjoy the view from the top floor café of Castile La Mancha Library

Relax with a glass of wine in a café in Zocodover Plaza and people watch

See El Greco’s The Disrobing of Christ at Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo

Wander the Jewish Quarter’s winding alleyways and gaze up at the iron balconies

Check out the artisan shops of the preserved Jewish Quarter

Walk the cloister on the terrace of the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes

Tour the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Check out the stucco work in the Synagogue of El Transito

Explore the Jewish artifacts at the Sephardic Museum

Visit El Greco Museum and browse the Spanish Renaissance paintings

See El Greco’s Burial of the Count of Orgaz at Iglesia de Santa Tome

Climb the tower of Iglesia de Santa Tome for panoramic views

Enter the city through Puerta de Bisagra Nueva

Walk across Puente de San Martin and take the escalators to the top of the city

Photograph the Puerta del Sol gate

Walk around the Tagus River for city views

Buy a Knights of Templar souvenir

Zipline over the Tagus River

Eat marzipan, a sweet cake of almond sugar, and honey

Check out the viewpoint from Paseo del Miradero

Photograph the Puente de Alcantara

Taste local wines at Mercado de San Agustín

Have a glass of wine with a view on the roof of Restaurante Adolfo

Watch the sword-making process at Mariano Zamorano Swords Factory

Photograph the Puerta del Cambron

Eat Manchego Cheese and Marzipan

Spend the night in a castle at Castillo de San Servando

Take a photo from the terrace of the Victorio Macho Sculpture Museum

Check out the garden of the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

See Saint Peter Crying and Sagrada Family at Hospital de Tavera

Buy a piece of Damascene jewelry, black steel with gold inlay

See the marble staircase in the courtyard of Museo De Santa Cruz

Check out the Convento de San Pedro Mártir

Relax in a Moorish Tea House at Teteria Dar-Al Chai

Explore the whitewashed columns and arches of Santa Maria la Blanca

Walk along the narrowest street in Toledo, Callejón Nuncio Viejo

Be sure to check the Toledo Spain Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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Toledo is such a cool place and a great day trip. You had me at wine with a view!

I have never spent a night in a castle, but it’s on my wish list. Thus spending the night in a castle at Castillo de San Servando sounds like a great idea to me.

Loved Toledo, it’s an easy day trip from Madrid. Despite having one day, we were able to see/do quite a few things on your list until we sat down for a long leisurely lunch. 🙂

Long lunches are vital!

Been here before but looks like I haven’t crossed out most of the things on this list!! Too much Sangria perhaps!! haha

Toledo Spain looks lovely. I’d like to explore the Jewish Quarter, and visit the El Greco Museum – I love renaissance art, so this is right up my street

A tour group beat us and there was a huge line at the museum. Still kicking myself for not waiting

We have never visited Toledo so it was great to look at this list of things to see and do. We would want to start at the Mirador Del Azor Viewpoint for a good overview perspective. There are certainly a number of religious spots to visit in this city. But hubby would probably opt to do the zipline over the Tagus River. After he has his marzipan. I would be sipping local wine until he gets back! And we can head off to explore the cobblestone streets.

That made me laugh

That’s quite the list. You could fill a lot of time for sure. There are a lot of things on your list I would like to do, like watching swords being made, go to the top of the city and photograph all the things.

I remember this Spanish city fondly and loved walking around the place, taking in the facades of the buildings. I however did do the Moorish Tea House at Teteria Dar-Al Chai, and I think I stayed there for over two hours relaxing and having tea. 🙂

That sounds like a great use of time

Having a glass of wine with a view on the roof of Restaurante Adolfo and learning about the sword-making process at Mariano Zamorano Swords Factory would be my picks! Toledo sounds like a fun city to visit.

It truly is like stepping into a museum

I loved my visit to Toledo over 20 years ago and you just brought me back there when I explored this fascinating city with all it historic and beautiful attractions to explore and enjoy. And such a short ride for a day trip from Madrid

So glad I took the time to explore city

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10 Things to do in Toledo, Spain in One Day

Toledo, Spain is a beautiful medieval town located just half an hour by train from Madrid. Because of its intriguing history and stunning architecture, it is a must-do day trip if you are in Madrid .

So keep reading to find out all the top things to do in Toledo, Spain in one day!

What is Toledo, Spain known for?

Toldeo, Spain is known for being one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe that is full of history. It is also known as the city of three cultures because of the influence Christians, Muslims, and Jews have had on the city.

For centuries Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived peacefully within the city. This means that there are many different influences on the architecture of the city.

For example, there are Christian churches, Muslim mosques, and Jewish Synagogues all within a small historic center . This means that it is a very beautiful city with lots to see within a small area.

1. Walk across the Puente de Alcantara

The Puente de Alcantara is a Roman bridge built over the Tagus River between 104 and 106 AD. It got partially destroyed and rebuilt many times due to war and other reasons.

But today it is a very beautiful bridge and makes for an impressive entry into Toledo, Spain.

