Visiting Segovia is one of the most recommended day trips you can take from Madrid, and you get to see one of the prettiest places in the surroundings of Madrid, and it is not all that far away.
Segovia is a city that attracts us over and over again ever since the first time we visited years ago. It never disappoints us and there is always something new to discover. To access the old part of the city you almost always go through the aqueduct, and I know I say that like it is normal, but seeing the aqueduct in such a complete state from so many years ago is very impressive.
You can see most that the city has to offer in a day, you will have to walk a bit, but everything is close together, and there is so much to see that you wont be bored and the walk will feel like a breeze.
How to get from Madrid to Segovia On Train or Bus
This guide on how to get from Madrid to Segovia will show you the best ways to make this trip with the least amount of hassle. Becuase a day trip from Madrid to Segovia is so popular, the transport routes are very good and if using public transport, they take place very often and with a number of options. Segovia is located just over 90 kilometers away from the center of Madrid.
If you have the time, of course I would recommend spending a night in Segovia, but if you only have the day to see Segovia, then getting there early and having the best places to see in Segovia in mind beforehand, you will have enough time to see the most important landmarks in Segovia in a day.
Based on the experience of our last visit with the family, I have made this guide on how to get to Segovia from Madrid by train or bus, so you can choose your favorite. Let’s get started!
How to get from Madrid to Segovia by train
The most comfortable and quickest way to get from Madrid to Segovia is to take the high speed AVANT train that leaves from Chamartin Station and leaves you at Segovia Guiomar station in less than half an hour for around 14 euros return.
To get to Chamartin Station you can take line 10 or line 1 of the Metro, although the latter makes more stops and takes a little longer, so if you have the option take line 10. Another option, with fewer stops is to take the C3 and C4 commuter trains that leave from Puerta del Sol and Atocha stations.
Remember that trains start leaving Chamartín at 6:40 am with half-hourly intervals and despite this high frequency, it is advisable, especially on weekends, to book tickets in advance. If you do not spend the night in the city, the last train back to the capital is at 21:30h.
Once you get to Segovia Guiomar you have to take bus 11, which will drop you in front of the Aqueduct in a quarter of an hour for about 2 euros, and from here we go on to explore Segovia.
How to get from Madrid to Segovia by bus
The cheapest way to get to Segovia from Madrid is to take the AVANZA bus that leaves from Moncloa.
To get to the station you have line 3 (yellow) and line 6 (gray) on the Madrid metro. Once at Moncloa, you can take one of the buses that leave from 6:30 am, with intervals of 15-30 minutes, and in an hour and twenty minutes, you will be in Segovia for a cost of around 4 euros, yeah it is super cheap!
This station is located 5 minutes walk from the Aqueduct of Segovia, the starting point of all routes through the city.
Where to park in Segovia
Are you going to be driving to Segovia from Madrid, if so it is good to know where you can park in Segovia before you get there.
Once you arrive in Segovia by car, it is best to park quickly and forget about it until you leave the city. There is no interesting place to visit that is more than a 20 minute walk from the aqueduct.
To park in Segovia for free there are several available areas, you can see them marked on the map below. There are also a few bonus additions tagged in purple you can see whilst walking around Segovia. The closest option to the historic center is the Roma Avenue and most of the roads leading off of it.
If you visit Segovia on weekends it is free. Another option are the streets around Padre Claret, or you can park south of Alcazar, specifically in Alameda de la Fuencisla. It is a little farther but in exchange you have a more scenic walk to the center.
What To See in Segovia
This guide of places to visit in Segovia, will help find all the points of interest of one of the most beautiful and well preserved old towns in Spain. I want to let you know what some of the best things to do in Segovia are, and also let you know about the sites for tourists in Segovia.
Listed as a World Heritage Site and located half an hour by high-speed train from Madrid, Segovia will really leave a lasting effect on you from your first sight with its fantastic old town that will take you back to mediaeval times.
In addition to seeing some of the architectural wonders including the Aqueduct, the Cathedral of Segovia or Alcazar, it is worth climbing the ancient walls that surrounded the city, walk around Jewish quarter, reach the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos and of course, try the famous roast suckling pig. You have not tried crackling until you have eaten this!
Based on the experience of the last time we visited the city, considered one of the best day trips from Madrid, I have compiled this list of what we (being me and my council of three daughters) think are the 10 must-see places in Segovia. So stretch out those legs and lets get ready to go!
Just in case you want to skip all of the travel advice to Segovia from Madrid, and you just want to know what the best day trip from Madrid to Segovia is, check out this offer for a Day Trip To Segovia. This includes your transfer from Madrid to Segovia in an air conditioned/heated bus, an English speaking guide who will take you on a walking tour around the centre of Segovia and entry and a tour of the Alcázar.
