Toledo Spain Travel Guide: A Perfect Overnight Getaway Near Madrid

How To Get Around

Toledo is a city best explored on foot, thanks to its compact layout and rich medieval charm. The winding cobblestone streets of Old Town are packed with historical sites, hidden gems, and stunning viewpoints. However, be prepared for some steep inclines, as Toledo is perched on a hill.

Not looking to make the steep climb on foot? Toledo has a a few free public escalators leading up to the city and inside its medieval walls. If you’re coming from the train station, the Safont Escalator is a great option to get you into the city. Other escalators include the one near the castle, and the one near Paseo de Recaredo. The hours of operation for each escalator vary, but are general open starting around 7AM or 8AM on most days.

If walking isn’t your style or you want to save time, electric scooters and bikes are available for rent, making it easier to navigate the hilly terrain. Public buses, taxis and ride shares (via Uber and Bolt) are another great option for those venturing to further points in the city like the train station and outer neighborhoods.

How To Get There

Being so close to Madrid and in such a well-connected country like Spain, Toledo has multiple transit options available for those who plan to visit:

For an easy and inexpensive commute, take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha Station into Toledo. The route is about 35 minutes one way with multiple trains running each day. Tickets typically cost €7–10/person* and can be bought on the same day at the main ticket office inside the station.

If you’d like more freedom to explore additional areas outside of Madrid, consider a car rental. This is how I arrived in Toledo after visiting neighboring towns like Segovia and it ended up being perfect for my travel plans! The drive to Toledo from Madrid is approx. 1 hour and while parking is limited in the old town, underground and open air parking lots are available just outside.

Finally, if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to get to Toledo, traveling by bus is for you. Buses depart from Madrid’s Plaza Elíptica multiple times daily and tickets cost €6/person* for the 1 hour journey.

Neighborhoods

For your first time in Toledo, staying in Old Town is a must. Home to most of the city’s tourist attractions, these areas have some incredible history and are fairly walkable to those who don’t mind the sometimes steep cobblestone pathways.

For my trip, I opted for a stay at Hotel Hacienda del Cardenal, just outside the fortified walls and nearby one of the city’s main escalators into Old Town.

Old Town Hotels

Áurea Toledo – $$

Hotel Hacienda del Cardinal – $$

Hotel Medina Mudejar Toledo – $

Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection – $

Crime

Toledo is generally considered a safe city for travelers, but it’s always good to stay aware of potential safety concerns:

Pickpocketing – As a popular tourist destination, Toledo’s main attractions, like the historic center and the Alcázar, can get crowded. Be cautious in busy areas and on public transportation, including the city escalators. Keep your belongings secure, and consider using anti-theft bags or money belts.

Nighttime Safety – While Toledo is generally safe at night, the old town can feel deserted after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in isolated alleys late at night, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city.

Natural Disasters

Areas around Spain experienced unprecedented flash flooding shortly after my visit in the fall of 2024. While natural disasters are somewhat uncommon in Toledo and the surrounding regions like Madrid, it’s best to be up-to-date on the weather reports before and during your stay.

Official Language

The predominant language spoken throughout Toledo is Spanish:

Introductions and Greetings

• Hello: Hola
• Me Llamo ___: My name is ___
• Good Morning: Buenas Días
• Good Afternoon: Buenas Tardes
• Good Night: Buenos Noches

Alcázar of Toledo

Perched at the highest point of the city, the Toledo Alcázar stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s strategic and cultural significance throughout history. Originally a Roman palace, it evolved over centuries into a Moorish fortress and later a Renaissance castle under Emperor Charles V. The remains of all three eras can be seen underneath today’s building.

The current building houses the Army Museum, featuring extensive exhibits on Spain’s military history, including artifacts, weaponry, and uniforms. While the museum was largely closed for renovation during my visit, I can promise that the building itself is a marvel, with its four imposing towers and commanding views of Toledo and the Tagus River. Be sure to take in the nighttime illumination of the Alcázar—it’s truly magical!

Hours: 10AM – 5PM. Closed on Wednesdays.