If you follow the main road from the train station into town you will end up crossing the bridge. Then once you are over the bridge you can walk up the hill to the city center.

📍 Pin the location on your map

2. Go on a Walking Tour

Toledo is a city that is jam-packed with history and the best way to learn that history is to join a walking tour.

There are a lot of walking tours that cover different parts of the history of Toledo. The walking tours generally all leave from Zocadover Square .

You can also book a guided monument walking tour online . This tour includes a tourist wristband that gives you access to key tourist sites which you can revisit after the tour is over

We were hesitant about going on a walking tour as we like to do our own thing. But joining a tour is really one of the best things to do in Toledo, Spain as there is so much history to learn about. It also still gives you enough time to explore Toledo on your own.

3. Buy the Toledo Bracelet

The city of Toledo offers a tourist bracelet that allows you to see the best of Toledo, Spain. With the bracelet, you get to visit 7 of the most important attractions for 10 euros . That way you are saving 21 euros as each attraction costs 3 euros per entry.

Getting the bracelet is also a great way to do your own walking tour. Or you combine a guided walking tour with a tourist bracelet pass for 20 euros. This package includes a guided tour of 3 attractions and then you can visit the remaining attractions on your own.

4. Visit Catedral Primada de Toledo (One of the Best Things to do in Toledo, Spain with a View)

The Catedral Primada is an impressive Gothic cathedral and is considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Spain. Its spire can be seen from many parts of Toledo and it is one of the most important buildings in the city.

Entrance to the cathedral costs 10 euros and 12.50 euros if you also want to climb the cathedral’s spire . The cathedral’s interior is beautifully decorated and there is an impressive art gallery inside.

So if you are interested in art and finely decorated cathedrals this is a top thing to do in Toledo, Spain for you.

5. Go inside the Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes

The Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes is another beautiful gothic-style church in Toledo. It is one of the 7 attractions that you can visit when you buy the tourist bracelet .

Construction of the monastery began in 1477 and it was originally going to be the burial place for the King and Queen of Spain at the time. However, a few years later they conquered Granada and decided they wanted to be buried there.

So today we have this very impressive monastery because a King and Queen hundreds of years ago wanted to be buried in a fancy building!

Inside the monastery, there is a peaceful courtyard full of orange trees and the interior is beautifully decorated. All of this you will be able to see if you buy the tourist bracelet otherwise it is a single 3 euro entry fee.

Outside of the monastery, you will notice chains hanging from the walls. They are from 15th-century prisoners freed when the Catholics conquered Toledo. As thanks for their freedom, the prisoners hung their chains on the side of the monastery where they still hang today.

6. Go up the Iglesia de los Jesuitas

The Iglesia de los Jesuitas is a baroque-style church located on top of the hill in the middle of the historic center. Construction of the church began in 1677 and it took over a hundred years to complete.

The church is one of the 7 attractions included in the Toledo Bracelet otherwise you have to pay a 2.50 euro entry. It is located in a quieter part of Toledo and the narrow alleys surrounding it are great for exploring.

If you feel like a bit of exercise you can climb the spires of the church for a great view over Toledo. However, there are 113 steep steps so be careful if you go in summer because Toledo will be extremely hot during the day.

7. Visit Iglesia de San Tome (A Top Thing to do in Toledo, Spain for Art Lovers)

The Iglesia de San Tome is another church that is included in the Toledo Bracelet. It is also located in a very nice quieter part of town away from crowds.

The church was built in the 14th century on top of an older mosque. Its bell tower which can be seen in the photo below was built in the Mudejar style and refers to Islamic art styles applied to Christian architecture.

It is quite a small church and the main reason to go inside is to see the Burial of the Count of Orgaz painting. Art experts consider this painting a masterpiece . So if you are an art lover it is an excellent reason to go inside and one of the hidden gems in Toledo, Spain.

📍 Pin the location on your map.

8. Walk over Puente San Martin

The Puente San Martin is another picturesque medieval bridge that enters the city over the Tagus River . It was built to give access to the city from the west while the older Puente de Alcantara gave access from the east.

You get a unique perspective of Toledo from the bridge and the views of the river and valley are really nice. It is a fairly long walk if you are in Toledo in summer so make sure you have plenty of water.

9. Look at Alcazar of Toledo

The Alcazar of Toledo is the most prominent building in Toledo due to its position high up on the hill. The Alcazar has had many uses throughout history.

It was originally a Roman palace in the 3rd century . When Toledo was taken from the Moors by the Catholics the Alcazar became a residence for the Spanish royal family.

It was then converted to a military academy in the 18th century and was the location of an important battle in the Spanish Civil War.

Today the building is a military museum which costs 5 euros to enter. But if a military museum does not interest you then it is a nice building to just have a walk around.

10. Eat at Street and Soul Restaurant (One of the Best Restaurants in Toledo, Spain)

If you are looking for tasty healthy food then Street and Soul is one of the best restaurants in Toledo, Spain for you.

