People come to Toledo drawn by its reputation as “the city of three cultures”, but they end up staying for the unforgettable sight that awaits when Calle Chapinería opens out onto the Cathedral’s Clock Gate; for the taste of marzipan that is simply impossible to resist; for the beauty of the River Tagus flowing below; and for the charm of shop windows filled with swords and suits of armour. If Toledo captivated El Greco, Bécquer and Paco de Lucía, how could it fail to win you over? Here are just a few of the reasons why you are sure to fall under its spell.

Because no, seeing it in the music video for Ateo by C. Tangana and Nathy Peluso does not count as a visit. How could it? Watching it on a screen simply cannot compare with walking through a cathedral whose construction began back in 1226, exploring its five naves, marvelling at its magnificent Gothic architecture and discovering, among other things, that the Sacristy is a veritable museum, home to masterpieces such as El Greco’s The Disrobing of Christ. You may think it has already made you feel small, but you will realise just how true that is when you stand in Plaza del Ayuntamiento and take in the sheer scale of the building.

Celebrations, executions, autos-da-fé, markets, bullfights… This was the square where everything happened. And, to be honest, it still is. It is a meeting point for sightseeing tours and the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the city. On one side of the square, take a moment to admire the Arco de la Sangre, walk through it and continue to the monument to Cervantes. An essential photo stop. Leave Zocodover behind and follow Calle Armas to reach “El Miradero”, the ultimate viewpoint over this UNESCO World Heritage city.

It is one of the most distinctive buildings on the city’s skyline, standing imposingly on one of Toledo’s hills. Stately on the outside, magnificent and steeped in history within. Its foundations have endured fires, sieges and bombardments, while its rooms have served as a royal residence and housed institutions such as Alfonso X’s School of Translators and the Silk and Weaving Factory. Today, it is home to the Army Museum.

It couldn’t be easier. Simply admire The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the Church of Santo Tomé. Any curiosity it sparks can be satisfied at the El Greco Museum, where the collection offers an insight into his life and work, as well as the influence he had on early 17th-century Toledo. Among the paintings on display are the Apostolate series, View and Plan of Toledo and The Tears of Saint Peter.

It is the oldest monument in the city, so it is a must-see during any trip to Toledo. Dating back to 999, its blend of cultural influences has made it an outstanding example of Hispano-Islamic and Mudéjar architecture in Spain. Originally built as a mosque, it was converted into a church two centuries later, when an apse was added. It may be small, but it needs nothing more. Despite its modest size, it shares clear similarities with the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, particularly in features such as its vaults, raised horseshoe arches and arcades, all of which were unmistakably inspired by it.

The first is a beautiful medieval synagogue that houses the Sephardic Museum. A visit offers an insight into the history of Jewish communities in Spain, from their arrival during the Roman era to the present day. The second was once Toledo’s main synagogue and is now an outstanding example of Almohad art in Spain, as well as one of the architectural treasures that add to the beauty of the city’s Jewish Quarter. You will probably recognise its distinctive white columns from photographs.

The Japan Convention Bureau (Yakei), in collaboration with Turespaña’s Spanish Tourist Office in Japan, declared Toledo’s night-time skyline the most beautiful in the world. Taking this unforgettable view home with you is as easy as leaving the city via the Alcántara Bridge and enjoying a pleasant walk to the Mirador del Valle viewpoint.

Savour Toledo’s cuisine with a few essential stops firmly on your list: El Embrujo tavern, where you can try its small casserole of venison in sauce; Jacaranda bar, which has been delighting diners for decades with specialities such as platters of homemade pâtés and cheese; La Malquerida, the kind of go-to place worth knowing on any trip, whether you fancy breakfast, tapas, lunch or dinner, with one thing always guaranteed: whichever option you choose, you will not be disappointed; and, of course, the marzipan treats from the Santo Tomé bakery.

You can also visit an exhibition, have a dance or even dance while taking in an exhibition. That is exactly what might happen when you step through the doors of the Church of San Vicente. Dating back to the reign of Alfonso VI in the 11th century and deconsecrated in 1842, the building is now home to Toledo’s Círculo de Arte, a space devoted to culture and entertainment in all their many forms.