Toledo makes a great destination for a day trip due to its close proximity to Madrid. The town is easily (and affordably!) accessible via train, and is overall quite compact and walkable when you arrive. Read on to learn about the perfect Toledo day trip itinerary.
Top “must-do” recommendations in Toledo
- Catedral Primada, the main Cathedral of Toledo
- El Alcazar, the army museum and scenic fortress
- Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes, the late-Gothic style monastery
Arriving in Toledo, Spain
For the best experience, take the train!
The best way to travel from Madrid to Toledo will be to take the train. The price should run you about 15 euros, and the journey is a very short 32 minutes on average!
Make sure to book your train tickets in advance. Trains depart from Atocha Station in Madrid and run several round trips per day. Hint: Avoid scheduling for the last train of the day so that you have a buffer in case of unexpected delays.
What to Expect When You Arrive in toledo
Do not forget to account for additional travel time to make your way from the Toledo Train Station into the historic district of Toledo. Although there will be taxis and busses available for hire, I recommend to make this leg of your journey on foot.
You should anticipate an approximate 25 minute walk from the Toledo Train Station to the historic city center. The historically steep journey has been improved in recent years through the addition of escalators, which are free and are located in the Miradero area.
Top Cultural Landmarks in Toledo
Catedral Primada – a MUST do in your one day itinerary
You will not miss the Catedral Primada in the Toledo city center. The Cathedral is open for visitors, and offers comprehensive audio tours for a reasonable fare. The audio tour is fully worth the price. You will be transported back in time, and will learn all that you could need to know about the stunning and historically significant Catedral Primada.
El Alcazar in Toledo
The ancient foundations of this military museum are sure to impress. If military history is not your forte, I recommend to skip the paid portion and instead to make use of the free-to-access cafe at the top of its library. In the cafe, you will enjoy the same great views that you may experience from El Alcazar.
Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes
The Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes is a lovely stop, and is the perfect retrieve from other busy tourist hot spots. The architecture is historically preserved, with beauty and charm around every corner. Note that there is a small entry fee (~3 euros).
Toledo, Spain is rich in religious architecture, with mosques, cathedrals and synagogues packed though out the dense town squares.
An added bonus? The architecture is picture-perfect!
Tip! Looking for more picture perfect landmarks? Check out my menu navigator to explore more on my page!
Food, Drinks, and More
I quite enjoyed Lo Nuestro Taperia & Restaurante for an afternoon sandwich and glass of wine. Most cafes offer local fare and special atmospheres. My top recommendation is to avoid the main square when searching for a bit to eat.
When I traveled to Toledo, I made the day trip by myself. For this reason, a lunch time cafe was the perfect excuse to tuck away and open a large map so that I could keep track my day’s plans. I felt very comfortable traveling along in Toledo!
Final Thoughts on Toledo in a Day
As you make your way through Toledo day trip itinerary, make sure to spend some time getting lost. Weave in and out of side streets to make the most of the historic town. While you explore, you can assured knowing that the mentioned historic landmarks are spread fairly equidistant around the city center.
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