Toledo Sightseeing: Day Trip from Madrid Spain

Toledo is Spain’s former capital city. It presents a rich mix of Jewish, Moorish and Christian heritages. The best part is the old charm is maintained and no new high rise building is permitted. As it is on a hilltop, the terrain is a bit uneven throughout the old town of Toledo. Do wear good walking shoes to explore the Toledo sights.

Toledo was included in UNESCO World heritage list in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage. There are plenty of free sights to see which will take up most part of the day. You can study and choose the paid sights that you wish to see and spend the remaining time walking around.

Check this: 16 Exciting Europe Day Trips by Road

Toledo-cityscape-day trip from Madrid Spain

Is Toledo worth visiting?

While I sat preparing the itinerary of Spain and Portugal vacation, I was cautiously choosing the destinations of central Spain so that we don’t rush through the tourist attractions. We had the option of staying in Toledo and then visit Madrid or halt in Madrid and make a day trip to Toledo. I finally settled for the second option.

Are you planning to visit Toledo? Are you unsure whether to add Toledo to Spain itinerary? I have you covered in the following few lines why Toledo is worth visiting. Some of the things that make Toledo special include:

  • First and foremost is its stunning location! Toledo is located on a hilltop overlooking the Rio Tajo, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The well-preserved medieval architecture, its impressive stone buildings dotting the narrow, winding streets of Toledo old town is bound to hold your attention.
  • Rich cultural heritage in the art and architecture of Toledo reflects its long and varied history that spans the Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish times. Toledo has a rich artistic heritage, with a long tradition of metalworking and sword making.
  • Spiritually inclined tourist will find numerous historic churches, cathedrals, and synagogues in Toledo.
  • Impressive fortifications, especially its ancient city walls and the Alcázar, a magnificent castle is a must visit.
  • The city is home to museums and art galleries too. Worth mentioning is the Museum of Santa Cruz, which houses a collection of art and artefacts related to the city’s history and culture.

Best things to do in Toledo

Explore the historic center of Toledo

Take a leisurely stroll through the old parts of Toledo. The historic center of Toledo is a compact and picturesque area that is easy to explore on foot. It is possible to see the main sights and attractions in this area in just a few hours. Here are the main things to see in Toledo –

Cathedral of Toledo

(Paid Sight) This one is so huge, so grand, so spectacular and worth a visit in spite of its high ticket prices. (In Spain almost all cathedral had entry tickets unlike in Portugal and Greece.) Even 2 hours wouldn’t suffice to take a complete satisfactory tour of the cathedral; it is a forest of lofty pillars inside.

The ticket counter is across the road of its south entrance, Calle Cardenal Cisneros. They do give audio guides, you need to leave your ID doc with them. Maps are provided and the combination of map and audio guide makes an excellent self guided tour possible.

If figures impress you, the cathedral is 120m in length, 59m in width and 45m in height! It took a couple of centuries to build it. High Altar with its celebration of Mary’s Assumption is bound to daze you!

Other noteworthy sights are: Choir, Chapter House, Chapel of New Kings, Cloister. There is more! Definitely one of the must see Toledo sights!

Tickets to Cathedral of Toledo

Tickets: 8euros, 11euros for trip up the bell tower. Open: Mon to Sat 10.00AM to 18.30. Sunday – 14.00 to 18.30. And yes, photography without flash is allowed.

must see toledo sights cathedral

Toledo - cathedral facade - day trip from Madrid

San Juan de los Reyes Monastery

(Paid Sight) This is a grand Franciscan Monastery which is a church too. It was built in 15th century by Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel. The exteriors are stunning as much as the interiors.

Notice the chains in the facade? The story behind those is that Moors used these to chain Christians in Granada till 1492. After freedom from Moors they brought these chains to church making them a symbol of faith!

The interiors kind of reflect what a superpower Spain was in the 15th centuries. The cloister with its small garden is grand. Innumerable sculpted figures with animal and plant motifs, the inner arches that straddle the upper cloister adorned with 2 lions on each, the walk around is worth it.