If you only have one day in Segovia, that is more than enough time to see best sites in Segovia, eat some of the best tapas in Segovia, so if you are wondering what to do in Segovia Spain for a day, read on and I hope I can be of some help.
1. The Segovia Aqueduct
So we are obviously going to start with the most striking feature that just makes you stand and think of all the people that have walked through it. The Roman Aqueduct built in the second century and magnificently preserved, is one of the wonders to visit in Segovia.
This aqueduct, which carried water to the city from a spring located 17 kilometres away, impresses with its more than 28 metres of height and has167 arches at the section that is located in the Plaza del Azoguejo.
In addition to the views you get from this square, we advise you to take a walk up to the Cuesta de San Juan and you will get a much better view from higher up of one of the great monuments to see in Spain.
A good way to learn about the history of this aqueduct and the city is to book this guided tour of Segovia in English that includes the entrance and guided visit to the Cathedral and Alcazar, or this free tour of Segovia for free, ranked among the best free tours in Segovia.
2. The Segovia Cathedral
The Cathedral, known as the Lady of Cathedrals and located in the main square Plaza Mayor, is one of, if not the most essential monument to visit in Segovia.
This Gothic-style church, built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries has an impressive tower 88-metres high and a number of spires, as well as an exquisite interior you cannot miss out on.
The 157 impressive stained glass windows, the tapestries made in the Brussels workshops, the Cloister, the Chapter House, the Main Chapel and the Altar with an amazing altarpiece.
Visiting hours: daily from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm from April to October; the rest of the year it closes at 6:30 pm.
3. The Alcázar in Segovia
The Alcazar, located on a hill at the convergence of the rivers Clamores and Eresma, together with the aqueduct is one of the main tourist attractions to see in Segovia.
The castle looks like something out of a fairy tale and has its origins dating back to Roman times. It has been restored and enlarged by different Spanish monarchs over the centuries since its construction in the Middle Ages, and you would be hard pressed to find a more complete and beautiful castle.
When you approach the Alcázar, the first thing that will catch your attention is the beautiful keep located in the centre and flanked by four towers. After crossing a stone bridge to cross the moat surrounding the castle, you will reach the interior, where you can visit twelve of the palatial rooms perfectly decorated with period furniture.
Once you have finished visiting the palace, we recommend you walk up the Tower of Juan II, from where you have a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area.
The entrance fee to the Alcazar is €5.50, plus €2.50 if you want to climb the tower and another €3 if you want to do the visit with the audio guide.
After our experience and seeing these prices you may find it more cost effective to book this guided tour of the city that includes the Alcazar.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 7pm from April to September; the rest of the months it closes one hour earlier.
4. San Marcos Prairie Viewpoint
Of the things to see in Segovia, if you want to have a good memory and take one of the best pictures you can take in Segovia, then this is right up there with the best options.
At the end of a flight of stairs that come off of Pozo de la Nieve street, located on one side of the hill on which the Alcazar sits, you will reach the banks of the Eresma River where after crossing a bridge and walking apx 400 meters you will reach the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Segovia, from where you can enjoy the best and most complete views of the Alcazar.
5. The Vera Cruz Church In Segovia
A short walk from Pradera de San Marcos is the Church of Vera Cruz, another magical place to see in Segovia. I know I keep saying that, but everything in Segovia is so beautiful.
This Romanesque style church was either built in 1208 by the Templars or possibly the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, something that is still not known.
The exterior of the building stands because if it’s unusual dodecagonal floor plan. You will see different flags from the Order of Malta, the Chapel of Lignum Crucis where a relic of the Cross was found, the Altarpiece of the Resurrection and the Aedicule.
Visiting hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm; Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm.
6. La Alhóndiga In Segovia
The 16th century Alhóndiga is one of the few remaining examples of industrial Gothic style buildings that were built during the time of the Catholic Monarchs. The exterior is notable for its Elizabethan style façade bearing the two coats of arms of the city and the interior, which was formerly used to store the grain that supplied the city, but I have never actually been inside before.
7. The Museum Of Antonio Machado
On Calle de los Desamparados you will find the former house of Mus Antonio Machado which is now a museum, and another of the places to visit in Segovia.
In 1919 the poet Antonio Machado came to the city to take up a post in an institute and stayed in a room in this house, which was a former hostel and then left the city in 1932. Over the years, this house has become a permanent reminder of the passing through the city of this famous poet, keeping his old room intact.
A good option to follow the mark left by the poet in the city is to book this Machado tour.
