Want to discover one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and want to find out about the neighborhoods to avoid in Toledo and the best places to stay.

In fact, about 70 km from Madrid, right next to the Puy du Fou of Spain, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage city for its medieval architecture, imposing churches and pretty streets.

With its historical monuments, museums and renowned restaurants, Toledo attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

However, as in all tourist cities, it is important to remain vigilant and know the areas and neighborhoods to avoid in order to fully enjoy your stay.

Is Toledo a dangerous city?

According to the most recent statistics, Toledo is a fairly safe city. Its crime rate is slightly higher than the Spanish national average but remains low, with a predominance of crimes such as pickpocketing, assaults and burglaries.

This is what we see on the site Numbeo where Toledo has a crime index of 26.10 and is in the lower average compared to other European cities.

In fact, in comparison on this ranking, Toledo is safer than Vilnius, Amsterdam ou Lisbon.

Additionally, the majority of incidents are concentrated only in specific neighborhoods, allowing visitors to stay safe by simply avoiding these few less safe areas (see list below).

Safety in tourist areas

Although some areas of Toledo may be risky, the city's main tourist attractions are generally safe. For example, the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcazar and the El Greco Museum are under increased surveillance, with the presence of security guards and surveillance cameras.

In addition, tourist areas have very low crime rates.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Toledo

After analyzing the city's crime data, it appears that some neighborhoods in Toledo are more prone to incidents than others. Here are the areas to avoid during your visit:

1. Casco Histórico (Old Toledo) : Although this part of the city is one of the main tourist attractions, it is also known to be one of the most sensitive areas in terms of security, due to the high concentration of visitors and the presence of pickpockets.
2. zocodover : This central, lively square attracts many tourists and is unfortunately a prime target for pickpockets.
3. San Anton neighborhood : This popular neighborhood, located close to the city center, is known for its higher crime rates, including assaults and burglaries.
4. Barrio de Santa Maria la Blanca : Although this area is residential, it is regularly reported as a risk area due to the presence of drug trafficking and delinquency.
5. Santa Barbara : This neighborhood has some security issues. However, it is important to note that the perception of danger does not always correspond to crime statistics.
6. Industrial Estate (Santa María de Benquerencia): This is an industrial and residential area to avoid for a tourist stay.

It is important to keep in mind that these areas are not completely to be avoided, but it is recommended to be particularly vigilant there.

Moreover, often the perception of danger does not always correspond to crime statistics.

Red light districts in Toledo

Additionally, there are also areas of Toledo known for illegal activities or unsavory atmosphere.

In fact, there are two red light districts in Toledo that are best avoided at night:

• Jewish Quarter : While this historic neighborhood is very interesting culturally, it is also known for its unsavory bars and nightclubs.
• Antequeruela neighborhood : This neighborhood is a disreputable area located on the outskirts of the city center.

The 3 best tourist areas to stay in Toledo

If you want to stay in an area that is conveniently located for visit Toledo, here are my recommendations:

• Old City : The Casco Histórico is the heart of Toledo and one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Spain. This district is surrounded by the Tagus River and offers an impressive collection of monuments, such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Alcazar and numerous churches and museums. Its cobbled streets are full of history, restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore on foot.

• Alcazar district : The Alcazar district, located to the east of the old town, is famous for its imposing Renaissance building that houses the Army Museum. This area not only offers magnificent panoramic views of the city, but it is also close to other important tourist attractions such as the Plaza de Zocodover and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque.
• Santa Teresa neighborhood : Santa Teresa is a more residential and quieter neighborhood, ideal for those looking for a less crowded environment. This shopping area has green spaces and is well connected to the historic center. Although it does not have the same tourist offer as the other neighborhoods, it is an interesting option for those who want a more relaxed stay and for shopping lovers.

Accommodation recommendations

When staying in Toledo, it is also important to choose safe accommodation, preferably located in tourist areas of the city.

Here are my recommendations for hotels in Toledo that offer good safety conditions and are located in the best tourist areas:

• Adolfo Boutique Hotel : Located on the Plaza de Zocodover, this hotel offers an ideal central location and quality service.

• Entre Dos Aguas Boutique Hotel : Former home of guitarist Paco de Lucia, this establishment offers a unique experience in the city center.