Things to do in Toledo Spain

Visiting Toledo, Spain is a must when you are planning a day trip from Madrid or just a nice overnight or weekend stay in this historic city. There are many things to do in Toledo, Spain

Packed with historic landmarks, cathedrals, museums, fortresses, and palaces, along with impressive architecture, the city of Toledo offers a fantastic day trip from Madrid, perfect for exploring and soaking in its rich heritage.

Or better yet, stay overnight or do a fun weekend trip to this cultural and historic city.

How to get to Toledo from Madrid

With high-speed regional trains departing from Atocha Station, you can reach historic Toledo in just 34 minutes for as little as $7–$11. Once the capital of Spain from 542 to 725 CE, Toledo was also a significant center of Hebrew and Arabic culture during the Moorish era (712–1085). In 1085, Alfonso VI of León and Castile reclaimed the city, establishing it as the capital of Castile until 1230.

How to get to Toledo by bus from Madrid

To get to Toledo by bus from Madrid, head to Plaza Elíptica Bus Station, which is accessible via Madrid’s metro lines 6 and 11. From there, ALSA operates frequent buses to Toledo, departing every 30 minutes. The journey takes about 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs around $6–$7 (€5–€7) one way. Buses arrive at Toledo’s main bus station, located about a 20-minute walk or a short local bus ride from the historic city center.

Guided Toledo Tours

With a full day visiting, taking a guided tour will offer you a good orientation to visiting and seeing the main attractions and then visiting the sites that you can spend more time at during your free time. Some of my favorite tours to take around the city include:

Madrid full day visit to Toledo

Guided walking tour and cathedral guide

Toledo with 7 monuments visit

Toledo tour with winery visit

Top Things to do in Toledo Spain

With a full day in the city, you can see most of the major attractions, stroll through scenic promenades, browse local shops, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or early dinner while exploring.

For those wanting more time to soak in the surroundings, consider extending your visit to an overnight stay or a long weekend, allowing you to discover additional sights in and around the city.

In no particular order, here are the top things to do and see around Toledo, Spain now.

Zocodover Square

After entering the city through the main gate, you’ll arrive at Zocodover Square, a lively triangular plaza at the heart of Toledo.

Here, you’ll find benches to rest, a statue of Cervantes, and several well-known marzipan shops, offering one of the city’s most beloved sweets to take home as a souvenir.

Zocodover serves as a central gathering spot and a convenient resting point. As the day winds down and most visitors depart, the square gradually returns to the locals, who enjoy the city’s charm well into the evening.

Puente de Alcántara

The Puente de Alcántara, Toledo’s most iconic bridge, sits on the eastern side of the city, offering stunning views of the modern area below.

Built as a fortified crossing, it connects to the city’s thick ramparts, where you can either climb the stairs or take a hidden escalator up to the main part of town, enjoying fantastic vantage points along the way.

A great way to experience it is by starting in the Old Town, strolling down its charming cobbled streets to admire the bridge, and then taking the escalator back up for an easier return.

Toledo Alcazar

Designed in the grand Spanish Gothic style, the cathedral features a central nave and numerous chapels. It also blends elements of the Mudéjar style, which was popular at the time, incorporating intricate details into the cloister, arches, and vaults. Dominating the city skyline, the Roman palace was started in the 3rd century and then restored in the 1500s. Most of the site is turned into an arny museum with entry to the palace area on the top.

At the time we were visiting the Alcazar was going through major renovation so visits were limited to the museum below and access to amazing views of the surrounding area which is spectacular.

Many Churches of Toledo

You’ll find many beautiful churches around Toledo to come across and explore in more detail. One of them, the Iglesia de los Jesuitas has fantastic views of the city when you climb up the tower for those magnificent views. You’ll come across the cathedral, monasteries and other wonderful churches housing stunning El Greco paintings, sculpture and ornate details to the beautiful interiors

Santo Tome Church

Santo Tomé Church is best known for housing one of El Greco’s most famous masterpieces, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Though the church itself has a simple exterior, stepping inside offers an immediate and breathtaking view of this iconic painting, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its grandeur.

Toledo Cathedral

Begun in the 13th century and completed in the 15th century, the Catedral Primatial de Toledo is the city’s most visited landmark. The cathedral was started initially by Kind Ferdinand III and later finished at the end of the 15th century. You’ll see gorgeous details in the altar and main chapel, the bell tower and the cloister of the cathedral

Visit the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

I really enjoyed visiting this monastery and exploring its many fascinating sections, from the stunning cloister and ornate church to climbing the stairs for glimpses of the surrounding landscape.

With a history spanning over 600 years, the monastery is a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences, each reflected in different parts of the complex.

Strolling through the cloistered garden, surrounded by orange trees and seasonal blooms, while admiring the intricate courtyards made for an inspiring and enjoyable experience, with so many beautiful details to discover.

Santa Maria la Blanca

Santa María la Blanca is one of only two remaining synagogues in Toledo, from an original ten that once stood across the city. Built in the 13th century in the Khodria, Toledo’s Jewish quarter, it stands as a remarkable testament to the city’s multicultural past.

