A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid

Planning a day trip outside of Madrid? If you're looking to visit one of Spain's most historic cities, home to an iconic cathedral and fortress, than a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is in order!

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Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo

A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid

One of our favorite parts of visiting Europe is taking days trips outside of the "big" cities, to see a bit more of the country we're exploring. I'd been planning, and looking forward to, our day trip to Toledo from Madrid as soon as we knew we were going to Spain. My favorite travel guru, Rick Steves, gave Toledo such high praise - how could I not be excited?

And I'm happy to say that Toledo really exceeded my expectations. A historic town, with enough museums to keep any tourist occupied for even more than a day trip, Toledo Cathedral alone is worth the quick journey from Madrid. While there are plenty of easy day trip from Madrid (one of the many benefits of visiting the Spanish capital), Toledo truly deserves a spot at or near the top of your list.

FAQ: How far is Madrid from Toledo by train?
Not far at all! Toledo is less than 50 miles from Madrid, and thanks to Spain's network of high-speed trains, you can cover that distance in just over half an hour!

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid: History of Toledo

Nestled in a bend in the Tagus River, from a small town on the outskirts of anywhere during the Roman Empire, Toledo grew to be the capital of Spain for centuries, the center of the convergence of Christian, Muslim, & Jewish influence in the region.

​For centuries (peaking in the 1400's-16oo's), Toledo has been known for its metal-working prowess, and even today, you'll see swords and various metal objects (of various levels of authenticity) sold to tourists throughout the city. Fun fact: the Roman Empire became aware of Toledo's proclivity for sword-making when they met the swords in the hands of Hannibal's soldiers during the Punic Wars. The Romans were quick to start buying their weapons from Toledo going forward.

Gorgeous streets in Toledo, Spain

FAQ: What is Toledo Spain known for?
Toledo is known for its stunning Cathedral, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, its military fortress, the Alcazar, and its well-preserved Medieval ambiance.

After the Spanish king eventually moved his court and capital to Madrid, Toledo's power wained until it became the regional capital of Castile-La Mancha, bringing administrative duties back to the city. Toledo is heralded for its famous Cathedral, along with the iconic Alcazar, perched atop the city's massive hill, which served as a military school in the 1800's and 1900's. And of course, today, Toledo is a major tourist destination, as a "must do" on any trip to Madrid.

A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid: How to get to Toledo

Catching the high-speed train to Toledo from Madrid

You'll hop on the high-speed train for your day quick trip to Toledo from Madrid at Puerta de Atocha, Madrid's biggest train station. If you haven't visited yet during your trip to Madrid, Atocha is a fun spot, featuring its own in-station forest, with huge trees and small ponds, formerly home to hundreds of pet turtles, who have since been relocated, due to sanitation issues and concerns for their welfare.

Puerta de Atocha, Madrid (where the high-speed trains leave for Toledo)

High-speed train travel from Madrid

Be sure to buy your tickets to Toledo from Madrid in advance. Not only can you save a bit of money, but the trains are also quite full, on this heavily traveled route.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to catch your train to Toledo. Spanish train stations require more security than you might be used to in other European cities. Though not as intense or as time-consuming, the waiting in line and going through security is more similar to an airport than a British train station. (Atocha was the site of a major terror attack in 2004 that killed nearly 200 people in total. If you have time, stop by the monument to the victims).

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid: Arriving in Toledo

After your short train ride from Madrid, you'll arrive at Toledo's historic train station. From the train station, the historic area is just a short bus/cab ride (or walk) away!

For arriving in the city, I'd recommend taking the Toledo city bus. It's inexpensive - just pay the driver in cash when you hop on- and allows you to get your visit started quickly! When you walk out of the train station, you'll grab the bus slightly to your right. It feels a bit like you're leaving the train station, and then you'll see the bus stop. A lot of people, including us, were having a hard time finding the bus stop.

You could walk to the historic center from the Toledo train station, but even with the relatively newly installed system of escalators, it's a bit of a haul. I will admit that we walked *back* to the station at the end of our day, once we knew our way around a bit! Whatever floats your boat!

Toledo railway station

Toledo railway station, interior.

Plaza de Zocodover

If you take the bus, you'll be dropped off at Plaza de Zocodover, Toledo's main square which, frankly, leaves much to be desired.

It gives a new meaning to "touristy," and strangely doesn't feel particularly historic. Clogged with buses and tour groups, I'd recommend moving on as quickly as possible. Thankfully, the minute you go even one block off the square, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

FAQ:Is Toledo Spain walkable? 
Absolutely. Toledo is extremely pedestrian friendly. You could easily see the city without even using the bus (though I'd recommend the bus to get to the historic center from the station).

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid:
​A Walking Tour of Toledo

View from Toledo's Museo de Santa Cruz

Alright, let's start walking through Toledo. From Plaza de Zocodover, a logical fist stop is Toledo's Museum of Santa Cruz, located just off that clogged square.

