On our last day in Europe next year we want to spend a day in either of these two places. We will be taking a train from Barcelona, I know Toledo in closer but it is on a hill and my mom's hip is bad and we are afraid she will be in a lot of pain walking uphill. Salamanca has a nice Piazza and would be nice to relax there. Which would you rather do, Toldeo or Salamanca consdiering the sights and things to do and see. thanks!!!
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
Toledo is on a hill but she does not have to walk up it. There is a nice tourists tram that will take you around for some high lites of the city. My friend has a bad hip (being replaced next month) and he made it around with us by taking rests and using a few cabs. We really enjoyed our overnight stay in Salamanca - the plaza, cathedral, university, etc. but it is a lot further from Madrid and we stayed there after short stops in Segovia & Avila. The train to Toledo is almost too quick, we were just settling into our seats and we arrived!
Posted by
Carmichael, CA, USA
18 posts
Without having been in Salamanca, I highly recommend Toledo. If your mom is capable of walking elsewhere in Spain, Toledo need not be more strenuous than other cities. Historically, architecturally, culturally, it is magical. The train from Madrid is fast and comfortable, and hotels on or near the central plaza are accessible by bus or taxi from the train station. There's a little open-air tourist train that leaves from the plaza and circles the city, providing marvelous views and photo opportunities, so your mom could see a great deal with very little walking.
Posted by
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
80 posts
There is a lot to see on the top, flat-ish part of Toledo city. But the truth is, there are a lot of things to see where you'll need to go downhill too. The tram will only go up and down and will leave out the vast majority of the city worth seeing. Salamanca is nice and worth a look. Their Plaza Mayor is considered Spain's most beautiful. Too see the Roman Bridge you'll have to go downhill but you can get a taxi to take you there and back. For anyone in good physical health I'd recommend Toledo over Salamanca. It's much more interesting, historical, an pretty in my opinion. It was, afterall, the capital of Spain for hundreds of years until the mid-1500s! Saludos, MadridMan @ you-know-where!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Toss a coin and see either city. I have experienced both and love both. Salamanca may be a bit more level, and the Plaza is fantastic. Toledo is equally exciting, and I try to go there each trip to Spain -- and spend the night as well. I think your mother will do fine in either place. I do and I have bad knees....just take your time and rest as needed.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
811 posts
both are great places. toledo is moorish style, and salamanca is christian style. if you just have one day, toledo is easy to get to, and save salamanca for another trip.
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
I don't think Toledo is a wise choice for anyone with mobility issues. Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is beautiful with lots of shops and restaurants. That would be my recommendation given your mother's problem.