Making The Most Of A Day Trip To Toledo Spain
Plan the perfect day trip to Toledo, Spain with our top tips to make the most of every moment.
Toledo is known as the “City of the Three Cultures” due to the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews it has had throughout its history.
Located on the inner bend of the river Tagus, Toledo is possibly the easiest and most spectacular day trip from Madrid Spain.
Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage.
Toledo has a vast history dating back to the Roman Empire.
It has been conquered by the Muslims, the Visigoths and the Christians.
It also held a large population of Jews during the 12-th and 13-th century.
With so many things to see visiting Toledo for only one day can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry – these recommendations will help you plan your day trip, so you can make the most of your time and fully enjoy the breathtaking city of Toledo.
Getting to Toledo
One of the things that make Toledo a great day trip when you’re visiting Madrid is the ease with which you can reach the city.
By Train
The fastest way to get to Toledo is on the AVE service from Madrid to Toledo.
With service every hour and a trip duration of a little over half an hour the train is the easiest and fastest way to reach Toledo.
You’ll leave Madrid’s Atocha Station and arrive directly at Toledo Station. The cost for a ticket is around $10 USD and you can purchase it at the station.
Driving
As an alternative, you can drive from Madrid to Toledo.
Head south from Madrid to Toledo on A-42 which will take you into Toledo.
Driving will take around an hour depending on traffic and where in Madrid you start your journey.
It can cost between $14-20 USD in gas to reach and return from Toledo.
Once you reach Toledo, park in one of the designated areas outside the old city, leave your car and start walking.
By Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus ALSA leaves Madrid Estacion de Plaza Eliptica every half hour.
The trip takes approximately 50 min to Toledo Bus Station and costs $5-9 USD.
If you prefer an organized tour there are many alternatives from Madrid.
Getting around in Toledo
Getting from the train or the bus station to the old city is an uphill hike.
You can of course walk up to the city or you can choose to take a “hop-on hop-off bus” and enjoy several important stops along the way.
Take the local bus to a stop inside the city or hire a taxi to leave you at Puerta Nueva de Bisagra or near Plaza de Zodocover.
Once you enter the old city walls the best way to explore the small roads is on foot.
What to See in Toledo
Toledo Station
If you arrive by train your very first highlight is the Station building itself.
This Property of Cultural Interest was designed by architect Narciso Claveria y de Palacios in the Neo-Mudéjar style.
The station was designed to reflect the historic architecture of the city.
One of its most attractive features is the clock tower, which imitates the style of Toledo church towers.
The station opened in 1919 and was remodeled in 2005 for the introduction of the AVE or fast train.
Before you leave the station take the time to appreciate the intricate woodwork, the tiled floors and the stunning glass windows.
Then move outside and walk away from the building to take in the grandeur of the stunning façade of this station.
Puente de Alcantara
The buses taking you from the train station to the city will make a stop at Mirador de Alcantara.
Here you can descend and admire the stunning view of the city across the river Tagus with the Puente de Alcantara.
You can reach this mirador on foot by taking Paseo de la Rosa.
If you’re on foot you can cross the river by this bridge and start your exploration of Toledo by crossing through Puerta de Alcantara.
As an alternative get back on the bus and ride to Puerta Nueva de Bisagra.
Puerta Nueva de Bisagra
This is the best known city gate of the city of Toledo.
Of Moorish origin, its new construction was completed in 1559 and it became the main entrance to the city of Toledo.
This is a must-do during your visit to the city.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Toledo
If you visit only one church in the city it has to be the Toledo Cathedral, Santa Maria de Toledo.
Built in the 13-th century in the High Gothic style, it is considered by many the pinnacle of Gothic architecture in Spain.
The cathedral inside is spectacular.
Built of white limestone it has a breathtaking retable at the altar of wood with gilding and punchwork as well as filigree.
Another must-see inside the cathedral is the “reja” ironwork dividing the altar from the common nave and do not miss el Transparente.
