What to see in Toledo in 3 days (a weekend)?
These are the must-see places you can’t miss during your visit to Toledo. If you can, spend at least two full days exploring it at a relaxed pace and enjoying its monuments and viewpoints without rushing.
Day 1: Introduction to Toledo and its Historic Centre
Start your first day at the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, which dominates the city skyline. Today it houses the Army Museum and you’ll get good views from its surroundings. Afterwards, head to the Primate Cathedral of Toledo, one of the great Gothic churches in Spain: walk through the Sacristy, the Transparente and the Treasury; if you’re after views, climb the towers of San Ildefonso (Jesuits’ Church).
At lunchtime, try the local cuisine in the restaurants in the city centre. Then, wander through the Jewish Quarter, with the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, and finish at the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a key work of Isabelline Gothic.
Day 2: Cultural and Monumental Exploration
Begin at the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Then cross the San Martín Bridge to enjoy views of the Tagus and, back in the old town, visit the El Greco Museum.
In the afternoon, visit the Hospital de Tavera (guided visits) and the Museum of Councils and Visigothic Culture (Church of San Román) to understand the city’s Visigothic period.
Day 3: Nature and Viewpoints
Devote the third day to open-air spaces. Stroll through the Roman Circus and Vega Park. Go up to the Mirador del Valle for a classic panoramic view of Toledo; it’s one of the best spots for photography.
To finish, cross the Alcántara Bridge and head to the Castle of San Servando: the interior operates as a youth hostel and only opens for events, but its exterior helps you understand the defensive function of the city.
Puerta de Bisagra
The Puerta de Bisagra (the “New Bisagra Gate”) is Toledo’s great monumental gateway and one of its most recognisable silhouettes. Its name comes from the Arabic Bab-Shagra (“Gate of La Sagra”). Its current appearance is Renaissance (16th century): it was built under Charles V and Philip II following designs by Alonso de Covarrubias. It consists of two bodies linked by a courtyard: on the exterior, a rusticated triumphal arch flanked by two semicircular towers and crowned by the great imperial coat of arms with the double-headed eagle and a guardian angel; on the interior, another doorway with square towers and ceramic-tiled spires.
The work was executed in phases: the inner section began around 1540–1548, the outer part was completed around 1559 and the whole complex was finished around 1576. Just a few metres away you’ll see the Alfonso VI Gate (or “Old Bisagra Gate”), of Andalusian origin and Mudejar construction, which helps you understand how the entrances to the walled enclosure evolved.
Access: free of charge, 24 h. It is an urban thoroughfare with no ticket office (there may be temporary road closures due to events).
Practical information
| UNMISSABLE | Pay attention to the imperial coat of arms (double-headed eagle and “Plus Ultra” columns) and the sculpture of the guardian angel above the pediment of the outer section. |
| HOW TO GET THERE | On foot from the bus station / Safont escalators (mechanical access to the old town). From the train station it’s about 1 km (direct buses every few minutes). |
| CITY BUS | Nearby stops: Cardenal Tavera (Parque de la Vega) and Real del Arrabal. Usual lines: L12, L61, L62 and L1/VAC152. |
| MECHANICAL ESCALATORS | Safont: opens 7:00; closes Mon–Thu and Sun 24:00, Fri–Sat 2:00. Recaredo: Mon–Thu 7:00–23:00; Fri 7:00–2:00; Sat 8:00–2:00; Sun and public holidays 8:00–23:00. |
| TOURIST OFFICE | Puerta de Bisagra / Paseo de Merchán (service in 2025 due to works at other offices). Reference timetable: Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00; Sun and public holidays 10:00–14:00. |
| PARKING | Safont (park-and-ride, ~640 spaces, 24 h). Since 2025 it has operated as a magenta zone: free for registered residents; non-residents pay (approx.: €0.40/h or €9.60/day). |
| NEARBY | Church of Santiago del Arrabal (Mudejar, 13th c.), Alfonso VI Gate (the “Old Bisagra Gate”) and Puerta del Sol on the way to Zocodover. |
Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and the Roman road
The Mosque of Cristo de la Luz (former Bab al-Mardum mosque) is the oldest standing building in Toledo. A Kufic epigraphic band on its façade dates it to the year 999 and names Ahmad ibn Ḥadīdī as patron and Mūsà ibn ʿAlī as master builder. After 1085 it was consecrated as a Christian oratory and the Mudejar apse was added.
