A quiet city less than two hours from Madrid, Segovia, Spain famously features a Roman Aqueduct. But there are more things to do in Segovia. The town is surrounded by medieval walls and littered with ancient churches, it features a beautiful castle that inspired Walt Disney and a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral.
For these reasons and many more, Segovia is one of my favourite cities in Spain. And, it is definitely the perfect stop as you hop around Europe! While the city itself is not very large, this makes it ideal to explore by foot.
If you need more convincing of why you should go, continue reading this guide for things to do in Segovia. Hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll not only be dying to go, but you’ll also be well prepared for the trip!
Photo by António Cascalheira from Pixabay
Contents
How to Get to Segovia
Tourists typically visit Segovia as a day trip from Madrid. So, while Segovia does not have its own airport, it is really convenient and easy to get to Segovia from Madrid. And, there are various options you can take: day tour, car, bus, and train.
Day Tour: If you’re not on a tight budget and enjoy having everything planned out for you, it’s fairly easy to book a full-day tour of Segovia from Madrid. Typically, these tours include a visit to Toledo and transportation. However, I personally prefer the freedom of travelling on my own.
Car: In contrast to the tours, visiting Segovia by car gives you the most freedom. However, this option can also be more expensive, as the costs of renting a car and paying for gas can add up. Nevertheless, the drive is beautiful. It typically takes 1-2 hours to drive to Segovia by car, depending on the traffic.
Bus: Getting to Segovia by bus is definitely the cheapest option, costing around 10 euros roundtrip, but it also takes the longest. This makes it the best option for budget travellers.
Train: Taking a high-speed train is not only the quickest route, but it is also the most convenient. Only taking 30 minutes, the cost can be as low as 20 euros roundtrip.
Overall, while there are many ways to get to Segovia from Madrid, I would recommend going by train or bus. If you’re only visiting for a day, I would recommend taking the train for its speed and efficiency. But, if you’re spending at least one night, I would take the bus to save money. If you want more tips on how to get around Europe, click here.
The Best Time to Visit Segovia
Segovia tends to have warm, dry summers, and cold winters. But, unlike the cities in southern Spain, the summer temperatures don’t get too high; the hottest month tends to be August with an average temperature of 25°C, while the coldest month is typically January, with an average temperature of 9°C.
Overall, I recommend visiting Segovia sometime between June and September, as you are most likely to receive warm temperatures and little rainfall. While you can visit earlier or later to avoid the crowds and save a bit of money, from June to September will give you the best weather.
How to Get Around Segovia
If you arrive in Segovia by train, you will get off at Segovia-Guiomar station, which is around 8 km away from the city centre. While this is pretty inconvenient, it isn’t hard to get to the city. There are two possible buses you can take from the train station: bus 11 and 12. They cost around 2 euros and will take about 20 minutes to bring you to the Aqueduct of Segovia.
Once you’re in Segovia, it is pretty easy to get around. One of my favourite things about Segovia is that it is a very walkable city. With many of the streets being pedestrian only, and many of the sights within easy walking distance of each other, it is without a doubt the best way to get around! However, if it’s not possible for you to explore by foot, there are also many bus lines that can take you to the main attractions.
Photo by Anne & Saturnino Miranda of Pixabay
Budgeting for a Weekend in Segovia
Spending a weekend in Segovia can be fairly cheap, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. For the average traveller, the cost per person will be around 50 euros a day, or 100 euros for a weekend.
This includes transportation to and from Madrid, one night’s accommodation, the cost of visiting a few attractions, and eating. And, if you want some tips on how to travel on a budget, click here.
Top 10 Things to Do in Segovia
Aqueduct of Segovia
First and foremost, the Aqueduct is Segovia’s key attraction. Built by the Romans in 1 A.D., it is 28.5 m tall at its maximum height. The Aqueduct is typically the first thing you’ll see on your visit to Segovia, but I recommend doing more than taking a picture from a distance; walk along the Aqueduct, view it from all different angles. You’ll be able to find some lovely areas with no other tourists!
Alcázar de Segovia
The second-biggest attraction in Segovia is the Alcázar of Segovia. A beautiful castle said to have inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, it contains Roman and Muslim influences. I recommend exploring its plaza and gardens and entering the castle as well.
