Located in the Castile and Leon region, Segovia is probably one of the most worth a visit city in this Spanish region. It is also an excellent option for those who visit Madrid and want a day trip from the Spanish capital since Segovia is just a 1h15 drive from Madrid.

Keep reading to find out what you can visit in Segovia in one day 😊 This guide also includes some accommodation and restaurant suggestions.

Being located in the Spanish countryside, Segovia is a destination with harsh winters (there is even snow sometimes) and hot summers. Therefore, the best time to visit Segovia is during spring and autumn. This way, you’ll also escape the crowds.

I visited Segovia at the end of February, and while during the day temperatures were around 15 – 17ºC, nights and early mornings it was much colder (1 – 3ºC).

In terms of festivities celebrated in the city, the following stand out:

• Carnival (February/March)
• Holy Week (March/April)
• St John and St Peter Festivities (June)
• St. Lawrence Festivities (August)
• Pilgrimage of the Virgin (September)
• Day of Segovia (October)

Segovia is a relatively small city and so I chose to visit it in just 1 day. The main points of interest are close to each other and we easily cover the city on foot. However, if you have more time available, I suggest 2 days so you can enjoy the city at a slower pace.

The simplest and quickest way to get to Segovia is actually through Madrid. If you fly to Madrid, it’ll only take you 1h15 by car to reach Segovia. Nevertheless, if you don’t plan to drive, there are some alternative options:

• Very frequent buses from Avanza Grupo (7 – 9€) – 1h20 trip
• Train with one transfer by RENFE (7 – 27€) – 1h40 trip

I stayed at Los Arcos Hotel, right near the centre. It is a hotel that is already a few years old, but it still a four-star hotel. Some rooms even have a view of the Aqueduct 😉

The room was simple but spacious. The hotel also has breakfast service, but we can easily find cheaper alternatives near the historic centre. 

However, I’ll share with you a list of other accommodation options:

• Hotel Corregidor: despite its old-fashioned decor, the location is very central and excellent for exploring the city on foot and the price is unbeatable
• Exe Casa de Los Linajes: a more luxurious option and also in the city centre
• El Mirador del Alcázar: flats with nice and modern décor, being an excellent choice for those who plan to cook some meals

The following points of interest are in a certain order to ensure that the itinerary is optimised. However, this order is purely illustrative and you can use this to build your own itinerary. You can also check out this map to help you better plan your visit to Segovia.

We start our itinerary in Aqueduct Avenue and our first stop is San Millán Church. Built in the 12th century with a Romanesque style, it stands out for some Mudejar handicraft pieces that exist inside the church.

The aqueduct is 100% Segovia’s trademark. It dates back to the Roman Empire and is probably one of the best-preserved aqueducts in the Iberian Peninsula. It served its purpose until the mid-19th century and is currently a must-see on any itinerary of Segovia.

It has 167 arches, with the highest one being 28 metres high. There are many perspectives to look at this aqueduct, but one of the best is from Mirador del Acueducto (Aqueduct’s Viewpoint). All you have to do is climb a few steps next to the Aqueduct starting in Azoguejo Square (the next point on the itinerary).

The highest part of Segovia’s Aqueduct is located in Azoguejo Square. It is, without doubt, the busiest square in the city and where a market used to be held.

Crossing the Aqueduct to the other side, we arrive at Artillería Square (Plaza Artillería). It’s time to enjoy another view of the aqueduct.

I also suggest getting close to Oriental Square (Plaza Oriental), where we find a replica of the wolf statue from Romulus and Remus.

But Segovia’s secrets have just begun. Follow San Juan Street (Calle de San Juan) until you find the statue of a small devil taking a selfie with the aqueduct. Yet another perspective of the famous aqueduct and I promise it’s one that’s well worth it 😉

The Church of San Justo is not one of the most touristy spots in Segovia, but it might be worth it for those who appreciate this type of monument. Built in the 12th century on an old hermitage, if you are lucky enough to find the church open, you can contemplate the Romanesque paintings inside.

It’s time to head towards Cervantes Street (Calle Cervantes) where we can find some commerce. But this is not the main reason for visiting this street. Take the opportunity to stop and take photos near the La Canaleja Viewpoint – a viewpoint where the streets and houses of Segovia are perfectly framed by the distant mountains.

Right next to the viewpoint, Cervantes Street ends and Juan Bravo Street (Calle Juan Bravo) begins. A few steps later and we arrive at Casa de los Picos (which literally translates to House of Spikes). The façade of this building is so different that you will easily identify it. It currently houses the Segovia School of Art and an exhibition hall.

A short diversion and we can also appreciate the façade of the Cascales Palace (which dates back to the 15th century) or the old grain store – La Alhóndiga.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: If you are interested, you can visit the interior of the La Alhóndiga building for free. Although the building has been the headquarters of the Municipal Historical Archive since 1925, it hosts some cultural events and exhibitions.

We continue to another of Segovia’s most emblematic squares. The main point of interest is the San Martín Church, built in the 12th century and predominantly Romanesque in style.

However, the Medina del Campo Square has much more to it. Look out for the Torreón de Lozoya – a former palace.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is possible to visit the inside of the Torreón, where there is a museum with various exhibitions. The ticket costs 5€ and it is closed on Mondays.

It is also worth noting the sculptures resembling mermaids (“sirenas de Segovia”) that make many Segovians call this square “Plaza de Las Sirenas”.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Between Medina del Campo Square and the next point on this Segovia itinerary, I suggest a short walk through Paseo Salón de Isabel II, a pleasant garden with incredible views. Here you can also see Puerta de La Luna – one of the gates of the old city wall.

