Shopping in Toledo

Toledo is famous for three home-grown crafts: damascene (interlaced gold on steel, applied to jewellery, plates etc); Toledo steel swords (which will require special customs clearance); and marzipan, invented in Toledo and first made by the city's nuns. All are ubiquitous throughout the city.

Key areas

To see swords being made, call in at the workshop of Mariano Zamorano, Calle Ciudad 19. Marzipan is still sold direct from some convents. One of the most famous producers is the Marzapanes Confitería Santo Tomé, Calle de Santo Tomé 3 and Plaza Zocodever 7. Two excellent food shops worth a visit are the very traditional Casa Cuartero, Calle Hombre de Palo 5, and the cutting-edge Adolfo Colección, Calle Nuncio Viejo 1.

Shopping centres

Calle Comercio is Toledo's main shopping street. There are two large shopping centres in the new part of town, Zoco Europa, Calle Viena, and Luz del Tajo, Av Río Boladiez.

Opening hours

Generally, shops open Monday to Saturday 1000-1400 and 1630-2000. In the summer, they usually re-open 1730-2030. Some tourist shops do not close for lunch.

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Featured Hotels

El Refugio de Cristal

With extensive grounds, handsome rooms, fantastic views and a design that mixes the modern with the rustic, El Refugio de Cristal is one of the best casa rurals (rural houses) in the area. It's a bit of a way out of the city, which partly explains the modest price tag, but definitely worth seeking out if you want to combine a city break with a rustic retreat.

Carlos V Hotel

For a bit of old-time glamour, look no further than Carlos V – the likes of Rita Hayworth and John Wayne once stayed in this handsome property. Today the hotel prides itself on offering affordable accommodation in the heart of the city, with great views from its outdoor terrace, while the dining room, whose sweeping arches bear Arabic script, is a must-see.

Hotel Pintor El Greco

This charming and characterful 17th-century former bakery set around a courtyard and boasting light fresh modern colourful bedrooms enjoys a peaceful location in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo. It's named after the city's favourite painter, El Greco, whose museum is right next door.

Fontecruz Palacio Eugenia de Montijo

Toledo's newest luxury hotel is set in a medieval palace in a quiet street 200m (656ft) from the cathedral, is equipped with five-star classic French-style luxury bedrooms, a state-of-the-art spa and one of the city's top restaurants. It doesn't get much more glamorous than this for the price.

Cigarral de Caravantes

Set in a very quiet location across the river and enjoying magnificent views of Toledo from its bucolic patio and outdoor swimming pool, this well-equipped country-style Toledo hotel has a real rustic charm, yet is only a 10-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter of the city.

Hotel del Cardenal

In a wonderful garden setting just inside Toledo's city walls by the main Bisagra gate, this former 18th-century palace of the Archbishop of Toledo has been tastefully restored offering simple rooms and an excellent restaurant. Relatively out of the way, it's something of a quiet haven.

Introducing Toledo

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