Toledo, Spain is my new favorite place. During my solo European travel, I planned on visiting Toledo, Spain for the history and architecture. This Spain UNESCO site quickly became my favorite in Spain with its Moorish architecture. As medieval walled city, the Toledo Cathedral, synagogues, churches, and cobblestone streets showed me why Toledo is a must-visit during your trip to Spain.
With these travel tips, you will know more than just the best things to do in Toledo, Spain. Easily plan a day in Toledo by taking the guesswork out of getting the Toledo-Madrid train, figuring out a Toledo tour, or knowing where to stay in Toledo. I’m not an expert in Toledo; just a first time visitor who had lots of questions – like you!
Whether planning a day trip from Madrid or spending a month (my recommendation!), maximize your time in Toledo, Spain by knowing what to expect. Ahead of time. Keep reading for the help you’ve been looking for.
Should I Visit Toledo, Spain?
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Quick! What is it like to visit Toledo?
From the first step out of the Toledo train station, you know Toledo is magical. It’s definitely one of the top cities in Spain to visit for so many reason. Even the train station is beautiful with its carvings and stained glass – look up! With just a quick walk, you can be crossing a historic bridge, going through Moorish arches, and exploring a mosque in Toledo.
Though the whole Toledo city area has about 86,500 residents, only around 3,200 people actually live within the old walled city known as the Casco Histórico. Despite its small size, over 1 million tourists each year are visiting Toledo, Spain with many arriving on day trips from Madrid (just 30 minutes away by high-speed train).
Although there might be crowds depending when you visit Toledo, these narrow streets are full of history and architecture and beauty. The long list of what to see in Toledo, Spain means that people have places to spread out. With Toledo churches everywhere for wandering, the city’s walkable center makes it easy to explore Toledo at your own pace while still feeling like you’ve stepped back into medieval Spain.
Did I convince you yet?! No? Good. Fewer people for me to fight on my next visit. Ha!
Is Toledo, Spain worth visiting?
Yes—Toledo is one of Spain’s most culturally rich cities, known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history layered into every stone street. Toledo is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, religious landmarks, traditional sword making, and Damascene metalwork.
If you love art, you’ll love all the church paintings and the Museo del Greco (El Greco Museum). If you love architecture, Toledo is the place where the Jewish culture meets the Moorish architecture meets Visigothic writings. If you love history, it’s all here; a week learning about Toledo covers millennia. All the way back to the Romans.
Lastly, if you just love wandering beautiful cities, wander away. There’s beauty around every street turn and panoramic view.
Why is Toledo, Spain famous?
Toledo, Spain is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its UNESCO World Heritage listing mean the city’s architecture is well-preserved and worth seeing including the stunning Catedral de Toledo, the Alcázar fortress, and the Synagogue of El Transito. Stepping through the walls of Toledo feels like going back in time.
In addition to its historical significance, Toledo is known for its traditional crafts which date back to Roman times and are still produced today like Toledo swords and metalwork. It’s also a culinary destination known for Manchego cheese (even has a museum!), marzipan, and hearty Castilian cuisine.
What is the history of Toledo, Spain?
In addition to knowing what to do in Toledo, Spain, you should understand its history as it makes it ever more impressive. Toledo is known as the “City of Three Cultures”, and this unique mix shaped the cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues you can still see today. It’s a true blend of cultures that defined Spain’s past.
- Settled by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE
- Captured as the Visigothic capital in the 500s
- Thrived under Muslim rule after 711
- Reclaimed by the Christians under King Alfonso VI in 1085
- Cohabited by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim people
- Siege of the Alcázar fortress during the Spanish Civil War in 1936
- Damaged in Nazi bombings during World War II.
You can still wander its ancient streets, climb fortress walls, and admire centuries-old buildings is a testament to how well this city has preserved its story. Visiting today isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about walking through the same history that has shaped Spain for centuries.
Where is Toledo, Spain?
Toledo is located in central Spain, in the area of Castilla-La Mancha, perched on a hill overlooking the Tagus River. It lies about 43 miles (70 kilometers) south of Madrid, making it easily accessible as a popular day trip from Spain’s capital city. While not directly on the Mediterranean coast, Toledo’s climate is influenced by its inland position and elevation, resulting in hot, dry summers and cooler winters.
Sitting at 1,690 feet (515 meters) above sea level, Toledo is near the Montes de Toledo, a mountain range that adds to the region’s rugged, scenic landscape. Toledo’s location places it at a cultural crossroads, connecting the mountainous interior with the broader Mediterranean-influenced regions of Spain.
Is Toledo, Spain a walled city?
Toledo, Spain’s skyline – topped with cathedrals and towers – is one of the most iconic in Spain. Surrounded by impressive medieval walls, the city was strategically fortified due to its elevated position above the Tagus River. These ancient walls were originally built by the Romans, later expanded by the Visigoths and Moors.
