If you have only 1 day for an excursion outside of Madrid, go to Toledo, the fortified town atop a hill and surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River. Toledo is one of the most important centers of European medieval history. It was the capital of Spain until 1560 when it lost its political status to Madrid. Today, it remains Spain's religious center.
A natural fortress encircled by monumental walls in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, the medieval city of Toledo represents the coexistence or succession of different cultures: Roman, Jewish, Visigothic, Muslim and Christian. A national landmark, the city that so inspired El Greco has remained relatively unchanged since the 16th century. Walking through its giant labyrinth of streets that are barely wide enough for a man and his donkey, much less for an automobile, one feels like having stepped back into the Middle-Ages
The city of Toledo has many religious temples of the three main cultures that coexisted here, Jewish Synagogues, Islamic Mosques and Catholic Churches of which the Cathedral is an absolute "do not miss". The major city attractions are near the city central hill. Plaza Zocodover is the center of the town’s life. Here is where old men come to talk politics and read newspapers, old women to gossip, youngsters to show off their new tricycles.
Today, Toledo is a very provincial city. You will find plenty of tourists visiting the city during the daytime, but apart from visiting the monuments there are not many other things to do. Contrary to Madrid, the night brings quiet to the streets of Toledo.
The city of Toledo is well known for its souvenirs, the damascene Swords and Knifes and armors. The "Swords of Toledo" gave world-wide fame to its steel-production. You can also find many different iron sculptures, especially popular are the "Don Quijote de la Mancha" ones. Marzipan is the local delicatessen.