Toledo or Cordoba...that is the question!

I'll be visiting Spain in early-mid October and only have enough time in my itinerary to make a day trip to either Toledo (from Madrid) or Cordoba (from Seville). I know both are easy, quick train rides away from my two respective cities of origin, so how do I decide?

Any suggestions and/or experiential differences between the two?

I appreciate any/all help! Thank you!

I know both.

A very hard decision. I would probably skip Sevilla and visit Cordoba instead. Cordoba has the greatest cathedral in Spain - actually a mix of mosque and cathedral. Certainly a must-see.

Toledo has rich Jewish and Moorish history.

Toss a coin.

We were in Toledo the first week in November. Toledo was a side trip (and highlight) of a week in Madrid. A delightful place, steeped in history and sits on a mountain. It has beautiful views, at least that's what El Greco thought. The winding narrow streets were great to roam, I was always lost. The gothic cathedral was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Luckily, we took Fodor advice and stayed the night (so much more value for your money that Madrid).

Don't know much about Cordoba but whatever you choose just plan on seeing the other town on the next trip...

Toledo is lovely, small, VERY touristy.

I visited Cordoba years ago, (may not be right)...
but it would be my choice

A no brainer: TOLEDO. One of those sights you never forget....

Sorry I go for Cordoba, there are more doors open in the area and more little things to see. Toledo seems to brood in the sunshine and things shut down in the heat of the day more

That is a REALLY tough one. Is there any way you can make room for both. How many days do you have each in Madrid and Seville? Maybe looking at photos will help you decide. Mine are at www.pbase.com/annforcier Toledo is in one gallery and Cordoba in another but they are clearly marked.

On the up side, both towns are wonderful so you really can't go wrong.

I visited both in the same week. For me, Cordoba had the Mezquita, which was amazing and beautiful, but that was it. I saw it and felt quite comfortable leaving afterwards (and indeed I did when I didn't find anything else nearby that wasn't cheap shops). In Toledo, I wanted to stay the night and continue to wander the next day. I think Toledo just has more to offer.

Both are great, just my opinion got to Cordoba from Sevilla on the Ave.

I also would skip Sevilla in favor of seeing both Toledo and Cordoba.

If there is no way to fit in both on your itinerary I'd probably choose Toledo but it would be a very close decision. I think with isabel in that you need to read up on which one is best for you. You're never going to get everyone to agree on this forum as to which is best as we all have our own personal taste.

That said, I would never even think about skipping Sevilla and visiting Cordoba or Cordoba/Toledo instead. It's a magical city and the time of your will be nice for a visit.

But if you would never think of doing it, how can you have a considered opinion? As you said, we all have our "personal taste" -- and assuming anyone would find it magical overlooks that. You did. That's all. I would look forward to going back to Cordoba and Toledo again and again (and Toledo is touristy), but I wouldn't go back to Sevilla except to see friends.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts! And, isabel, thank you for sharing your magnificent web site...it literally brought tears to my eyes!

It is a very difficult call, of course, but I think I'm going to stick with Sevilla & include a day trip to Cordoba...and save Toledo for the future.

Thanks again. Luckily, the debate over travel is a can't lose scenario.