Street and Soul is a vegan restaurant right next to the Catedral Primada. They have a varied menu with hamburgers, ramen, Pad Thai, and more all made with fresh ingredients.

It is not the cheapest restaurant but reasonable for a very touristy city. Plus if you are visiting Toledo in summer it can be very, very hot (we had 40°C / 104F), and Street and Soul have air conditioning so it is a good place to escape the heat.

Madrid to Toledo: How to get to Toledo, Spain

Getting to Toledo is super convenient if you are in Madrid. There is an express train that leaves from the Madrid-Atocha station.

The train leaves approximately every hour and takes just 33 minutes to reach Toldeo. You can book tickets on trainline.com .

If you are looking for something to eat before you leave Madrid I highly recommend Scarlett Real Food . It is located just across the road from the train station and serves fantastic breakfasts . We had super tasty eggs, avocado on toast, an acai bowl, and arguably Madrid’s best coffee there.

Arriving in Toledo by Train

The train station in Toledo is just outside of the city center but it is only a 20-minute walk into the city center. The train station itself is a beautiful building and worth taking a photo of. It was built in 1919 and was designed to be similar to the architecture of Toledo.

When you walk towards Toledo that fastest route will take you across the Puente de Alcantara . This is not only the fastest route but also the most beautiful and one of the top things to do in Toledo, Spain.

How many Days do you Need in Toledo, Spain?

While it would be for sure nice to stay the night in Toledo and see it early in the morning and after dinner time outside the tourist crowds, we found spending one day in Toledo more than enough. Plus, it’s super convenient to visit as a day trip from Madrid .

What is the Best Day of the Week to Visit Toledo, Spain?

I recommend visiting Toledo during the week, so from Monday to Friday . We went on a Monday in August and still felt it was fairly busy and crowded. Especially walking groups can easily clog up the narrow streets and you would want to avoid lines in front of the buildings to enter.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Toledo, Spain?

The best time of year to visit Toledo is in spring and autumn , so between April and June and September to October. Toledo is located in the countryside of Spain and is well known for its cold winters and extremely hot summers.

Is Toledo Spain a Walkable City?

Yes, Toledo is absolutely a walkable city. Most of its town center is for pedestrians only which contributes to its charm. Therefore you don’t need a car in Toledo and I recommend taking the high-speed train from Madrid for your visit. That way you will also be inside Toledo’s beautiful train station which is one of the top things to do in Toledo, Spain.

What Should I Wear to Toledo, Spain?

Since Toledo is a walkable city that is best to explore on foot you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes . If you visit in summer as we did make sure to bring a reusable water bottle (there are free fountains with drinking water in the center to refill), sunblock , and a hat or cap.

Is Toledo, Spain worth visiting?

Yes , Toledo is absolutely worth visiting! There is so much to see in such a small area and it is super convenient to get here from Madrid. So if you are visiting Madrid doing a day trip to Toledo is a must-do in my opinion.

Plus, if you are traveling on a tight budget you can easily turn this list into a guide for free things to do in Toledo, Spain by skipping the entrance fees. We did so on our first visit to Toledo and didn’t miss out on the overall city experience.

Now you know all the Best Things to do in Toledo, Spain in One Day

That brings us to the end of our list of the top things to do in Toledo, Spain in one day. It is a really magical little city that is great for a day of exploring, especially if you are in Madrid.

We hope our list helps you to have a great trip. If it did or if there is anything you think that we should add let us know in the comments below!

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Hi, I am Allan, a travel, health and fitness fanatic from New Zealand. I'm a former lawyer who turned into a full-time nomad in 2020. For the last 4+ years I've been traveling the world. I'm always on a hunt for good food, activities on a budget and workouts on the go. I hope you find my tips helpful and get inspired to travel more!

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Travel Guide to Toledo, Spain - the City of Three Cultures

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Toledo, Spain’s former capital city, stands as a testament to the country’s storied past, a nation where cultures have converged throughout history. Perched majestically on the cliffs above the Río Tajo, this city, dubbed the ‘city of three cultures’ in its medieval heyday, is where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities all lived together and thrived.

Those cultures have left behind a historical core dense with architectural marvels, from horseshoe-arched mosques to Sephardic synagogues, and the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral. Toledo also lets you follow the threads of history even further back in time – both the Visigoths and Romans left behind architectural and cultural legacy here.

Beyond the architecture and history, Toledo is also a big hub for the famous Greek artist, El Greco. The painter’s haunting canvases have become synonymous with the city, and you’ll find his most famous artworks scattered throughout the city’s churches and museums.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this deep history coupled with the religious artworks of El Greco would give Toledo a bit of an austere and pious atmosphere – instead, it’s historical and artistic gravitas is offset by a generous sprinkling of innovative restaurants, chic hotels, and gastro-tapas bars that breath new life into the medieval streets.

As the former capital of Spain, Toledo remains the heart of the country. The multicultural heritage on show is unbeatable, and visiting lets you genuinely immerse yourself in Spain’s storied past.