Although not completely intact, there are some portions of Toledo’s wall which can be walked for an amazing view. Entering and leaving the Toledo walls will reveal several well-preserved gates and towers, such as the Puerta de Bisagra, offering a glimpse into Toledo’s past as a powerful stronghold.
What are the must-see things to do in Toledo, Spain?
There is so much to do in Toledo, Spain. This is why I said it deserves more than a day trip from Madrid! These are the top sights, but there are so many smaller places to explore as well. Here’s even more things to do in Toledo; this is why I say you need a couple of days to fully explore the city.
- Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo (Toledo Cathedral)
- Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca
- El Tránsito Synagogue & Sephardic Museum
- Alcázar de Toledo & the Army Museum
- Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
- El Greco Museum
- Cristo de la Luz Mosque
Where should I go first when I arrive?
There’s so much to see in Toledo that there’s not a wrong way to start your day.
- If arriving by train, admire the beautiful Toledo train station before heading up into the historic center.
- If you want to join a tour, head to Zocodover Square, the heart of the city. If you arranged one ahead of time, most likely this is where you’ll meet your guide. If you want to join one, there are plenty here to pick from.
- If you have your luggage with you for the day, park it at a Toledo luggage storage (like this one) for a couple of hours. If you have a house that isn’t ready yet, go get rid of your bags if you can; those Toledo hills can be tough lugging a bag.
- If you’re just here for a couple of hours, start with the Toledo Cathedral – it’s one of the most impressive in Spain.
- If you’re here to wander, just start wandering.
Is Toledo a day trip or should I stay overnight?
Toledo is an easy day trip from Madrid, but there is so much to see. We were there for three days and could have enjoyed several more nights. An overnight stay lets you experience the quiet charm after the crowds leave when the town lights up. Toledo at night takes on a completely different ambiance; leave an evening to wander. If you want to visit multiple museums and walk leisurely through its streets, stay at least one night. However, there’s even an area outside the city walls that lots of people skip full of Roman ruins and the bullfighting ring!
If you only have one day during your trip to Madrid, this is a great trip – I loved it so much more than Madrid. You can easily take a day trip from Madrid on the high speed train and leave late afternoon. If getting to Madrid overwhelms, there are half-day tours and whole-day guided tours from Madrid that include bus transportation.
Where should I stay when visiting Toledo?
If at all possible, I highly suggest you to spend the night in Toledo within the historic city walls. As so many of the visitors to Toledo are visiting only on a day trip, the crowds are much lighter earlier in the morning and in the evening. You can only enjoy these times of day if you spend the night. If you’re in Toledo too early to check into your rental, there are luggage storage options like this one.
~~~> Looking for a personal VRBO recommendation, here’s where we stayed for three nights. It’s perfect size with a full kitchen, bed for two or three, and in the perfect central location. Heading to Madrid? This is the fully-equipped Madrid apartment with a balcony where we felt super safe in Madrid – click here.
Because you’re going to be walking everywhere, stay within the walls to have great access to rest during the heat of the day or go back for a snack. You’ll be within a fifteen minute walk to most of the best of Toledo if you stay downtown.
Note: as these are lots of multi-story historic homes, make sure you check for stairs if you have mobility issues. Lots of these are on the upper levels with tight stairs. You may have an elevator option!
Is there a Madrid to Toledo train?
The easiest way to get from Madrid to Toledo is the high-speed AVE train (tickets here) from Madrid’s huge Atocha Station to Toledo Railroad Station in just 33 minutes! Tickets are usually around €13–€15 one way for adults run roughly once an hour throughout the day. You can buy tickets on the Renfe website, the Renfe app, or at the station.
Tips: the easiest I’ve found for Europe train, is to use the Omio website (here) or app. If you’re traveling with a group, plan to book ahead. Our train was pretty full! Seats are assigned, so you’ll know where you’re sitting with a bit of planning.
If you’re on a day trip from a Madrid hotel or rental, go ahead and get your return ticket before you leave the station. With lots of day trippers, you might have to wait for another train if it’s full. (You can always use the Omio website when you decide on the time for your return ticket.)
The Atocha Station is a main hub for lots of transportation around Madrid. If you have extra time to wait at the Atocha Station, there are places to eat, luggage storage, and even an indoor botanical garden.
Buses are a cheaper but slower alternative, taking about 1.5 hours. You can also drive, but parking near the old city can be tricky. Especially if you’re a first time visitor, I don’t recommend renting a car. Those streets are narrow and parking is limited.
If planning your own transportation overwhelms you, there are half-day tours and whole-day guided tours from Madrid that include bus transportation.
How do I get from the Toledo Train Station into historic Toledo?