El Greco Museum

Step into the world of the iconic 16th – 17th century Greek painter El Greco, whose bold use of color and emotion shaped the Spanish Renaissance. This museum, located in a restored 16th-century hospital with beautiful Moorish ceilings, showcases some of his most famous works alongside an intimate glimpse into his life in Toledo.

Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays from 9:30AM – 5:45PM and Sundays from 10AM – 2:45PM**

Toledo Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Toledo Cathedral is a must-see. The current building was originally constructed from 1226-1493 on top of a Muslim mosque, which before that it had been a church in the sixth century during the reign of the Visigoth King Recaredo.

Its intricate details, from the dazzling stained-glass windows to the opulent High Altar, are awe-inspiring. Don’t miss the stunning Sacristy, a small museum inside the Cathedral featuring paintings by El Greco, Goya, and Titian.

Hours: Mondays – Saturdays from 10AM – 6PM and Sundays from 2PM – 6PM**

Puente de San Martín

Dating back to the 13th century, Puente de San Martín is a stone bridge offering a postcard-perfect view of Toledo’s skyline and the Tagus River. Its high arches and nearby greenery make it a romantic spot to pause and soak in the city’s charm.

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Built in the 15th century, this Isabelline-style Franciscan monastery commemorates Spain’s victory at the Battle of Toro. Its ornate cloisters and epic balconies were one of the most beautiful sights I saw in Toledo! It’s a wonderful and peaceful refuge from the city’s otherwise bustling streets and a great spot to soak in some of Toledo’s religious history.

Winter Hours (October 16 – February 28): Mondays – Sundays from 10AM – 5:45PM

Summer Hours (March 1 – October 15): Mondays – Sundays from 10AM – 6:45PM

Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca

Founded in the 13th century, this serene former synagogue is considered the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing. Although it was constructed as a synagogue, Santa Maria La Blanca boasts a unique blend of Moorish and Christian design featuring beautifully decorated arches and white horseshoe arches inside.

Winter Hours (October 16 – February 28): Mondays – Sundays from 10AM – 5:45PM

Summer Hours (March 1 – October 15): Mondays – Sundays from 10AM – 6:45PM

Mirador del Valle

For the ultimate view of Toledo, head to this panoramic lookout. From here, the city unfolds in all its glory, with its labyrinth of streets, towering spires, and the meandering Tagus River creating an unforgettable vista – especially around sunset!

Museo de la Tortura

Dive into the darker side of history at Toledo’s medieval Torture Museum, which explores the grim reality of the Spanish Inquisition. The exhibits here are small, but eye-opening to many of the horrors targeting people who were Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, or Old Christian throughout Spain hundreds of years ago.

Entry Cost: Starts at 6 Euro / person*

Seniors/Students/Children Discount?: Yes

Convento de Santo Domingo El Antiguo

Founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 16th, the Convent of Saint Dominic the Old is the final resting place of El Greco. Inside, visitors can admire early works by the artist, including The Assumption of the Virgin (1679) and see historic documents and artifacts from Toledo’s long history. The serene atmosphere and historic significance make it a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter, more reflective experience.

Hours: Mondays – Saturdays from 11AM – 1:30PM and from 4 – 7PM. Sundays from 4 – 7PM.

FLY TOLEDO Zipline

Soar across the Tagus River on Fly Toledo, Europe’s longest urban zipline for a heart-pounding adventure. This thrilling ride offers not only an adrenaline rush but also unparalleled views of Toledo from above.

Hours: Mondays – Sundays from 11AM – 6:30PM

Marzipan Shopping

Toledo’s marzipan is as famous as its history, and sampling this almond-based treat is a must. Visit local convents and shops like Santo Tomé, where the city’s nuns have worked to perfect their various recipes over centuries. From intricately shaped figurines to indulgent pastries, don’t leave without taking a box home as a sweet souvenir.

Aranjuez

Known for its UNESCO-listed Royal Palace and sprawling gardens, Aranjuez was once the spring retreat of Spanish monarchs. Stroll through the Jardín del Príncipe, with its tranquil fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured landscapes.

Distance from Toledo: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes