My youngest son and I completed a whirlwind trip around parts of Spain, traveling with his soccer team and, as you may have guessed, doing all the soccer things we could. While the trip was fraught with drama and complexities (I am still processing), our one day in Toledo, Spain, and all the wonderful things to do there were a highlight for us.
This particular summer in Spain was HOT, and walking around Toledo didn’t do wonders for beating the heat. But many of the main streets had sailcloth strewn above, and we happened to visit the day after a religious festival and parade, which meant the entire city of Toledo was adorned in fresh flowers and blooms. It was like stepping into a fairytale.
Most visitors to Toledo come for one day from Madrid (which is what we did). But, truthfully, I would have loved to have stayed at least one night here. I can imagine the streets become otherworldly at dark, as the lights twinkle and the crowds disperse.Â
Yet no matter how much time you have here, finding some things to do in Toledo, Spain’s former capital city, is worth the trip.
About Toledo, Spain
The entire city of Toledo, Spain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site way back in 1986 (if that gives you any indication as to the historic relevance of this spot). It calls itself the “City of Three Cultures,” calling on its past as a seat of Muslim, Christian and Jewish life. All three influences are easily seen today.
The city is also just beautiful. All of the old architectures mix in a wash of creams, cobblestone, and ancient wooden doors. The streets meander and twist. Toledo sits at the top of a hill, surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and offers visitors sweeping views.
In the earliest of days, Toledo was the capital of Spain and the seat of the royal court. Remnants of the investment, opulence, and importance of this city are on display in pockets. Toledo was of utmost importance until 1561, when Phillip II moved the capital of Spain and his court to Madrid.
Today, Toledo is 89.6 square miles with a population of just under 90,000 people. Yet, as you can imagine, tourists flock here to visit (for good reason). Toledo is hot in the summer, not having the advantage of cool sea breezes, but it is a gem. It is visually impressive while still being older than can be conceived. It offers a wonderful bit of Spanish culture while also holding tight to its own identity.
Get Tips from the Trip Delivered
Life with a family is constantly a trip, and we’re here to take it with you. Once a month, we send intimate essays, tips, book recommendations, and travel guides to help you live an intentional family life
Getting to Toledo, Spain
Toledo is just over 70 km south of Madrid, making it a great destination for a day trip from the major city.
There is direct train service from Madrid for around $20USD. There is a high speed train also available, which takes around half an hour in transit time.
If you are coming by car, check out this post from Earth Trekkers on parking, who write:
“The #1 lot we recommend is Parking Paseo de la Rosa (a short walk from the Alcantara Bridge) followed by Safont (a larger lot but a longer walk into town). If that doesn’t work, we parked on an unnamed street next to the train station (here are the GPS coordinates). In 2024, it was free to park here and a 20-minute walk into Toledo.
There are also two paid parking garages in Toledo: at the Alcazar garage and at Aparcamiento Miradero.”
Note that the Miradero parking garage is the most centrally located and saves a big trek uphill as escalators are available.
Tips for Getting Around Toledo, Spain
Toledo is built high on a hilltop, so there is a significant amount of elevation gain that you have to do in some manner.Â
You will not want to drive around Toledo itself. The streets are incredibly narrow and filled with visitors. Most visitors park or exit the train station well below the top of the town and work their way up the hillside.
Our group was dropped off in front of the Miradero Parking Plaza. We went through the parking garage and wound our way up with the help of escalators and steps, which was very easy. We ended up here, blocks from Toledo City Center.
The train station is also located at the base of the hill and requires a walk and, again, with some hefty elevation gain. Consider an Uber or a taxi to the city center from the train station in Toledo. (Although the walk does take you by some gorgeous scenery and one of the bridges.)
Once you get to the main area of town (the Plaza de Zocodover), you will be walking a lot. You may want to consider a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour.
Things to do in Toledo, Spain (even with one day)
Table of Contents
Toledo Cathedral
If you have time for only one thing in Toledo, make it the cathedral.
I know – you are thinking that there are so many churches in Europe, so what’s the point of going into yet another one? But having been in many of those European churches through my decades of life, I can say that this one was remarkable. I was shocked by how moved I was by the beauty of this particular house of worship.
In retrospect, it makes sense that this cathedral holds so much wealth and beauty. After all, Toledo was the capital of Spain for centuries. At the time of completion, it was meant to impress. Today, the Toledo Cathedral is frequently listed as one of the top ten cathedrals to visit in all of Spain.
The art inside holds masterpieces – El Greco is prominently featured, but there are also works by Goya and Velázquez. (When you enter the cathedral, head to the sacristy to see the most stunning pieces of art.)
Given Toledo’s history as a seat of Moorish culture, part of the cathedral was used as a mosque before being converted in 1085. Sadly, that original building no longer stands. The cathedral on the site now dates back to the 1220s and features some of the most beautiful, ingenious, and creative displays I have ever seen in a Gothic church.
We were in Toledo slightly before high season kicked in (mid-June) and were able to walk up to get tickets. We were in the cathedral for an hour, but I could have spent longer in there. They were closing the high altar and choir in preparation for a service at the end of our visit.
This is very much a functioning cathedral, with services offered and nuns walking the cloisters. This means that hours for visitation are limited on Sundays (and at other times as posted). So check before you go. Also, of course, visitors should be respectful.
I would have enjoyed a guided tour through the cathedral in some manner. There was so much to take in it was hard to understand it with a simple guidebook blurb.