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Table of Contents

Where is Toledo

How to get there

How long to spend

Things to see & do

24 hours in Toledo

The major reason to visit Toledo is the sheer amount of history and culture that you can experience here. As the 'city of three cultures,' there’s nowhere else in Spain where you can learn so much about the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populations who lived together peacefully in Toledo. All of these peoples and cultures have left behind a diverse array of landmarks, from gothic churches to mosques and synagogues.

This treasure trove of historical architecture is also what gives the city its unique ambiance. The fusion between medieval mystique and modern-day Spain is a major draw for tourists coming to the country, and Toledo does it like nowhere else.

The cobbled historic core is seemingly trapped in time, offering a look at the Spain of old, leading you between quiet plazas and secretive laneways, while around every corner lies another church spire, a mosque dome, or synagogal tiles. There’s a certain sense of wonder that a visit to Toledo brings with it, and all this can be found just a half hour from the buzzing capital, Madrid.  

Toledo is also famous for its Damascene metalwork, and you’ll be able to visit sword shops across the city and learn about how the metal was shaped into armor and weapons back in the day. Then there’s the city’s relationship with marzipan, which you’ll find dominate the sweet shops scattered throughout the city streets. And finally, Toledo is a hub of all things El Greco, the famous Greek painter who was a master of the Spanish Renaissance art movement.

Add it all up and you’ve got a beautiful city where you can easily garner an understanding of the different cultures that have influenced Spain throughout its history. And if that doesn’t interest you, the timeless atmosphere and stunning old town alone promise an unforgettable trip.

Where is Toledo?

On the map, Toledo is right in the middle of Spain, occupying a prominent position in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, and lying approximately 46 miles south of the country’s capital, Madrid.

Geographically, it sits atop a series of rugged cliffs overlooking the winding Río Tajo, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, made up of rolling plains and valleys interspersed with olive groves and vineyards.

Thanks to its proximity to Madrid, it has historically been one of the most popular day-trip destinations from the capital. There are high-speed rail connections that can deliver you into the city’s historic streets in a little over half an hour.

And while things can get quite busy during daylight hours, if you opt to stay overnight, as we recommend, the crowds will depart and you’ll really be able to soak up that tranquil, medieval atmosphere.

Connect with one of our Spain-based local experts for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!

How to get here

Arriving by train

Trains from Madrid’s Atocha station heading to Toledo leave every hour and the trip takes just over 30 minutes. The first train departs Madrid at around 6:30 AM and the last one leaves at 8:45 PM. Ticket prices are about €14.

Arriving by bus

Alternatively, buses offer a cost-effective way to travel, but take longer, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. As one of the most popular bus routes from Madrid, there’s a departure every 20 minutes or so, sometimes with several buses leaving at once.

Buses start as early as 6:00 AM with the last bus at 11:30 PM, and tickets cost €6. The station in Madrid, the Estacion Plaza Elíptica, is a bit out of the city center but can be easily reached by metro.

Driving from Madrid to Toledo takes about 50 minutes. The A-42 highway leads directly from the capital to Toledo and it’s just 45 miles. Do be aware though that driving doesn’t make sense if you’re going to be returning to Madrid (the train is much easier), but if you’re stopping in Toledo on your way somewhere else, then having the car is great.

Once in the city, the most convenient parking option is Alcázar Parking, located centrally and within walking distance of the main attractions.

If you plan on renting a car, I always check the following two websites for pricing:

DiscoverCars is an online aggregator that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. If you plan on renting a car, I always recommend checking prices on it as you can frequently find great deals.

RentalCars is very similar, although they tend to list mostly larger companies. It’s now owned by Booking.com, so is backed by a familiar and reputable brand. Their prices are good too.

How long to spend in Toledo

While Toledo has long been one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, with travelers often arriving around mid-morning and departing by early evening, I recommend spending a full day and staying overnight here . There’s a lot to see and do and the atmosphere of the city in the evening is truly magical.

Here’s what I’d suggest for your visit:

Start your morning off by touring the impressive Cathedral, and then go check out El Greco’s famous painting, which is housed inside the Iglesia de Santo Tomé. After, pay a visit to the Synagogue of El Tránsito.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, visit the Puente de San Martín, and marvel at Toledo’s imposing Alcázar.

As evening arrives and the crowds depart, just enjoy the atmosphere and get lost aimlessly wandering through the charming, winding streets of the city. Toledo at night is super atmospheric. Have dinner somewhere, and then head to a bar for a nightcap or just enjoy a quiet evening in this incredible city.

Where to stay in the city

For an overnight stay, a unique experience can be had at Medina Mudéjar Toledo , which has a beautiful set of Moorish baths to enjoy.

Otherwise, Hotel Carlos V Toledo is a good all-around choice: affordable, well-located, and with a good hotel restaurant.

Both hotels cost around $100 USD per night.

1-day Toledo itinerary

Assuming you’re coming here from Madrid, catch an early train or bus that will have you arriving into Toledo by no later than mid-morning.

