Toledo is a city and municipality and capital of the province of Toledo. It is the de jure seat of the government and parliament of the autonomous community of Castilla La Mancha.
Primarily located on the right (north) bank of the Tagus Rio Tajo in central Iberia. It’s nestled in a bend of the river and known as “A City of Three Cultures”, having been influenced by Christians, Muslims and Jews. It has a gothic cathedral and a long history in the production of bladed weapons, now common souvenirs of the city. Furthermore, Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
Getting there -The Railway
Importantly, Toledo was one of the first Spanish cities to have a rail service. The Madrid – Aranjuez line, was inaugurated by Isabella II on June 12, 1858. The current Railway Station which opened on April 24, 1919 is especially charming.
Toledo lies south west of Madrid and travel time from Puerta de Atocha (Estación de Madrid) is just under 30 minutes. If you don’t want to stay here, this makes it great for a ‘Day Trip’ if you’re in the capital.
The sights & attractions
Centro de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Castilla- La Mancha. Fascinating and that’s just the building. I was in awe. The collection and installation’s are amazing. In fact, it is a maze. Never close your mind. Colección Roberto Polo – CENTRO DE ARTE MODERNO Y CONTEMPORÁNEO DE CASTILLA-LA MANCHA Not to be missed!
Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes is an Isabelline style Franciscan monastery, it’s gothic and beautiful. It has an air of serenity and peace. Founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to mark both the birth of their son, Prince John, and their victory at the Battle of Toro (1476) over the army of Alfonso V of Portugal, it’s well worth a visit. Visita Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes | TCLM
El Museo del Greco El Museo del Greco – MUSEO DEL GRECO | Ministerio de Cultura The museum is one of the national museums of Spain and houses several important paintings. El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos, 1541–1614) spent much of his life in Toledo although born in Fodele, Crete. It’s a house museum, designed to recreate the artist’s home, due to the original being lost centuries ago. As a result, it’s also a single artist museum, consisting of 2 buildings, along with a garden. You’ll find it in the Jewish Quarter of the city.
Las escaleras mecánicas de Toledo – Outdoor escalators located on the Paseo de Recaredo, which runs from the Puerta de Bisagra to the Puerta del Cambrón. An opening in the medieval wall allows access to several flights of escalators that show magnificent views of Toledo. You just have to give them a go and they lead to the Tourist Office.
A different city another concert !
This time the venue was the Auditorio Palacio de Congresos El Greco. A stop on the Miami 1990 Tour of Café Quijano. A great evenings entertainment. These guys just love to get their audience involved and have a strong following of all ages. Check them out on Spotify. The backdrop art work deserves a mention in addition to the music – a great set!
pctoledo – Palacio de Congresos de Toledo
Food & Drink
La Boveda (for a traditional breakfast) – Small and basic in design with friendly staff, serving good coffee! The churros were decent too. It was busy, usually a good sign, as well as lots of locals coming and going.
La Sagra – I popped in here for breakfast before I headed home. It did what it said on the tin.
La Barra de Tornerias – the Turning Bar. Fine tapas, large portions, or plates. Decent wine and although they weren’t advertised they do serve desserts, ask to see what’s available on the day.
Gallego Tapas Marisqueria – in the bar, your wine comes with a tapa and there’s a wider selection for you to choose from as a small plate or they are happy for you to take a seat in the restaurant.
Antojos en la muralla my best find! Very close to the Hospedería (below). Looks insignificant from the sidewalk, venture in and you might be surprised. 
It was spotless (including the bathroom). The staff are friendly and helpful. On to the food, delicious doesn’t cover it and it’s all homemade. I was lucky enough to have a chat with the owner and ‘cocinera‘. She’s proud of her place and so she should be!
A place to stay
Alda Hospedería De Los Reyes is located close to Toledo’s 10th-century Puerta Bisagra Gate. It’s outside the city walls, relatively close to the train station, an easy 10-15 minute walk, mostly flat. There’s a slight incline at the end but nothing compared to the climb into the city. Steep inclines and medieval steps are a plenty. Do you want to tackle those with luggage? I think not even if it’s only a mochilla!
Alda are a hotel group, I’ve stayed in one before – Pamplona. Things changed! Not the standard of accommodation, that just fine. However, reception cover is a bit sparse. Be prepared for a video call to check-in, ask a question, or get help if you need it. That said, once checked-in I didn’t have any problems. In other words I would book with them again, at the right price of course.
In a nutshell
Toledo’s a great compact city, making it an ideal destination for a weekend break! To finish, an image for no reason other than decoration – taken on a Sunday morning stroll in Toledo!
Hasta pronto desde un otro sitio ¿Donde?
Feedback welcome as ever, drop a comment or send an email, the choice is yours! Happy travelling !