Catedral de Segovia
I definitely recommend visiting this Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral. Tan in colour, it was built in the mid-1500s and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Wander around the plaza for some great views of the cathedral’s architecture, and go inside to admire some artwork and appreciate views of the city.
La Judería (Jewish Quarter)
Next, explore Segovia’s Jewish Quarter. The history of Segovia’s Jewish Quarter is quite sad, with a violent anti-Jewish movement taking over Segovia in the 15th I recommend wandering the streets of the Jewish Quarter and checking out the Iglesia del Corpus Christi, which was initially a synagogue.
La Muralla
Walk along the ancient, medieval walls that surround Segovia. While most of the walls were built in the 11th and 12th centuries, there have been many renovations throughout the years. While there are a few gates that you can walk by, the best part of the wall is the beautiful views you can get of the city and the surrounding area!
Casa de Los Picos
Admire the cool architecture of the Casa de Los Picos. Built-in the 15th century, it houses an applied arts school today. But, the best part of this building is its wall of 617 granite points. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Iglesia de San Martin
A medieval, Roman Catholic church constructed in the 12th century, it contains both Roman and Gothic influences. You can also take this time to wander around the Plaza de San Martin.
Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
If you have the time, I definitely recommend visiting this ancient, Roman Catholic church! Translating to the Church of the True Cross, this 12-sided church built in the early 13th century was thought to be made by the Knights Templars. It is a very pleasant walk from town and provides you with great views of the city.
Iglesia de San Esteban
Another breathtaking church to check out is the Iglesia de San Esteban. Built-in the 12th century, it most notably houses a towering Romanesque bell tower.
Monastery of Santa María del Parral
Finally, this Roman Catholic monastery sits outside Segovia’s walls, and is definitely worth a visit!
Photo by NakNakNak of Pixabay
Top Places to Eat and Drink in Segovia
Now, let’s talk about food. The food in Segovia will blow your mind, and there’s a variety of restaurants to choose from. But, when you’re in Segovia, there are certain foods you must try:
Suckling Pig (Cochinillo)
The number one Segovian dish to try is the suckling pig. A regional speciality, the skin is crispy, but the inside is very tender and rich.
Judiones de la Granja
Another regional speciality, these large, white beans tend to be the key ingredient in stews and vegetable dishes.
Lechazo Asado
Translating to the leg of a lamb, this meat is similar to the suckling pig, in that it’s delicate and tender. Achieved by cooking it in a wood-fired clay oven for 3.5 hours, you shouldn’t miss out on this delicacy!
Meson Don Jimeno
Outside of the tourist part of town, this restaurant is great for trying the suckling pig. With awesome views, high quality food, and reasonable prices, this is a great restaurant to relax in after a long day of sightseeing.
Meson de Candido
While this restaurant definitely caters to tourists, it provides you with fantastic views of the Aqueduct. With a pleasant atmosphere and a good selection of meat dishes, this is another ideal place to try the suckling pig.
Bar Ven Ven
With friendly staff, a great ambience, decent music, and a good selection of alcohol that is not overpriced, I definitely recommend visiting this bar.
Bar Taberna Rubi
For a bar with a great selection of tapas, I recommend Bar Taberna Rubi. Housed in the main square of the old town, it has quality beer at affordable prices.
Shout Bar
If you love rock and roll, blues, soul, or funk, this is the bar to check out! With cool decorations and a wonderful atmosphere, all rock-lovers will love winding down at this bar.
Photo by David Mark of Pixabay
Credit: Hotel mentioned
Where to Stay in Segovia
While many visitors only visit Segovia for a day, I recommend staying for at least one night. The best area to stay would be close to the main town. While there aren’t many low-budget hostel options, the price of an Airbnb or hotel is quite affordable.
For an Airbnb, a private room that can accommodate 2 guests will cost around 25 euros, while an entire loft will cost around 50 euros.
For a double room at a hotel, the price is typically around 50-60 euros a night.
Accommodation Recommendations
Hotel San Antonio El Real. Restaurante Claustro – £74
Hotel Eurostars Convento Capuchinos – £99
Hotel Cándido – £90
Parador de Segovia – £139
Hotel Condes de Castilla – £53
Author Bio: Mia is a Canadian with a passion for hiking and exploring the world on foot. She is currently working abroad in Japan and runs the successful travel blog Walk a While with Me, where she shares her tips and guides for travelling around the world. Follow Mia adventures on Instagram too!
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