Toledo & Segovia: Cities of History and Gastronomy You Can Explore in a Day If you're staying in Madrid, I highly recommend taking a day trip to one of the nearby cities. While the capital, Madrid, is a modern and vibrant city, Toledo and Segovia, just an hour or two away, are treasures that preserve Spain's past and traditions. One city retains the grandeur of a medieval capital , the other a place brimming with Roman heritage and culinary delights . Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing you to experience the diverse face of Spain in a short time. In this article, I'll introduce you to the two most popular travel destinations near Madrid: Toledo and Segovia. Toledo – A trip to the Middle Ages near Madrid Toledo is a city with a sense of historical weight, having once been the capital of Spain. Just 30 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, it's the perfect day trip. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and strolling through its quaint walls and alleyways feels like being transported back to the Middle Ages. Must-see attractions include the El Greco House & Museum, where you can see works by El Greco, the majestic Toledo Cathedral, and the Mirador del Valle observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city. Toledo, in particular, is a city where Christianity, Islam, and Judaism coexisted, so its architectural styles are diverse and each narrow alley has a hidden story, making it fascinating just to walk around. Segovia – City of Roman Aqueducts and Cochinillos Segovia is a nearby city, about an hour and a half by bus from Madrid. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Roman aqueduct. Looking at photos alone, you might wonder, "Why bother going to see just one aqueduct?" But when you see it in person, you'll be amazed by its overwhelming scale and state of preservation. Another Segovia specialty is the cochnillo, or suckling pig. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the special performance of cutting it into plates is a Segovia specialty. This performance, available for group orders, adds to the fun of your trip. In addition, the Alcázar Castle (Alcázar de Segovia), perched on a hill, is so beautiful that it's said to have been the model for Disney's castles, resembling a fairytale castle. The aqueduct → Alcázar → Cocinillo meal—a perfect day trip to Segovia. 📌 Want more tips for Madrid?