El Transparente is one of the most outstanding features of the Cathedral.
A Baroque altarpiece whose name refers to the unique illumination provided by a large skylight cut very high up into the thick wall across the hall behind the high altar.
Just as important, make sure you explore the outside from all sides.
The towers, the gates, the portals are stunning and enduring examples of the diverse architecture the cathedral suffered during centuries of additions and growth.
The Cathedral is one of the highlights of this city, it can take a good two to three hours to properly visit this church.
We highly recommend you buy tickets in advance on the Cathedral website or join a tour.
If you want to truly understand the history and details of the cathedral we recommend you take a tour.
The Cathedral is a must-do during your day trip to Toledo Spain.
Museo Del Greco
If you enjoy art, especially of the 17-th century you’ll enjoy a visit to the Museo del Greco.
This small art museum has many good art pieces by El Greco and some of his contemporaries.
For information related to the museum and current exhibits visit Museo Del Greco website.
Iglesia de Santo Tome
As you can guess by now the city of Toledo is full of paintings by El Greco.
Another famous painting can be found in Iglesia de Santo Tome near Plaza del Conde
The Burial of The Count of Orgaz is special because it is a depiction of the burial of the former mayor of Toledo.
You’ll find this famous painting over the buried remains of the Count inside the church of Santo Tome.
Las Juderias
A wonderful area to visit and get lost in is the Jewish Quarter or Las Juderias.
This historic neighborhood is where the Jewish community lived during the Middle Ages.
It became the most populous and prosperous Jewish community of the Kingdom of Castile in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Be sure to stop in at least one of the synagogues, Santa Maria la Blanca is our recommendation if you only have time to visit one.
Plaza de Zodocover
This is the main square of the city as it has been for most of Toledo’s history.
On Tuesday, the city’s most important market still takes place here.
Zocodover is one of the city’s main venues for events and celebrations.
It also serves as a popular meeting point for the tourists who visit the city daily.
The plaza is surrounded by stores and places to eat.
Alcazar de Toledo
The Alcazar is a stone fortification located in the highest point of Toledo.
This building dates from the 3rd century when it was used as a Roman castle.
The Alcazar has been a centerpiece of Spain’s history.
Most recently it played an important role during the Spanish Civil War.
Today it houses a a library, an archive and the Museum of the Army.
Exploring the surroundings of the Alcazar is another must-do of your Day Trip to Toledo Spain.
Iglesia Barroca de San Idelfonso
For a taste of baroque architecture visit Iglesia de San Idelfonso.
Also known as the Jesuist church, its construction took more than 100 years.
The location was the birthplace of Saint Ildefonsus who served here for the last decade of his life.
Unlike many of the other churches in Toledo this was not formerly a Synagogue so its architecture is quite different.
We found it a nice change from many of the other churches in the city.
Beyond a Day Trip to Toledo
There are so many churches, synagogues, gates and lookouts throughout Toledo that it is almost impossible to appreciate them all during a day visit.
If you have the opportunity to spend the night at one of the charming hotels in Toledo we recommend you take the opportunity to do so.
Staying the night also gives you the opportunity to see the city by night.
You’ll find the city slows down after the day visitors have left.
The Cathedral has a special tour called “Iluminacion” that allows you to see the cathedral with special illuminations throughout.
Take the cue and take some much needed rest until dinner time (10:00 pm in Spain).
After some much-needed rest wander the streets and marvel at the Alcazar and churches lit at night.
Then find a charming restaurant and enjoy some wonderful Manchego and wine before calling it a night.
If you must return to Madrid, remember the last train from Toledo Station leaves at 9:26 pm.
This gives you plenty of time to see the city.
The “hop-on hop-off” finishes its last run closer to 5:00 PM which means if you stay later you will have to walk or take a taxi to the train station.
We hope these tips and information will help you plan your perfect day trip to Toledo Spain.
Have fun!