- To learn more and buy tickets to the Toledo Cathedral visit: catedralprimada.es/en/info/museos
Plaza de Zocodover
This is a “gimme” as Plaza de Zocodover really cannot be missed. It is the first major town square you see from the steps out of the Toledo parking garage I mentioned above. There are statues and restaurants surrounding it with old buildings draped in flags lording over it.
The Plaza was used as a public gathering space as early as 1465 and has seen markets, bullfights, music performances, and more (including public executions during the Inquisition).
This isn’t the place to eat. As of our visit, the Plaza was primarily host to fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Burger King. But it is fun to see.
Marzipan
We learned on a guided tour (and I had read in multiple Internet posts) that nuns started making marzipan here in the early 13th century. Marizpan is said to be an Arabian dessert that gained popularity in Spain and Italy. The confectionary shop Santo Tome started making marzipan in Toledo, Spain in 1865 and remains the preeminent place to get marzipan.
Marzipan is considered a Christmas-time sweet, but Toledo enjoys this year-round. Marzipan is made of simple ingredients: almonds and sugar, sometimes honey, all ground into a paste. It can be manipulated into different shapes and flavored with various other nuts, extracts, and so forth. Part of the fun of marzipan is the way it can be shaped – the shop we went to has a life-sized Don Quixote statue made entirely of marzipan on display. (The moon crescents you see in the photo below are the original, simplest form of marzipan available.)
There are a few Santo Tome shops in Toledo. There is a large shop right on Plaza de Zocodover most tourists stop at, but the original location is in the Jewish quarter (see the Santo Tome address).
We thought marzipan was interesting, but we weren’t lining up to buy hoards of it to bring home. A few pieces to sample will likely suffice for you.
- Visit Santo Tome at Calle Santo Tome Nº 3, Calle Colombia Nº 17, and Plaza de Zocodover Nº 7 and learn more online here: mazapan.com.
Roman Baths
This isn’t the most dynamic Roman spot I’ve ever visited (think Basilica Cistern in Istanbul for that). But it is free and a quick walkabout.Â
These Roman baths, discovered underground when someone went to dig for a garage, are a great reminder of how much human history sits in this town. Plus – on a hot summer day, the inside of the baths was nice and cool!
But if you are short on time or something else on the list below appeals more, this would be a thing to skip.
Eat at El Trebol
This region is known for different fare and cuisine than what you find in Madrid. Here, it is about wild game and stewed meat.
We received a recommendation from a local to head to El Trebol, and were glad we did! This was one of the most memorable meals I had in Spain.
We followed the server’s lead and ordered the tapas sampler and some specialty potatoes. We ended up trying stewed boar, partridge pate, and, of course, Manchego cheese among other things (see the list at the bottom if you want even more Manchego).
- Visit El Trebol at Calle Santa Fe, 1 (Toledo) or online at: cerveceriatrebol.com.
Shop
As you all likely know by now, I am not a shopper. I don’t like to spend time buying stuff, I don’t want stuff, and I find shopping rather boring and stressful. However, Toledo has streets that wind and weave, with the cutest artisan shops tucked away.
Also, Toledo offers goods that aren’t readily available elsewhere. In addition to marzipan, Toledo specializes in steel swords and damascene.
Damascene is the laying of gold metal lace on steel and is used to create everything from plates to jewelry. The steel sword business in Toledo has been renowned for centuries, peaking in the 15th and 16th centuries. The steel in Toledo is known for how hard it is, along with a proprietary and complicated process for blacksmithing.Â
While you may not be interested in bringing home a steel sword, popping into the shops that sell these is a sight. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other shops selling items like cork fans with intricate designs on them, Lladros, and flowing sundresses. Have fun!
A Walking Tour
A guided walking tour of Toledo, like this one here is going to be the fastest way to see a lot. (You all know, I love my walking tours for so many reasons.)
But with the deep history of Toledo and its winding streets, having someone with local knowledge introduce you to the city will enhance your time here, as well as be more efficient. As our guide said, which we later discovered to be absolutely true: it is easy to get lost in Toledo. You will probably end up turned around at some point. Just let it happen. You’ll find your way back.
Our guide said the best way to discover Toledo was to “get lost,” “knock on every door,” and “walk through every door that is open.”
Lessons for life, in general, friends, straight from Toledo, Spain.
With More Time:
- Zip line over the river: flytoledo.com
This is a quick single zip line, so we skipped it (having done some epic zip lines in Costa Rica). But it is fun for kids (no age limit, but kids under 20 kg must go with an adult) and something different. - Visit the Alcazar & Army Museum: en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es
Alcazar means castle. This particular castle now houses an army and artillery museum, but it sits at the highest point of Toledo and the view are great. - El Greco Museum: www.cultura.gob.es/mgreco
Toledo is the adopted hometown of El Greco, who did much of his masterwork painting here (hence why so much is in the Toledo Cathedral). - Santo Tome church: toledomonumental.com/iglesia-de-santo-tome
- Monastery de San Juan de Los Reyes: toledomonumental.com/monasterio-de-san-juan-de-los-reyes
- Hike to one of the beautiful bridges that span the river: Puente de Alcantara or Puente de San Martin
- Mirador de Valle
This spot can be found on Google Maps and offers a gorgeous view of the city. But you will need an Uber ride or a car to get here. It’s too far to walk from downtown. - Museo de Cromatica: museocromatica.com
This is an original museum featuring 76 musical instruments painted by artists (with a renowned bartender serving drinks to museum-goers, too). - Manchego Cheese Tasting: www.museodelquesomanchego.com
This region is famous for Manchego cheese, and they do it well! This little shop offers cheese tastings and platters.
Save it:
