Is Toledo Worth Visiting? My Experience & Tips

Toledo might not be the first place you think of when you think of the best places to visit in Spain, but it is one of the most important cities in Spanish history.

I found out about Toledo while researching places to visit on a day trip from Madrid, and I was instantly intrigued. The beautiful Spanish town that played an important role in several different eras – exactly what I liked.

So, if you’re also asking yourself, “Is Toledo worth visiting?”, this article will show you what you can expect, how to get there, and the best things to do in Toledo to help you decide!

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Is Toledo Worth Visiting? Quick Answer & My Experience 

The short answer is yes, Toledo is worth visiting. The city is beautiful, with a lot to see and interesting history to learn about.

I visited Toledo on a day trip, and I think that 1 day in Toledo is enough for most people. However, the city can also be a good base for exploring the region if you prefer a calmer, smaller place than Madrid.

It’s very easy to get to Toledo from Madrid by bus; there’s one every 15 to 30 minutes departing from the bus station in the south of the city, and it takes about an hour. I paid roughly 13€ for a return ticket. You can also take a train, but the train station in Toledo is farther from the city center, so I don’t think it’s worth it. 

To say that the history of Toledo is interesting is an understatement, because this place went through a lot! I highly recommend joining a guided tour to learn more.

One thing to keep in mind is that many restaurants in the city take an afternoon break, so it might be hard to find something to eat if you want to have lunch at 4 PM as I did. In the end, I bought a gazpacho and a tortilla de patatas at a supermarket and ate them picnic-style. 

What I Love About Toledo

I visited Toledo on an extremely hot day, and I still enjoyed exploring the city. In retrospect, I’d probably go earlier in the day or avoid summer months. Still, here is why I loved Toledo, despite the heat!

Unique Old Town

The historic center of Toledo is a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town with winding cobbled streets, mosques turned churches, and impressive historic buildings. If I see a UNESCO sign, I’m immediately intrigued. I’m happy to say that Toledo lived up to my expectations!

Nicknamed the City of Three Cultures, the city reflects the influence of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures throughout.

Fascinating History

If you love history, you’re in for a treat with Toledo and its 2000 years of history. Starting as a Roman settlement, Toledo was later the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, an important town during the Islamic era, and the Kingdom of Castile. 

I found it especially interesting that after the Christian reconquest in the 11th century, the Islamic literature and cultural artifacts weren’t destroyed but preserved and studied. That decision was probably what led to Toledo being such an interesting melting pot of cultures to this day.

Walkable City

I can’t deny that I love a walkable city. Give me cobblestoned streets lined with historic houses, and I’m entertained for hours. One of my favorite things to do in Toledo was to simply walk around following the street signs. 

There were basically no cars in the historic center of Toledo, besides some tourists who were following Google Maps and got stuck in narrow streets. 

Easy Day Trip From Madrid

Finally, Toledo is a really easy and affordable day trip from Madrid. I love small and medium-sized European towns, because I feel like the authenticity sometimes gets watered down in big places like Madrid. 

Toledo feels like Spain. Instead of tourists and fast fashion stores in Madrid, you can see locals living in the city and laughing over drinks in traditional bars. Even if you’re a fan of fast-paced cities like Madrid, I think a change of scenery is fun even on a short trip.

Why You Might Want To Skip Toledo

While I think Toledo is worth visiting, it might not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some aspects to consider.

It’s Extremely Hot In the Summer

I visited Toledo in August, and if I were to do it again, I would avoid the summer months. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of how hot it actually gets there in the summer. I mean, it makes sense; it’s a Spanish inland city, and those are known for high temperatures.

When I visited, it was super sunny, and the temperature was around 33C. Deciding to explore the city around 2 PM was also not the smartest decision on my side. In my defense, there were many tour groups there at the same time!

If summer is the only time you’re available to visit, plan to be there earlier in the morning so you can have lunch around 1 PM and avoid the strongest sun.

You Don’t Care About History

Not everyone is a fan of history, and that’s ok. While I love to learn the stories behind medieval buildings, mosques turned to churches, and cobbled streets, it might not be your thing. 

History and sightseeing are the main reasons to visit Toledo. There’s not much to do besides that, so if you prefer shopping and cafe culture, Madrid is the better place for you.

Best Things To Do in Toledo

So, to help you decide if Toledo is worth visiting on your trip, here are some of my favorite things to do in Toledo that should be on your itinerary. 

Join a Guided Tour

I love wandering the streets not knowing where I’m going and just appreciating the architecture, but I truly believe a guided tour will make your Toledo experience so much better. Toledo is one of those places where every building tells a story, and it would be a shame not to learn it.

Book your spot on a Toledo walking tour early to make sure you get the time slot you want! 🤩

Admire the Viewpoints

My favorite thing about hilltop cities is the viewpoints, and Toledo is no exception. As soon as you climb the escalator (yes, you don’t actually have to climb 1000 steps to reach the city, it’s amazing!) to the historic center, you’ll be greeted by an amazing view over the region.

Explore the Historic Center

UNESCO protected the entire historic center of Toledo for its exceptional historical, cultural, and architectural significance. If you’re traveling in Spain on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that you can explore the entire city for free! Sure, you’ll have to pay to enter the monuments, but seeing them from outside is completely free.

Visit Alcázar of Toledo

While Alcázar of Toledo is quite impressive to see from the outside, history lovers should go in and discover the museum. This majestic historical fortification is now home to the Army Museum, making for a great way to learn about the Spanish military past.

Thevisible  Islamic influence in the architecture reminded me a lot of places in Andalusia like Granada or Cordoba. 

Where To Stay in Toledo?

I only visited Toledo on a day trip from Madrid, but I think it would be a really interesting place to stay if you want to explore more of the surrounding rural area. If you rent a car, it’s a great base for driving around and discovering hidden gems in the region without suffering through Madrid traffic.

If you’re not renting a car, I’d stay in the hilltop historic center. I can only imagine how nice it would be to stroll the streets at dusk, drink sangria and snack on tapas in a local bar once most day trippers have gone. 

Even if you don’t have a lot of time in Spain, 1 night in Toledo would be enough to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions. 

• TOP Pick: Eugenia de Montijo
• Mid-range Option: Hotel Sercotel Alfonso VI
• Budget Pick: Wonder Hostel

Final Thoughts: Is Toledo Worth Visiting?

Toledo has a lot to offer, and it is worth visiting if you’re interested in history and want to experience a unique blend of cultures and learn how they influenced this part of the country. 

I’d recommend Toledo to those who love history, medieval aesthetics, and cultural travel. 

It’s good to keep in mind that the city gets extremely hot in the summer, and I made the mistake of exploring in the afternoon, which made my experience slightly less enjoyable. If you can’t handle high temperatures, I’d avoid visiting in the summer.

Overall, I really liked Toledo, especially as a day trip from Madrid. The two cities are so different, and I felt like it made my trip more complete. 

I love medium-sized European towns; have you heard about Girona in Spain? 🇪🇸