Visiting Spain’s capital and eager to explore further afield? These charming towns and cities make the perfect day trip from Madrid!
The Spanish capital is a vibrant place, ideal for lovers of history, culture and great food. I visited in January, which was officially low season, but I still found it to be a buzzy and inviting place to explore.
I spent a lovely morning seeing the Temple of Debod, the Royal Palace of Madrid and wandering through Puerta Del Sol. I fell in love with Mercado San Miguel, feasting my way through its counters filled with delicacies. I even enjoyed a nighttime jazz show at Café Central!
There’s absolutely loads to see and do, but it’s also an amazing city to use as a base for other travels. Flights from London and other European cities to Madrid are often very reasonable. Or perhaps you’re looking for flights from Miami to Madrid. Wherever you’re starting from, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful towns and cities within a few hours of the city.
Coming up, I’ll share my top recommendations for day trips from Madrid. From the stunning city of Córdoba, famed for its Mezquita, to the unique architecture of Cuenca and the beaches of Valencia, you’re guaranteed to find somewhere you fancy.
6 Best Places To Visit From Madrid
Before I dive into this list, I wanted to add that these places are all within two hours of Madrid, either by train or car. You could do any of them as a day trip, but for some I’d recommend staying overnight or for a weekend, just to really make the most of it. I’ve listed them in order of distance, so you’ll see the closest options first!
Toledo
Toledo is one of the easiest day trips from Madrid. You can reach the town in 35 minutes by train. It’s known for its rich history, with a stunning Gothic cathedral, a 10th century mosque and two synagogues, all within one small area. Spend time wandering the well-preserved medieval streets, visit Catedral Primada, and if you’re interested in art, don’t miss a trip to the El Greco Museum.
It won’t be long before you’ve worked up an appetite! Sit down and enjoy some tasty tapas at one of the many charming bars dotted throughout the centre of the city. There are some local delicacies to sample too. One of the most popular is the marzipan from Santo Tomé. This sweet treat is made from almonds and sugar, and is moulded into all sorts of pretty shapes!
To round off your day trip from Madrid to Toledo, head up to Mirador del Valle. Here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views over Toledo and the River Tagus. If you can time your trip for sunset, it’s even more memorable!
Madrid to Toledo: 35 mins by train or 1 hour by car
Cuenca
Have you seen photos of Cuenca before? Wow – it’s absolutely spectacular! This UNESCO World Heritage city is famed for its casas colgadas – houses which appear to hang off the cliffs. It’s dramatic and beautiful, constructed around a huge gorge.
While it’s a pretty place to wander around on foot, there are a handful of attractions too. There’s the Museum of Abstract Art, Cuenca Cathedral and the Science Museum, to name a few. I’d also recommend crossing over the Puente de San Pablo. This iron bridge offers some of the best views of the city and cliffs, and is amazing for photography.
Madrid to Cuenca: 1 hour by train
Salamanca
Famous for its ornate sandstone architecture and university, which is one of the oldest in Europe, Salamanca makes a lovely day trip from Madrid. Stroll across Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s most beautiful squares, visit Casa Lis, Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, and explore the city’s old and new cathedrals. There’s even a cave with a magical past.
When you get hungry, you’ll be spoiled for choice with so many great restaurants and bars.
For Michelin-starred cuisine, book a table at En La Parra or Víctor Gutiérrez. These restaurants offer some of the best cuisine in Spain. What a treat! Or, for tapas try Bambú Tapas y Brasas or Tapas 3.0. You won’t be disappointed. Finally, for a local delicacy, order hornazo, which is a cross between a bread and a pastry, stuffed with a variety of meats and egg. It’s tastier than it sounds!
Madrid to Salamanca: 1.5 hours by train
Ávila
How about a medieval getaway from Madrid? Ávila is home to some of the best-preserved medieval city walls in the whole of Europe. They wrap beautifully around the town. One of the top things to do here is wander the 1,700 metre long walkway that runs along the top. It offers beautiful views of the city, particularly during golden hour.
Plaza del Mercado Chico is a lovely spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Adaja River for a bit of peace and quiet.
In terms of food, if you like meat, you’re in for a treat! Ávila is the place to order a T-bone steak – perfect if you’ve worked up an appetite walking those walls!
Madrid to Ávila: 1.5 hours by car or train
Córdoba
I was mesmerised by the beauty of Córdoba’s old town. The Mezquita is the main draw, and when you’ll see it, you’ll understand why! Formerly a mosque, this building was transformed into a cathedral. Today, it showcases a wonderful blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. You’ll be amazed when you see the red and white arches.
Other beautiful spots include the cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter, and Puente Romano which crosses the Guadalquivir River. One of my favourite things to do in Córdoba
is to peer into the city’s pretty courtyards. Lots of houses have these stunning little patios which are decorated with colourful tiles, fountains and pretty flowers. There’s even a special festival every May when they’re open to the public.
In terms of food, you’re in Andalucia, which I think offers some of the tastiest dishes in the whole country. Definitely try salmorejo – a cold tomato soup, usually garnished with egg and salty ibérico ham.
Madrid to Córdoba: 2 hours by high-speed train
Valencia
Valencia isn’t the closest place to visit from Madrid, but it’s still only two hours on the fast train. It’s one of my favourite city breaks in Spain, so I’d suggest booking a full weekend break. A bike tour offers the perfect introduction to the city.
I’d also recommend spending time at the futuristic City of the Arts and Sciences. For picture perfect views, climb to the top of El Miguelete (the cathedral’s bell tower). Valencia also boasts a beach, where I’d recommend stopping for a Valencia paella.
One of my favourite activities in Valencia was this food tour, which served as a great overview of the city’s culinary heritage. There are Moorish influences, Mediterranean flavours and more.
I’d also recommend trying horchata and fartons. Horchata is a sweet milky drink made from tiger nuts. Meanwhile, fartons are long sugar-dusted pastries which you can dunk! Horchatería Santa Catalina is the place to try them, a 200 year old café in the heart of the old town.
For more info for your trip, read my detailed guide which is filled with all the best things to do in Valencia.
Madrid to Valencia: 2 hours by high-speed train
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these amazing getaways from Madrid. There are so many wonderful places nearby, you just have to work your way down the list!
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