Toledo

Toledo viewed from Tagus River.

For other places with the same name, see Toledo (disambiguation).

Toledo is a historic city in Castilla La Mancha, sitting majestically above the Tagus River and denoted a UNESCO heritage site in 1986. It is a very worthwhile day-trip from Madrid, only half an hour by train.

Understand

The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192 BC. The ruins of the Roman circus are still visible just outside the walls of the city. Roman occupation was followed by Visigoth rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in AD 1085. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid-1500s when the royal court moved to Madrid. The winding, cobbled streets of the old town are often crowded with locals and tourists, as well as a surprisingly large number of cars and vans. Don't miss the 13th century cathedral or the Alcázar which sits atop the town and dates back to Roman times.

As a visitor to Toledo, you are not allowed to pick up or collect anything off the street because the entire city is a gazetted monument. However, there are souvenir shops where one can buy mementoes. You get a better view of the ancient city as you enjoy local meals in one of the hotels across from the banks of the Tagus River.

Get in

By train

An AVE train in Toledo

• 1 Estación de Toledo (Toledo station). The AVE high-speed train takes 33 minutes from Madrid's Atocha station to Toledo and costs €10.60 + €8.50 = €19.10 for a same-day round trip, and you have to specify your return time at the time of purchase. Boarding starts 20–30 minutes prior to departure and the gate will close 5 minutes before schedule.. (updated May 2024)

In Madrid, you will find vending machines for railway tickets. However, be careful with the red vending machines that are signed "Cercanias." For foreigners, it will be easier still to use the Renfe website to purchase tickets or to use a manned ticket booth. If you choose to buy at the booth, be careful with timing - perhaps go the day before - because you may not be guaranteed a seat or the time you want.

From Toledo station, urban buses numbers 5, 22, 61, or 62 stop on the street in front of the train station and take you to Plaza de Zocodover, the city center. The buses are €1.60 (pay the driver). All passengers must exit at Zocodover as it is the last stop on the route. It's a pleasant 30-minute downhill walk back to the train station. City buses are blue; a private company operates red buses that wait outside the train station and charge €2.50 for the same route as number 5.

By bus

Buses run between Toledo and Madrid's Plaza Elíptica bus station (on the grey Circular metro line) every half hour until 21:30. The company is Alsa. The trip takes about one hour and a return ticket costs €9.75.

2 Toledo bus station, Av. Castilla la Mancha, 29. (updated Oct 2023)

Getting there/away: from the Toledo bus terminal it is a steep but picturesque 20-minute walk up to the old town. A local bus service is also available. To catch a local bus from the Toledo bus station to the center of town, head out of the station for a bit and you will see a bus stand, catch a bus going to Plaza Zocodover. Among other buses you can also catch Line 5 from the same stop which runs every 15 minutes and will drop you off right in front of Plaza Zocodover.

By car

From Madrid, Toledo is about 70 km southwest on the A-42 freeway, which is marked "Toledo" on all road signs. This used to be labelled the N-401, and old maps or signs may still refer to that, although almost all road signage appears to have been updated. There is often spot congestion during peak hours, sometimes as far out as Parla (25 km).

In case of traffic congestion, there is a tolled alternative, denominated AP-41. However, time difference between driving on the A-42 or AP-41 is usually not worth paying the toll.

Parking on the narrow cobbled streets of inner Toledo is virtually impossible except for short loading/unloading stops, but there's a big garage in Calle de Santa Úrsula, right in the centre.

Toledo Cathedral

See

Arm yourself with a map to avoid getting completely lost!