The first stop on your visit has to be the Cathedral of Toledo, the city’s marvelous Gothic structure. Take a tour, admiring the ornate chapels inside and soaring ceiling above. Then, head over to the Iglesia de Santo Tomé to admire El Greco’s El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz.

When you’ve finished inside Iglesia de Santo Tomé, make your way back across the city to the Synagogue of El Tránsito to explore Toledo’s Jewish heritage.

Next, make your way down to the Puente de San Martín, where you’ll have great views of the city and the river, and can go for a nice stroll.

It should be approaching lunchtime by this point, so make your way back through the city center toward Cerveceria La Abadía, a great spot that serves Spanish classics as well as all the local specialties.

On the way there, stop off at the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, whose magnificent two-level cloister is a stunning example of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture.

After lunch, head up the hill to the Alcázar de Toledo, the city’s enormous hilltop fortification. Tour the fortress, which is now a military museum that will give you some insight into Spain’s turbulent and often violent passt.

As evening arrives, take a pre-dinner stroll through Toledo’s old town, enjoying the romantic lighting and incredible atmosphere that takes over the city after the sunsets. Most visitors will have already returned to Madrid for the day, so there’s a particular charm in exploring the ancient streets when they are lit up atmospherically and there are no crowds.

For dinner, the city’s most famous restaurant is Restaurante Adolfo, which does tasting menus paired expertly with local wines by their sommelier. For something less expensive, Bar La Malquerida does fantastic food right in front of the cathedral.

After dinner, head to a bar for some drinks (there are many great modern cocktail bars in the city) or just enjoy a quiet night in one of Spain’s must-visit destinations.

At Go Ask A Local we connect independent travelers with in-destination Local Experts for personalized travel planning that goes way beyond the highlights. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip and just want some expert advice on your plan or are looking for a fully tailor-made trip, our Local Experts can help you plan better!

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Named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, Toledo is an outstanding museum city whose rich heritage owes almost everything to the Jews, Muslims and Christians who lived there, working and observing their religion side by side.

Each and every one of the cultures and peoples who’ve passed through Toledo gave the city a present made up of a rich architectural and artistic heritage. The city walls , erected during the Roman era, were reconstructed and given their current appearance by the Arabs. Many gateways mark the route of the walls, but Puerta de la Bisagra, which leads into the historic town and bears the coat of arms of the Imperial City, is the only one to have kept its Medieval architecture.

Cristo de la Luz Mosque (tenth century)

It’s the only surviving mosque of its style from the nearly ten that originally existed in the city. It can be found just after going through Puerta de la Bisagra. The horseshoe arches extend in a way reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Córdoba.

El Tránsito Synagogue (fourteenth century)

The façade and beautiful plastered walls hide an interior with a rectangular floor plan, crowned by a lovely coffered ceiling. At present, the synagogue houses the Sephardic Museum.

Primada   Cathedral

The Cathedral was built in the Gothic style between 1226 and 1493 on the site of a Visigothic church erected during the reign of King Reccared. The sacristy contains a valuable collection of paintings by El Greco, Luca Giordano, Van Dyck and Goya. The side chapels are works of art in themselves: Nuevos Reyes, Santiago, the choir stalls in the Renaissance style, the Mozarabic chapel, the chapter house, etc.

El Greco House Museum

Although El Greco never actually lived in this house, the museum accommodates paintings by the master from Crete, such as The Tears of Saint Peter or Christ and the Apostles .

Located in the upper part of town, the present-day Alcázar was a fortress under the Romans, becoming a fortified palace – the first with a square floor plan – in the Christian era. Under King Charles I of Spain, it underwent significant renovation work. Each of its façades boasts a different style and dates back to a different period: the east façade is Medieval; the west one, Renaissance; the north façade has a Plateresque design; and the south one is Churrigueresque. The Alcázar was destroyed during the French invasion and in the Spanish Civil War, to be rehabilitated later. Now it is home of the Army Museum and military facilities.

Church of Santo Tomé

Inside, it houses an artistic gem: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” by El Greco.

Mirador del Valle

This viewing point offers magnificent panoramic views of the river Tajo and the city’s monuments. In fact, painters such as El Greco and Picasso tried to capture its beauty.

San Martín Bridge

This bridge dates back originally to the mid-14th Century, although it was later rebuilt. It was declared a National Monument in 1921 and it offers an unbeatable spot to enjoy the setting sun of an evening.

Embark on a fascinating journey through the history of Spain in a unique theme park in Toledo. 

Galiana Palace

Situated on the banks of the Tagus and with privileged views of Toledo. 

Caves of Hercules

They have a rich architectural history. In Roman times, a water reservoir was built here to supply the city.

Puerta de Bisagra

This gateway is of Muslim origin, and remains of this period can still be seen in the second interior section. It was completely rebuilt under the reigns of Charles V and Philip II, according to the designs of Alonso de Covarrubias.

