Best Things To Do in Toledo

On your trip to Toledo you can visit all its churches, squares and museums and also discover different archaeological sites, including subway synagogues, which are right under local houses, amazing isn't it?

There are many things to visit in the city of the three cultures, that's why to make your choice of activities easier I have selected some of the best things to see and do in Toledo.

This is one of the best bus tours in Toledo, as it allows you to visit the city at your own pace. For example, you can stay at the Toledo City Hall to walk around a bit and then wait for the next bus to continue your exploration. In addition, it has open seats at the top that will allow you to enjoy the best panoramic views of the city while you are on board.

Some of the sites I recommend you visit if you ride a tourist bus are the Puerta de Bisagra, the Mirador del Valle and the Jewish Quarter. Also, don't forget to stop at the San Martin Bridge and take some epic selfies. Keep in mind that the tour buses run every few hours, so keep your eyes peeled to make the most of your time.

Undoubtedly, this is another of the best tours of Toledo, so I recommend you to set aside time to enjoy it. This historical monument is located in the upper part of Toledo, as it was a fortress in Roman times.

The Alcazar of Toledo offers a large collection of firearms and bladed weapons, in fact, there you can also admire some military relics from several centuries ago.

Currently, this site is the headquarters of the National Army Museum and, if you go on your own, you can admire each relic for as long as you wish. However, if you go with a guide, you will hear real stories of Toledo as you explore. However, if you prefer guided tours, I recommend booking one that includes the entrance to the Alcazar, so you don't have to buy it separately.

Toledo is home to several historical monuments and some of them belong to the Knights Templar. They were a religious order and extremely powerful in their time. In fact, they were the ones who built the first medieval castles.

The Templars had their own emblem, the iconic red eight-pointed cross, one of the things you will enjoy if you do this activity in Toledo. How much do you know about the Knights Templar? Well, in Toledo you will learn details you may not have known about these peculiar warrior monks, especially if you visit the Casa Del Temple Museum.

Generally, it is an activity that can take between 1 and 2 hours, since the idea is to admire carefully the Templar architecture of the time and some tools, weapons and costumes.

At night Toledo shines with its colorful houses and the different monuments and churches of the historic center. That is why I recommend you to take a night walk through Toledo, where you can learn about the place and enjoy local houses or monuments illuminated. Remember that Toledo is considered the city of the 3 cultures.

Among the things you should see on this tour are the synagogues, palaces, churches and convents. Toledo was a very active city in the past; luckily, it still retains all its magic.

If you want, start this night walk at the Plaza de Zocodover, where you can take selfies for Instagram or, if you go with a guide, maybe he will tell you interesting legends. Another thing you will see is the Toledo City Hall, which also has many stories and curiosities behind it. Without a doubt, this is one of the best activities if you want to enjoy Toledo at night.

Learn about the mysteries and secrets of Toledo through a walk through sites where paranormal phenomena and apparitions have occurred. You can do this activity on your own or you could even do it with a guide, with the advantage that the guide will tell you spooky stories that very few people know.

Undoubtedly, in Toledo there are many haunted houses, dungeons and dark streets to visit, sure you will like them if you are looking for the spooky side of the town. Also, at the end of the night tour in Toledo, I recommend you to try some of the dishes of Castilla de la Mancha. Do you like mystery and local legends? Then you will be fascinated with this kind of activity.

Another activity that I recommend you to do during your visit to Toledo is to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which is characterized by its Gothic architecture. Its construction began in 1226 during the reign of Fernando III the Saint. In addition, you should know that it is the second largest cathedral in Spain and it is considered the opera magna of the Gothic style.

There are many things you should see in the Cathedral of Toledo, spaces that most visitors know as the 5 treasures.

• Chapter House: Here you will find a series of portraits of the archbishops of Toledo from the first to the last.
• Sacristy: It contains valuable objects like the Rich Bible of San Luis and canvases, being very outstanding "the 15 of the painter Greco".
• The treasure: In this place there are several showcases with objects such as books, staffs, reliquaries, clothes and liturgical elements. Also, you will see a chalice, a pectoral cross and the monstrance of Enrique de Arfe.
• The choir: You will see the high choir stalls and 2 musical organs, as well as different works of art.
• High Altar: Below it is the chapel of the sepulcher, which is a very important monument for the Catholic parishioners.

Luckily, the prices to enter the Cathedral of Toledo are not very high, so you can see it without having to spend a lot of money. In addition, the Cathedral's opening hours are quite flexible for visitors.

Another of my favorite activities is to take a walking tour through the subway world of Toledo where you will see different constructions that will leave you impressed.

For example, in the subway world of Toledo you will find the Caves of Hercules and the Roman baths of the Amador de los Rios square. If you decide to do this activity with a guide, you will hear real stories that the subway holds or explanations about how the Jews performed their rituals in subway synagogues while deceiving the Catholic Church by pretending to be Christians.

