Visiting Madrid-Segovia-Toledo, Spain
Spain is a beautiful country to explore and there are endless amazing destinations to choose from. If you’re planning to visit Spain, you must include Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo in your itinerary. These three cities offer a unique combination of history, architecture, and cultural richness.
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and it is known for its vibrant atmosphere, exciting nightlife, and amazing museums. You can visit the famous Prado Museum or the Royal Palace, enjoy a walk through the vibrant Plaza Mayor, or indulge in some delicious tapas.
Meanwhile, Segovia is famous for its medieval cathedral and perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct. You can also stroll around its charming narrow streets and enjoy some of the best roasted suckling pigs in Spain.
Toledo, on the other hand, is a beautiful city of cultural significance. Its old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient fortress and stunning cathedral. You can also enjoy some of the finest marzipans and admire El Greco’s paintings.
All in all, visiting Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo will make for a memorable trip to experience the essence of Spain.
Madrid
I am thrilled to be visiting Madrid-Segovia-Toledo, for the first time.
Madrid is known for its elegant boulevards and well-maintained parks, such as the Buen Retiro. The city’s old center consists of small streets and squares near the impressive Plaza Mayor, while the Neoclassical buildings and grand boulevards were created by renowned architects of their time.
A walking tour can help you uncover the city’s rich culture, history, and top attractions in just a few hours. You’ll be amazed by the hidden history and beautiful architecture, from the unique iron balcony and gates to the intricate designs on doors and windows.
Plaza de Toros.
Our first day started with the wrong stop while going downtown by bus.
We stop to find a Spanish bullfighting arena called the Plaza de Toros. All major Spanish cities have impressive bullrings but probably the most outstanding are those in Madrid, Seville, and Ronda.
Madrid is one of the last corridas in Spain because of the controversy about killing bulls.
While it has already been banned in places like Catalonia, it is still very much alive in Madrid as the local government declared bullfighting as a protected part of Spain’s cultural heritage.
We also visited the museum.
Buen Retiro Park
Buen Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in the city of Madrid, Spain. The park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century when it became a public park.
It is very beautiful and covers over 125 hectares and comprises more than 15,000 trees and El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. You’ll find interesting monuments, gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardin de Cecilio Rodríguez, and the rose garden.
The royal palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although now only used for state ceremonies. This place is big. When you enter you can see all kinds of entertainment on the site, even the change of the guards if you are there at the right time.
The marvelous human statue, I don’t know how he/she can stay still a long time.
Plaza Mayor
This is one of the main squares in Madrid that is worth visiting. The plaza is always bustling with activity, and you can see people moving around all the time. It is a huge plaza packed with cafes, bars, and tourists. Although Plaza Mayor may seem like a regular central plaza when you stand in it, I suggest walking around it on all sides and going to the information center inside the north. It is rich in history and still intriguing. This plaza is located very near the Puerta de Sol metro station.
Don’t forget to try the local gastronomy. There are many restaurants in the streets leading off Plaza Mayor Square, in the area around the Cathedral, and in Plaza del Azoguejo Square. On a warm, sunny day, there are numerous terraces where you can sit and enjoy the impressive views over the monuments. When you order, make sure you try Sangria and olives, they are one of my favorites.
The Royal Palace
The palace is home to the Kings of Spain. We walked all day to find out we were close to the Royal Palace.
Lucky for us, we got to see the changing of the Guard.
It is like a dream to see and learn about the life of the royals. This palace is one of the largest in the world and has splendid gardens around.
The iconic Royal Palace, a symbol of opulence and royalty with a rich history dating back centuries, stands tall in the midst of the bustling cityscape. Its imposing architecture and exquisite detailing, both inside and out, have captivated visitors from around the world.
From the intricate carvings that adorn the palace walls, to the ornate chandeliers that hang from its ceilings, every inch of the Royal Palace is a testament to the grandeur and glamor of bygone eras.
Strolling through its spacious halls, one can almost imagine the kings and queens who once called this place home, and the lavish events that were held within its walls. For anyone with an appreciation for history and architecture, a visit to the Royal Palace is an absolute must.
Walking all over Madrid
Madrid is a spectacular city with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of iconic landmarks and monuments that draw in countless visitors from across the globe annually.
One of the best ways to soak up the beauty and charm of this city is by strolling through its streets and taking in the many sights and sounds that make Madrid truly unique.
Whether you’re winding your way through the picturesque alleys of the city’s historic center, admiring the impressive architecture of the Royal Palace, or wandering through the lush greenery of Retiro Park, every step you take in Madrid promises to be a rewarding and enriching experience.
From the gastronomic delights of its world-renowned cuisine to the warmth and hospitality of its people, walking all over Madrid is a truly unforgettable adventure that you won’t want to miss.
The Teleférico de Madrid
We had planned to visit the zoo aquarium by bus, but unfortunately, it was closed for renovation. Instead, we decided to take a stroll through Casa de Campo, a vast ecological forest and park situated in the west of the city. The park is an ideal spot for a picnic or a long bike ride, and it is home to one of the world’s most essential zoos and amusement parks, featuring animals from every continent.
