Zocodover Square (Plaza de Zocodover)

The basics

Zocodover Square has been through many incarnations since Roman times, hosting markets, bullfights, exposed corpses, and more. Today it’s largely a place to shop, snack, and stroll, although food options tend to be chains. Most of what you see on the square is relatively modern: the plaza was extensively rebuilt after a bombing during the Spanish Civil War. The majority of Toledo tours, be they walking tours, food tours, or self-guided smartphone adventures, swing through here at some point.

Things to know before you go

• Zocodover Square is an essential meeting point in Toledo.

• There’s little shade in the square—consider bringing a hat in summer.

• A hilly, cobbled city with little by way of sidewalks, Toledo isn’t the easiest destination for travelers who use wheelchairs, but Zocodover Square is accessible.

How to get there

Zocodover Square is in the heart of Toledo’s historic center. It’s a 15-minute walk from the train station, or you can catch the L61 or L62 bus. Drivers will find paid parking at Paseo de Recaredo, where you can take an escalator into the old city.

When to get there

Toledo is a popular destination for locals and overseas travelers alike, which means Zocodover Square is particularly busy at weekends. Visit midweek for a quieter experience or wait for nightfall to see the square lit up. During Holy Week (Easter), a hidden chapel over the Arco de Sangre opens its windows, revealing vibrant color.

A Toledo walking tour from Zocodover Square

You can easily tour Toledo’s star attractions from Zocodover Square. Start with the cathedral (Catedral Primada), a Gothic masterpiece that also houses works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Head to the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a grand structure built to be the tomb of kings. Discover the Jewish quarter and the beautifully restored El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum before returning by way of the El Greco Museum.