Thinking of traveling to Madrid, Spain? If not, you should be! Here at AIFS Study Abroad, we think it’s the ideal city to visit not just because of how much the city itself has to offer, but also because day trips from Madrid are so easy to take due to its short distance to other Spanish cities.
Spain’s high-speed train makes it easy to get to these five impressive cities from Madrid in just under two hours.
1. Segovia
🚆 Travel time: 28 minutes from Atocha Station
Segovia is a historic Spanish city with endless beauty. Some must-sees here include Alcazar of Segovia (the castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty!) and Segovia’s extraordinary Roman aqueduct dating back to the 1st century.
In less than half an hour, you can easily see Segovia’s beauty for yourself from Madrid – with plenty of time to get back for dinner.
2. Toledo
🚆 Travel time: 30 minutes from Atocha Station
Toledo, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities, is only half an hour from Spain’s capital.
A historic, artistic, and spiritual haven, Toledo’s layout is still the same as it was in the Middle Ages. While there, be sure to visit the Gothic, 13th century Cathedral Primada. As one of Europe’s most magnificent cities, Toledo’s Cathedral is also revered as one of Europe’s best.
3. Cuenca
🚆 Travel time: 55 minutes from Atocha Station
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca is one of Spain’s can’t miss cities and can be reached from Madrid in under an hour.
Filled with colorful, medieval buildings stacked on steep cliffs, Cuenca is a photographer’s dream. During your day here, be sure to visit the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, stationed in one of Cuenca’s 15th century Casas Colgadas (hanging houses).
4. Valencia
🚆 Travel time: 1.5 hours from Atocha Station
Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, boasts incredible architecture and is famous for its futuristic landmark, “The City of Arts and Sciences.” Fun fact: it’s also home to Oceanografíc, Europe’s largest aquarium!
This coastal city is 3 hours round trip from Atocha station and is undeniably worth checking out for its fresh food, unique architecture, and beautiful beaches.
5. Salamanca
🚆 Travel time: 1 hr. 45 mins from Chamartín Station
Spain’s medieval city of Salamanca flaunts 2,000 years of history through a mosaic of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
From Chamartín Station, you can make your way to Salamanca in an hour and forty-five minutes. While here, visit the Plaza Mayor, widely considered one of Europe’s most beautiful plazas. Tip: try to extend your trip to Salamanca past sun down – the Plaza Mayor is especially remarkable at night!
Want to explore these five cities – and more – while staying in Madrid? Study abroad in Madrid with AIFS!
