Day Trip From Madrid (or not)

Toledo is my wife’s favorite town in Spain, but we like Segovia too. You can’t lose with either. As a day trip with what you like to do, I’d choose Toledo. Both are easy to get you on your own. Tours are helpful if you want to hear all the history, but a downside is you’re moving at the guide’s pace rather than your own. A guide will show you most of the favorite sights, but maybe not some of the ones you’d like to see. Do some of your own research on places you’d like to visit and that might help you decide which is best for you. When it comes to towns, we prefer to see them on our own, at our pace.

And I adoooooore Segovia. Really you can't go wrong with either, as Jaime says.

Personally, my first choice would be Toledo, second Zaragoza, third Segovia, and fourth Cuenca. In terms of architecture, history, and "walkability".

We’ll be in Madrid for 5 days. We’ve also been mulling over where to go for a day trip, Segovia, Cuenca, Salamanca, Avila, etc. We already plan on spending a couple of days in Toledo. We’ve heard about Zaragoza but is it practical day trip from Madrid? Thanks.

I'd say Toledo because it's less travel time from Madrid and there's more to see there, including the spectacular hilltop location. But Segovia's Roman aqueduct was a highlight of my trip.

We’ve heard about Zaragoza but is it practical day trip from Madrid?

While not traditionally considered a "Madrid day trip", I'd make the case that yes in fact Zaragoza can be a practical day trip from Madrid. Zaragoza is only about 1:15 hr on the AVE high speed line from Madrid Atocha (most zoom past it on thier way to Barcelona).

It's just a 15 min walk from Zaragoza's train station to the Aljafería Moorish Palace, and then it's only another 15 min or so walk to the Casco Antiguo (old town) and Basílica del Pilar.

@pappillon54 - believe the Ave train will get you to Zaragoza in 1.5 hours, approximately. Cuenca via the Ave is about 1:15 minutes.

Good to know. Thank you Carlos and jaimeelsabio!

Toledo is a direct 45-minute train ride away and is perfect for a day trip. The train departs Madrid’s) Atocha station. When you get off the train hop on the bus (follow the people) and get off where the crowd gets off. Once inside the walls get lost. Segovia is 30-minutes by direct train.

I have been to both Segovia and Toledo and liked both but preferred Toledo and have been there multiple times. Research what both have to offer and see which more closely matches your interests. Both are good choices and both are easy daytrips from Madrid that you can do yourself. Rather than join a tour from Madrid, it might be worthwhile to hire a private guide that meets you once you are in the city you choose. I have never done that so I cannot offer guide recommendations. Here are some of my suggestions for Toledo. If you arrive by train, take a few minutes to look at the interior of the train station. It's a beauty. You didn't mention what time of the year you are going on your trip. Toledo can be very, very hit in the summer. Take a bus or a taxi into the historic city center if you go in the heat. On my first trip we walked from the train station uphill into town and we were so hot. If you go by bus, there are a series of escalators that take you up and into town, not far from the bus station. I personally think that the Toledo cathedral is stunningly beautiful and it is my favorite cathedral in Spain. In addition there are mezquitas and/or synagogues that can be visited. If you do go to Toledo, take a taxi and go to one of the lookout points (mirador) across the river to see the iconic views of Toledo in all its glory. Also there are some great scenic views from the Alcazar. If you are a fan of El Greco, stop by the Church of Santo Tomé to see his famous painting of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Although there are several interesting gates to the medieval walled city, the Bisagra Gate is a beauty. Toledo is just one of those towns where it is so enjoyable to walk and explore its narrow streets and alleyways and everywhere you turn you see evidence of Christian, Jewish and Arab influence. Also I think that the last train leaves for Madrid around 9 PM. If you are there in the summer it probably won't be very dark by that time, but if at another time of year it is worth it to stay and see the city lit up in the evening.

Thanx for all the replies. I appreciate the help. Will continue researching. My 2 extra days are a Sun and Mon so I'll need to figure out what might be closed and if that would affect anything. Ttfn