Supported by 24 octagonal columns with intricately carved arches, the synagogue was later converted into a church before eventually becoming a museum for visitors to explore.

Upon entering, you’ll find a solemn courtyard featuring Hebrew inscriptions, tombstones, and a large stone engraved with a beautiful song.

Explore the streets of Toledo

Exploring the cobblestone streets of Toledo is a great way to discover hidden gems, from charming shops and local restaurants to historic landmarks. It’s easy to wander, get a little lost, and stumble upon fascinating places of interest.

Google Maps can help guide you to major attractions, but simply roaming the streets often leads to stunning viewpoints overlooking the river and surrounding landscape.

For a more structured visit, an online guide can provide directions to key sites and must-see streets throughout the city.

Museums of Toledo

Toledo, Spain, is home to several museums that showcase its rich history, art, and cultural heritage you can visit at any of these popular museums.

Here are some of the key ones to visit:

Museo del Greco – Dedicated to the works of El Greco, this museum houses paintings, artifacts, and insights into the artist’s life.
Museo de Santa Cruz – A former hospital turned museum featuring fine arts, archaeology, and decorative arts from Toledo’s past.
Alcázar of Toledo Museum – A military museum inside the historic fortress, highlighting Spain’s military history and the Spanish Civil War.
Sephardic Museum (El Tránsito Synagogue) – Located in a former synagogue, it explores Jewish history and culture in Spain.
Toledo Cathedral Museum – Displays religious art, sculptures, and paintings from renowned artists, including works by Goya and El Greco.
Hospital de Tavera Museum – A Renaissance-style building featuring an art collection, historical pharmacy, and stunning architecture.

Each museum offers a unique perspective on Toledo’s diverse and storied past.

Explore the ramparts and park areas around the Tagus River

The ramparts of Toledo skirt the many bridges around the Tagus River. I loved visiting in spring time when all the wildflowers are starting to dot the landscape and enjoying the many views of the city and landscape.

The Tagus River (Río Tajo) surrounds Toledo on three sides, creating a natural defense that helped shape the city’s history. As the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, it flows from Spain into Portugal, passing through deep gorges and rolling landscapes.

In Toledo, the Tagus provides scenic views, especially from the city’s high vantage points, with historic bridges like Puente de Alcántara and Puente de San Martín crossing its waters. Along the riverbanks, visitors can find walking trails, viewpoints, and remnants of old mills and fortifications. The Tagus has played a crucial role in Toledo’s development, supplying water and serving as a strategic barrier throughout history.

What to Eat in Toledo

Toledo offers a variety of delicious local specialties that showcase its rich culinary heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and regional flavors:

Toledo’s cuisine is deeply rooted in locally sourced ingredients, including regional wines, almonds, saffron, garlic, root vegetables, and seasonal produce. Meats such as deer, pork, bull, and partridge are commonly featured on restaurant menus, often prepared in hearty, slow-cooked stews.

While many of these dishes may not be the most visually striking, their deep, rich flavors and long cooking times result in a satisfying and comforting experience. Toledo’s food is honest, rustic, and focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Here are some of the top dishes and specialties to try when visiting:

Must-Try Dishes in Toledo

Carcamusas – A rich and hearty dish made with slow-cooked pork, tomato sauce, peas, and a touch of spice. Typically served in a small clay pot, it pairs perfectly with fresh local bread.
Marzipan (Mazapán de Toledo) – Toledo is renowned for its marzipan, a sweet almond and sugar paste that has been crafted here for centuries. It comes in various forms, from simple bars to decorative figurines.
Perdiz a la Toledana (Toledo-Style Partridge) – A regional specialty featuring partridge slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce of wine, garlic, and herbs, showcasing Toledo’s tradition of game meats.
Cochifrito – A crispy and flavorful dish made from small pieces of lamb or pork, fried with garlic and spices. It’s a rustic favorite packed with traditional flavors.
Migas Manchegas – Originally a shepherd’s dish, migas consists of fried breadcrumbs mixed with garlic, chorizo, or other meats, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Venado en Salsa (Venison in Sauce) – A reflection of Toledo’s hunting culture, venison is slow-cooked with wine, garlic, and spices, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.
Queso Manchego – As part of the Castilla-La Mancha region, Toledo is home to Manchego cheese. Enjoy it curado (aged) for a stronger taste or semi-curado for a milder flavor.
Trucha a la Toledana (Toledo-Style Trout) – Freshwater trout, often stuffed with ham and then grilled or baked, offering a simple yet deliciously savory dish.
Asadillo Manchego – A refreshing dish made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, typically served cold as an appetizer or side.
Pisto Manchego – Similar to ratatouille, this vegetable stew is made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and onions, sometimes topped with a fried egg for extra richness.

Conclusion on a day trip to Toledo

Thanks for checking out this post on the Hidden Gems of Madrid, Spain on Visiting Spain and Mediterranean.com, hope that this was helpful for planning a visit with things to do, attractions and other fun places to explore. Please come back again for more adventures in Spain and the Mediterranean coast.

Things to do in Toledo Spain

Things to do in Toledo Spain