Top 10: Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

Located just outside of Madrid, Toledo is one of Spain’s most historically significant cities, and a popular day trip for tourists coming to the Spanish capital. However, as far as we’re concerned, a city packed with so much history deserves more time. Toledo was originally a Roman settlement, though it boasts an incredibly diverse historical heritage, with Christian, Muslim and Jewish influences permeating throughout. It’s for this reason that Toledo has come to be known as the ‘City of Three Cultures‘. Today with Civitatis, we’re going to run through our top 10 things to do in Toledo, Spain, from historical sites to museums and shows! When you first arrive, we recommend beginning your experience with a free tour of Toledo or a private tour, so that you can see some of the city’s major landmarks, and gain an insight into its fascinating and eclectic history.

1. Grab a Coffee at the Plaza de Zocodover

A starting point of most guided tours in the city, the Plaza de Zocodover is a wonderful place to begin your Toledo experience. Plaza de Zocodover is Toledo’s main square, host to the city’s Tuesday market from 1465 until the 1960s, along with bullfights and public burnings during the Inquisition.

Today, the square is a terrific spot to sit out and grab your morning coffee, or a drink in the afternoon! Enjoy the classic Castillian architecture as you watch the world go by. At the Plaza de Zocodover, you’ll also find a fantastic selection of terrific restaurants which are well worth checking out.

2. Visit Puerta de Bisagra Nueva & the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

The Puerta de Bisagra Nueva was one of the main entrances to the walled city of Toledo and serves as a good starting point from which to explore the historic quarter. This gate is of Moorish origin, though the main part of the gate was constructed under the reign of Charles V and his son Philip II, in a renaissance style. Learn all about the gate’s fascinating history on this private tour of Toledo.

A stone’s throw from the Puerta de Biasgra Nueva you’ll find the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz. Dating back to 999 AD, this structure (which has served as a Catholic chapel since the 12th century) is by far the best preserved of the 10 mosques which have been built in the city. It is also the city’s oldest standing monument.

3. Head to Toledo Cathedral

Toledo Cathedral is considered to be a gem of Gothic architecture, and one of the most iconic churches in Spain. The structure which stands today was in fact built on top of a Muslim mosque, and its history goes back further, to the the reign of the Visigoths.

Aside from the cathedral’s incredible architecture, and fascinating history, inside, you’ll find an incredible selection of art, with works from such artists as El Greco, Goya and Caravaggio.

4. Make your way to the Alcázar of Toledo

This fortress-palace has witnessed centuries of intrigue, conquest, and cultural exchange. Originally built as a Roman palace, it was later fortified by the Visigoths and subsequently expanded by the Moors. However, its most significant transformation came during the reign of King Charles I of Spain in the 16th century.

Under Charles I, the Toledo Alcazar was rebuilt in a magnificent Renaissance style, reflecting the grandeur and power of the Spanish Empire. Its imposing façade, characterised by towering turrets and sturdy walls, exudes an aura of strength and resilience. The interior is adorned with splendid courtyards, intricate stonework, and ornate decorations, offering visitors a glimpse into Spain’s golden age of art and architecture.

Today, the Alcázar of Toledo stands as a Military Museum, exhibiting the history of the Spanish army, which is well worth checking out!

5. Explore the Jewish Quarter & Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Toledo’s Jewish quarter is among the most famous in all of Spain, having been one of the most densely populated and richest during the Kingdom of Castile. You’ll know you’re there when you start coming across the little blue tiles that mark the limits of the Jewish quarter and that represent the menorah and the words chai and sefarad.

At the centre of the Jewish quarter, you’ll find the synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, whose austere exterior stands in stark contrast to its beautiful interior of horseshoe arches supported by white pillars and Mudejar-style decorations. This building is one of the finest examples of the hybridity of cultures in Toledo, having been converted into a Christian church in the 15th century.

