8 Things to Do in Toledo

The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo (Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo), known simply as Toledo Cathedral, is considered one of Spain’s most important cathedrals. This 13th-century Gothic landmark was built over the foundations of a former church, which was used as a mosque but was eventually torn down. 

You can observe some characteristic Moorish Mudéjar styles incorporated into its cloisters and gallery. The admission price usually includes an audio guide that can help you learn more about the details of the cathedral and exhibits. It also entitles you to a free visit to the Collegio de Infantes, a nearby museum that houses beautiful tapestries.

Plaza Zocodover is the historical heart of Toledo that still serves as the main starting point for tours in the city. You can easily figure out how it used to serve as a marketplace during medieval times, with the old buildings and rows of colonnades. 

The square’s center is shaded by large trees, and the perimeter has ample benches, making it a convenient meeting spot. It’s a cool spot for people-watching as it's usually bustling with locals and visitors.

The Toledo Train Vision Zocotren takes you on an audio-guided sightseeing tour of downtown Toledo. Head down to the northern side of Plaza Zocodover and spot the red train that’s usually parked nearby. It’s a cool option for a fun and quick overview of the city. 

The ‘train’ is not a real locomotive though, but a modified truck that looks like a train, with 2 enclosed passenger wagons. Be sure to crank up the volume on your headset as the ride over some cobblestoned paths can range from bumpy to loud.

Alcázar Fortress (Alcázar de Toledo) is a fortified 16th-century palace and one of Toledo’s most impressive landmarks. Looming over Toledo on its highest hill, the Moorish stone fortress now houses the Museo del Ejercito (Military Museum) with various exhibits that showcase the Spanish army’s rich history. 

Alcázar Fortress is quite huge and there’s much to see inside. Check out the medieval and Roman ruins in some parts of the castle, as well as some rooms from the city’s historical siege with intact bullet holes in its walls. Admission is free on Sundays.

The Museum of Santa Cruz (Museo de Santa Cruz) is a majestic 16th-century building right behind Plaza Zocodover in Toledo. The museum building west of the Alcázar fortress was a former hospital.

Before entering, you can stop and take in the beautiful façade, which offers a splendid example of Spanish Plateresque styling, with high windows and floral motifs on its ornamental walls. Inside, the collection is not very extensive, however, the Roman period and Visigothic artefacts, as well as masterpieces by renowned Spanish architect and painter El Greco, are worth checking out. 

Mirador del Valle offers sweeping views at any time of the day, and it can also be magical during sunsets. Prepare your camera for the most scenic overview of Toledo. The cityscape of Toledo features high-rise medieval landmarks, and you can also count the hills from here.

To get to the viewpoint from downtown, you can take a taxi or hop on the Toledo Train Vision from Plaza Zocodover, which does a roundtrip to the viewpoint and back. There are plenty of dining spots and a market along the way. For a different angle of Toledo, you can also try the medieval bridge of Puente de San Martin.

The 15th-century Gothic-Flemish Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is one of the best examples of the syncretistic Isabelline Gothic architecture style, which features a combination of Romanesque and Iberian elements, with heavily ornate walls and pointed spires. 

Inside the monastery, you’ll find 2 galleries. One features a passageway under high windows, and the other has a vivid Mudéjar ceiling that harks back to its Moorish past. Check out the convent’s lush inner courtyard filled with rose bushes and orange trees.

Teatro de Rojas is the place to go for musical concerts, dance performances, movie screenings, and even magic shows in Toledo. This theatre on Plaza Mayor has a yearly schedule, which is usually crammed for the summer months (June–September). 

One to look out for is its September classical theatre circuit, with guest theatre companies such as the Teatro del Temple. It also plays host to Toledo’s magic festival, with Spanish and international guest magicians presenting their best illusions on stage.