We're arriving from the states on Friday, and will be spending at least the first few nights in central Madrid.

We want to get out to the country after that, so we were wondering what was a nice town to visit from Madrid and spend a night or 2? We were thinking Toledo... any suggestions welcome.

I LOVE TOLEDO!!!! and I stay at Hostal Descalzos. http://www.hostaldescalzos.com/

When I arrive in Madrid, I take the train to Toledo to recover from jetlag. I do Madrid when I am rested and alert.

Toledo runs at a slower pace. It is fun, surrounded by history, and seems safer to me. The folks at Hostal Descalzos are very nice and speak a bit of English.

sel recommends Toledo and I couldn't agree with her more. Check out the growing thread " Visiting Chinchón? " for information about that near-to-Madrid town. There's also Segovia which I highly recommend too but it's just a little further than Toledo but not by much.

(why do I imagine dangrmous running screaming out of Puerta del Sol in Madrid for Toledo like a man with his hair on fire???!! hehehee...)

Have fun! Saludos, MadridMan