Toledo was the perfect day trip from Madrid being only a 30 minute train ride (11 Euro each way) from Atocha Station. The historic town was set up on a hill and surrounded by a river, perfect to wander and get lost on the narrow streets. It was about a 20 minute UPHILL walk from the train station, which i was not prepared for! The Christmas markets here were more authentic feeling than Madrid but i still did only find one vendor selling Glühwein. Overall, I definitely recommend visiting as it had that old historic charm i was missing in Madrid.
Christmas Markets:
Plaza de Ayuntamiento – the Main Christmas market with food vendors, Glühwein and a merry-go-round. This was a beautiful market and looked even prettier at night all lit up with the church as the back drop.
Alcantara Bridge – small market with food vendors set up on the bridge as you enter the old town. Not much to see here but you do walk by it to enter and leave the old town
Plaza de Zocodover – this is the first plaza when you finally reach the top of the mountain and enter the old town. Vendors here selling crafts. Stop by once dark to see the giant globe ball lit up!
Where to Drink:
Lupolo – great draft beer selection and each came with a good sized tapa! They also had some larger tables outside to acomodate larger groups too in a pretty little plaza!
Taberna el Botero – very quant, bustling restaurant/bar just off the Plaza de Ayuntamiento (location of the cutest Christmas market)
TAKEAWAY: Looking back on my day in Toledo, I wish i arrived a bit later and left later in the evening. I arrived around 11:45 am and departed on the 7:30 pm train, but would have shifted both trains later in the day if I had to do it again. I wish I had more time to explore after dark and have dinner before returning to Madrid.
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