Top Things to do in Toledo
The 10 Best Things to do in Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
Synagogues, mosques and churches stand together in Toledo's historic quarter, a testament to the medieval Spanish city's diverse history. The four towers of The Alcazar, a fortress built in 1085, dominate the skyline. Toledo and its surrounding countryside inspired El Greco, and his paintings are on display in many places around the city, including the museum that bears his name.
Restaurants in Toledo
1. Casco Historico de Toledo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,702 reviews
Reviewed By duomo2 - Taunton, United Kingdom
Beautiful city, definitely worth a day trip from Madrid, the train was only half an hour. Everything is so well preserved and really clean, it was like an authentic theme park, if that makes sense, in that you are completely transported to a different world. Lots of narrow winding streets and beautiful buildings, absolutely stunning.
2. MQM Museo del Queso Manchego Toledo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 890 reviews
Reviewed By Bob2020r - Sheffield, United Kingdom
For just a few euros, you are able to enjoy a visit to the cheese museum (a few small rooms with nice little exhibits about cheesemaking tradition), and then enjoy a glass of wine with a tasting of different manchego cheeses. We had three different manchegos to try (3 months, 6 months and 12 months) with the strength increasing, and then a pasteurised one, plus a smooth one on some toast; all served with some biscuits to clear the palette between tastings. The lady gave us a very nice explanation of what the cheeses were and how to go about the tasting to be able to pick out the flavours. She couldn't have been nicer and the environment to taste in was very relaxed and clean. There is also a great shop so you can buy cheese or other delicacies to take home. We spent an hour there and all absolutely loved it. Well worth a visit and totally deserving of its 5 star rating
3. Catedral Primada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,539 reviews
One of the most imposing cathedrals in Spain, and a superb example of Gothic architecture.
Reviewed By Illiterati - St. George, United States
This may have been the most mind-blowing edifice I have ever been in. We stepped through the front entrance and were immediately overwhelmed with awe (even though this was the list day of several days of awe inspiring sites), and then we realized that all we were seeing was still only seeing one portion of all it entailed. The audio tour was very interesting, just the right amount of detail.
4. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,386 reviews
Reviewed By FJGonzalezG - Bethesda, United States
Toledo’s San Juan de los Reyes monastery is beautiful and rich in history. Built in the Isabelline style (a transition between late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, with decorative influences of Castilian, Flemish, and Mudéjar styles), the church has a long nave with side chapels. The interior is decorated with the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs. The beautiful cloister has a lovely garden. Make sure you walk around the small square on the northern side of the monastery to get a good view of the manacles and shackles hanging from the granite walls, as ordered by Queen Isabella in 1494, which had been worn by Christian prisoners held by the Moors in Granada. The monastery is said to have been founded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the late 15th century to commemorate the birth of their son and their victory at the Battle of Toro. Construction began in 1477 and was completed in 1504. At first, the Catholic Monarchs intended to house their mausoleum at the monastery, but later chose Granada as their resting place, after its reconquest in 1492.
5. San Martin Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,460 reviews
Reviewed By Kelleygirl2 - Sarasota, United States
I slowly followed the progression of our group crossing the medieval Puente de San Martin or Bridge of San Martin, that spanned the Tagus River, to find our bus. I didn't want to rush this experience. The bridge was constructed in the late 14th century by archbishop Pedro Tenorio to provide access to the town of Toledo from the west. I took my time grabbing as many last shots to best remember this ancient multicultural hilltop city.
6. Mirador del Valle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,099 reviews
Reviewed By NikoliGogol - Edmonton, Canada
I absolutely loved Toledo and the view of it from across the river. Take the time to cross the river, climb up a ways and look at the panoramic view of the city. It is gorgeous.
7. Jewish Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Reviewed By FJGonzalezG - Bethesda, United States
The Jewish quarter of Toledo retains some of its original character and much of its architecture, some of which is of surprising beauty. Look for the historical markings and visit the gorgeous synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca.
8. Alcazar - Museo del Ejercito
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,079 reviews
Reviewed By Craig1961_01 - Middleton, United Kingdom
Wish we had researched this properly, however lots to pack in during two days and my wife has a limited attention for what is primarily a military oriented museum. What an impressive place, from the visible Alcazar ruins in the building’s centre to the four floors of displays with a very detailed history of weapons, military uniforms, support items and important figures from Spain’s illustrious history. I found all of it interesting, particularly the poignant items and photos relating to the 20th C civil war and the models of the ruined building. Make sure to allow a long time, great value for €5.
9. Iglesia de Santo Tome
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,152 reviews
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
Perhaps the most breathtaking moment for me during my exploration of Toledo, Spain was when I entered the St. Tome Church and initially saw El Greco’s masterpiece, El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz, also known as The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The church itself, which dates back to the 12th Century is relatively small when compared to the numerous cathedrals I visited during my journey through Spain. This is not surprising after I learned that the church was built on the site of an old mosque. In fact, the gorgeous squared tower was the old minaret that was converted to a bell tower. However, the main draw for the church today is to view The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. No photographs are allowed inside of the church. The standing only viewing area was packed during my visit and I imagine this is the usual crowd size. However, the room has great views from every vantage point and the visitors seem to flow in and out smoothly. The painting itself is huge and the very vivid colors portray a death on the earthly plane and an image of heaven above. There is much to see in this painting, but not enough time in the St. Tome Church.
10. Museo del Greco
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,961 reviews
Reviewed By KaMpi8502
I love that the museum is constructed like the home he lived in. The collection is small, but the video presentations are very informative and it is exciting to see his work up close. Toledo was an amazing city to visit. The Synagogue next tot he museum is also worth a visit and you can get a discount for buying tickets to both at the same time! Inexpensive parking a short walk away, and several wonderful cafes and restaurants. We spent the whole day in Toledo and it was our favorite stop on this trip.
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