Tickets: 2.80 Euros per person, some concession for group tours.
Timings: 10am to 5.45pm in winters and 10am to 6.45pm in summers. Open all days of week and year, except Dec 25 and Jan 1st.

sanjuandelosreyes_cadenas chains in the facade

Mosque of Christ of the Light, Toledo

(Paid Sight) This is a unique combination of Roman, Arab and Christian history. A church now, was a mosque of the Moors who ruled, built on the remains of a church of Roman era!

Any history lover’s must visit site in Toledo. The highlight of this monument is that it is pretty much in the same state when it was built. The approach is difficult and is through several lanes going up and down. But then this is last of the mosque of the Moors who ruled here. The geometry, the patterns, the designs on domes all faded, yet definitely worth a capture before they fade away further.

Tickets cost 2.50 euros per person, Open: 10.00 to 14.00 and 15.30 to 18.40 – Monday to Friday. 10.00 to 17.45 on Saturday and Sunday.

Toledo-moors-church

Toledo-church-interiors

Santa Cruz Museum

(Paid Sight) If you have time to visit just one museum in Toledo, Santa Cruz Museum would be an ideal choice. This is ranked among the best museums of Spain. This museum displays around 15 works of the most reputed painter El Greco of Toledo.

The building has a unique history of being an orphanage and hospital. It was made in 16th century and the façade is exquisitely sculpted. The exteriors also bear the bullet scars of Spanish civil wars. The cloisters, archway and staircase all are worth observing.

The precious and valuable exhibits are on the upper floor, some good mosaics too. Ground floor has temporary exhibits.

Tickets cost 6 euros. Open: Monday to Saturday – 10.00 to 19.00 hrs. Sunday: 10 to 14.30hrs.

The facade of the museum of Santa Cruz – must see Toledo sights

Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal

Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal is a church where prayers are offered even today. Include this in list of must see Toledo sights. This church has retained the characteristics of a mosque. The site where it stands now earlier had a mosque and a church.

This church was built in 1245-48 and is named after Saint James (Santiago) of the outskirts (Arrabal). It is the exteriors of this church that is more interesting compared to its interiors.

Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal seemed to be made of just bricks and has unusual cylindrical shape. It is located in the outer periphery of town of Toledo near the town walls.

must see toledo sights day trip from Madrid spain

must see toledo sights gate

Interesting things to do in Toledo Spain

After exploring the historic center if you have time enough you can consider doing the following –

Take a river cruise: The city is located on the Rio Tajo, and a river cruise is a great way to experience the city from a different perspective and admire the scenic sights around. Take the boat cruise with guide on board.

Walk across the San Martin Bridge over the river Tage. It is a medieval pedestrian bridge (one of the towers was anyway rebuild in 16th century). You can also have a wonderful view of old town standing on the bridge.

Shop for souvenirs: Toledo is famous for its traditional crafts, including its metalwork and sword-making traditions. There are many shops in the city that sell handmade products and local souvenirs.

Where to Eat in Toledo Spain

Try local cuisine: Toledo is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there are many excellent restaurants and cafes in the city that serve traditional Spanish dishes and local specialties.

Tables are set up in front of the restaurants, and at the peak hour you will find them all filled up. For lunch we ordered for the traditional food of Spain – yes you guessed it right – Paella!

Traditional Food of Spain Paella

Traditional Foods of Toledo Spain – Paella

What to eat in Toledo

Here are some of the must-try dishes and local specialties:

Marzipan, a sweet confection made from almond paste and sugar. It is often molded into various shapes and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, including fruit, chocolate, and liqueur.

Gazpacho Manchego, a traditional cold soup that originates from the region of La Mancha, made with a mixture of tomatoes, bread, peppers, cucumber, and garlic. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer day.

Huevos a la flamenca – This dish is a traditional omelette made with eggs, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served as a main course.

Migas – This is a traditional dish made with fried bread crumbs, which are mixed with garlic, paprika, and other seasonings. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course with meat or fish.