Old documents describe Toletum in the fourth century BC as the capital of Roman Carpetania. The Alans and the Visigoths, of Iranian and Germanic descent, respectively, settled in the region after the Romans left. There began a period of political and religious splendour, followed by three centuries of decline during Muslim occupation. In 1085, King Alfonso VI ordered that this area, bathed by the river Tagus , be repopulated.

In the second half of the thirteenth century, Alfonso X the Wise turned the city into one of Europe’s major cultural hubs. During his reign, great books on philosophy and theology that had been stored in Islamic and Jewish libraries were recovered and translated at the renowned Toledo School of Translators. Around 12,000 Jews lived in Toledo in those years, where they built a considerable number of synagogues.

The Catholic Monarchs always showed a penchant for Toledo. In 1561, as the city could no longer accommodate so many official bodies, King Philip II moved the Royal Court to Madrid. Following the King’s decision, the city fell into oblivion. With the passing of time, however, the Catholic Church brought it back to life with the foundation of convents and other religious institutions.

The nineteenth century brought to Toledo Romantic artists and writers , considerable population growth, and the railway (1858). Over the second half of the twentieth century, there was another industrial boost and, in the 1980s, Toledo became the capital of the Region of Castile-La Mancha.

In Toledo , time and history go hand in hand with craftsmanship , as shown by swords , pottery and damascene ware. Sword and sabre manufacturing is aimed mainly at the tourist market segment, although orders are sometimes placed by armies from around the world.

‘Damascening’ refers to an Arabic decorative craft whereby gold or silver are inlaid into less noble but tougher materials (such as iron, bronze, steel, earthenware or porcelain). It’s used to make rings, bracelets, brooches, plates, etc. The city’s streets abound with workshops and outlets turned to small bazaars, their windows filled with black steel objects etched with gold.

Ceramics lovers should not miss a trip to Talavera de la Reina (Toledo), which has numerous workshops specialising in ceramics. These include the Talavera Ceramics Centre and Adeva Cerámicas Talavera .

The prestige of Toledo’s cuisine is reflected in popular sayings like ‘Cocinero y cochero, tómalos de Toledo’  (‘For your driver and your cook, in Toledo you should look’). There are references to it in Lope de Vega ’s play The Toledan Night , written during the Golden Age. Game is no doubt the key to local food, which also takes advantage of top-quality ingredients like olive oil, saffron and garden produce. Deer, wild boar, wood pigeon, turtledove, quail and, of course, red-legged partridge fill the plates of those ready to sample the most traditional dishes.

Also worthy of note are pisto manchego (fried vegetable hash) – made with the best veggies grown in Toledo’s gardens – and pote (peppers with eggs), two dishes that have their roots in La Mancha. However, just as the city itself is a compendium of the most variegated arts, its cuisine has successfully assimilated the Arab legacy in its desserts and pastries, marzipan being a traditional almond-based confection. Many sweets and jams originate in the city’s convents: pestiños (pastry made with flour, white wine, anise liqueur and sugar), ring-shaped rosquillas and square-shaped marquesitas (pastry with almonds, eggs and sugar). All these delicacies are usually washed down with a drop of locally produced wine: Méntrida, Yepes, Quintanar, Ocaña, and the like.

For those interested in purchasing some typical products, whether food or arts and crafts, visit La Catedral del Mazapán or the typical art store Damasquinados Julian Oliva CB.

One of the restaurants where you can find typical gastronomy of the area is the Adolfo Restaurant (Hombre de Palo, 7), belonging to the Adolfo Group, with great enthusiasm for the tradition of Spanish cuisine and which offers creative and La Mancha cuisine. Also recommended is the restaurant La Orza , which offers regional and traditional cuisine: La Cábala , where its 100% Iberian ham croquettes with torrezno popcorn stand out; or the local Iván Cerdeño , with dishes made with the best products from La Mancha.

Celebrated since the thirteenth century, the feast of Corpus Christi is the most important holiday in Toledo. Balconies get decorated with shawls, flowers and flags to revere the Monstrance of Arfe , which is carried through the streets. The procession walks along canopied alleyways, and the ground is strewn with rosemary and thyme. The parade includes big-heads and giants, Civil Guards, a processional cross, religious brethren with their banners, children who’ve just received their First Communion, clergymen, the Archbishop, local authorities and the town band.

• By car: Toledo is a 60-minute drive from Madrid if you take the A-42 motorway (former N-401 main road), and a 50-minute drive if you choose the AP-41 toll motorway .
• By bus: The journey from the Plaza Elíptica transport hub takes 70 minutes. (Bus company: ALSA .)
• By train: The AVE high-speed train from Atocha station arrives in Toledo in just 25 minutes.

For further information: Official Tourism Website Of Toledo

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Wandering toledo: making the most of a day trip from madrid.

Looking for Madrid day trip ideas? Imagine this: a comfy 2 hour high-speed train ride from Madrid, and before you know it, you're in Toledo, a historic city that's over 1,000 years old. 

The city itself is a beautiful mix of Jewish, Christian, and Moorish influences, and you can see it everywhere – even the train station has a cool Moorish vibe.