A few metres away from Medina del Campo Square, we find another of Segovia’s most important squares – Plaza Mayor.

The square is not that big, but there are still some buildings that deserve our attention. They are:

• the Juan Bravo Theatre,
• the Town Hall,
• the Marqués del Arco Palace and
• San Miguel Church.

But without a doubt, what steals all the attention is Segovia’s Cathedral. And, for this very reason, that is the next point on this itinerary.

Built in the 16th and 18th centuries, Segovia’s Cathedral is quite imposing and hardly goes unnoticed. It was built on the highest point of the city and was the last Gothic-style cathedral to be built in Spain.

Entry to visit the Cathedral costs just 3€, so there is no excuse not to visit its magnificent interior.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Segovia’s Cathedral is open for visits from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Saturday and from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm on Sundays. It is also possible to climb the Cathedral towers, but only by guided tours. Find all the most up-to-date information here.

Visiting Segovia also means learning more about its history, which is why you have to visit the city’s old Jewish quarter. To learn more about Segovia’s ancestors, I suggest you visit the Jewish Quarter Didactic Centre (Centro Didáctico de la Judería).

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to visit the Didactic Centre costs 1€ and the opening hours vary according to the time of year, so it is recommended to consult them in advance here.

I also suggest a stop at what used to be Segovia’s main synagogue and is now home to the Corpus Christi Church and Plaza del Socorro. But the best part is letting yourself get lost in the streets of this part of the city.

The wall that surrounded Segovia in medieval times is still quite visible (it is 3 km long) and can be easily visited. You can access it through the Tourist Information Point next to San Andrés Gate (Puerta de San Andrés), which is also worth admiring.

The stretch that you can walk on is quite short, but you will have privileged views of the San Andrés Gate, as well as of the Alcázar further on.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to climb up to the wall costs 1€ and must be purchased at the Tourist Information Point. Opening hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 11 am to 2 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Before reaching the next point on this Segovia itinerary, I recommend a short photo break at Valle de Clamores Viewpoint. Already relatively close to the Alcázar, there are unbeatable views of what is one of the city’s best-known monuments.

Visiting Segovia and not visiting the Alcázar would be a shame. The Alcázar of Segovia is a magnificent palace that makes us think of fairytales. Perhaps that is why it served as an inspiration for Walt Disney!

It initially served the purpose of a fortress but became a royal palace, a prison or even a military academy. Even if we don’t visit inside, it is impossible not to be impressed by its beauty and magnificence on the outside.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The queues to visit the Alcázar tend to be long, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance online. There are several options available: Palace, Museum and Tower of Juan II – 9€ | Palace and Museum – 6€. You can check out all the most up-to-date information on prices and visiting hours here.

The “Mirador del Alcázar y los dos Valles” viewpoint is, without a doubt, one of the best viewpoints in Segovia. It has a perfect view of the Alcázar and also has a very pleasant green space.

However, it is a bit far on foot from the rest of the points on the itinerary so I suggest you use a car to get there 😊

A Romanesque-style church built in the 13th century, located in the San Esteban neighbourhood.

For museum lovers, Segovia still has some museums available:

• António Machado Museum (entry: 2,5€)
• Real Casa de la Moneda (entry: 4€)
• Museum of Segovia (entry: 1€)
• Museum Zuloaga (free entry)

Segovia also has frequent hot-air balloon rides. They depart very early in the morning and fly over the city, giving absolutely exclusive perspectives of Segovia. There are a few companies with this service available:

• Aerotours 
• Aerodifusión Paseos en Globo en Segovia 
• Siempre en las Nubes 

Take the opportunity to get to know a less touristy part of Segovia, most of it seen from the Alcázar. I suggest you start the tour at the Nuestra Señora de la Fuencisla Sanctuary, built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Nearby you can also find the Arco de la Fuencisla – an ancient gateway to the city, and also the San Lázaro Bridge.

The route continues to the San Juan de la Cruz Convent and the Vera Cruz Church. The latter is popularly attributed to the Knights Templar and is worth admiring for its dodecagonal shape.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is possible to visit the interior of the Vera Cruz church for 2.5€, and it is free on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Continue to the Romeral de San Marco (garden) until Alameda El Parral, passing by the Real Casa de Moneda and the El Parral Monastery.

If you have plenty of extra time and are a trail lover, I have one last recommendation 😊 The Senda de los Molinos is an easy 3km walking trail between the Fábrica de Loza and Alameda del Parral!

Segovia has so many typical dishes that one day in the city is not enough to try them all. But here are the main ones:

• Judiones de la Granja (a kind of stew with beans and sausages);
• Chochinillo de Segovia – although it is famous throughout Castile and Leon, the one in Segovia is the best known;
• Lechazo Assado (roast lamb);
• Truta à Segoviana (Segovian style trout);
• Ponche Segoviano (sponge cake dessert with an egg custard filling and marzipan coating) – a real treat 😉

In terms of restaurants, there are plenty in the city, but I will tell you about the two I had the opportunity to try:

• El Secreto de San Clemente (€€€): with a terrace with the best view of the Aqueduct, the prices are clearly touristy. However, the “ponche segoviano” was delicious and the view from the terrace is indeed priceless.
• La Bien Tirada de Segovia (€€): also located next to the Aqueduct, this is a restaurant with more modern decoration and quite affordable prices. It doesn’t only have Spanish food but I especially recommend the “croquetas”.

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