Last minute trip to Spain

July 27, 2015 1:23 PM

I just got an invitation to spend a week in Toledo. We leave in one week. What must we do/see/eat/buy/absorb?

Going to the Toledo area for a week and I know little about the area beyond the El Greco painting. I've spent time in Spain before and speak rudimentary Spanish. Since the trip is a surprise, we haven't planned anything and I'd love to know about any spots that we should be sure not to miss from those that have been/live(d) there.

I expect we'll hit the tourist spots, but any restaurants, parks, activities, events etc. that MeFites recommend would be so very much appreciated. We live in a big city and are pretty active people so any stuff that involves complicated directions or is outdoorsy is probably fine too.

posted by annabellee to Travel & Transportation around Toledo, Spain (3 answers total)

Toledo has a lot of lovely Damascene ware. One of the highlights of my trip there (in 2006) was a visit to a Damascene workshop. Sadly I don't remember the name of it...but it was a lot of fun and I highly suggest trying to find one on your own.

Also when I was there we did the Paseo de Merchán o de la Vega - a beautiful walk. More on that here.

You're lucky! Toledo was one of my favorite cities in Spain.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 1:34 PM on July 27, 2015

If you get tired from Toledo, you can take a high speed train to Madrid, or rent a car and do the windmills route, take a day-trip to Cuenca or walk around Cabañeros National Park.
posted by sukeban at 12:17 AM on July 28, 2015

Yeah, what sukeban said. I think you will want to get out of Toledo. It's a beautiful city, but kind of small for spending a week in. You say you've been to Spain before, have you been to Madrid? It's less than 30 minutes on the fast train from Toldeo to Atocha, and there's more than enough to occupy you there (there are some great Ask threads on Madrid in the archives).

Aranjuez is close, if you have access to a car, and beautiful. Huge palace and beautiful gardens.

If you want more ideas for daytrips, especially into the rural area west of Toledo, I'd be happy to give you some. But you definitely need a car.
posted by lollymccatburglar at 12:21 AM on July 28, 2015