6. Go to the Church of Santo Tomé

Another must-see in Toledo is the church of Santo Tomé. Perhaps not quite as ornate in its design as some of the city’s other churches, San Tomé is famous for housing one of Toledo’s most revered treasures: the painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, a masterpiece by El Greco. Near Santo Tomé, we can also find the museum dedicated to this painter, the El Greco Museum. This museum houses more of the artists most famous works, including Saint Bernardino of Siena.
To visit the museum, you can buy one at the church entrance or, alternatively, book the Toledo Tourist Wristband online. This pass also lets you visit other Toledo landmarks like the Cristo de la Luz Mosque and the Main Synagogue.

7. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

The monastery of San Juan de los Reyes was built by order of the Catholic Monarchs in celebration of the birth of their son, Prince John. Undoubtedly one of the most interesting sites in Toledo, this monastery boasts an elegant two-story cloister in Elizabethan Gothic style, decorated with a magnificent coffered ceiling in Mudejar style.

8. Cross the Bridge of San Martin

On the way out of the monastery, we’ll find the slope of San Juan de los Reyes, which connects with the slope of San Martín. These two downhill avenues lead directly to the majestic bridge of San Martin, built over the Tagus River. This medieval construction was one of the main access points to the city, and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

9. See the City from the Mirador del Valle Viewpoint

One of the best ways to appreciate the beautiful city of Toledo is to enjoy the panoramic views from the Mirador del Valle viewpoint. From there, you’ll enjoy next-level views of the Cathedral, the Alcázar de Toledo and the river.

If you’re spending a day or more in Toledo, make your way to the viewpoint via the Alcántara Bridge. This crossing point has a fascinating history, dating back to the Ancient Roman Empire. If you go this way, you’re in for an approximately 40-minute round trip. If you’re a bit short on time, get there aboard the Toledo City Sightseeing Bus.

10. Experience Puy du Fou & El Sueño de Toledo

Just a short drive from the walled city is the sensational attraction of Puy du Fou, one of the best and most popular things to do in Toledo, Spain. Since its inauguration in 2021, this park has quickly become a favourite among visitors to the capital of Castilla-La Mancha, even winning Best Show in the World, awarded by the International Association of Parks and Entertainment.

This unique attraction offers a journey through the history of Spain through different daytime shows in various period villages. During the visit, you can take part in workshops, sample the local cuisine and even enjoy a falconry show with beautiful birds of prey. At nightfall begins the ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ (Toledo’s Dream) a large-scale re-enactment of over 1500 years of history with more than 200 actors and horsemen, fireworks and water effects. 

To visit this world of history and fun without queuing at the ticket offices, you can buy your Puy du Fou Entrance Ticket or El Sueño de Toledo Ticket. If you are going to the park and you also want to enjoy the night show, it is more cost-effective to buy a combined ticket for Puy du Fou and El Sueño de Toledo. If you don’t know how to get there, you can book direct transport from the city centre or even an excursion from Madrid. Check out all of the ways you can experience Puy du Fou with Civitatis.

How to get to Toledo from Madrid

There are lots of ways to visit Toledo from Madrid, and taking a day trip from Madrid or a half-day trip from Madrid are the most common ways for visitors to make their way to Toledo. However, if you plan on travelling for longer, you can rent a car from Madrid and make your own way.

If you’re spending time in Madrid and are looking for advice on how you should dedicate your time, check out our Weekend in Madrid Guide.

Combine Your Trip with Segovia or Ávila or Both

If you’re trying to pack in even more excitement, consider a combo trip alongside other local cities. Go on a day trip to Toledo and Segovia or to Toledo and Ávila. Or, combine all three on this day trip to Toledo, Segovia and Ávila—with Civitatis the options are endless!

There you have it! Regardless of what you get up to in Toledo, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Simply wandering the ancient streets can be a wonderful day out. If you’re still not convinced and are looking for other activities to get up to on your travels, check out these activities in Toledo with Civitatis.