While I love traveling with Tiffany, I have to remember that it's not all fun and games because (obviously) she has a job to do. Constant reminders of this include breezing past her while navigating a foreign airport as she abruptly stops to collect information for readers along our path, anxiously ogling the food and…
Continue reading: Day Trip To Toledo
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Toledo is such a great place. I did a semester abroad there in high school and did a day trip when I was in Madrid a few years ago. Still loved it and it's the perfect place to spend time outside Madrid.
Thanks for sharing!
Toledo is the day trip to take from Madrid if you can only do one. Just some notes - there are 2 major train stations in Madrid. Atocha is used mostly for southern journeys like Toledo (this is also where you can catch the high-speed Ave to destinations such as Sevilla or Cordoba, as well as Barcelona). Chamartin is north of Plaza Castilla and is used for northern trips. Back to Toledo, the walk from the Toledo train station into town can be very difficult at the wrong time of year - it gets very, very, very hot in Toledo in the summer in which case you can catch a local bus into Toledo to Plaza Zocodover for a euro or two, or a taxi for a bit more. Plaza Zocodover is a good starting point as this is where the main tourist info is located. There is also a McD's that is good for a bathroom break and they used to have simple city maps there for free, but not sure if they still do or not. Lastly, if you are driving you should head over to the Parador across the river. It sits high up on the hill opposite town and provides the best views of the city. I do not know of any way to get there except by car (tour buses go there as well). There is a huge terrace where anyone can enjoy a coffee or vino or cerveza while gazing out on this incredible little town.
Thank you Heather! What a fantastic trip report on Toledo! I felt like I was there with you! I have just added this to my places to visit list. @Tiffany please be sure to tell her thank you!
Your pictures make it quite clear you were there off season. We were there in late June, and the crowds in the streets were comparable to what you'd find at Disneyland.....
Good tip about reserving the train. On our first attempt we naively just went to the station, only to find all of the trains sold out until late afternoon. Luckily we had another day in Madrid, so we bought tickets at the station for the following day.
And yes, it's well worth a Euro for the bus ride up to the Plaza, which leaves you that much more time and energy for exploring the upper town. Even if you aren't there in the mid-Summer heat.
This was such a great post! And a most welcomed addition to the blog. In the past I have defended the absence of sightseeing posts on OMAAT. Now, I think it would be enjoyable to have more posts such as this.
The next time that you need to purchase point to point train tix in Spain, just pop in to any nearby travel agency office.
We did it several times in a few cities. It was very easy. If they charged a service fee it wasn't enough make me take notice.
Have Fun!
Toledo is really great and the Cathedral is probably the most beautiful church in the world. It's impossible to understand its beauty from the pictures. You also forgot to take one picture of "El Transparente", a stunning example of baroque art. ( 
)
I can't believe that Ben and Tiffany didn't go with you to Toledo, hours of flights to get to Madrid and then they stayed in the hotel?
Great perspective from Heather. We the reader often forgot you guys travel for 'work', and your need to document each product you review may it be hotel/airline/lounge, as well as the time pressure in putting up these information on daily basis. That been said, it's also refreshing to see a post purely based on sightseeing without tied into a particular product. Probably not profitable for you guys as it doesn't generate SEM traffic to the sponsor sites, but nice to see once in a while.
>>>At first I thought, “Wait, what on earth is going on in Toledo, Ohio?”<<<
That is what I thought too, until I saw the first photo and thought "I've been there." I've never been to Toledo, Ohio.
Very good photos Tiffany.
@ Joan -- I think the fee is 5 Euros, or at least that's what the concierge said the cost would be to book through an agency. We wanted to try the website "for science" though.
We went to Segovia for our day trip from Madrid. The Roman aqueduct still standing over the town is pretty amazing and I had the same "everything is so picturesque" feeling.
I really enjoyed this post! I might not have ever thought of going to Toledo. I love the airline, lounge, and hotel reviews but seeing a few more of these reviews would be really valuable.
Wonderful post!
I know it's easy to do it on my own; however, would it be a lot better and able to get more out of it with a guided tour? Is half day or a full day is recommended?
thanks
@ Emma -- I asked Heather, who has been to Toledo twice now, and she responded Truly no guided tour is needed. Visit the tourist center in the main plaza next to the Cathedral for a self tour guided map. There is also a city tour guide app that we found helpful. And go to Segovia!
Hello! Thank you for the great article. How much time would you recommend for a day trip to Toledo from Madrid? What time did you leave and return Madrid?
@ Leah -- I’d recommend spending 7-9 hours in Toledo. I took the 10AM train and returned at 5PM, which was perfect as a solo traveler, but might have been a bit rushed if I’d had my kids in tow
RE: Toleldo
Hi,
My husband and I are going to Spain for the 1st time for our 40th anniversary. I have looked at a great many sites and yours is the very best!!! You have fabulous photos and practical advice.
I am so glad I came across your site.
What is the name of the charming little curvy street? It is where I must sit and sketch.
Thank you again.
Happy Traveling
Great advice for my upcoming trip to Toledo, thank you for this! Sounds like I HAVE to find a way to get to the terrace at Parador.