Toledo - A Perfect Day Trip from Madrid

Atocha Station in Madrid, Spain

Day Trip to Toledo

If you’re spending a few days in Madrid and looking for a quick escape that offers a different landscape, Toledo is the perfect choice. Just 30 minutes by train, this city has medieval charm, winding cobblestone streets, and a mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences come together beautifully. I did this as a day trip from Madrid, and is worth the stop for everyone if they have the time, as the city is walkable, historic, and full of places to check out.

Getting There We took an early morning train from Madrid’s Atocha Station. It's super easy and convenient to travel by train to Toledo, plus it's only about a 30 minute journey. Once we arrived in Toledo, the train station is outside of the city walls, so if you are feeling up for the walk, a steep one as well, that would add another 30 minutes to your journey. Otherwise, take a taxi up into the city with Plaza de Zocodover as your end destination. This will bring you right to the center square of the city.

If you caught an early train like us, you might have skipped breakfast. Before getting your day started, stop at any of the adorable cafes to get a classic Spanish breakfast or a coffee to fuel you for the day.

Alcázar of Toledo

Our first stop was the Alcázar of Toledo, perched on a high point and offering incredible panoramic views. First we walked around the exterior, taking in the view along with finding the entrance. The building itself is massive with a military museum inside that walks you through Toledo's history. We spent about an hour or so walking around the museum. We were able to get tickets to the museum there, but if you want to do a more involved tour, look ahead at the ticket package options to secure your spot.

Cathedral of Toledo

Next up was the Toledo Cathedral. An incredible gothic and grand church, with detailed carvings and a cool interior, like any other church you come across in Europe, you must go in and take a look. If you are not looking to pay for a ticket to tour to the church, I believe there is a door that allows you to walk in a bit and get a limited view of the interior of the church. Otherwise, take the time, pay to enter, and climb the tower if you’re feeling up for it.

For a cool lunch spot, check out La Abadía Cervecería Artesana. A restaurant tucked into a stone building, here you can taste some of the best local dishes. Try their venado estofado (venison stew) or marzipan desserts (a Toledo specialty). I’d recommend making a reservation if you’re going on a weekend as it can fill up quickly.

Free Walking Tour & Plaza de Zocodover

The rest of the afternoon was for wandering. We popped into little artisan shops, stopped for a coffee and took in the views every street we navigated into. I'd recommend taking a free walking tour, they are offered at several times throughout the day and the typical meeting point is the Plaza de Zocodover. We learned about the history and the intricacies about the city. One topic I remember well was the dynamic of the different cultural groups in this city, as it was divided between Christians, Jewish, and Muslims. At times, relations were well, most times, they clashed. It was cool once it was pointed out to see the different architectural styles change from one block to the next, as the city is a blend of the three religions.

Jewish Quarter & Wandering the Streets

After our tour, we kept on exploring, making sure that we visited the Jewish Quarter, one of the most peaceful and picturesque parts of the city. The narrow lanes, ivy-covered walls, and small synagogues give you a glimpse into one of the three influences on the city. Check out Santa María la Blanca, a stunning former synagogue with a stark white interior and elegant arches, lovely.

The City of Swords

One more comment on the city, and it can't go unsaid. You really can’t walk more than a block in Toledo without seeing a sword. They’re everywhere, hanging in shop windows, displayed in cases, sold in all sizes. And no, it’s not just a tourist gimmick, Toledo has a centuries-old reputation as one of the greatest sword-making cities in the world. Even if you're not in the market for a sword or a replica from Game of Thrones, it's worth stopping in one of the artisan shops or workshops to watch a blacksmith at work. It adds a whole new layer to Toledo's identity, it's not just a beautiful old city, it’s a place where things have been made by hand for thousands of years.

Mirador del Valle

This is my biggest recommendation for Toledo, you must go to Mirador del Valle. An incredible view overlooking the city, and an incredible sight if you catch it around sunset. As we wrapped up our day in the city, we took a taxi outside of the historic walls and do a lookout point that offered the best view of the city. You can also hike a bit to get a more elevated view overlooking Toledo. This was a moment I shared with my friends as a wow, we are in Europe, and we are seeing incredible things. It blew us all away, and was well worth the effort to head out of the main city center for this view. To get back to the city or train station, make sure you have a taxi number handy, as we were unable to get uber to work. Otherwise, it is about a 30 minute walk downhill to the train station, so as long as you time it out, you can head straight there and back into Madrid for the night.

We took one of the last train rides back to Madrid, leaving around 8pm. It was the perfect amount of time to see the city and an absolute must if you are visiting Madrid. It's almost like a two for one, two very different cities in one trip, making it all the more worthwhile.