FabFamTrips

CliffsNotes:

• Language- Spanish Castilian
• Currency-euro
• Food to try: Croquetas, marzipan
• Transportation- train/bus from Madrid

“Toledo is a place where the sun never sets.”
— Emperor Charles V, who named Toledo the principal capital of his vast, global Spanish Empire in the 16th century. The ancient walled city of Toledo sits high above the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Tagus. Toledo is famously known as the “City of Three Cultures”,Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Tourist Wristband: If you plan to visit multiple historical monuments, you can purchase a “Tourist Bracelet” (Pulsera Turística), which grants you entry to seven of the city’s most important religious and historical sites for one flat fee.

To reach Toledo, it is just a 35-minute train ride from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station, or by ALSA bus. We went to TOLEDO by ALSA buses, which takes about 50 minutes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its 3 cultures, a medieval walled city that doesn’t seem to have changed much.TRAVEL TIP-When with kids better to take the escalator to climb uphill, if not on foot, also taxis from the bus stop to drop off at the centre. We decided not to take a tour/ guide but to explore and get lost in the fairy tale town. Those fascinating streets and passages with cathedrals, mosques and synagogues were a great walk and eating JAMON sandwiches along. Toledo is also famous for marzipan, an almond-based confection. Toledo has been known for manufacturing steel swords. You’ll come across a multitude of stores selling swords. The good quality ones are works of art, while the others make for memorable tourist trophies.

Things to see in Toledo

• The old town of Toledo, a UNESCO heritage site
• The Cathedral of St. Mary
• The Alcazar of Toledo
• Reyes Monastery
• Jewish Quarters
• Alcantara Bridge has the best viewpoint. If there are enough days in the travel plan, then can definitely plan to stay a night in Toledo. TRAVEL TIP-If staying at Toledo, then a day trip to CONSEGURA is also a great option. We decided to get back to Madrid by the Alsa bus, which runs every 15 minutes. We enjoyed the beautiful city of Toledo, but with kids, the travel needs to be easy for them and also for parents, so explore whatever you can. Toledo is one of the best day trips from Madrid.