When you arrive at the Toledo train station (Estación de Tren de Toledo), you’re about just under a mile from the gates of the historic city center. It takes about 20 minutes walking from the station to reach the city walls. The walk is scenic, crossing the Puente de Alcántara that spans the Tagus River that wraps around the city. This route also offers gorgeous views of the old city perched on the hill above. It’s the perfect first view of Toledo. However, there is a bit of uphill climbing once you cross into the city.
There is also a city bus or taxis to choose from. But I can’t speak about those personally.
Is Toledo a walkable city?
For families with strollers or anyone with mobility issues, the streets of Toledo will be challenging. Although you could use wheels if dropped off by car and stick to the main roads, there are so many stairs both getting into the walled city and just getting around. Additionally, most of the streets are cobblestone making them uneven and potentially slippery. If you have mobility issues, I highly recommend hiring a driver or a specialized tour guide who can drop you off and make your Toledo visit more doable.
Toledo’s historic center is very walkable, but you should expect steep hills and cobblestone streets. Wear supportive shoes and prepare for some uphill climbing and stairs. Additionally, due to the connectedness of the buildings, make sure distance takes into account going around on the narrow roads instead of shortest distance.
Outside the historic walls, the roads are a little wider as this is the newer, modern area. However, I don’t recommend trying to drive within the city walls. The roads here are narrow, winding, and not very easily marked.
Is Toledo, Spain safe for solo travelers?
Not only is it safe, I would consider it one of the safest places we have traveled. Very few people live full-time within the city walls, so there aren’t a lot of people late at night or early morning. The only part that made me nervous were ALLLL the narrow alleyways. If not a touristy area, it’s possible you could be alone in one of these for awhile if something bad were to happen. Just be cautious, stick to the main roads, and don’t stress it.
This is the super-secure Toledo VRBO we stayed at in the Toledo walls complete with coded door and elevator entry! If you’re coming from Madrid for the day, this is our even-more-secure Madrid VRBO apartment that we loved!
Check out these crime stats for Toledo. I do enjoy that the risk of car theft is listed as “very low”; there are so few cars that this isn’t even an issue!
For an increased sense of safety, especially during solo travels, I keep what I’m carrying to a minimum and put it in my daily travel-safe backpack. I love this thing, and I don’t worry so much with its cut-resistant fabric and straps. It even has locking zippers. Yes, I still carry it in front of me in crowds out of habit, but I feel much safer! (Click here to see this travel bag’s bargain price; it’s totally worth it!)
Is Toledo good for kids and families?
Yes! Kids love exploring castles, climbing towers, and spotting suits of armor in museums. The walkable city layout and hands-on historical experiences make it great for learning on the go. Just be sure to pace the day, prepare for lots of walking, and include some fun snack or souvenir stops. Have the kids look at these Toledo photos and maybe scroll through the Trip Advisor travel lists; let them pick what looks interesting!
There are plenty of places for yummy snacks, or you can even duck into a grocery store if some “familiar food” is needed for your picky eaters. And… If you spend the night, there’s the bonus of being able to return to your rental for an afternoon nap for little kids if needed!
- There are not a lot of public restrooms. Plan accordingly for the kids, and if necessary, duck into the Burger King in Plaza Zodocover to use their free restroom.
- Double note, the few cars that are driving these streets are very comfortable doing so and will come upon you quick and silently. Keep the kids nearby, so they don’t get run over.
- These streets are cobblestone. I don’t suggest you try to use a stroller!
Do I need a tour to see Toledo?
Visitors can choose from dozens of Toledo guided tours—from history and architecture walks to food tastings and night tours through the city’s illuminated streets. If your budget and time allow it, I always recommend a guided city tour – we learn so much more that way. If coming for the day only, there are many half-day tours and whole-day guided tours from Madrid that include bus or train transportation.
As Plaza Zodocovar is the main plaza, it also appeared that this is where most of the tours started and stopped. This also means that this plaza can be crowded and very tourist-trap focused. There are tours for multiple languages, multiple focuses, and varying costs. These don’t have to be expensive. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds and walking through narrow passageways with crowds, see if you can book an early morning or 6 PM tour.
When we visited, we did a free two hour tour our first day to get a generalized grasp of the city layout, to learn some history, and to make note of places we didn’t want to miss. Don’t overlook the free Toledo tours! You can just pay them how much you want.
What should I wear in Toledo?
When visiting Toledo, plan to bring layers, especially in spring or fall, and wear modest clothing if visiting religious sites. During our Toledo trip in April, we carried light-weight jackets and took them on and off all day. Many parts of the town are in shade due to the high walls of surrounding buildings; others viewpoints are chilly when exposed to the wind.
