10 Things to Do in Toledo at Night
Toledo has many different kinds of things to do at night, from going to an independent theatre play to a night tour of the city.
At night, the streets of Toledo are empty, making it the ideal time to go sightseeing in peace and quiet. What's more, the lights of the street lamps and monuments give the City of the Three Cultures an even more magical touch.
Furthermore, although Toledo is known for its tourism, the capital of La Mancha is also known for its nightlife. So, whatever your tastes, you'll always find something to do in Toledo.
1. Take a night-time tour of Toledo
The first thing I suggest you do in Toledo at night is a night tour of the city. This is an ideal plan to do in summer in Toledo, as you will get rid of the heat and you will be able to visit the most interesting places in the city without a large number of people.
Likewise, this route is also great to do during Christmas in Toledo, as the streets are decorated with Christmas lights at night.
This tour starts in the Plaza de Zocodover, considered the main square of the city and the nerve centre of its inhabitants. The guide who will accompany you during the tour will explain you a bit of history before starting the route. Afterwards, you'll go to Toledo City Hall, where you'll learn about the city's legends and curiosities. From here, you'll head to the old town and walk through its streets, where your guide will show you the most mysterious side of the City of Three Cultures.
2. Discover the mysteries and great secrets of the city on a guided tour
With all its centuries and centuries of history and the passage of many important civilizations; Toledo is a city that has a magical and mysterious side. You will discover this version of the city during a 2 hour night tour with a local guide who will tell you about the main strange events that have taken place in the streets of the city.
You'll visit places where paranormal events have taken place, stroll through dungeons and haunted houses, and wander the streets of the old town under the moonlight. Without a doubt, this is an ideal plan for you if you are a fan of magic and fantasy. To end on a high note, the tour ends in a dungeon where you can try some of the city's typical sweets.
3. Attend a cultural event at Círculo del Arte
The Círculo del Arte is a cultural association located in the Plaza de San Vicente 2, in the chapel of Cristo de la Luz. This place hosts a multitude of cultural events and most of them take place at night. Thanks to the time of day when they take place, the foundations of the Círculo del Arte take on a magical and different tone.
Here you can see everything from poetry recitals to concerts by national musicians and interactive art exhibitions. To this I have to add the architectural beauty of the place where this association is located. Without a doubt, this is a very different plan with which you can enjoy a unique night out in Toledo.
4. Dinner at Los Arcos restaurant
If you want to have energy for the whole night, it is important that you don't skip dinner. Use this as an excuse to sample the gastronomy of Toledo, one of the best in Spain. There are many bars, restaurants and taverns to choose from.
However, one of my favourites and one of the most typical is Los Arcos restaurant. The establishment is located at Calle Cordonerías 13, in the historic centre of the city, next to the Cathedral of Santa María. It is a very inexpensive restaurant that offers excellent value for money and where you can enjoy true Toledan cuisine, with typical home-cooked dishes from the area.
5. Watch a play at the Sala Pícaro
The Sala Pícaro is an industrial-style establishment located in the centre of Toledo, on Calle Cárdenas 6. In the afternoons, it offers coffees while livening up the atmosphere with different DJ sessions.
At night, however, it allows its visitors to enjoy countless drinks while soaking up the culture. The Sala Pícaro hosts nightly concerts of different genres and national artists.
In addition, evening plays are also very common. This is due to the fact that this establishment attaches great importance to independent theatre. In addition to this, the decoration of the place is very well cared for. This plan is perfect for the evening and even more so during the winter months in Toledo, so that you can protect yourself from the rain and cold.
6. Enjoy a live performance at Garcilaso Café
Garcilaso Café is one of the most typical places of the nightlife in Toledo. Although it may seem like an ordinary establishment, the truth is that this place can make you experience one of the best nights of your visit to Toledo.
The establishment is located on Calle Rojas 5, in the old quarter of the city, very close to the church of Santo Tomé and the Toledo Town Hall.
