Toledo
Less than an hour away from Madrid, Toledo is the the most visited daytrip destination for anyone who goes to Madrid. There is a lot to see and do in Toledo in a day.
The most important fact about Toledo is that it was the former capital of Spain and for centuries the 3 cultures of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam lived peacefully in Toledo. And in recent modern history, Toledo featured as a battleground in the Spanish Civil War.
Visitors to Toledo always visit the Alcazar at the highest point, followed by the Cathedral, and the Jewish quarter. There is also the El Greco museum. In all, there is a lot to see in Toledo, and the cuisine is an attraction in itself. Ideally Toledo deserves a 2 day visit.
Unlike other destinations, the diversity of Toledo makes it a unique place. The city is all along the gradient of a hill with steep streets and a river around the hill. Even if you are done with all the sightseeing, just walking around can be an enjoyable activity.
One of the common questions posed by visitors to Madrid is whether to visit Toledo or Segovia as day trip from Madrid. There is no one perfect answer. Our suggestion is to visit Segovia if you are short of time and visit Toledo with a plan to stay at least for a night at Toledo.