• 1 Cathedral. It is the centrepiece of Toledo. It sits on top of the hill and is deceptively large. When you enter you will be confronted by sparkling gold reliefs, huge oil paintings and portraits of all of the Toledo Cardinals going back at least 500 years. The baroque Transparente, behind the main altar, is like nothing you have ever seen. The Cathedral also has a great art gallery with works by Raphael, Rubens, Goya, Titian, and one of El Greco's major works, The Disrobing of Christ. €10-12.5. (updated Oct 2023)
• 2 Iglesia de los Jesuitas. It offers great views of Toledo and the surrounding region from its twin spires. It is set in the highest location in the city. (Oct-Mar 10:00-17:45, Apr-Sep 10:00-18:45)  
• 3 Mosque of Cristo de la Luz. It was built 1000 years ago as a small mosque, but 200 years later was converted to a church. The building itself is a mix of the two styles, with a primarily Mudejar architecture, and early Christian paintings on the walls. (mid Oct-Feb 10:00-17:45, Mar-mid Oct 10:00-18:45, closed on weekdays from 14:00-15:30)  
• 4 Iglesia del Salvador. It was like the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz converted from a mosque into a church, though in this case the architecture of the building is more varied, combining Mudejar, Visigoth, and Roman-style architecture. (mid Oct-Feb 10:00-17:45, Mar-mid Oct 10:00-18:45, closed on Fridays from 14:45-16:00).  
• 5 The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. One of El Greco's most famous and recognized works, it's housed in Iglesia de Santo Tomé. (Mid Oct-Feb 10:00-17:45, Mar-Mid Oct 10:00-18:45)  
• 6 Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. It's one of the three synagogues that remain in Spain from before the expulsion of the Jews in the 16th century, two of which are in Toledo (the third is in Córdoba). (mid Oct-Feb 10:00-17:45, Mar-mid Oct 10:00-18:45)  
• 7 Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. It's a beautiful 16th century church in the Jewish quarter that was built by Ferdinand and Isabella to house their tombs. Upon the conquest of Granada, they decided to be buried there instead, but it is still easily worth the visit. (mid Oct-Feb 10:00-17:45, Mar-mid Oct 10:00-18:45).  
• 8 Synagogue of El Tránsito. The second of Toledo's remaining pre-16th century synagogues, it hosts the Sefardi Museum.  
• 9 The Alcazar. A large square building on the outskirts of the old city. It looks across the river at Franco's old military barracks. The origin of the building dates back to the presence of a Roman camp in the 3rd century. The Muslims built there a keep transformed later by Alfonso VI and Alfonso X, which was the first Alcazar. €5, free on Sundays. (updated May 2015)
• The Museo Victorio Macho is a small museum dedicated to the local sculptor, Victorio Macho, split between an interior gallery, and exterior gardens. Admission also includes a short film describing the history of Toledo (M-Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-15:00, closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day, €3).
• The Military barracks. There is a tourist pass available for €9 that allows entrance to 7 sites around the city (normally €2.5 each); but does not include the cathedral or other major sites so It would be of questionable value.

  

  Labyrinth in old Toledo

Do

You may actually want to get lost in Toledo. Take some time to lose yourself in Toledo's medieval streets. The city is surrounded by the River Tagus on three sides and two medieval walls on the fourth side. The old city is relatively small and can be crossed in 45 minutes, so you are never too far from the center. When you want to head back, just head uphill and you are virtually guaranteed to end up at the main plaza, Plaza de Zocodover.

Buy

Souvenirs from Toledo

The gold and black enamel work by local artisans is known throughout Spain. Many shops in Toledo sell decorated plates, shields, spoons and key rings.

Swords – Toledo is well known for its swords, so be sure to look for a conquistador sword, which should set you back around US$300. As you can't bring it on a plane, or even on a train, you'll need to send it. Fortunately, many shops will ship it for you for a reasonable price.

Ceramics – Talavera de la Reina (outside of Toledo) has a centuries-old tradition of glazed ceramics. Toledo is filled with handpainted ceramics of varying degrees of quality (upscale shops and boutiques are pricier, but generally carry higher-quality pieces).

Damascene – Another famous handicraft of Toledo is damascene, from the ancient Moorish art of interlacing gold on iron or steel, then firing it so the underlying material oxidizes and becomes black, with the gold in sharp relief. Every shop in Toledo will carry some form of damascene work, most frequently as small decorative plates and jewellery. Damascene also tends to be on the expensive side, so be sure to comparison-shop around Toledo. The traditional manufacturing process consists of several steps, as it is shown in MadeInToledo.com.

Eat

Migas

If you want authentic paella, Toledo is not your best option because it is so far inland.

