Last Updated on December 26, 2023
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The medieval city of Toledo is one of the best and easiest day tips from Madrid. In just 30 minutes you will be transformed from a big, metropolitan city to one that will take you back in time. Toledo, once the Spain’s capital, is a combination of castles, fortresses, ancient bridges and cobblestone streets. It’s no surprise the whole city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. The city is not big, very walkable and with enough things to do in Toledo, it’s the perfect day trip.
Toledo boasts 2000 years of history and is often referred to as the City of Three Cultures, due to a fact that Judaism, Christianity and Islam used to coexist there in peace and harmony for centuries. All three cultures are heavily reflected in the architecture of the city. You will find churches, synagogues, mosques and castles all in one little city of Toledo.
How to get to Toledo from Madrid
The easiest way to get to Toledo from Madrid is to take a train from the main station Puerta de Atocha. Renfe, the Spanish railway system, has about 16 daily trains going to Toledo. The journey takes 30 minutes and the round trip ticket costs €20+
Madrid to Toledo train schedule and fares
If you are not familiar with Atocha station in Madrid, allow extra time to find your way around and find the right platform. The train station is huge and can be a bit confusing, especially if it’s your first time traveling through it.
Once you arrive in Toledo, you can purchase a map of the city at the train station. The city center is located about the mile away, and it’s a nice, scenic walk, but quite hilly. You can always hop in the taxi to take you to the old town, there are plenty waiting by the train station.
Things to do in Toledo, Spain in one day
Puente de Alcantara
The ancient city of Toledo was built as a walled city and is surrounded by the Tagus river. Two Roman bridges serve as a gateway, and Puente de Alcantara is the one you see as you first arrive to Toledo. After a few minute walk from the train station, a stunning view of the bridge, the river and the historic city spreads in front of you.
If walking is how you choose to explore Toledo (which I highly recommend), Alcantara Bridge is how you will enter the old city. Once you cross the bridge, make sure to turn around and get a glimpse of Castillo of San Servando up on the hill.
Mirador del Valle in Toledo
Mirador del Valle was the reason I ended up in Toledo in the first place. While on the train from Sevilla to Madrid I started researching what I can see in Spain’s capital in one day. I came across an article listing best day trips from Madrid, and a picture of Mirador del Valle flashed somewhere and I knew I had to see it with my own eyes.
All I can say is the view did not disappoint and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Toledo, Spain, no matter how long or short your visit is.
How to get to Mirador del Valle
Mirador del Valle is located about 1.5 miles from the Toledo train station. There are a few ways you can get there:
- walk – it’s not a very long walk, but very hilly at times. You will be rewarded with some amazing views along the way. When you arrive in Toledo, take a right from the train station, and follow the main street. It took me about 40 minutes to get there.
- taxi – if walking is out of the question, there are always taxis waiting outside of the train station.
- Hop On Hop Off Bus – this is a great option if you are short on time, yet still want to see all the major sites in Toledo. The ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the 10 stops, Mirador del Valle being one them.
Puente de San Martin
When you are done taking in the stunning views from Mirador del Valle, keep walking for another 2 miles to get to Puente de San Martin, a medieval bridge across river Tagus. The Roman bridge built in 1200s is one of the two bridges in Toledo, that served as a gateway to this walled city.
Plaza de Zocodover
Plaza de Zocodover is a lively plaza in Toledo with a pretty dark past. Back in the day, it had its share of not so great events like public persecutions and bull fighting. After the original square got destroyed in the fire in 1589, the new one built is now a much happier place filled with cafes, markets and vendors.
One thing you quickly notice is the number of marzipan stores in Toledo. Supposedly, the sweet almond paste was invented by nuns at the Convent of St Clemente.
Visit Alcazar
Sitting way up on the hill overlooking the city is the Alcazar fortress. Once a Roman palace, that got severely destroyed during the Civil War. Now the rebuilt huge complex serves as a military museum. If you appreciate the military history and have an interest in exhibitions of guns, this will be one of the interesting things to do in Toledo, Spain.
Even if you are not into military history, it’s still worth a visit for the great views. Alcazar sits on the highest point in Toledo, so the views are spectacular.
Opening times: Alcazar is open from Tuesday – Sunday ( closed on Mondays ) 10 am – 4.30 pm
Entrance fee: € 5
Enjoy a drink with a view
In a city as hilly as Toledo is, you are guaranteed some amazing view points. At the end of my day of sightseeing, ready for a cold glass of Sangria, I stumbled upon Terraza del Miradero restaurant, that happened to have incredible views of the city below.
Toledo Guided tours
Visiting Toledo is very easy to do on your own, but if you prefer a more guided experience, there are several great Toledo tours to take. You can still take the train from Madrid, but explore Toledo with a knowledgeable guide.
And if you decide, that taking the train on your own is too much hassle, this small group tour from Madrid is an excellent choice. It combines a trip to Toledo with a visit to the nearby town of Segovia. In both towns you get to visit all the top attractions with a guide, but also get some free time to explore on your own.
READ MORE:
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