Toledo's perched on a hill, so prepare for amazing views! We walked from the station, and of course, we had to stop for a churro – a must-do in Spain. Then, we passed through the city gates and right into Toledo's ancient walls.

Sunshine and stunning views followed us the whole way. We even tried some delicious marzipan on Plaza de Zocodover, a local specialty that's way better than that sickly sweet stuff you might be thinking of if you are from the U.S. This marzipan was nutty and perfect for a chilly November day. 

Wandering through the winding alleys, we stumbled upon a statue of Don Quixote, a literary legend from Spain.  The whole town is full of little surprises, like a crest on a wall showcasing Toledo's history. 

We even saw a street named after Toledo, Ohio – turns out American city has some pretty impressive roots.

We got lost a few times (hey, that's part of the fun!), but the cathedral was always a great landmark to get our bearings straight.  

El Greco, the famous painter, called Toledo home, and although his house museum was closed the day we went, we still saw plenty of cool sights.  

Toledo has two major synagogues (Sinagoga El Transito and Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca), another reminder of the city's multicultural past.

We even saw some birds hanging out in a church statue – guess even they like a good view!  One thing that surprised us was finding a regular grocery store in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. It stuck out like a sore thumb!

By this point, all the hill walking in Toledo had made us ravenous. Luckily, we found a place called Bar La Cuesta where we got a three-course lunch with a whole bottle of wine for about 10 euros each – unbelievable!

The wind picked up a bit in the afternoon, but we decided to squeeze in one more walk before catching our train back to Madrid. We used some great itineraries we found online at go-toledo.com to plan our route.

Toledo's cobblestone streets are charming, but they're not exactly comfortable on your feet after a few miles!  

We saw some gorgeous Moorish architecture right next to a kid's tire swing – such a cool mix of old and new. 

Definitely make time to walk the city walls and check out the view from above.

We exited the city walls feeling satisfied after covering over 6.5 miles on foot.

If you're looking for a fascinating day trip from Madrid, Toledo is definitely the place to go! History, culture, delicious food, and amazing views – what more could you ask for?

Where to Next?

• Spend  3 days in Madrid  on a weekend city break with  one day in Segovia  by high speed train?
• Explore  Barcelona off the beaten path  with a visit to Poblenou and Poble-sec neighborhoods?
• Visit Costa Brava and experience  a day in Girona , alternative  things to do in Lloret de Mar , or a  Palafrugell festival ?
• Go on an off-the-beaten track road trip to  Merida's Roman ruins  and  Badajoz in Extremadura .
• Celebrate  Las Fallas in Valencia ?
• Take a relaxing break in the Balearic Islands with these  things to do in Palma de Mallorca ? 
• Spend a  day in Santander in winter ?
• Experience the  best of San Sebastian in a day  and a night?
• Head to the Canary Islands with a short sun holiday trip to  Lanzarote in January  and savor Lazarote food and wine?

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The 8 best places to visit in Spain in 2024

Feb 13, 2024 • 7 min read

From the Catalonian capital of Barcelona to the fascinating mix of cultures in Toledo, here are the best places to visit in Spain © Westend61 / Getty Images © Getty Images/Westend61

Coming second only to its northern neighbor as the most visited country in the world, Spain is packed with incredible places to visit and experiences to enjoy.

Sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, World Heritage cities, incredible cuisine, and multi-faceted culture – the only downside is not knowing where to begin with your must-see list. I've done all the hard work for you and gathered together my eight favorite places to visit in sensational Spain in 2024.

Best city for visiting world-class art museums 

The Spanish capital  is a lively city blessed with year-round clear blue skies draped over its vibrant barrios (neighborhoods) , architectural landmarks and famed art museums. There's even an ancient Egyptian temple, the Templo de Debod , right in Madrid's city center. 

Art aficionados could spend days exploring Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art," composed of three globally renowned museums , the Museo del Prado , Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza , which are home to some of the world's most valuable art collections. They are situated along Madrid's Paseo del Prado (Art Walk) , which has recently been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Planning tip:  Madrid has a vibrant street culture that loves its wine-soaked tapas crawls. Cava Baja in the historic La Latina neighborhood is lined with quaint little bars and taverns, making it one of the best streets in the city to join locals hopping from one bar to the next to sample a selection of Iberian hams, charcuterie and cheeses.

2. Barcelona

Best for modernist architecture

Straddling the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees mountains, the Catalonian capital is a visually stunning metropolis with avant-garde architecture, city beaches and a Gothic Quarter that stretches back over 2000 years.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without spending time at the Sagrada Família , the obra maestra of the illustrious Catalan architect and proponent of Modernism, Antoní Gaudí. His influence on the city is everywhere, and it's worth taking time to visit his other architectural jewels, the Casa Batlló , La Pedrera and Park Güell.

Another place where Gaudí has left his legacy is at the Plaça Reial , at the heart of the city's two millennia-old Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) . The public square is lit up by decorative street lamps that were Gaudí's first commissioned public work. This ancient neighborhood is also home to the majestic La Catedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which was built over two centuries from the 13th to the 15th centuries. At the border of the quarter is Mercat de la Boqueria , one of the oldest markets in Europe.