If you plan on walking to Lago metro station from Casa Campo, be prepared for some steep downhills that are not adequately marked to guide you. It’s a very long walk, and you may want to consider another mode of transportation. We chose to take the “Teleferico in Rosales” to go back to the other side, which offers excellent views of the city and Campo.
The Teleférico de Madrid is a gondola lift that spans 2,457 meters and links the Parque del Oeste with the Casa de Campo. It was built by Von Roll and opened in 1969, and it provides breathtaking views of the city.
On the other side of the lift, there is a beautiful park, cafe, and restaurant. We asked for directions to the hotel, but we got lost again. Next time, we will ensure to have a map on our phones to avoid getting lost.
Segovia
Going to Segovia for the day. We are heading in from Madrid by train and are leaving from Chamartín station, in the middle of nowhere. Then catch a bus at the Segovia Guiomar station. The bus brings you right to the aqueduct.
On the left side of the aqueduct facing away from the city center, you can ascend part of the city wall and get a view from up high.
The Aqueduct is a marvel of ancient ingenuity. Be awed by the remarkable legacy of the Ancient Romans as you stroll around the colossal structure that has towered over Segovia’s Old Town for 2,000 years.
However, once in Segovia you will find the city offers much more. Old Jewish quarter, outstanding views, and more.
The Holy Cathedral of Segovia is a Catholic temple devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and San Frutos, also the last Gothic church in Spain. The entrance is free on Sunday to visit.
In that aspect, you could probably skip the interior if you have already seen a lot of cathedrals. However, the tower is impressive. The climb is a lot, but it is not too bad. It is broken up into three phases, so you can rest along the way. You get to see the rooms inside the tower, including a house! The views from the top are impressive. It is a great photo opportunity.
Catedral de Segovia And Alcázar de Segovia
The Catedral de Segovia and Alcázar de Segovia are two significant architectural landmarks located in the beautiful city of Segovia, Spain. The Catedral de Segovia, also known as the Cathedral of Santa María de Segovia, is a magnificent Gothic cathedral dating back to the 16th century. It is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows that adorn its interior.
On the other hand, the Alcázar de Segovia is a stunning fortress that symbolizes the city’s rich history. It served as a royal palace and military academy, and it is now considered as one of the most significant castles in Spain. The Alcázar de Segovia boasts of its unique architecture, with its tallest turret being the famous “Tower of Juan II.”
A visit to Segovia would not be complete without experiencing the magnificence of these two remarkable landmarks.
Toledo
We took a one-day tour bus to Toledo from Madrid.
I don’t take a tour guide usually, you cannot hear them and there are lots of places I would love to see a bit longer but you are rushing out.
So we went on our own and visited. Make sure you are back on time, the bus driver doesn’t wait.
We started walking in the old city. Enter the monumental Primate Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic style, before continuing through the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter to the Church of St. Tomé, where you’ll see El Greco’s The Burial of Count Orgaz. The next stop will be the old Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca and then the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz.
These houses of worship stand as symbols of Toledo being a City of 3 Cultures for centuries.
I loved Toledo and the view of it from across the river. Take the time to cross the river, climb up and look at the panoramic view of the city. It is gorgeous.
Beautiful viewpoint to see the historical part of the city with a view of the Tagus river. You can see all the main monuments of the city and click some nice shots too. You can walk there.
Toledo is on top of a hill, you can see it better when you go back on the road. That’s the time that you see the whole town is way up, amazing.
If you take the tour on your way back, sit on the right side of the bus so you can enjoy the view and take pictures.
Toledo is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Good To Know
*Tipping Is not compulsory but if you’re happy with the service, feel free to tip any amount you want to.
*Eating out in Madrid can be cheap if you know where to go. Walk among the little streets and you will find a little restaurant with good sangria and tapas. But don’t forget to take a picture of the street if you want to come back (some of them we couldn’t come back) lesson learned!!
*Drinking alcohol in public places is illegal, but you can enjoy your drink outside if you sit in one of the many terraces around the city. Spaniards love meat, so there isn’t a lot on offer for vegetarians. It’s best to do some research in advance to find convenient places to eat green during your trip.
*Remember! Spaniards usually eat their meals later than people from other countries. Rush hours are 2-4 pm and 9-11 pm. To avoid the crowds, eat before those times.
Plan for siesta …Many small shops are still closed from about 2 to 5 pm. If you have important errands to run, make sure to get them in the morning. Matter of fact, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, and take a little nap yourself.
*The temperate times of the year are spring and fall, which are also the most attractive seasons for visitors.
*Good Shoes…you will walk a lot.
Hotel
The Travelodge Hotel is the place we stay every time we visit Madrid. The rooms are clean and have free Wi-Fi.
The buffet breakfast is good, with lots of choices.
The location is convenient from Metro (800m from Barrio de la Concepción (a long walk, but feasible) or you can take the bus in front of the hotel to downtown (#52 bus)
The hotel exceeded our expectations, with excellent service. We have stayed in many hotels and never received hospitality like this. The staff, they went way above and far beyond what we were hoping for.
Plan & Book Your Trip
🏨 Where to Stay: Booking.com | Agoda |
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