Best Madrid Day Trips

Toledo, a small city found on a Castilian hilltop overlooking the Rio Tajo (River Tagus), was once the Spanish capital under the Visigoths (567 to 711).It is a great destination for family fun, where the city meets the shore. Toledo is well known for its alcazar fortress. Toledo is the heart and soul of Spain. Here, you would experience the world renowned Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and Imagination Station, the city’s hands-on science center.

The revitalized downtown in Toledo offers riverfront views, music venues and local eateries like the famous Tony Packo’s. Most of the Toledo hotels are located at the Plaza de Zocodover, which is known as Zoco to the locals, and there are also a good number of excellent restaurants and bars in this area.

Toledo is very impressive in tourism and to have super fun if you arrive Toledo, you have to visit the Toledo museum of arts, the oak openings preserve, the fifth third field, Toledo zoo, wildwood preserve metropark, Toledo botanical garden, imagination station, Hollywood casino Toledo, glass pavilion, Queen of the most holy rosary cathedral, stranahan theatre, black cloister brewing company, e.t.c.

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. Barcelona is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. It is a major cultural and economic centre in the southwestern Europe, ranking 24th in the world (before Zürich, after Frankfurt) and a financial centre.

Barcelona is a perfect tourist spot and a cosmopolitan, Mediterranean city with museums, exhibitions, open-air sculptures and a wide range of cultural attractions, including concerts, theatre and dance. You can never get bored on a tourist trip to this location.

In Paseo de Gracia avenue, you will find amazing buildings designed by architect Antonio Gaudí, such as Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. In the Gothic Quarter you will see monuments such as the Cathedral and the Government Palace, as well as charming squares such as Plaza del Rey and Plaza de Sant Jaume. The Ribera district is home to the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church and the stunning Palacio de la Musica Catalana concert hall. The famous Rambla, lined with street artists and flower stalls, takes you down to the sea, passing by such landmarks as the Liceo Theatre, Güell Palace and the city's most famous market, La Boqueria

Going for a vacation? The city of Segovia is an admirable tour spot and the autonomous region of Castile and León, Spain. The city is famous for its historic buildings including the three main landmarks: its midtown Roman aqueduct, its cathedral (one of the last Gothic to be built in Europe), and the castle, which was an influence for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. The city center of Segovia was declared World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1985. Segovia is a World Heritage City which makes a visit to Segovia worthwhile just to see these wonders. However, the city has more to offer in tourism.

UNESCO World Heritage –listed that Segovia has always had a whiff-off legend about it, not least in the myths that the city was founded by Hercules or by the son of Noah. It may also have something to do with the fact that nowhere else in Spain is such a stunning monument to Roman grandeur (the soaring aqueduct) surviving in the heart of a vibrant modern city. Or maybe it's because art really has imitated the Segovia-style.

The top sightseeing places in Segovia include; The Acueducto, Cathedral, Alcazer, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de San Martin, Iglesia de vera Cruz, museo gastronomico, e.t.c Segovia is a great city for tourism and if you want to go on a vacation, Segovia is simply the right place to be.

Ávila is a town located in the central region of Spain and it's the highest city. The capital city of Ávila province in the autonomous community of Castile and León lies 72 miles northwest of Madrid. It is bordered by Sierra de Gredos and the Sierra de Guadarrama by the south and east respectively.

In 1985, Ávila was declared by UNESCO as its world heritage site. On a visit to Spain, one of the best places to tour would be Ávila. Ávila is renowned for having the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches in Spain, commonly referred to as the city of Stones and Saints. Ávila is considered a medieval city and a must visit for pilgrims because of its rich historic and religious connections to a lot of Saints.

The city has a lot tourist attractions with great religious significance. Some wonders of the ancient town of Ávila includes The walls of Ávila, Avila central cathedral, Basilica de San Vincente, Convento de San Pedro, Iglesia de San Pedro, Ermita San Segundo, Palacio caprotti amongst others are some of the amazing places you can visit to have a spoil time on a weekend day trip from Madrid. A visit to Avila is sure to make you’re a vacation a swell time.

One of the best places to visit while in Spain is the city of Cuenca located in the east-central region of the country, officially known as the Province of Cuenca. The city is famous for its wonderful architectural structure, particularly the hanging houses 'cases colgadas'. The historic walled city of Cuenca provides a magnificent view of the city.

The Puente de San Pablo (Saint Paul Bridge) provides an excellent view of the city especially the famous hanging houses as well as the valley, provides a breathtaking view of this beautiful city and it sure is a nice location to take pictures. Cuenca has some interesting geographical areas considered as a natural site to enjoy the beauty of nature, one of which is the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted city).

