Toledo, also known as the Imperial City and the City of Three Cultures because of its history, is a city and municipality in Central Spain. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it has a rich culture and historical background that would be of interest to all types of travellers.

This city is great for families with kids as the tours offered here are highly educational. You can get a glimpse of the actual history of not just Spain, but the world interacting with Spain. Solo travellers are also welcome to get lost in this beautiful city and just travel without itineraries. It is small enough that you can cross within 45 minutes and virtually small enough that you will always find your way back to the town proper.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get into Toledo is via the high-speed train. Day trip tickets are available as well as one-way tickets. It is still the most convenient and safest to book your tickets online or get the ticket in the booth inside the station. However, best to do this at least a day before to secure the schedule and seat you want.

Renting or driving cars is also an option but parking in Toledo is virtually impossible. There are big parking spaces but almost always are usually full.

Getting Around

Apart from the train and driving, buses are still the staple choice of commuters in Toledo. There are bus lines that arrive at stops every 15 minutes.

Top Things to Do

The usual first stop for tourists with itineraries would be Catedral Primada. It is built on a Mosque, like most Christian buildings in Toledo. It was only completed after 250 years and showcases High Gothic architecture. It houses many works of art and a 16th-century room dedicated to the martyrs and witnesses of Christ.

As a testament to being a melting pot of diverse cultures, Iglesia de San Ildefonso was built and is not a tourist destination. It is also renowned as the city’s best Baroque masterpieces. It was built by the Jesuits and took a century to built using more than 100,000 bricks. It stands next to the cathedral and is one of the highest points in the city.

For those looking for the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Plaza de Zocodover. This city proper used to be a big horse market turned general market turned into the lines of cafes and restaurants that is now. If tourists happen to travel during the fiesta seasons, they will be fortunate enough to witness dances and concerts.

A visit to El Greco Museum is also worthwhile. It is a house museum built as a replica of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, a painter who spent most of his life in Toledo and created paintings of the cityscape. Tourists are also well encouraged to shop steel and ceramics as this is just some of the products of Toledo.

Most visitors would not want to miss Alcazar of Toledo. It is currently the highest point of Toledo and was meant to be the royal residence of Charles V. The building’s four facades are slightly different from each other in a way that reflects the style that it was built during.

What to Eat

Toledo is best known for its sweet especially Mazapan. It is usually confused with the Scandinavian dessert called marzipan. Mazapan is a sweet bread with pine nuts. Pay a visit to the most famous bakery in Toledo that serves them-- Confiteria Santo Tome.

Meson de la Orza is a great place to hang out and dine without breaking the bank. They serve traditional Spanish dishes and lists 100 wines in their menu. But for those looking for a more chic and higher-end place, visit Madre Tierra. It is also good to note however that they only serve vegetarian offerings.

Nightlife

A night out in Toledo is not complete without drinks. O’Brien is a great place to mix with both locals and other tourists. They serve beer exclusively made in Toledo as well as other beer brands. Circulo de Arte is also a great place for people looking for a hip night scene. The club used to be a church and serves some of the best milkshakes in town.

Where to Stay

Most of the hotels in Toledo are mid-range hotels that can accommodate both small and big groups. For the tourists who are always on the go, Hotel Imperio is the best place to stay as it is close to the city proper and also is great for those on a budget. For those on their honeymoon or have the budget to splurge, Parado de Toledo is a great option for the best views of the town.

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