Best Things to Do in Segovia – One-day trip from Madrid

Looking for the best things to do in Segovia on a day trip from Madrid? 

Don´t miss any of the most popular attractions. Keep on reading my Segovia Travel Guide for the best one-day trip ever.

Is it worth spending one day in Segovia from Madrid?

Yes, it is. It´s not a coincidence that thousands of local and foreign tourists decide to spend one day in Segovia. 

Full of charm and history, Segovia is a World Heritage City since 1985. You will find numerous unique things to do in this historic Spanish city.

In my opinion, Segovia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and should be a must-see on your trip to Spain. And it’s the perfect destination for a one-day trip from Madrid!

There is a wide offer of things to see in Segovia. Few cities brag about such a similar artistic and monumental richness and the remarkable variety of cultural attractions.

Segovia houses some unique landmarks in the world like the Roman aqueduct, amazingly preserved through its more than two-thousand-year-old history, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar.

The city can be explored on foot. You can easily walk to the main monuments and other points of interest. 

This official tourist map will help you to make the most of one day in Segovia.

Have you already decided to visit Segovia? Keep on reading my travel guide to discover what to do in Segovia in one day.

How to get to Segovia

Segovia is located less than 60 miles (96 kilometers) away from Madrid. Therefore, spending one day in Segovia is mandatory for most tourists visiting the capital of Spain due to the high number of historic landmarks.

The best ways to get to Segovia from Madrid are by high-speed train, coach, and car. Taking the bus is one of my favorite options, it is affordable, comfortable, and safe. If you decide to take the train, the “Guiomar” station in Segovia is located on the outskirts of the city.

Another excellent option is booking a guided tour to Segovia from Madrid with a professional bilingual guide.

It’s much more convenient for the visitors as you don’t have to plan anything or worry about how to get to Segovia and how to return from Segovia to Madrid.

The agency will take care of transportation, and you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. 

Besides, the detailed explanations of the guide will make the experience much more rewarding. The tour company will guarantee you don´t miss any of the best things to do in Segovia.

You can book the Madrid to Segovia day trip here to get the best price. 

Don’t worry if you cannot finally make the trip. You will get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Things to do in Segovia Day Trip from Madrid

A brief history of Segovia

Segovia is situated on a promontory which allowed for easy defense.

It is believed that, although Segovia’s roots are Celtiberian, the splendor of these lands came with the Roman Empire during the second century B.C.

Following the crisis of the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century, the Romans started to enclose their imperial possessions with walls. It is thought this was the origin of the Segovia Wall.

The city was abandoned during the Islamic invasion of Spain centuries later, until the Christian Reconquest, which was carried out by Alfonso VI in 1088.

Segovia became home to the Royal Court when Alfonso X The Wise established the Alcazar of Segovia as his residence. Besides, Isabella I la Catolica was crowned Queen of Castile in the church of San Miguel on December 13th, 1474.

The old city of Segovia and its Aqueduct were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1985.

Things to do in Segovia in one day

Segovia has some of the best landmarks and monuments in Spain, unique in the world. 

Its cultural and monumental richness and closeness to the capital of Spain make it worthy to spend one day in Segovia from Madrid.

Unique and magnificent, the Roman Aqueduct is the foremost symbol of Segovia. You cannot miss one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, an extraordinary masterpiece.

There are many other things to do in Segovia apart from the Aqueduct though.

You will be astonished by the Segovia Cathedral, one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Europe in the mid-16th century. And the amazing Alcazar, which inspired some of the most famous Walt Disney films. You can follow my recommended itinerary to visit Segovia in 1 day.

Visiting the Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best things to see in Segovia

Remember that the Segovia Tourist Card allows you to enjoy discounts on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, shops, and much more.

The Roman Aqueduct

The Aqueduct is the symbol of Segovia and one of the most spectacular legacies of the Roman Empire in Spain. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is a must-see for all visitors taking a one-day trip to Segovia from Madrid.

It has been amazingly preserved through the more than two-thousand-year-old history of the monument. It’s 9 miles (15 kilometers) long from La Acebeda to the Alcazar, of which 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) is made up of 167 arches.

The date of construction cannot be definitively determined. However, it is believed that the aqueduct was built during the Flavian dynasty, from the second half of the first century to the early second century under Emperors like Domitian, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan in order to carry the water to the city.

The Aqueduct is the most important architectural point of interest in Segovia, preserved in excellent condition.

