Segovia, a beautiful city in the heart of Spain, is at just an hour’s drive from Madrid, making it a perfect destination for a day tip! You will find some extraordinary sights, views and fantastic food. It’s got all the charm of a Spanish village, but it still feels like a city with enough to do and see.
We planned a short Segovia city trip when we were traveling from southern Spain back to France and were pleasantly surprised. We will take you with us in this guide!
Segovia city trip: what’s there to see and do?
How to get to Segovia
If you’re traveling from Madrid, it’s easy peasy! There is at least one train per hour going from Madrid to Segovia, and it will take only 30 minutes. Check the schedule here. From there you can either take bus 12 to the city, or take a cab. Rather take a bus? There are plenty of those as well, but take an hour 16 in total. The drop off is a lot closer to the city center.
If you’re adventurous and rented a car, it’s not a difficult drive, but it does require you to pay toll.
The Roman aquaduct
Without a doubt the most important sight in Segovia is the Roman aquaduct. When you take your car into the city, you’ll almost drive into it, and it’s an impressive sight to see.
It was built around the first century, and was needed to bring water from the Frío river to the city, a distance of about 16 kilometers. It was named a national monument in 1941 and the aquaduct is considered the best kept example of Roman architecture in Spain and Portugal.
And well preserved it is! When you’re standing right next it, it’s looking as good as new. Quite special. The story goes it was built without cement and the weight of the stones balances everything out.
Segovia’s cathedral
It’s impossible to miss; the enormous cathedral on Plaza Mayor. It was rebuilt in 1525 after a huge fire, in gothic style and would be the last gothic church of Spain. The traditional stained glass windows and the interior of the cathedral is beautiful, and counts 18 altars. From the tower, that’s 105 meters high, the views are amazing.
Around the courtyard are rooms with museum pieces such as tapestries and painting.
Eat a cochinillo
A little outside the expected maybe, but you can’t miss this on your Segovia city trip. Suckling pig, or cochinillo, is the traditional dish of Segovia and is prepared in a special over that keeps the meat tender. It is supposed to be so tender that it falls off the bone. We ate it at José Maria, one of the best traditional restaurants. It was, without a doubt, the best pork we have ever had.
→ Tip: Don’t order too may appetizers, it s big plate of food! Don’t book your table before 9pm, unless you like to dine in an empty restaurant.
Segovia Alcázar
The Alcázar of Segovia is a medieval castle in the middle of town. It is one of the most popular sights in all of Spain, and it considered one of the most beautiful castles worldwide. It was once used as fortress, palace and prison.
It’s not too big, you will be able to see all the rooms and tower in about an hour. Be careful in the tower, because as always, the stairs are steep and narrow. When we were there someone had fallen and the tower was closed unfortunately.
The views over the Segovia valley are beautiful, and all the towers in the castle will remind you of the Disney castle!
→ Avoid the lines and buy your tickets, including the tower, here online.
Iglesia de San Millàn
This 11th century Moorish church is worth paying a visit to because of the special bell tower. The rest of the church was finished around the 12th century in Roman style. Inside you can still admire old fresco’s.
The church is not really known and is a little off the tourist track. Perfect to build a moment of peace and quiet into your itinerary.
Jewish quarter
Segovia too has a Jewish quarter. You will find the old synagoge here, the Centro Didáctico de la Judería where you can learn more about the Jewish history of Segovia, and the Jewish cemetery. A walking tour is recommended to really understand this neighbourhood.
Enchanted by Spain? Visit some of the lesser known destinations like Girona!
Where to eat in Segovia
As mentioned before, you can’t skip the cochinillo during your Segovia city trip, unless you’re a vegetarian. In that case, Judias de la Granja is the perfect traditional option for you. Large white beans, served with vegetables and a delicious red sauce of bell peppers and tomatoes.
- José Maria for the cochinillo
- El Sitio restaurante, traditional, and the judias de le granja is the specialty of the house
- Meson de Cándido, right next to the aquaduct. Been around since 1905 and offers local kitchen
- Feel like something sweet? Limón y Menta is where to get your pastries!
- Gin Club Menora, because we will always love gin!
Where to sleep in Segovia
→ We slept at the Infanta Isabel Hotel. The location at Plaza Mayor and next to the cathedral is perfect. Cute rooms. Not cookie cutter stuff and we loved it!
→ Not too big of a budget? At Hosteria Natura you can find rooms around €50, with private bathrooms and if you’re lucky; a view of the cathedral, because this one is on Plaza Mayor as well.
→ Real Segovia Apartments are in the city center and boasts a rooftop terrace. You can rent bicycles here and the rooms are airy and light.
Segovia city trip: FAQ
What is the best time to visit Segovia?
You’ll have the best weather in June, July, August and September, with the latter 2 being the hottest. January through April is the rainiest, and when you’ll see the least amount of tourists.
Is one day really enough in Segovia?
It’s a small, very walkable city, so yes, it’s definitely doable to do this on a day trip! However, if you want to give yourself a breather every now and then 2 days is perfect.
Can I just take a tour directly from Madrid instead of taking public transport?
Yes! There are tour companies that will pick you up and drop you off in Madrid at the end of the day, which will eliminate any transportation stress!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
🛏 Book the cutest places to stay on Booking.com
🥾 GetYourGuide offers a wide variety of tours and trips
📖 Find your Segovia guide books on Amazon
DON’T FORGET TO BRING:
Our favourites: compression packing cubes
A (lightweight) daypack
Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll do a lot of walking!
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
More European city trips?
Tarragona, day trip from Barcelona