Things to Do in Toledo 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

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.

San Juan de los Reyes Monastery

(Paid Sight) This is a grand Franciscan Monastery which is a church too. It was built in 15^th 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 15^th 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.

Mosque of Christ of the Light

(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.

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 16^th 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.

Unique Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

After exploring the historic centre of Toledo, if you have extra time, there are some unique things to do in Toledo, Spain that offer a different perspective of this incredible city.

1. Take a River Cruise on the Tajo
   • Toledo is situated along the scenic Rio Tajo, and taking a river cruise is one of the more relaxing things to do in Toledo. I wish I had the time to take the cruise to admire the city’s medieval architecture and natural beauty from a completely different vantage point. I had read about the ones with a guide on board who talk about the city’s rich history as you sail along.
2. Walk Across the San Martín Bridge
   • Spanning the Tajo River, the San Martín Bridge is a medieval pedestrian bridge that offers breathtaking views of Toledo’s old town. While one of the towers was rebuilt in the 16th century, the bridge still retains its medieval charm. Walking across it is one of the free things to do in Toledo, especially if you’re interested in historical structures combined with picturesque scenery.
3. Shop for Unique Toledo Souvenirs
   • When it comes to things to do in Toledo, Spain, shopping for traditional crafts is a must. Toledo is renowned for its metalwork and sword-making traditions. Walking into couple of local stores I found intricately designed Damascene metalwork and authentic Toledo swords, but I hesitated purchasing them fearing it would not get through the security check in airport. I saw some makeshift shops selling unique door knockers.

Where to Eat in Toledo, Spain: A Must-Do Experience

When it comes to things to do in Toledo, Spain, trying the local cuisine should be high on your list. Toledo is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes throughout the city offering traditional Spanish dishes and local specialties. Many eateries set up tables outside, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the charming views of the historic streets.

For lunch, we indulged in one of Spain’s most iconic dishes – Paella! It’s a must-try when visiting, and Toledo offers plenty of spots to enjoy this hearty dish.

Here are some restaurants with great Google ratings to help you experience the best of Toledo’s culinary scene:

Restaurant near Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Restaurante La Fábrica de Harinas – rating 4.5
Has outdoor seating · Has Wi-Fi · Has kids’ menu.
Located in: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes
Address:C. de los Reyes Católicos, 5, 45002 Toledo, Spain

Restaurant near Alcazar

Street & Soul • Vegano (100% Vegetariano) • Restaurante en Toledo
Vegan restaurant with rating – 4.8
Informal vegan restaurant whipping up local & global street foods, plus wine & craft beer. Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi · Has kids’ menu
Address:Cta. Mona, 1, 45001 Toledo, Spain

Restaurant close to Catedral de Santa Maria

Taberna el Botero with Google rating 4.6
Cocktails & elegantly plated meat & fish dishes to share, served in mellow rooms hung with art. Serves great cocktails.
Address:C. de la Ciudad, 5, 45002 Toledo, Spain

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

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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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.