Pato a la Toba – This is a traditional dish made with duck and is a specialty of the city of Toledo. The duck is slow-cooked with red wine, garlic, and paprika, and is served with a variety of vegetables and potatoes.

Queso Manchego – This is a sheep’s milk cheese that is produced in the region of La Mancha, which includes Toledo. It is a tangy and flavorful cheese that is often served as a snack or as part of a cheese platter.

Queso Manchego

Queso Manchego

Best places to stay in Toledo

No matter what your budget or travel style, you are sure to find a place that is perfect for you in this historic and beautiful city. The other option is to stay in Madrid and make a day trip to Toledo. Here are some suggestions for where to stay in Toledo.

There are many charming hotels and guesthouses located in historic center of Toledo that offer easy access to the city’s main sights and attractions.

You can stay near the Alcázar. There are several hotels and guesthouses located near the Alcázar that offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Love riverside accommodations?  Toledo is located on the Rio Tajo, and there are several hotels and guesthouses located along the river that offer beautiful views and easy access to the city’s main sights and attractions.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several upscale luxury hotels that offer a range of luxury amenities, like swimming pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants.

For budget travelers, there are several budget-friendly hotels and hostels that offer basic but comfortable accommodation.

Tips for Toledo Trip

  • Toledo is a popular day trip destination from Madrid
  • After the walking tour I felt it would be ideal if you can spend more than a day in Toledo.
  • A bull ring in Toledo that is still used for bullfighting. If you believe in responsible tourism do not encourage the event by visiting the Toledo bullring.
  • Pet owners have to be extra careful about leaving the place clean else attract a fat fine.
  • Tap water is drinkable.

Where is Toledo located?

Toledo city is located in central Spain 70 km southwest of Madrid. The city is included in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. Toledo flourished on a hill overlooking the Rio Tajo for centuries. It is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain and attracts visitors from all over the world.

How to reach Toledo?

Reaching Toledo is easy and convenient. The city is well-connected to the rest of Spain. Here are some of the travel options to suit different budgets and travel styles.

Reach by train – Toledo is connected by train to several major cities in Spain, including Madrid, which is just a 40-minute train ride away. Take trains that run regularly from Madrid’s Chamartín Station. There are direct trains from other Spanish cities too.

Take a Bus – Regular bus services connect Toledo to other cities in the region, including Madrid.

We had the car – Toledo is located just off the A-42 motorway, which connects the city to Madrid and other cities in the region. The drive from Madrid takes about an hour.

If you do not wish to take any of the above, take organized tour that will take care of your transportation. Guided tours are a convenient and easy way to visit the city.

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Must See Sights of Toledo Unesco site Spain

Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.

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43 Responses to “Toledo Sightseeing: Day Trip from Madrid Spain

  • I love Spain and I’ve wanted to visit Toledo for ages, especially for the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, which reminds me a lot of some places in Lisbon architecturally. The Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal is just stunning, and it’s clear there were blue skies all around when you visited! I’ll definitelly use this to plan my visit.

  • I’ve been to Toledo once and I didn’t get to see any of the must sees on your list — I’m so sad about that! My kids were choosing what we did, so we went to see Lladro figurines, buy a souvenir dagger, eat doner kebabs, and visit the torture museum. I think I’m the only one who really likes to see churches! I did enjoy your photos, though.

  • The chains sure are an interesting piece! Since I live in Canada I love getting to see these centuries old architecture since there is nothing like it here! The worst part is when it is so grand you can’t fit it all in the photo! Thanks for the tips on places to visit!

  • Love all of the architecture of the buildings. I especially love the museum with the statues on the walls. Beautiful. So great that the prices aren’t crazy expensive.

  • Toledo is such a beautiful historical city to visit. I’ve not been since before I met my husband, your post reminds me I ought to plan a return visit for him to enjoy it too! I still remember the awe I felt at the cathedral and I visited nearly 30 years ago! I also loved the architecture of the Santiago del Arrabal.