For art lovers, the art museums at Cuenca houses some of the best artworks of the 16th century. Art museums like Museo de Arte Abstracto Español are home to various abstract paintings and sculptures artworks that leaves visitors in awe of the originality of the over 700 artworks. Catedral de Santa María la Mayor, Convento de las Carmelitas Descalzas, amongst others are medieval historic religious buildings, each having unique significance attached to them and always leaving tourist and visitors with a lifetime experience.

If you're one who's always fascinated with extravagance and all things historical, Aranjuez is just the place for you. It is located on the river Tagus in central Spain, South of Madrid. Aranjuez's Renaissance, French influenced Royal Palace has an elaborate facade and is lavishly decorated, including a porcelain room. On the grounds, by the river are ornamental gardens like the Jardin de la isla. and you can be assured that it's as magnificent as it sounds. A visit can also be paid to the Casa del Labrador, an ornate, neoclassical mansion, plus an ornamental pond with a Chinese pavilion.

Are you impressed yet? You should be, as Aranjuez still has so much to offer. The prince's garden also has the museum of Royal Barges, river vessels used by Monarchs in Aranjuez. The two story Casa de Oficios Caballeros is built around a lovely courtyard, with balconies and arcades, all the good stuff.

You can also find well preserved 18th century buildings such as the Casa de los Infantes, and amazing old time theaters like The ornate Teatro Real Carlos III theater, which has existed for as long as as 1768, built by King Carlos and later restored.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a town at the Guadarrama Mountains of central Spain. For people who are obsessed with reading and history, it has a grand Royal Library, which contains 15th and 16th century manuscripts. Infantes House is another sight that used to be a royal hunting lodge. Still in San Lorenzo de Escorial, there are plenty of other tourist attractions that have been spoken highly of. The Casita Dr Principe is a 1700's Prince's house and vast field of beautiful gardens to have picnics in.

For the sports lovers, San Lorenzo de El Escorial has a lively golf course, the Real Club de Gold La Herreria. Fancy name, right? Its lush green fields are also fancy enough for evening walks and early dinners. Be sure to watch out for flying golf balls though.

Finally, although it is not the last, there is an insect park for all the kiddies and bug lovers. It is full of really cool and rare creepy crawlies, fliers and jumpers, you might just be allowed to hold one. If you get hungry mid tour, there are insect themed snacks and drinks for those who have the stomach for it. These are but a few places to go and things to do and see when you're out and about in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

If you enjoy the luxury of fine wine, then The Ribera del Duero is the most ideal place for you to be. Located on a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centered in the small town of Aranda de Duero, and is surrounded by places like Peñafiel and Roa de Puero, also popular vineyards. Wine has been produced in the region for thousands of years, and dates as far back as over 2000 years ago, evidenced by the 66-meter mosaic of Bacchus, the god of wine.

Do you feel like partying yet? Ribero del Duero wines are currently being enjoyed by the greater population, thanks largely to the considerable interest shown in the area by experienced growers from other regions. There's nothing better to have with a glass of good wine, than equally good food, and for that, there is an amazing restaurant not too far from the area that goes by the name of Asados Nazareno.

After a hearty lunch if you're still up for some more wine history, you can take a hike to the Zarcaras. The Zarcaras are visible to anyone who visits the locality, and the mismatched stone domes which are as tall as men that pop out of the ground like giant mushrooms.

La Rozas Village is a well renowned spot for lots of shopping lovers around the world. One of the things that makes people happy is shopping and La Rozas Village is synonymous to a shopping Haven. This location is one of the most popular high-end outlets in the whole of Spain.

Whatever your popular international brand might be from Versace, Dolce&Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and several others are there to ensure you get the best of shopping deals during your visit. This location is easy to reach and just few minutes away from the centre of Madrid. Another peculiar thing about the over 100 boutiques of Spanish and international luxury, fashion and lifestyle brand helping you out with savings through its mind blowing discounts.

You need not worry yourself about getting what you want here as there are a countless number of stores to set your eyes and get simply amazing deals with choice items. If you have this spot on your trip itinerary then you have just made the best choice as La Rozas Village is out to give you a mind blowing experience at amazing prices for you and your loved ones.

Cordoba is sometimes overlooked by some people as a city-break destination in favor of Granada or Seville. It is one of Andalusia’s most fascinating cities. There are numerous reasons why Cardoba is an amazing spot for your vacation. Having Cardoba on your tour list can never go bad as this location has a whole lot of things in stock for you.

Among the many fun things that occurs in Cardoba is the dancing filled with vibrancy which is known as the Flamenco. The Flamenco is a guitar-playing, expressive for mm of song and dance that is accompanied with dinner through a theatrical show.

The Flamenco event is sure to give you a spoil time and have an amazing time in Cardoba. Cardoba is rich in art, history and architecture and if you are a fan of any of these then you most definitely would be really joyed with your choice of destination for a vacation. The Jewish museum, beautiful castle and the river walk amongst lot of others are sure to make your visit a beautiful and pleasurable one.