Toledo is the perfect destination if you’re looking for ideas for Madrid day trips. Madrid is such a beautiful city, but if you have a few days Toledo was one of the highlights of my time in Madrid. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why. Keep reading for some of the best things to do in Toledo, Spain, and how to take the perfect day trip to Toledo from Madrid!

Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid

How to get to Toledo from Madrid

If you’re heading from Barcelona or anywhere in Madrid, pick up a train at Estacion de Madrid Atocha. This is the largest railway station in Madrid that features a surprising indoor jungle! There will be multiple trains going to Toledo so you can book your ticket for the same day, or you can book in advance. The train ride from Toledo to Madrid takes an hour depending on what train you choose. The Toledo train station we arrived in gave us a glimpse of the Middle Eastern architecture we’d be seeing, but it’s not that close to the main town. The best way to get into town is to hail a taxi. The city of Toledo itself has many rolling hills and the walk wouldn’t necessarily be the easiest one.

Meliss Meets World uses affiliate links and earns a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our affiliate links. This is at no additional cost to you, for more information please refer to our policies.

Best Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

Enjoy a tour of the city

The best way to see the city during your day trip to Toledo from Madrid is by catching a taxi at the train station and asking them to drive you around the perimeter before heading into town. This drive will provide you with incredible views of Mirador del Valle across the Tagus River overlooking the whole sun-soaked valley.

The taxi driver we hailed at the train station knew all of the best spots to show us on our way into town. There is a popular pull-off where you can glimpse the stunning Alcazar de Toledo from a distance. We also drove past Puente de San Martin (San Martin’s Bridge). Ask your taxi driver to drop you in the middle of the town and all the best things to see and do in Toledo are within a twenty-minute walk. This was probably our best decision that day since the taxi fare was only twenty euros. Keep in mind that was quite a few years ago!

Eat at this Michelin-star restaurant in Toledo

Dine at the Michelin-star Meson La Orza where the food is absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. Try the tuna, duck, and venison. If you didn’t try the suckling pig at this best restaurant in Madrid it is on the menu for you to try here at Meson La Orza.

Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada is a beauty!

One of the most beautiful places in Toledo is the Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo. Make sure to pay to go inside as it’s considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, rivaling St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome! The beauty of the architecture and artistry is incredible, especially the truly unbelievable sculpture behind the altar (the apse) that spans the distance from the floor to the roof!

Wander around the Alcazar

A 10th-century fortress, this architectural feat is now a military museum. You can take a tour for a very low cost. The view from afar is quite stunning, the specific viewpoint on Google Maps is called ‘Mirador del Valle’.

Visit Plaza de Zocodover

After visiting the Alcazar, wander around the narrow, quaint cobblestone streets. On your back to the train station for your return trip to Madrid, stop at the Plaza de Zocodover. There are quite a few souvenir shops and places to eat. It’s an easier way back to the train station as it’s all downhill. If you’re returning later near sunset make sure to admire the view of the Alcazar from Puente de San Martin (San Martin’s Bridge).

Best Places to Stay in Madrid

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your Madrid itinerary, here are a few ideas to get you started. I highly recommend staying in the El Centro district in Madrid. The El Centro district is an easy walk or metro ride to any of the best locations during your 3-day Madrid itinerary.