Budget

Old Town

• 1 Patata y Olé, C. Tornerías, 15. Variety of baked potatoes, cooked differently than elsewhere. They have vegan options and they are super friendly. The attention and the atmosphere are unbeatable, the site is very nice. (updated Sep 2022)
• 2 Bar Ludeña, Pl. Magdalena, 10. Family tavern where details and flavors are taken care of without nonsense. A good place to eat typical Toledo food. Good carcamusas with their spicy touch. (updated Sep 2022)
• 3 La Cuesta de Toledo, C. de Toledo de Ohio, 1. Typical Castilian food and very familiar and pleasant treatment. Mostly locals inside. Quaint and unassuming. (updated Sep 2022)
• 4 Bar Skala, Cta. Sal, 5. Local food, simple and delicious, wonderful waiters and gluten-free options. Very nice place and good atmosphere. (updated Sep 2022)
• 5 La Mona Bar, C. Tornerías, 2. A small and cozy place, with a good menu of tapas. Very good are the typical carcamusas from Toledo and the casserole. Awesome burgers and good service. (updated Sep 2022)
• 6 La Casa de Damasco, C. Sierpe, 5. Excellent little place down a back alley. Extensive menu, incredible flavors, very kind treatment. (updated Sep 2022)

Around the Plaza República Dominicana

• 7 El Rinconcito, C. Colombia, 12. Super homemade tapas. Very goodh cocretah and paellah. Nice atmosphere and treatment. (updated Sep 2022)
• 8 Restaurante Trébedes Toledo, C. Colombia, 3. Everything is super tasty. The waiters are super attentive and friendly. Extensive menu. (updated Sep 2022)
• 9 Malpica Retro, Av. de América, 1. A charming place. Great treatment, great food and a good atmosphere. Curiously appetizing. (updated Sep 2022)
• 10 Restaurante Pizzería Il Padrino, C. Brive, 10. Delicious pizzas, spectacular dough, super fast and good service. (updated Sep 2022)
• 11 La Ramona - Toledo, Plaza de Filipinas, 2. It is a cafeteria with a large terrace. Everything is simple. A quality tapas bar. (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range

• 12 Barrio / Restaurante Coctelería, C. Bo. Rey, 5. (updated Sep 2022)
• 13 Restaurante "El Cobertizo", C. Hombre de Palo, 9. (updated Sep 2022)
• 14 Taberna el Botero, Calle Ciudad, 5. (updated Sep 2022)
• 15 Lo Nuestro Taperia & Restaurante, C. San Juan de Dios, 7. (updated Sep 2022)
• 16 Restaurante La Fábrica de Harinas, C. de los Reyes Católicos, 5. (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge

• 17 Meson de la Orza, Calle de Descalzos, 5, ☏ +34 925 223 011. M-Sa 13:30–16:00, 08:30–23:00. Great food, great service, not so cheap, but it is worthy. Dishes include; lomo de orza, pork tenderloin; migas, a traditional Spanish breadcrumb dish served with lamb sweetbreads; roast suckling lamb and pig; partridge on arroz meloso; and vanilla-infused fried milk pudding. Wine list of 100 wines. (updated Sep 2022)

Vegetarian and Vegan

• 18 Madre Tierra, Bajada de la Tripería, 2, ☏ +34 925223571, info@restaurantemadretierra.com. All organic food with vegan and vegetarian offerings, smoothies, and an organic wine list. $$. (updated Sep 2022)

Sweets

Mazapán

The region around Toledo and southward in Castilla La Mancha produces typical almond sweets known as Mazapán, which is not to be confused with the Scandinavian almond paste called "marzipan".

• Mazapán. These are glazed, and sometimes decorated with pine nuts (piñones). The most famous bakery making this sweet in all of Spain is arguably the Confiteria Santo Tomé, which is particularly crowded just before Christmas when shoppers from all over Spain come to Toledo to buy some Mazapán for their Christmas parties. (updated May 2024)

Drink

Try Picaro or Circulo de Arte for a hip night scene, Circulo de Arte is in a renovated church and plays good dance music. It also has some of the best batidos (milkshakes) in town! O´Brian's serves good tap beer, and boasts a strong tourist and student crowd most nights.

• O'Brien, C/ Armas, 12, ☏ +34 925 21 26 65. Try Domas beer. Made in Toledo. IPA is a fusion & quite good. 

