A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid
Few people know that Madrid, Spain´s capital, is one of the few places in the world (or maybe the only one) with 5 UNESCO sites around 1 hour´s drive away. Out of them, the one that gets the most visitors is Toledo. It’s easy to do a Toledo from Madrid day trip.
Toledo is a city of many stories and history and is also the ancient capital of Spain. It’s located south of Madrid. Since the times of the Celts and Romans, Toledo has been an important cultural centre for over two thousand years.
The city is known for its vibrant culture and world-class attractions such as the Cathedral of Toledo (one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe) and El Greco House Museum. The old town is like a living museum – you’ll find yourself immersed in the architecture and culture that have been preserved since antiquity.
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Where is Toledo?
If you’re staying for at least two days in Madrid, then I definitely recommend taking this easy day trip.
Toledo is just a short one hour drive from the bustling noise of Madrid. The old capital of Spain is located 72 kilometres south of Madrid and it can easily be reached by train from Atocha station.
For those arriving by car, the majestic silhouette of this medieval gem suddenly appears. The inspiring beauty of Toledo from the outside is nothing but an indication of what we will find inside.
How to Do a Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid?
There are several ways to get from Madrid to Toledo – frequent trains that take about an hour or two depending on when you leave. You can also choose to rent a car or hire a private driver if you’re looking for more flexibility in your itinerary.
Getting to Toledo By Car
The Motorway A-42 is a good way to get to Toledo. It will take you a bit less than 1 hour. The main problem with the car is however parking in Toledo.
There are 4 good parking places inside the old city, however, they are expensive if you stay a few hours. In any case, if you opt for the car, rent it at Atocha station in Madrid and from there you will access the A-42 in a few minutes.
Getting to Toledo by Train
There are 2 types of trains that get to Toledo. We recommend opting for the high-speed train that will take you from Atocha to Toledo in just 30 minutes.
The train station at Toledo is not too far from the city centre, but it is not close either. A 20 minutes walk will get you to Plaza de Zocodover.
Organised Madrid to Toledo Tour
There are many day and half-day tours that depart from Madrid daily. Most of them are large bus tours but you will also find small group tours and private tours to Toledo from Spain´s capital.
Large group tours are affordable but probably not the best experience. If you join one we would recommend not to purchase a lunch option.
What to see in Toledo – 8 top highlights
If you’re looking for one of the best Medieval tourist places of Spain, Toledo will tick all the boxes; city walls, cobblestoned alleyways, and ancient gateways.
There’s a lot to see in this stunning city; however, if you only have one day in Toledo, then stick to the highlights.
Here are the top 8 things you should see in Toledo.
If you’re visiting during the winter season and looking for things to do in Madrid in December, then Toledo becomes an enchanting winter wonderland, with lights and pop-up market stalls.
The Catedral Primada
This is Spain´s “primada” cathedral or the head of cathedrals to put it in other words. It is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture, the second largest cathedral in Spain (after the cathedral of Seville) and a truly remarkable visit.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office outside the main entrance. The museum inside the cathedral has an impressive collection and it is by itself a top attraction in Toledo.
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes was built following the order from Isabella and Fernando, the Catholic Kings. This explains the name of the monastery which translates to Monastery of San Juan of the Kings.
San Juan de los Reyes was built in the Gothic-Renaissance style and it is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain.
Synagogue El Transito
Toledo is named the City of 3 Cultures because Catholics, Muslims and Jews lived at the same time in Toledo for long periods of time. Although it wasn’t always peaceful, all three cultures have left their mark on the city.
Two synagogues can be visited. Our favourite is the one of El Transito. This synagogue was the vision and work of Samuel Ha-Levi, an important character in Toledo´s history. He was the Royal Treasurer and received permission from King Pedro I to build the Synagogue. The Synagogue of El Transito serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that anything is possible if faith remains and differences are put aside.
Enjoy El Greco
The famous Spanish painter (born in Greece) made Toledo his home. The best places to enjoy his paintings are the Greco Museum and the Church of Santo Tomé.
This church is a good example of Mudejar architecture and inside its walls get ready to enjoy the greatest masterpiece by el Greco – “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”. The burial had taken place two centuries prior to El Greco´s painting and his painting is a total feast for the eyes.
Wander the Juderia district
Make sure to spend plenty of time wandering about and getting lost in the ancient winding streets of the Juderia district. Some pretty streets you should not miss are Nuncio Viejo, Cobertizo de San Andres and Cuesta de la Ciudad.
Enjoy the city views
There are several places to admire Toledo from. One of the best views of the city is from the other side of the Tagus River.
The best views of Toledo can be enjoyed from the viewpoint near the restaurant La Ermita. This is also a popular place to eat. The food is highly rated, although it does get busy, and you pay a premium for the views.
Try local food
Although Toledo isn’t quite as famous for its food compared to Segovia – another top day trip from Madrid, there are some great places where you will be able to enjoy Manchego food (and we’re not just talking about the famous Manchego cheese!
Try out Alfileritos 24 or the tavern La Sucursal de Botero for an authentic local flavour.
Souvenir Shopping
There are three iconic things to buy in Toledo: Marzipan (Santo Tome is the most famous place to buy quality marzipan), damascene-decorated ornaments and swords.
Swords from Toledo were famous in the middle ages and not long ago Toledo warehouses were in charge of producing all the swords for the Lord of the Rings Saga. If you’re a fan of the movies, then you’ll be able to find top replicas here!
If you have more than a day in Toledo
If you’re able to spend more time, than just a day trip to Toledo, where there are loads of other things to see. There are great inexpensive hotels in the city centre.
If you are interested in medieval art then I suggest dedicating at least two days in Toledo to really enjoy it.
If you enjoy military history you should also pay a visit to the Alcazar. This enormous building has been transformed into Spain´s largest military museum and you can discover the interesting and sometimes turbulent history of Spain.
Other Road Trips from Madrid
We’ve already mentioned why Toledo is such an amazing place. If you’re a fan of UNESCO cities, then check out these other great Madrid road trips to add to your Spain itinerary.
- Avila – with its fascinating medieval walls
- Segovia – with its Roman aqueduct
- El Escorial – for the monastery where Spanish Kings are buried (with one exception at the palace of La Granja near Segovia)
- Aranjuez – with its Royal palace and gardens