What to see: a floor plan divided into nine bays under different vaults, horseshoe arches, reused Visigothic capitals and the garden with a view of the Puerta del Sol. The inscription was rediscovered in 1899 when a wall was demolished, providing the key to its chronology.
The Roman road of Valmardón
In 2006, beneath the current level of the gardens, a stretch of Roman road (1st c. AD) about 5 m wide was discovered, built with large granite slabs and with an associated sewer running underneath. The layout corresponds to a cardo (north–south axis) that connected with the area of the Valmardón Gate (Bab al-Mardum).
The excavated stretch is visible inside the complex of the mosque (it doesn’t have its own ticket office) and helps you understand the continuity between Roman Toletum and the Andalusian medina.
| PRICE | General admission: €4. Children under 11, free. Included in the Pulsera Turística visitor wristband (7 monuments / €14, valid 7 days). |
| OPENING HOURS | Daily 10:00–18:45. There may be occasional adjustments due to internal events. |
| ADDRESS | C. Cristo de la Luz, 22, next to the Valmardón Gate (Bab al-Mardum). |
| AUDIO GUIDES | Available in EN/FR/DE/IT/PT (optional, not included in the ticket/wristband). |
Zocodover Square and the Alcázar of Toledo
Zocodover Square is the historic heart of Toledo: for centuries it was its main square, the setting for markets, bullfights and public events. Its name comes from the Arabic sūq ad-dawābb (“market of pack animals”).
After the fire of 1589, the square was rebuilt and, in the 19th century, the rectangular arcaded layout was consolidated with the 1854 project. The eastern access is the Arch of the Blood (Arco de la Sangre), under the clock that has marked life in the square since 1691.
From Zocodover Square to the Alcázar
The Alcázar stands on the highest point of the historic centre, just a few minutes’ walk from Zocodover (up Calle de la Paz / Cuesta de Carlos V). It was a strategic fortress transformed in the 16th century under Charles V and Philip II by masters such as Alonso de Covarrubias, Francisco de Villalpando and Juan de Herrera: Renaissance courtyard, grand staircase and four façades in a classical style.
Its history is intense: fires (especially in 1887) and the siege of 1936 during the Civil War. Today it houses the Army Museum, whose permanent exhibition reopened with a new layout in 2025. In addition, the Castilla–La Mancha Regional Library operates on the top floor, with spectacular views (free access).
Practical information (Alcázar / Army Museum)
| PRICE | General: €5. Free on Wednesdays and on specific dates (29/03, 18/04, 18/05, 12/10, 06/12). Also free for under 18s and over 65s from the EU (with ID). Check discounts and updates on the official website. |
| OPENING HOURS | Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. Last entry 16:30. Closed on Mondays. Closed: 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 24–25 and 31 December. |
| ACCESS | Main entrance to the Museum via C/ de la Paz s/n. The Castilla–La Mancha Regional Library opens Mon–Fri 08:30–21:00 and Sat 09:00–14:00 (closed July and August), entrance via Cuesta de Carlos V. Free entry. |
| ACCESSIBILITY | Lifts, adapted toilets, hearing induction loop, audio descriptions and tactile models for blind and visually impaired visitors. |
| TIP | The temporary exhibitions, gardens, archaeological remains, shop, café and museum library are free to access every day. |
Town Hall Square and the Archbishop’s Palace
For those wondering what to see in Toledo, key buildings come together in this square: the Town Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace.
It is a lively space that hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, such as the International Jazz Festival. In the centre, a sculpture by Cristina Iglesias pays tribute to the River Tagus.
Visit to the Archbishop’s Palace of Toledo
The seat of the archbishopric, one of the largest buildings in the old town, began to take shape in the 13th century and was extended in phases, hence the mix of styles. The portal facing the square, with a semicircular stone arch, is the work of Covarrubias (with later alterations). The palace is not always open to visitors; check whether there are any activities or institutional open days during your stay.