Planning tip: Have a lunchtime visit to Mercat de la Boqueria – it's when the unassuming places to eat, run by charismatic owners, start to open up.

3. San Sebastián

Best city for gourmet experiences

This alluring Basque coastal city in northern Spain is stunning, characterized by its belle epoque architecture, white-sand beaches that stretch for kilometers, and blue waters of the Bay of Biscay. On a clear day, stroll along the boulevard of La Concha beach to get a feel for the locals' sea-loving culture.

San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, has evolved from a traditional whaling town into a world-famous gastronomic capital. It has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe, and gastronomic delights await you around every corner.

Planning tip:  You don't need to have a Michelin-star budget to be able to enjoy San Sebastián's food culture. Head over to the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), particularly along 31 de Agosto Street. The streets here are lined with restaurants and bars offering dizzying rows of assorted pintxos  – literally translating as "spike." The name describes how these appetizers are presented with skewers or toothpicks for easy picking.

4. Balearic islands

Best for beaches and sapphire-colored waters

Anyone who's been to these outlying islands east of the Iberian Peninsula would recognize the "Balearic blues" — the distinct shades of blue that characterize these Mediterranean waters. This archipelago's four largest islands –  Ibiza , Mallorca , Menorca and Formentera – are blessed with countless beaches and calas  (coves) embraced by white sand coastlines and rugged cliffs.

Among these islands, Ibiza is the most famous one, mainly for its reputation as a 24/7 party destination. Yet Ibiza's clubbing culture is just a tiny slice of this spectacular island on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is fringed with sapphire-colored waters, filled with historic fortified towns, and has a wealth of hidden inlets and charming beachside restaurants and cafes. You can visit the ruins of the ancient Phoenician civilization at Sa Caleta and the Puig des Molins necropolis to get a glimpse of the ancient colonies that inhabited this island long before the clubbers discovered it. 

Best place for cultural sightseeing

The delights of  Seville are in the details – this charming Andalusian capital may give you the sensation of déjà vu, perhaps because its year-round sunny days, resplendent gardens and intricately carved palaces have made it a favored filming location for big productions from Star Wars to Game of Thrones . Its allure lies in its idiosyncratic mix – horse-drawn carriages, flamenco tablaos  (stages), colossal Gothic structures and Islamic stylistic details all blend to create this multi-layered dreamscape of a city.

Seville's rich cultural tapestry is the legacy of its long and varied history, once a Moorish capital, later the seat of the Castilian aristocracy, and then as the European gateway to the Americas after Columbus' journey in 1492. The unique juxtaposition of cultures could not be more apparent when visiting the Seville Cathedral , the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Columbus, and then just a few meters away, the Real Alcázar showcasing the splendor of Mudéjar architecture with Islamic, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Planning tip:  Want to experience a huge celebration? Time your visit for one of the city's great annual festivals , notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Best for layers of history

This 2000-year-old walled city occupies a significant place in Spain's history. It was the former capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, a Roman municipium, the seat of power of King Charles V, and the former capital of Spain until 1560 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Jewish, Christian and Islamic influences, Toledo has earned the nickname "The City of Three Cultures." Walk along its narrow cobblestone streets to glimpse the vestiges of this unique cultural melange — ancient Roman structures, Moorish architectural styles, the Catedral de Toledo , the El Tránsito Synagogue and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque .

Planning tip:  Head over to the Mirador del Valle for spectacular panoramic views and a picture-perfect photo of this historic city by the Tagus River.

Best city for Western Islamic architecture

Situated at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range is the postcard-perfect Andalusian city of Granada . It is home to the Alhambra palace complex and the ancient citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula which ruled until the 15th century. Meaning "the Red One," the Alhambra is a stunning architectural masterpiece merging Moorish and Christian decorative elements – it's impossible not to feel transported to a fantasy world with its intricately carved walls and archways, mirror-like pools and colorful mosaics. 

Planning tip:  Continue the visual feast at the Palacio de Generalife right by the Alhambra, a summer palace whose gardens and perfectly orchestrated fountains provided repose for the ancient Nasrid sultans.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Best city for spiritual tourism

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage, a tradition that stretches back over 1000 years. On any day of the week, you'll see pilgrims from all over the world paying their respects at the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela , the reputed burial place of St James the Apostle. 

Even non-pilgrims can relish the mystical beauty of this northern Spanish city with a distinct Celtic heritage. Its beating heart is the Plaza del Obradoiro , where the luxurious Hostal dos Reis Católicos  stands, believed to be the oldest hotel in the world that was once a hostel for pilgrims.

Planning tip:  Santiago has a rich gastronomic tradition highlighted by its excellent seafood, so be hungry when you visit the city's second most popular attraction after the Cathedral, the Mercado de Abastos food market.

This article was first published Aug 18, 2021 and updated Feb 13, 2024.

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