Daytrip: Toledo or Segovia

They are both totally worth a visit. In fact, they are both worth spending one or more nights. Toledo, for me has a lot more different things to see, but if you only have time for a day trip. it's not necessarily a better choice than Segovia. The aqueduct in Segovia is a big deal, and that might tip the balance for someone who enjoys Roman ruins. I'm more about the Mudejar architecture scattered around Toledo.

Trains between Madrid and Toledo sometimes sell out, though I think not very far in advance.

Have not been to Toledo but, in September, we thoroughly enjoyed a one night stay in Segovia. We were awed by the aqueduct but, moreover, found Segovia to be a very pleasant place to wander, eat, and gawk. The food was good and people were lovely.

Of the two, our preferred city is Toledo, but you’ll enjoy whichever you choose. Both are worth visiting.

So you are asking on behalf of your husband, but YOU do not get to go?
I would see if you can afford to accompany him to Spain, because it is a wonderful country to visit!

Your question is one that tourists ask all the time, and the answers vary depending upon interests and abilities. Does he speak any Spanish? Is he going to try to take the trains on his own? Does he know what is interesting about these two cities and what he wants to see and do in either one?

We were in Madrid in August, and we took an excellent bus tour that visited BOTH Segovia and Toledo in one day (but we have been to the two cities several times in the past, by train and car.). My must sees on that visit: inside the Segovia Alcázar, inside the Toledo cathedral, both of which I adore, and for which I have a strong sentimentality. Because I could not choose, I had to do them both!

Buen viaje!

If you search in the Spain subforum a bit, you'll see this question has been asked
(and answered, by many including myself).

Not trying to put you off, but, the opinions you seek are there.

Forum query for Segovia

I think the Alcazar of Segovia is the most fun sightseeing place in either city. The cathedral in Toledo is better than the cathedral in Segovia. Segovia has the aqueduct which is amazing. Otherwise you’re getting that medieval hill town on steroids thing from both.

Food is also a wash in my mind.

I lean toward Segovia, but I would decide on whether you like castles or cathedrals.

I know the question has been answered, but here’s my two cents. First you can’t go wrong. They’re both amazing cities. But Segovia was one of those cities that we arrived hot, tired and a bit cranky and everything we encountered was amazing. The hotel upgraded us to a suite, the people were lovely, there were interesting things to see, and the small square came alive at night with fun, kind people. I put it on our itinerary because it is where the Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross was buried (he wrote The Dark Night of the Soul —for me a big deal but not for others). It was for me one of my all-time travel highlights.
We took the bus as the train station is a bit out of the city.

We went to both cities this past spring, although not as a daytrip. Toledo has more going on, perhaps, with the cathedral and the El Greco works, and several other museums and sites. But Segovia is great as well. Might start with transportation schedule and see what fits the best?

@philalady - I wish I could go but it’s a long story.

@shoeflyer, thank you. I didn’t realize it was such a popular question! My apologies.

Everyone, thanks for your time and replying.