ArboursAbroad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using one of the affiliated links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
A Toledo Day Trip Guide | A Historic + Romantic City Near Madrid
Toledo, Spain is the perfect city near Madrid to visit when you want to escape city life. While this UNESCO World Heritage Site is technically a historic city, it doesn’t have a city feel at all.
Toledo is the perfect day trip from Madrid, filled with rich history and gorgeous architecture. When we booked our trip to Madrid, we knew we wanted an escape from the city. So when locals recommended we take a day trip to Toledo, a small city near Madrid, we couldn’t resist!
What is so Special About Toledo?
When we were talking with Madrid locals about other places to visit near by, multiple people suggested the historic city of Toledo.
Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though, unlike other sites, it’s the entire city. The mix of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures in Toledo creates a city rich in beautiful buildings and a romantic atmosphere.
Toledo sits up on a hill and is surrounded by historic city walls. A river flows through the canyon below creating a totally dreamy view from afar.
Now, we aren’t big city people, so when we scored flights to Madrid, we knew we would be making some sort of day trip out of the city. Originally, we thought it would be wine tasting in the countryside, but Toldeo ended up being SO MUCH better than that.
Honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better day trip from Madrid than Toledo!
How to Get to Toledo from Madrid
Taking the Train from Madrid to Toledo
Taking the train to Toledo is probably the easiest way to get there. We love taking trains through countries because you really get to see the countryside.
The trip between Madrid and Toledo was no different. And, because Toledo is so close to Madrid, it’s only about a 30 minute train ride.
Roundtrip tickets from Madrid to Toledo are €21 per person.
Take the metro to Atoche Renfe and purchase your tickets to Toledo from the kiosk there. Be sure to give yourself extra time for this as the metro/train station is huge and you have to go through security to get on the train.
Driving from Madrid to Toledo
We don’t recommend driving from Madrid to Toledo because the train is so cheap, and you won’t have to worry about parking. However, we know some people want to or need to drive. If that’s you, here’s how to get to Toledo from Madrid.
Toledo is 73 km from Madrid via driving mostly on A-42. Below are the directions from Google Maps.
- Get on M-30 from C. de Toledo | 11 min (2.7 km)
- Take the exit toward A-42/Toledo from M-30 | 2 min (1.4 km)
- Follow A-42 to Av. de Madrid in Toledo. Take exit 68B from A-42 | 41 min (66.7 km)
- Continue on Av. de Madrid. Take C. Marqués de Mendigorría and C. Cardenal Tavera to Av. de la Reconquista in Toledo | 4 min (1.6 km)
Looking to rent a car? Compare prices on Kayak and Momondo here. (We prefer Momondo)
Touring Toledo | The Historic City Near Madrid
While we recommend touring the city of Toledo on your own, we also recognize that sometimes tours offer more than what you can find on your own.
If taking a tour of the city is something you’re interested in, there are multiple City Sightseeing Tours in Toledo. You can either book them in person at the train station, or book in advance here.
It’s worth noting, the Sightseeing Tour is a hop on hop off bus tour, and a lot of the best parts of Toledo are actually accessible by foot in the small streets within the city walls, so you’ll be walking a lot regardless of doing the tour or not.
7 Things to do in Toledo | A UNESCO City Near Madrid
If you only do the city tour or stay in the touristy areas of Toledo, you really won’t find the charm of Toledo.
The dreamy escape to Toledo is found in the tiny streets and random walkways throughout the historic city. And shoot, it’s just so lovely.
These things to do in Toledo are away from the tourist, and are instead in the heart of what makes Toledo the best city near Madrid!
1. Find the Framed Arch Views of Historic Buildings
Going across the walking bridge in Toledo, it’s easy to miss this gorgeous view if you don’t know what to look for. Right after crossing the walking bridge, look to the right. There’s an old stairway leading to this keyhole view.
2. Baños Árabes de Tenerías
- Coordinates | 39.853039, -4.025970
Along the river, you’ll find these well preserved ruins. This is an old bath house area dating back to the 11th century!
3. Check Out the Monasterio San Juan de Los Reyes
- Coordinates | 39.858182, -4.032145
- Website | San Juan de Los Reyes
The San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery is an absolutely stunning building dating back to the 15th Century. This church is quite the site to see, even just from outside the building.
You can pay to go inside the church building, or just marvel at the beautiful architecture from the outside.
Right next to the church, you’ll find FlyToledo. A zipline company offering ziplining across the canyon from here.
4. Window Shop in Toledo
I think the picture says it all here! 🙂 The window displays in Toledo are interested to look at not just for history buffs, but for any traveler too!
5. Enjoy the Traditional Food of Toledo
The city of Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the mix of three different cultures in one city. This brings on a unique array of food to try within the city.
We tried two different traditional dishes that were just to die for, Carcamusas and Perdiz a la Toledana (a partridge stew.. yes, as in a bird!).
Honestly, one of the best parts of travel is trying food from other cultures. Don’t let the food scare you, embrace eating a bird for a meal — and we always say, take it just how they serve it!
6. Catch Sunset from Mirador de Valle
- Coordinates | 39.850368, -4.021937
Honestly, this may be one of the most romantic sunsets in the world. And that’s saying a lot with how many sunsets we’ve chased around the globe.
As the sun goes down, not only does the lighting on Toledo get better, but the city lights slowly start to illuminate, creating an absolutely magical view.
If you only do one thing in Toledo, it’s got to be watching the sunset over the city.
There are a lot of different sunset spots along the road, so we recommend walking the road early and just watching the light change, literally taking your breath away.
7. Get Lost in the City Walls
This may just be the most important thing to do when visiting Toledo. Strap on some good walking shoes and seriously just get lost in the streets.
There’s a wall surrounding the entire city, and within the city walls you’ll find small alleyways, beautiful buildings, and romance around every corner, creating a charming village feel.
It’s great to go into a city and know what you want to see and do. But what’s even better are the little things that you find along the way. Just wandering the streets is the perfect way to find the little things.. making a trip to this city near Madrid even more magical than it will already be!
How Much Time To Spend in Toledo
When we visited Toledo, we only gave ourselves half a day. It was a real shame considering this city near Madrid is only a 30 minute train ride away.
We really wished we had arrived to Toledo between 9-10, giving ourselves a full day to explore the city.
We recommend you give yourself an entire day to explore Toledo.
If you don’t have a full day, for sure plan to be there for the second part of the day to enjoy sunset over the city. This was by far the most magical part of our visit to Toledo. The lights twinkling over the city on a hill is truly something else!
Tell Me About Madrid
READ MORE | How to Survive Madrid | vacationing like a local
READ MORE | Our Long Weekend in the City | a full Madrid Guide
READ MORE | 12 Things to do in Madrid | including the best ham + churro places
READ MORE | Packing Carry-On Only | how to downsize your luggage