Stroll through the picturesque city center, visit the awe inspiring Toledo Cathedral, taste Manchego cheese and local wine, visit the city’s important religious sites, and enjoy the view from a long list of stunning viewpoints…these are all things to do in Toledo, Spain.

Visiting Toledo was one of our favorite experiences in Spain, which is saying a lot, because this country is filled with many memorable places to visit. Toledo is super fun to explore…just strolling through town tops the list of must-have experiences here.

This city is also very photogenic, as you will soon see. We took hundreds of photos and I had a tough time narrowing down which ones to include in this article.

With all that being said, we have a lot to share with you, so let’s get started.
Toledo is a small city that sits on a bend of the Tagus River, a river that meanders through Spain and Portugal, ending at Lisbon, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

The first settlements date back to the Bronze Age, making Toledo well over 2,000 years old. The Romans conquered the city in 193 BC, named it Toletum, and built an aqueduct, roads, and villas, of which the remnants of these still remain today. Toledo changed hands a few more times, between Germanic tribes, the Visigoths, and Muslims.

In 1085, Toledo came under Leonese rule and the city flourished. For a short period of time, Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived peacefully in Toledo, leaving their mark on the city. Because of this Toledo has the nickname “the city of three cultures.” One of the best things to do in Toledo is to visit its churches, mosques, and synagogues.

Toledo was the capital of Spain until 1561. After the War of the Communities of Castile the court was transferred to Madrid. Now, the main industry in Toledo is the manufacture of swords and knives but this is also a very important tourist destination in Spain.

The city center of Toledo is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 70 km southwest of Madrid and is easily accessible by car and train.
For many visitors, crossing the Alcántara Bridge will be their introduction to Toledo. This bridge sits on the walking route from the Toledo train station to the historic city center.

Spanning the Tagus River, this bridge was originally built between 104 and 106 AD under orders of Roman Emperor Trajan. It has been partially destroyed multiple times over the centuries from wars and bombings. The bridge we see today dates back to 1860 with further repairs in 1969.
If you are walking to the city center from the train station or one of several parking lots around Toledo, you will cross this bridge. There are a few great photo ops of the bridge just before you reach it. Once you get to the opposite side, be prepared for a hill climb into the city center.

THE TOLEDO CATHEDRAL
Without a doubt, visiting the Toledo Cathedral (also called the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo) is one of the best things to do in Toledo.
A visit here is awe-inspiring and well worth it, even for those with little interest in touring churches or cathedrals. We have visited a LOT of cathedrals and churches in Europe and this one wowed us. This cathedral is considered to be one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain.

Construction began in 1226. The Gothic nave was completed in 1493 and throughout the centuries, chapels and modifications to the cathedral were made.

On a visit here, there is a lot to see. Plan on spending about an hour in the cathedral to see everything listed below.