Things to do near Madrid podcast
A trip to Madrid, Toledo, Aranjuez and Segovia
We recently spent ten days sightseeing and having fun in Madrid, Toledo, Aranjuez, Segovia and a car-trip around La Mancha. Here are some of our highlights, and recommendations on things to do and things to skip.
To listen, hit play below or find episode 243 in iTunes or Soundcloud:
Madrid
Do:
- See the Templo de Debod.
- Have a cheap lunch at the Museo del Jamon (€8-9 for a set menu).
- Visit the royal palace complex, gardens and museums.
- Enjoy the view and reading space in the town hall.
- Visit the Prado for free, after 6pm.
- Relax in Parque Retiro — there’s lots to see there too.
- Wander around and admire the architecture.
Toledo
Do:
- Enjoy the mix of architectural styles. There’s strong elements of Jewish, Islamic and Christian influence.
- Visit the Spanish military museum.
- Duck inside the Cathedral crypt, and pay to enter the rest if you like what you see.
- See Roman, Moorish, and Christian buildings at the Cristo de la Luz mosque.
- Visit one or two of the many churches and synagogues
- Cross to the Parador for a full-city view and a drink on the balcony.
Aranjuez
So much of this city is a UNESCO site. Amazing!
Do:
- Visit the Royal Palace.
- Wander the gardens and admire the statues and fountains.
- Enjoy the opulence before it fades.
- We saw people kayaking the river, and that looked fun.
Segovia
Do:
- Marvel at the 2,000+ year-old aqueduct. How high! How straight!
- Walk slowly through town to the Alcázar.
- Eat roast piglet — but it’s pricey! We settled for a kebab instead.
