Toledo is a beautiful medieval city just a 30-minute train ride from Madrid. I remember being amazed the first time I went on a high school trip. I took my parents back in 2019 for a day trip and I think they could have spent much longer there. They loved it! I totally understand why. You enter the walled city crossing a beautiful stone bridge over a moat. It feels magical. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with no shortage of things to see. It’s called the “city of three cultures” because it’s been molded by its Catholic, Moorish, and Jewish residents over the centuries.

Getting to Toledo:

What makes Toledo a great day trip from Madrid is it’s only 30 minutes on the train. Trains regularly depart Madrid’s Atocha Station so you can catch a morning train and return in the late afternoon or evening.

From Toledo’s train station, it’s a relatively short walk to Toledo’s historic center. It took my family about 20 minutes walking. However, you could always take a cab as well.

Things to do in Toledo:

Visit the cathedral

The star of this day trip is easily the cathedral in Toledo. I think my family spent at least two hours there as it’s quite large and the audio guides are very informative.

Check out El Greco’s famous painting in the Church of Santo Tomé

Another must-see is the Church of Santo Tomé, which dates back to the 12th century, but was largely rebuilt in the 14th century. Its claim to fame is that it houses one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”.

Get lost in Toledo’s picturesque medieval streets

Probably my favorite part of Toledo was wandering through the streets. They’re magical. You’d be surprised what you find along the way, like a convent selling marzipan, which leads me to my next recommendation…

Try the marzipan

Toledo is famous for its marzipan. While it’s not my favorite sweet, at least give it a try while you’re here. You can normally find marzipan at a bakery or a convent. Yes, a convent! In Spain, nuns will make jams, marzipan, or other baked goods to raise funds for the church. The last time I was in Toledo, I walked past a convent that was open and that’s where I bought marzipan as a gift for my boyfriend’s mom and for my family to try.