Madrid day trip-Toledo or Segovia?

Hi Tiff,

Toledo will be worth while to visit. It is a medieval city with an enrichness of culture Sights i would recommend are the Toledo Cathedral, Zocodover Square, Castle de San Servano, Museum of Santa Cruz., Puente de San Martin, El Greco Museum, Cave of Hercules, and the Alcazar.

These two video links will give you complete details of both Toledo and Segovia. You can decide which one best fits your interest.

Toledo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLxpYH9m7HE

Segovia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9dLOVLoPU8

Do both, but Toledo takes priority.

If you've never seen a Roman aqueduct, definitely Segovia.

We loved Segovia, Toledo not so much.

Seriously, you could flip a coin and do just as well. Comes down to either being interested more in El Greco, art, and a bit of Spanish Civil war; or into Roman aqueducts, castles and roast pig.

I have been to both Segovia and Toledo numerous times. Both are great daytrips with much to offer. I think it is slightly easier to get to Toledo, frequent trains from Atocha train station. Then from station to historic center a hefty uphill walk into Toledo or you can go by taxi or bus. Explore the historic center. Walk to see the “puertas” (gates) to enter the city and the Mirador de Valle ( lookout point) uphill, across the river, to get views of the entire city nestled in the bends of the river. You can take a taxi to get there. The Toledo Cathedral is a beauty. The Church of Santo Tome holds an El Greco masterpiece titled “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.”.

I was once again in Segovia in April. To get there from Madrid you need to get from Atocha to Chamartin station and from there go by bus or train. Segovia is also a treasure. On one side of town you have the Roman aqueduct and on the other side you have the Alcazar castle. Be aware that the castle tickets have assigned entry times. The cathedral and main plaza is right in the center of town between those two major attractions. All walkable but bring comfortable walking shoes. The surrounding countryside around the castle is very scenic. In Segovia I recommend eating at Restaurante Casa Duque on Calle Cervantes. It was delicious and packed with locals. Maybe watch some internet videos about both Segovia and Toledo and see which city appeals to you the most.

I'd do both. Unless you are really interested in Madrid's art museums, I think Segovia and Toledo are more unique/worthy of a visit than Madrid. Madrid is lovely, pretty at night. Enjoy it at night. It will take you longer than 30 minutes to get to Segovia. You can either take a bus to city center or take the train and then bus to city center.

You can’t lose with either. Our preference is Toledo.

The first time I went to Madrid, I had the same amount of time as you will. The first day I explored Madrid, then took a day trip to Segovia one day and the next day, went to Toledo. The last day in Madrid I took a fantastic food tour (Devour Tours) and then explored Madrid some more. I liked both Segovia and Toledo a lot, but if I had to choose one, it would be Segovia. I thought the aqueduct was so interesting.

I'd choose Segovia for a walk around and lunch at either Restaurant Duque or, my favorite, Jose Maria. Both are known for their superb renditions of Segovia's signature dish, suckling pig and it's fantastic! Make a reservation if you choose to dine at either.

I'd not even bother with entry into the castle but I'd certainly go to see it close up .There is vantage point that's particularly good; someone else will know where it is or I can look it up from my notes if you would like,

Another vote for Segovia!