Visiting hours: Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 2pm; Wednesday to Saturday also open in the afternoons from 4pm to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
8. The Jewish Quarter in Segovia
In the Jewish Quarter or Old Jewish Quarter as it is now known resided a large Jewish community from the twelfth century until its expulsion ordered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 to become one of the most charming places to visit in Segovia.
Among the buildings that remain from that time is the Old Major Synagogue that became a church after the expulsion of the Jews. But there is history in every inch of this place, and if you look closely, you will see a lot of Hebrew symbols carved into the wall and floor tiles around the area.
9. Plaza Medina del Campo in Segovia
I think this may be our favourite spot in Segovia, where we normally go to sit and take a break, have something to eat, break out all the snacks and hot drinks, all while surrounded by so much history.
The square is surrounded by important historical buildings such as the beautiful Church of San Martin, the Tower of Lozoya and several Renaissance mansions from the sixteenth century.
Between this square and the cathedral are several recommended restaurants such as El Sitio or Lázaro where you can try the roast suckling pig, the star dish of the city.
10. Puerta de San Andrés
Walking along a piece of the ancient wall that surrounds the city, you just need to climb a short staircase located at the Puerta de San Andrés, is yet another of the best things to do in Segovia.
Of this mediaeval wall that has points that are 9 metres high, three access gates to the city are preserved: Santiago, San Cebrián and San Andrés, the latter being the best preserved gate, with a square and a polygonal one.
By asking for a free code at the tourist office located a few metres from this gate, you can climb to the top of the wall and walk a small section, with excellent views of the old town and the Alcazar.
Activities In Segovia
If you take the trip to Segovia, and if like me you have kids, you are probably going to want to find some fun things to do in Segovia.
If you just want to keep it light, and walk around Segovia in 2 hours with an English speaking guide, then the Segovia guided tour is a great choice. You can walk around and see most of the best sites in Segovia, and after tour you will have enough time to go back to any of the historic landmarks in Segovia you want to see in more detail.
Another great option you have is booking one of the many free walking tours in Segovia.
Segovia Guided Tour with Cathedral and Alcazar
For a similar price, you can also take a 2.5 hour tour of Segovia with an English speaking guide, but on top of seeing all of the sites in Segovia, you also get to have a tour the Alcazar. I can stand outside and look at for ages, it’s just such a pretty little castle.
Segovia Fly-Over Tour
Now for the really adventurous among you, you can even do a fly over of Segovia. You get to see in its entirety the walls of Avila and it’s quite the perspective. Or so I’m told, I never had it in me to do it so my brother took one for the team, but thoroughly enjoyed it by the look on his face.
You don’t just turn up and jump in a little pane though, it’s a very professionally handled tour, you take a 30 minute theory and safety class beforehand. You are picked up and dropped off from your hotel if needed and the flight lasts 60 mins.
Segovia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Similar to flying over in a little plane, but you get much more hang time. You get to go up and see everything from birds eye view in a Hot Air Balloon tour of Segovia.
You are accompanied the whole time by an English speaking guide and the tour lasts for 3 hours. You get all the equipment provided, a participation certificate and they give you a little picnic lunch. You can book up to 30 minutes before you go, but it’s always best to book these things in advance.
Visit The DYC Whiskey Distillery In Segovia
Want to know how Segovia whiskey is made, I jumped at the chance when I heard about this place. It’s located in the Eresma Palace and has been a whiskey distillery since 1959.
You can take a tour of the distillery where they show you the whole process of making their whisky. Walking through the distillery as part of the guided tour, you can smell all the raw ingredients, and they explain the stages of transformation of the raw materials and how it turns into whiskey.
At the end of the tour, you get to feel a little James Bondish and taste a few types of their whiskey, they let you know how you should savour a good whiskey and you learn something new.
The guided tour of the distillery runs from Wednesday to Sunday at 12am and 17.00pm. The cost of the tour is €12, and the groups are limited to 20 people so you are not fighting to see things.
A few Tips & Tricks when visiting Segovia.
- It’s best to wear some comfortable shoes when visiting Segovia. You will be walking a lot, and some of the streets have cobbled stones so you want something with cushion, and there are a lot of hills so something with good grip
- If you happen to be in Segovia on a Thursday, there is a market in the main square you should visit.
- You can rent bicycles in the main square also if you want to get around the city a little faster.
- Enquire at the visitor centre, sometimes they have organized night walks that are dramatized and you walk through the city learning about some of the lore of Segovia.
Where to eat in Segovia
So now we have had a look at some of the more famous sites in Segovia, surely you have worked up an appetite, so let’s have a look at a number of the places you can eat in Segovia.
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