What makes the Garcilaso café different is its live performances. Here you can enjoy one of the best cafés in the city while you listen to a live concert by a band or laugh at a monologue by your favourite comedian. My recommendation is to arrive early so you can find a seat and be close to the stage.
7. Enjoy an elegant dinner at the Quixote Restaurant
The Quixote Restaurant is located inside the Gran Hotel Eurostars Palacio Buenavista. This 5-star hotel is located in front of the Tagus River, on Adolfo Suárez Avenue, and its restaurant is one of the best in the city.
The location is unbeatable, thanks to the views it offers of the river and the architectural space in which it is located. The hotel occupies the site of what was once the Buenavista Palace, a building designed by El Greco, which used to be used as a meeting place for scholars of the arts and literature, such as Tirso de Molina and Miguel de Cervantes.
The Quixote restaurant specialises in La Mancha cuisine with modern touches. Thanks to the décor and the architectural beauty of the place, it offers an unbeatable gastronomic experience, perfect for a special night out in Toledo. Among all the fish dishes, the hake with noisette butter and capers stands out, as well as the grilled fish with pepitoria and the tuna toro with caviar.
If you're more of a meat lover, I recommend the grilled Iberian pork with Bimi and romesco or the steak tartar with mustard ice cream. To finish, end your dinner with a sweet touch with a vintage-style cheesecake or a chocolate compact with raspberry ice cream.
8. Enjoy the views of the illuminated city from the Valley viewpoint
The Mirador del Valle viewpoint is considered the best viewpoint in the city of Toledo. It is located on the other side of the Tagus River and offers privileged views of the city. It is very common for locals and tourists to go to this place to admire the lists.
However, this is usually done in the evening, at sunset. However, the viewpoint offers an unbeatable panoramic view at night. When the sun goes down and the moon shines on the city, the buildings and streets of Toledo are illuminated, creating a magical effect.
The viewpoint is located next to the Nuestra Señora del Valle hermitage, very close to the Bú hill. During the day, there is a kiosk where you can buy something to drink; but when you go at night, I recommend you take something to drink and snack on, such as a hot chocolate or an infusion.
This plan is one of the best things to do in Toledo in summer, as in winter you can get too cold.
9. Enjoy a relaxing night at the Terraza del Miradero
If you want to have a quiet drink while listening to some music, I advise you to go to the Terraza del Miradero. This is one of the city's main fashionable spots and is located next to the Palacio de Congresos, on the promenade of the same name.
The terrace offers beautiful views of the Tagus River and at night there is usually live music of different genres. It is a very quiet chill-out type place where you can have a few beers or cocktails.
Moreover, the location of this establishment is unbeatable, as it is right in the centre of the city, very close to the famous Zocodover square. This way, you can get there on foot and you won't have any problems finding taxis on the way back.
This is a very romantic plan, perfect for couples who want to celebrate a special night out in the city. The next day you can continue the romance with one of the best hot air balloon rides in Toledo.
10. Party in Toledo
If you fancy a livelier plan and feel like partying, you'll be pleased to know that Toledo has plenty of nightclubs and pubs. Although the city is known for its tourist attraction, it is also lively and has a great social life. There are many nightclubs in Toledo, with different themes and atmospheres, so you will always find one that suits your audience and your tastes.
Among the most famous is Sithons, one of the favourites of the locals. Surely, if you ask any of the locals for a place to party, they will tell you to go here. The disco stands out for its good music and for the prices of its drinks. It is located at Callejón Lucio 5, in the heart of Toledo's historic centre, very close to the Alcázar.
Another of Toledo's best venues is The Crowd Funding. This place has live music and hosts the best DJs in the city. Like the previous option, this nightclub is located right in the centre of Toledo, in Plaza Valdecaleros 7, next to the El Greco Museum.
If you are more into rock and roll and you are always avoiding reggaeton, I recommend you to visit Sala New. This is the only place where you can listen to this genre of music, so you'll have a great time. Unlike the two previous venues, Sala New is located on the outskirts of the city, in an industrial estate, so you'll have to take a taxi.