After making the most of Madrid’s tourist attractions , did you decide to make a day trip to the Spanish capital? There’s no shortage of possibilities, the hardest part will be choosing where to go, but we’ll help you and present 10 cities very close by that are worth a visit, check them out:
1. Salamanca
Salamanca is such a beautiful city that it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Although small compared to Madrid, Salamanca is rich in history and home to beautiful buildings . Getting there is not difficult: you have to travel 214 km from the Spanish capital – you can go by car, bus or train. The journey takes around 2 hours.
We warn you that one day is not enough to get to know the city, the ideal is to set aside a little more time. Beautiful during the day, Salamanca is also enchanting at night due to the lighting that enhances the main tourist attractions even more.
The Plaza Mayor is especially known for being one of the most beautiful squares in Europe . The Cathedrals – the New and the Old – are also unmissable spots. Salamanca is also one of the best cities to eat good tapas, I have fond memories of Calle Van Dyck, where you can find a series of bars and restaurants.
Salamanca’s main attractions
- University of Salamanca;
- Shell House;
- Old Cathedral (13th century);
- New Cathedral (XVI);
- Plaza Mayor;
- Clerezia Towers.
2. Segovia
Although less known, Segovia is an unmissable corner of Spain and perfect for a day trip from Madrid. It was, by far, one of the cities I most enjoyed visiting in the country. The small historic center is full of buildings with beautiful architecture and, in a small space, we find a super rich culture.
To get there from Madrid is just 90 km . You can go by car, bus or train (the fastest option is the high speed train – AVE). To get an idea of the time difference: going by car will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes and by high-speed train it will only take 30 minutes.
In addition to the Aqueduct, which is quite interesting, there is also the Jewish quarter, Casa dos Picos and the Cathedral that captivate any tourist. The city is an invitation to visit the past and is very well preserved.
Main attractions in Segovia
- Segovia Aqueduct;
- Segovia Cathedral;
- Alcazar of Segovia;
- Casa dos Picos;
- Royal Palace La Granja De San Ildefonso.
3. Toledo
Toledo is a city very close to Madrid, you can get there in less than an hour. In the city you will find a series of traces of the presence of Jews, Muslims and Christians. This cultural variety is evident in the architecture and is quite interesting for tourists to observe.
Toledo is one of the most popular day trips in Madrid
In terms of distance, it is only 70 km that separate the capital from the small city that carries a huge history. There are many tourist attractions that deserve to be visited slowly.
Toledo’s main attractions
- Catedral Primada de Toledo – it is worth investing in a guided tour with a local guide ;
- Juderia;
- San Marcos Cultural Center;
- Santa Cruz Museum;
- Plaza de Zocodover and Alcázar;
- Calle del Comercio;
- San Martín Bridge;
- Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz;
- Bisagra Gate;
- Alcántara Bridge;
- Tavera Hospital;
- San Juan de los Reyes Monastery;
- Convent of Santo Domingo El Antiguo.
- 4. Avila
Ávila is one of those small cities in Spain that is really worth visiting and is ideal for a quick stopover from Madrid. You don’t need to spend many hours there as the historic center is quite small, but the area within the walls is a must-see !
You can also take really cool photos outside the city, the path itself is cute. And don’t forget the viewpoints along the route, as Ávila is also very beautiful from the outside.
Main attractions in Ávila
Los Quatro Postes Viewpoint;
Ávila Wall;
Catedral del Salvador de Ávila;
Plaza del Mercado Chico;
Casa Museo de Santa Teresa;
Plaza del Mercado Grande;
Royal Monastery of San Tomas;
Gates of the Wall of Ávila;
Arco del Carmen.
5. Valladolid
Valladolid is a historic city, capital of Castile and Leon, and is well known for wine tourism as many wineries open their doors to visitors throughout the year.
The city has some very beautiful tourist attractions and is worth checking out if you are in the region. But there’s no need to spend more than a day here – save it for visiting Salamanca, for example, which takes more time.
Getting to Valladolid by car should take around two and twenty hours, as the city is 190 km from the Spanish capital.
Main attractions in Valladolid
Plaza Mayor of Valladolid;
Valladolid Cathedral;
Campo Grande (urban park);
Cavalry Academy;
Pasaje Gutiérrez;
St. Paul’s Church;
Church of Santa María de la Antigua;
National Museum of Polychrome Sculpture;
Plaza de Poniente.
6. San Martín de la Vega (Warner Park)
If you are a fan of theme parks, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Parque da Warner, which is very close to Madrid, perfect for a day trip.
With incredible roller coasters like Superman, the park has attractions for children and adults and is a full day program. With themed areas, the space also has a series of shop options to buy products featuring your favorite characters. The park is a kind of mini Disney.
To get there, be prepared for a 40-minute drive from Madrid – it’s around 32km.
Main attractions of San Martin de la Vega
The region’s main attraction is Parque Warner . Depending on the time of year, it may be a good idea to buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing.
7. Leon
León is usually a destination for pilgrims, but even if you don’t really have religious interests, the city is worth getting to know.
For anyone who is a fan of Gaudí, it is an unmissable tour , as there are a series of the master’s footprints spread across the city.
For those who enjoy natural landscapes, León has the famous Picos de Europa National Park.
The city is 337 km from Madrid , by car the journey takes around three and twenty hours.
Leon’s main attractions
Cathedral of Santa Maria de León;
Casa de Botines;
Palacio de los Guzmanes;
Basilica of San Izidoro.
8. Merida
Mérida is a very rich city in terms of history: it is said to have been founded in 25 BC , many traces of this entire period remained as a legacy and can be visited to this day.
For anyone who is a fan of the Roman Empire, Mérida is a must because there you can find aqueducts, thermal baths, theaters, arches and the construction is all very well preserved and explained to visitors.
Main attractions in Merida
Roman Theater;
Amphitheater;
Los Milagros Aqueduct;
Roman Circus;
Temple of Diana;
Arabic Alcazaba;
Roman Bridge;
Trajan’s Arch;
Casa del Mitreo.
9. Ciudad Rodrigo
Very little known by most people, Ciudad Rodrigo is a very small city located close to the border with Portugal that deserves a day trip from Madrid. The city’s main attraction – the Castle – was converted into a hotel, and it is still possible to visit some parts of the monument.
Small but super charming, you only need to spend a few hours exploring the entire city and you can do everything on foot. From Madrid there are around 300 km by car, covered in an hour’s journey.
Main attractions in Ciudad Rodrigo
Ciudad Rodrigo Cathedral;
Ciudad Rodrigo City Hall;
Águila Palace.
The biggest thing about Cidade Rodrigo is walking through the streets of the historic center without rushing.
10. Valencia
Valencia is a relatively large city – it is the third most populous in Spain – and has a huge range of cultural and historical programs.
One day is not enough to get to know Valencia in depth, which is one of the few points against not being so close to Madrid. By car the distance is around 360 km . If you travel by plane between the two cities it will take approximately 1 hour, if you go by bus, be prepared to spend around 4 hours.
If you can visit Valencia in March, don’t miss the 19th, when the Burning of Las Fallas takes place, the city’s event where satirical wooden sculptures are set on fire.