Although it was too chilly to be an issue during our visit, plan on covered shoulders and at least knee length pants to show respect for dress code while visiting some Christian churches. If it’s hot and you want a sleeveless shirt, I suggest carrying a shawl or something similar to cover bare shoulders. As for the synagogue and mosque, there wasn’t a dress code enforced or head covering required.
TOP TIP! I definitely suggest bringing a backpack suitcase (These are our faves! We have 5!) if you’re arriving on food. You don’t want to roll a suitcase over all those cobblestones. Not to mention, you’ll be picking it up to get up all the stairs.
Layered clothing is advisable in spring or fall, and modest attire is recommended for religious sites. During summer, hats with brims, water bottles, and sunscreen are essential for protection against the heat. I will add that, unlike some other European cities, I didn’t see any water refill fountains or stations; fill up your water bottle before leaving for the day.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven cobblestone streets and hilly terrain. Due to the hilly nature of Toledo and its cobblestone roads, this is not the trip to wear cute shoes. Make sure they have good gripping soles too – wet cobblestones are slippery!
What food should I try in Toledo?
Local favorites in Toledo include mazapán (marzipan sweets), venado (venison), and carcamusas (a hearty pork and tomato stew). Tapas bars and cozy taverns are plentiful throughout the city; remember to head away from the touristy areas for more authentic places! If you’re needing some familiar food, however, you can also find some pizza and Burger King.
On our Toledo trip we chose to save money with simple picnics for supper after walking to the local grocery store. We did, however, always make time for chocolate like the churros and gelato you can see below.
What is there to do at night in Toledo?
Unlike the other bigger cities in Spain that we visited like Madrid, we found that most of the town closed down about 7 PM. After watching the sunset, we couldn’t even find any place within the Toledo walls to have ice cream. If you’re visiting for supper, take this into account and check the hours of restaurants. Now, it’s possible this was because we visited in May right before heavy tourist season, but most of my online research shows that Toledo is mostly quiet at night.
There are bars within the Toledo; our VRBO rental was right above (and even provided ear plugs which we never needed). However, we never heard them or saw evidence early morning of any partying. If you’re looking for a nightlife, do your research. Toledo streets are beautiful lit up at night, but pretty quiet.
What souvenirs should I bring home?
Toledo is famous for several specific crafts. Damascene jewelry were brought over from Damascus, Syria and brought to Spain by the Moors. This metal jewelry includes in-laying colored pieces into the carved metal. You’ll find plenty of artisan shops tucked into the winding streets selling hand-painted ceramics. Famous for their marzipan and pastries, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase boxed treats for you to take home.
Kids will love the mini swords and knight figures too! Known for it’s long history of steel sword craftsmanship, swords and armor are sold in all the shops. Make sure you have a checked bag though as I hate for it to be confiscated at the airport!
As the traditional home for Don Quijote’s author Miguel de Cervantes, there are Don Quijote armor, stories, and souvenirs all throughout Toledo. Brush up on your history, so you understand all the references to jousting at windmills, Don Quixote, and Sancho Panza.
Do yourself a favor and get a kid copy of Don Quixote – great opportunity to prepare for the trip. If you’re feeling really dedicated, adult copy of Don Quixote (or audiobook) would help and get you in the mindset of this area of Spain.
Is Toledo a good choice for older travelers?
Let me say this first, I sincerely hope that age (or any handicap or difficulty) doesn’t keep you from living your full travel desires. However, Toledo is very much a walking city with all the stairs, and I want you to know that up front. If staying in Toledo, make sure your house has access to an elevator and not just flights of stairs. Know too that depending on the time of year, there may be lines to get in places – thus the folding cane-stool – or standing and listening during a Toledo walking tour.
Plan ahead. If you have knee pain or foot problems or whatever, make sure you bring whatever knee braces, supportive shoes, or even foldable stool chair you may need. Traveling in Toledo with limited mobility definitely means planning ahead of time for perhaps a driving tour. Walk on bus?
The biggest stairs is going to be getting from modern Toledo into the walled city. Plan to use the three story escalator on the —- side of town to make this easier!
Can I use my credit card in Toledo?
Although it’s always a good idea to exchange for some Euros when traveling to any part of the EU, I tapped my credit card all throughout the town. It’s a popular enough tourist town that credit cards are widely accepted. Make sure you notify your credit card company, use your card without international fees, and select to pay in Euros. By charging with the local currency, you won’t get charged for conversion fees.
In Summary…
I loved Toledo, and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite places, I love that it’s walkable and small enough that you can fully “see” it without an exhaustive list of Toledo attractions… that you’ll never get to. The history is fascinating, and if you’re looking for a Spanish town to relax or make a long-term stay, put Toledo at the top of your list. But don’t tell others; I like it quiet as it was. Because I’m gonna go back some time!
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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