If you are going to be in Toledo for 1 day, I recommend you to do this activity, as it usually lasts only 1 or 2 hours, great isn't it?

If you are looking for the best views of the medieval city of Toledo, I recommend this activity. It is a ride over the city of Toledo in a hot air balloon. From the top you can admire the monuments, squares and streets. You can even see the Tagus River and the surroundings of the city.

It is worth mentioning that hot air balloon tours in Toledo are one of the most popular activities. During the activity you can take the best pictures of the city and the flight.

On the other hand, I inform you that one of the monuments that you can see from above is the Alcazar of Toledo. And, of course, you will be able to marvel at the views of the city's skyline. You may also see the sunrise, depending on the time you do the activity.

As you might guess, there is a lot of history in Toledo, since 3 different cultures lived there, Christian, Muslim and Hebrew. Therefore, I recommend you to live an unforgettable experience learning about the historical monuments of the 3 cultures.

One of the historical sites of the 3 cultures that you must see is the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, which in the Muslim era was an oratory of their religion. Also, visit the Church of Sto. Tomé, which is a Catholic church now, but was once a mosque.

Another site I can highlight from the 3 cultures is the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, of Hebrew origin but now belonging to the Catholic Church. Undoubtedly, these monuments of varied origins you will only see in Toledo.

45 minutes from Toledo is the emblematic town of Aranjuez, where you can explore by boat and admire the surroundings of the Prince's Park from the Tagus River, you can even see beautiful gardens that were declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In ancient times this site was only admired by nobles and kings.

As you can see, this is an excellent activity to get to know historical aspects of Aranjuez, one of the destinations you should not miss if you are visiting Toledo for at least 2 days. Keep in mind that Aranjuez is nearby, 46 km from the center of Toledo.

Finally, you should know that the boat rides usually last between 45 and 60 minutes, so it will not take much time. At the end of the activity you can stroll freely around Aranjuez and eat local dishes.

An activity that can not miss on your visit to Toledo is a historical tour of all its most emblematic monuments, this is a city with a lot of past to tell.

Among the different monuments that you must see in Toledo, the excellent work of El Greco stands out: the Burial of the Lord of Orgaz. This is a painting of 4.80 x 3.60 meters that is located in the Santo Tomé Church in Toledo.

Also, you have to see the Roman Baths of the ancient Toletum, which will make you feel like you are in the 1st century A.D., when the Roman Empire dominated different cities in Spain. Likewise, in Toledo is the Museum of the Councils and Visigoth Culture, which is located in the Church of San Roman.

Now, I present you an activity that you can do at any time of the year, even if you go to Toledo in winter. The Santo Tomé Confectionery offers marzipan, the typical sweet of Toledo all year round. Since 1856 they have been making marzipan from Toledo, preserving the traditional way of its preparation and, of course, its incomparable flavor.

This sweet mainly contains almonds and powdered sugar, so you can imagine its rich flavor. But what's in it besides powdered sugar and almonds? Well, I won't tell you, better go to the Santo Tomé Confectionery on your own, I'm sure you will love to taste the original marzipan made by experts.

Something characteristic of Toledo marzipan is that it has different shapes, according to the imagination of the artisan, so you can always find it in different sizes and shapes to choose the one you like the most. In addition, this activity will be great fun if you are in Toledo with children, as they will love the marzipan.

If you are in Toledo for 3 days or more, don't forget to visit this museum. There you will find sculptures, paintings and antique furniture that will make you travel back in time. In addition, you should know that throughout the year there are temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions make it worth going to the museum several times a year.

And, it is worth mentioning that in the El Greco Museum there are lectures on various topics, workshops, art classes, among other activities. Some of the sculptures such as the Crucified Christ and Head of Agripina Minor will leave you amazed, as well as the paintings of different saints.

On the other hand, I inform you that the Toledo pass will help you save on entrance fees to monuments and museums.

If you are in Toledo in summer, you might want to cool off a bit, especially after a walk in the sun. Therefore, I recommend you to go to the Medina Mudéjar Arab Baths. This is a spa in the city where you can find Arabian style baths and relaxing massages, an ideal environment to meet the Arabian culture of Toledo.

The Arabian theme of the spa will take you to the Orient, as the place is designed with Moroccan Riads in mind. In addition, if you want, you can experience the spa individually or as a duo. In other words, you can invite a special person, for example, your partner, to relax with you in these crystal clear pools.

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes today is a Catholic temple where marriages, baptisms, communions, funerals and other Christian events are usually held. It is believed that this monastery was built between 1476 and 1478 on the occasion of the victory of Toro and the birth of Prince John.

The monument has Elizabethan Gothic architecture, so when you see it you will enjoy an incredible design. Also, if you are a religious person, you can take advantage of the visit to ask the advice of a priest or reflect on the past and the life of the Franciscan monks. Undoubtedly, this ancient monastery can provide you with a different spiritual experience.

In addition, if you go to Toledo at Christmas time, you can enjoy artistic and religious activities such as Christmas songs.