Sleep

Toledo has plenty of accommodation, though it still can be difficult to get a room during the peak period from July to September. Many international visitors prefer to visit on a day trip from Madrid. Toledo is a popular weekend destination for Spaniards, leading to room rates are 20 to 30% higher on Fridays and Saturdays compared with midweek.

Budget

• 1 Youth Hostel Los Pascuales, Cuesta de los Pascuales 8, ☏ +34 925282422, fax: +34 925282422, reservas@alberguelospascuales.com. New, clean, safe and very central (updated May 2015)
• 2 Oasis Toledo, Calle Cadenas, 5, ☏ +34 925 227 650, +34 671 069 414 (WhatsApp), toledo@hostelsoasis.com. Upmarket hostel with kitchen and fantastic terrace, 12.5 euro peak season 

Mid-range

• Casona de la Reina, C/ Armas, 12, ☏ +34 25 282 052. Clean and classy hotel. Priced quite reasonably. Located on the river for impressive views but an up hill climb to through the city. Park on the street if available or on site garage. Incredible breakfast is included. Wifi works great. 
• Hotel Imperio, Cadenas 7 - situated close to Plaza Zocodover. (**)
• Hesperia Toledo, Marqués de Mendigorría, 8 -12. this newly refurbished hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located a short distance from the city centre. Many famous tourist attractions are in walking distance. From €59. 
• Hotel Alfonso VI, ****, close to Plaza Zocodover, some rooms with terrasses overlooking the town and valley.
• Hotel Layos Golf, Carretera de Toledo a Piedrabuena Km. 12, 45123, Layos - Toledo, ☏ +34 925 60 00 04, reservas@hotellayosgolf.com. 4-star hotel 10 km from Toledo. The complex has a golf course and swimming pools. 

Splurge

Toledo at sunset, as seen from the Parador Hotel

• 3 Parador de Toledo. This hotel offers the best views of the town. 

Stay safe

Toledo is a relatively small town, and so is rather safe. Toledo's medieval streets are labyrinthine, so the biggest danger is getting lost, especially at night.

Cope

Due to the location of Toledo upon the top of a hill, the city is exposed to quite a bit of sunshine in comparison to Madrid. Therefore the average temperature you sense may be considerably higher than what you would expect from the forecast. Temperatures can be in the high 30s C (100°F) as late as nine in the evening. Be sure to bring plenty of water or get some refreshments in Toledo to support the local shopkeepers. Do not forget to put on sufficient sunblock on a hot summer day or try to stay in the shades of buildings and trees.

The historic center of Toledo is rather steep and hilly and most streets are cobblestone, so sensible shoes are a must. Those with wheeled luggage might also struggle

Practical

• Laundromat OpenBlue24h; very close to Plaza Zocodover; washing (30 minutes) from 5€, drying (20 minutes) 3€

Go next

• Madrid - connected to Toledo by Avant high-speed shuttle trains (requires reservation and can fill up quickly during peak travel times, such as weekends; make sure to book ahead or prepare to use the bus service), Alsa buses (direct, from central bus station), A-42 motorway and AP-41 tolled motorway.
• Aranjuez, with its summer Royal Palace - Aisa and Rubiocar offer direct bus routes, while national route N-400 also connects the two towns.
• El Escorial, with its winter Royal Palace and Pantheon, and Alcalá de Henares, with its renowned university, are other monumental cities in the area. - Reaching those cities would need connecting in Madrid if using public transportation, or driving through Madrid bypasses.
• Consuegra, home to the renowned Don Quixote windmills and castle - connected to Toledo by Samar buses, CM-42 motorway, and the Don Quixote Trail literary route.
• If driving to Extremadura (Cáceres, Badajoz, Plasencia, Jerte Valley,...) through A-40 and A-5 motorways (former N-403 and N-V routes), some worthy stops on the way are Talavera de la Reina and Oropesa, a picturesque hill-top town with an impressive castle.
• Another option, also if driving on the N-403 (and its upgraded sections, renamed A-40) up to the walled city of Ávila, would be visiting the Los Gredos Mountains (Sierra de Gredos in Spanish), with a variety of scenic 1,000+ meter hill tops and impressive wildlife.