Cathedral of Toledo
The Primate Cathedral, known as Dives Toletana, began construction in 1226/1227 on the site of the former Visigothic cathedral and the Great Mosque. It was built in white stone from Olihuelas (Olías del Rey), which explains its light appearance. It is a grand Gothic church with five naves and a double ambulatory, with unmissable highlights: the Baroque Transparente (completed in 1732 by Narciso Tomé), the Sacristy with El Expolio by El Greco, the Choir (choirstalls by Rodrigo Alemán and Alonso Berruguete) and the Treasury with the Arfe Monstrance.
To appreciate the scale of the complex, combine the interior visit with urban viewpoints: the towers of San Ildefonso (Jesuits’ Church) and, if it fits your schedule, the Castilla–La Mancha Regional Library (in the Alcázar) for views over the old town.
| PRICE | General €12; reduced €8; child €6 (see conditions on the official website). Free slot Monday to Friday 8:00–9:15 for the naves only (entrance via the Puerta del Reloj). |
| OPENING HOURS | Mon–Sat 10:00–18:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing); Sundays and holy days 14:00–18:30. Closures for worship and specific feast days. Tourist access via the Puerta Llana. |
Jesuits’ Church (San Ildefonso) of Toledo
The great Baroque church of Toledo, built from 1629 on the traditional birthplace of Saint Ildefonsus. The façade-altarpiece is attributed to the Jesuit Francisco Bautista and the church was consecrated in 1718 (completed in 1765). Climb its towers-viewpoint for a 360º panorama of the old town and the Cathedral.
| VISIT | Entrance €4. Included in the Pulsera Turística (7 monuments / €14). |
| OPENING HOURS | Monumental network (reference): 10:00–18:45; Sundays and religious holidays 11:30–18:45. On some dates the official website lists a 17:45 closing time; check on the day of your visit. |
Church of El Salvador
A key church for reading the historical layers of Toledo: built over a 9th–11th-century mosque (with its minaret preserved) and late Roman and Visigothic remains. It preserves an exceptional Visigothic pillar and traditions such as the baptism of Joanna I (1479). You can go up the tower.
Visit: Entrance €4. Usual hours: 10:00–18:45; Sundays and religious holidays 11:30–18:45. Included in the Pulsera Turística (€14).
Hercules’ Caves
Space managed by the Toledo Consortium, associated with Roman cisterns and hydraulic structures reused in the Middle Ages. One of the unmissable underground sites (and a perfect complement to the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and Puerta del Sol).
Visit: free. Tue–Sat 12:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Entrance via Callejón de San Ginés. Timetables subject to occasional changes by the Consortium.
El Greco Museum
Essential selection of works by El Greco and his circle, with gardens and contemporary displays. Seasons with micro-exhibitions and significant loans. Ideal to combine with Santo Tomé and Santa María la Blanca.
Opening hours: 1 Mar–31 Oct, Tue–Sat 9:30–19:30; Sun and public holidays 10:00–15:00. 1 Nov–28 Feb, Tue–Sat 9:30–18:00; Sun and public holidays 10:00–15:00. Price: €3 (reduced €1.50). Free: Saturdays from 14:00 and Sunday mornings; plus specific days (18/04, 18/05, 12/10, 6/12). Closed on Mondays.
Museum of Santa Cruz
The former Renaissance hospital houses the provincial art and archaeology collections and temporary exhibitions. Monumental architecture (cloister and staircase) just a stone’s throw from Zocodover.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00; Sun 9:00–15:00. Price: currently free of charge (check for updates on the official website). Closed: 1, 6 and 23 January, 1 May, 24–25 and 31 December.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Toledo
What are the best restaurants for paella in Toledo?
Toledo offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy rice dishes and Castilian cuisine. Check our guide to where to eat in Toledo with options for different budgets.
What is the best time of year to visit Toledo?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather. If you’re looking for tradition, Holy Week (March/April) and Corpus Christi (June) are highlights.
How do I get to Toledo from Madrid?
The fastest option is the Renfe Avant train from Atocha (≈33–34 minutes). By bus (ALSA) the journey usually takes between 50 and 90 minutes.
* Price, timetable and access information is current as of November 2025 according to official sources. These details may change at any time due to public holidays, construction works or regulatory changes. Always check the official websites or phone numbers of each site before your visit.
