Oh Toledo, jewel of a city! This was easily my favorite day trip from Madrid when I visited Spain last May. I was entranced from my first view of the walled old town overlooking the Tagus River on the short walk from the Moorish-style train station to the escalators serving the historic center atop the hill. I arrived on a Sunday, which was an ideal time to attend a mass in the historic Toledo cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture (it was not a good day to see the tower, however, since it was closed). Afterwards, I meandered through the narrow city streets slowly filling up with tourists, admiring the artwork and gardens of the El Greco museum, and relaxing in the sedate but intricately designed courtyard in the Museum of Santa Cruz (I fully agree with Els -- it was worth a visit). Toledo has quite a religious history, and I particularly appreciated the Synagogue of El Tránsito with its distinctive Mudéjar style. There are many photogenic viewpoints, or miradores, around the city, but I most enjoyed the one on the hill behind the city, which I reached via the kitschy, but practical, tourist train that departs from the city center and travels around and outside Toledo before returning to the city center. I don't generally recommend shopping, but Toledo is particularly well known for both its steel swords as well as its Damascene crafts, which are worth looking at just for the novelty. I spent my day in Toledo to the fullest, but I would return to spend more time without hesitation.

Logistics: Toledo is an easy train or bus ride from Madrid; the old town is very walkable, and is accessible by escalators after a short walk from either station.