Visiting Toledo's Museum of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Museum, Toledo

For 4 Euros, you can explore not only the beautiful building that now houses the Museo de Santa Cruz, but also pay homage to El Greco - the first of many times you can view the works of Toledo's famous adopted son. Sound good?

Toledo's Museo de Santa Cruz

Interior courtyard at Toledo's Museo de Santa Cruz

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid:
​Visiting Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo

The highlight of your trip to Toledo will undoubtedly be Toledo's famed cathedral, Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo, a 13th-century, High Gothic cathedral, which was finally completed in 1493.

Tickets to Toledo's Cathedral

You will need to buy tickets to enter Toledo Cathedral. The ticket sales booth is across the street from the entrance, which causes a bit of a confusing bottle neck, as tourists attempt to enter without tickets and are shuttled back across the street to buy the tickets.

What to see in Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo

From its gorgeous choir to its gilded organ, Toledo Cathedral deserves a dedicated amount of time during a day trip. When you enter, the "main attractions" will be ahead and slightly to your right (you won't miss them). But don't forget to head to the left and also outdoors, before you leave!

Toledo Cathedral: El Transparente

Toledo Cathedral is home to the most stunning architectural feature I've ever seen in my explorations through Europe's historic churches, its Baroque Transparente.

​Creating the impression that the Heavens have opened and spilled their angelic contents onto the back of the altar, it illustrates the intended purpose of the cathedral more effectively than any art I've ever experienced.

El Transparente, Toledo Cathedral.

Toledo Cathedral: The Retable (altarpiece)

Toledo Cathedral's stunning, gilded altarpiece, hidden behind its Renaissance ironwork, has to be seen to be believed. It's a Gothic work, made just as this type of altarpiece as going out of fashion (not sure why this would ever go out of fashion!), but thankfully they finished up what they had started!

Altarpiece, Toledo Cathedral

Toledo Cathedral:Treasury & Courtyard

La Gran Ostensoria de Toledo

Courtyard, Toledo Cathedral

A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid:
​Shopping in Toledo

Visiting Toledo Cathedral should certainly be the main focus of your time in Toledo. But, it's not the only thing there is to see in this beautiful town! So, let's discuss a few of Toledo's other highlights.

​Before or after your visit to the Cathedral, you'll want to spend some time strolling Toledo's historic streets. We worked our way from the Cathedral toward the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, stopping as we liked to shop and explore along the way! This route can take you past Iglesia de Santo Tome and the Museo del Greco, if you are on an El Greco search!

There are plenty of trinkets to be had in Toledo, particularly those swords and various other metal objects that pay homage to the city's history of metal working. And if you're looking for Game-of-Thrones-inspired objects, they have those in abundance (replica helmets, etc.).

Metal trinkets to temp the tourists

Toledo is known for its marzipan, so those with a sweet tooth will want to explore some of the marzipan highlights, including the world's tallest marzipan sculpture. Yup, that's a thing. 

World's tallest marzipan sculpture

Did you know nuns invented marzipan in Toledo?

We visited Toledo in late December, just before New Years. And thanks to that lovely Spanish climate, walking around was comfortable, in just light jackets! For more on what to wear in Spain in winter, check out the full post!

Alcázar de Toledo

Be sure to catch an up-close glimpse of Toledo's Alcazar during your stroll. As we unfortunately ran out of time and didn't go in, I can't offer insights into an interior exploration, but the exterior is stunning!

Puente de Alcántara

On your way into or out of town, be sure to keep an eye out for Toledo's ancient bridge, Puerta de ​Alcántara. If you walk to the station from the historic area, you'll catch a good far away view of the town, including the bridge.

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid:
​Eating & Drinking in Toledo

Sucursal del Botero, Toledo

After all this walking, it'll be time to grab some food and drink in Toledo before you know it! Good news is, Toledo has no shortage of dining options for the hungry tourists who've been visiting for hundreds of years.

We were very happy with our time at Sucursal del Botero, recommended by my favorite, Rick Steves! The staff were friendly and helpful, they happily let us eat at 1 PM, and the place was *popping* by the time we left, with locals stopping by for a mid-Sunday lunch and beverage!

And, to ensure you don't end up with alcohol-free beer during your time in Spain, be sure to check out 10 Common Tourist Mistakes in Spain!

Sucursal del Botero, Toledo

​A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid:
​Toledo's Christmas Market

In the shadow of its stunning Cathedral, Toledo hosts a quaint Christmas market, with all the usual staples, from sugary treats to a merry-go-round for the kiddos. Unlike many Christmas markets, Toledo's was still open when we visited *after* Christmas, which was a nice surprise!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers to a fabulous trip to historic Toledo!
And while you're here, don't forget to check out:

• Girona: An Enchanting Day Trip from Barcelona
• What to Wear in Spain in Winter
• 10 Common Tourists Mistakes in Spain

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