  • An awesome way to discover a city I always think. Not used to paying an entry fee mind you, museums in Scotland are usually free but id happily pay to see some of these.

  • Great summary of Toledo highlights. I have been there once before and it was a very crowded Sunday so I could not much connect with the city. I however remember really liking its beautiful train station and the colorful windows surrounding it.

  • Chris Bloomfield
    6 years ago

    The Cathedral of Toledo looks amazing. I love how the Mosque of Christ of the Light was a mosque built on a Roman church. So much history and beautiful architecture to see in Toledo.

  • We went to Spain last year and loved it! Didn’t make it to Toledo though but it’s cool to learn it’s the old capital. The architecture of the old buildings, churches, and mosques there is exquisite! Sounds like you enjoyed it there.

  • This is one city with a Moorish past in Spain that we have not visited. I love the Moorish architecture you find everywhere. The Santa Cruz Museum looks beautiful.

  • Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal looks really interesting. That is not to say that the other sites dont. They are just amazing. Would love to spend a week here, exploring all these in detail.

  • Nice! I’ve never been in Spain but hopefully next year! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Toledo <3

  • I love all that architecture. So many different styles and meanings! It’s fantastic that they are keeping it well preserved and away from the impact of modern design.

  • The place is a unique blend of Jewish, Moorish and Christian cultures. The sights are a testimony to this unique and seamless integration of these cultures.

  • Fantastic architecture here! I love the tidbits of history in this post. The chains are such a disturbing story, but so much of history is!

  • There are some great sights to see here. I cannot choose the best among the list. I would love to see all the places. I am particularly in awe of the amazing sculptures in Spain. would love to see them some day for myself.

  • I love that no high rise buildings are permitted! Singapore is so different, skyscrapers and flats everywhere. It makes a great skyline but sometimes I miss the charm of old buildings. Would love to visit Toledo soon!

  • Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to add these to my list the next time I visit Spain.

  • Stunning photographs and pretty informative post. Wish we can visit Spain someday. 🙂 🙂

    • Indrani Ghose
      8 years ago

      Best wishes to you for a visit there! 🙂

  • Toledo is one of my favorite places in the world. There are so many places to see that I think you need like three days to see everything. I would add a visit to the Alcazar and to Santa Maria la Blanca.

    • Indrani Ghose
      8 years ago

      Yes Ruth I agree those two places too are worth including in the list.

  • the architecture looks marvelous. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

  • I love the architecture and design of the Mosque of Christ of the Light. Unlike anything I’ve seen before!

  • Fabulous architecture! Love your Spain posts Indrani 🙂

  • Hello, beautiful tour of the city. Have a happy day and week ahead!

  • Amazing place,
    Nice post and Awesome pics.

  • Visited your blog after a long time. Nice to know about such a charming European country! Glad to know that they didn’t spoil the old charm by building new high-rise buildings.

  • Beautiful shots of the city.

  • Deeshani
    8 years ago

    Every time I come here I always get amazed by such stunning pictures. 🙂

  • Another destination found! Thanks.

  • Hey, how did those flip flops get in there?

    • Indrani Ghose
      8 years ago

      Ha ha Souvenirs… how can I miss them! 🙂

  • A wonderful post with stunning pictures.

  • Maniparna Sengupta Majumder
    8 years ago

    Great pictures, Indrani…I just loved the last one!!! 😀 😀

  • Toledo is a heritage lover’s paradise…amazing. Those chains outside the monastery are just so intriguing. Lovely post

  • Wow! those are some grand buildings, the cathedral is mesmerizing

  • Awesome pictures nicely captured

  • Santa Cruz Museum looks awesome. Old charm is maintained here. That is very nice

  • Superb architecture very beautifully captured by you 🙂

  • Great architecture amazingly captured. Kudos, Indrani 🙂

  • Yogi Saraswat
    8 years ago

    Pictures of European structure always attracts me . They have best building structure all over the world, no doubt !!

  • The church-mosque looks so alluring!

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