This masterpiece of hydraulic engineering can be divided into three main stretches:

The Aqueduct is wider at the lower part, becoming narrower as it gains height. This solution allows the Aqueduct to support its own weight.

The about 25,000 granite blocks used in the construction of the monument were held together without any mortar. They were raised using ropes and the blocks were bound together due to the ingenious equilibrium of forces.

It has barely suffered any modification through the ages. 

The first reconstruction of the aqueduct took place during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. A total of 36 arches were rebuilt, with great care taken not to change any of the original work or style.

There is an Aqueduct Interpretation Centre in the Royal Segovia Mint, a modern interactive space with multimedia content, subsidized by the Town Hall of Segovia and the European Economic Area.

The Segovia Cathedral is one of the best landmarks in Spain

The Segovia Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the Plaza Mayor of Segovia and is one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Europe. Discovering the Segovia Cathedral is one of my top 10 things to do in Segovia.

It is considered an architectural masterpiece and is known as “The Lady of Cathedrals” due to its grandeur and harmony in dimensions.

The construction of the church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, started in the mid-16th century during the reign of Carlos V. It was built after the fire in the old Romanesque cathedral, which was in front of the Alcazar, in the year 1520.

Inside, the numerous stained glass windows and the Altarpiece, designed by Sabatini, made of marble, jasper, and bronze, and dedicated to the Virgin of the Peace, are particularly remarkable.

The choir, which preserves the Gothic set of chairs of the old cathedral, is surrounded by two baroque organs.

You will find 18 chapels on the inside, decorated with important paintings and sculptures, especially the Chapels of El Santisimo Sacramento and San Andres.

On the outside of this popular tourist attraction in Segovia, facing west, you will find the main façade.

The Museum of the Cathedral has notable works by Pedro Berruguete, Sánchez Coello, and Van Orley, and the Cathedral archives preserve the first book printed in Spain, the Sinodal de Aguilafuente.

Check the official website for actual information on hours and rates.

The Alcazar of Segovia is one of the most remarkable points of interest in Segovia

The Alcazar of Segovia

The Alcazar is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. After your visit, you will agree with me this is one of the best things to do in Segovia.

The first documented record of the fortress dates back to the year 1120, around 32 years after the city of Segovia returned to Christian hands, although it may have existed earlier.

It was built on top of a rock due to its original military status and was the residence of Alfonso VIII.

This historic building was restored and expanded numerous times from Alfonso X to Philip II`s reign in the 16th century when it took its current appearance, unique among Spanish castles. 

The construction was one of the favorite residences of the monarchs of Castile and a key fortress in the defense of the Kingdom.

The Alcazar was originally built as a fortress but has also served as a Royal Palace, a prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy.

The design of this prototypical fairy-tale castle inspired Walt Disney’s vision of the famous Snow White castle.

Check the official website of this outstanding attraction in Segovia for actual information on hours and rates.

View of the Alcazar of Segovia from a green park, one of the best day trips from Madrid

The Segovia City Wall

A substantial part of the Wall that surrounded Segovia in medieval times, starting at the Alcazar fortress, still stands and retains 3 of its 5 original gates, San Andres, San Cebrian, and Santiago. 

An interesting fact is that it was built mainly of granite blocks but gravestones from the old Roman necropolis were also used in their construction.

With more than 2 miles (3 kilometers) long, it was built using traditional techniques. Most of the Walls, towers, and turrets are made with limestone stones. Alfonso VI increased the perimeter of the Walls when he retook the city from the Arabs.

The Door of San Andres was the most robust and fortified of all the 5 original gates and communicated within the walls with the Jewish quarter.

In order to optimize your Segovia one-day trip from Madrid, you can also go up to the parapets, where there are magnificent views of the Jewish quarter, the city’s medieval military architecture, and the Jewish necropolis.

The Jewish Quarter

The first records of the Jewish population in Segovia date back to the 13th Century, when there was a peaceful cohabitation with the other communities.

Although the Jews in Segovia did not suffer the same persecution as in other cities in 1391, the situation changed in the 15th Century. 

The Jews of Segovia were accused of trying to desecrate a sacred form inside the Sinagoga Mayor. Therefore, they were forced to live in a specific part of the city, the first Jewish Quarter, until the expulsion decree dictated by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

The Jewish Quarter in Segovia is perfectly preserved, and a stroll along these charming streets is one of the best things to do on your Madrid to Segovia day trip.

The Alcazar and the Walls of Segovia are some of the best things to see in Segovia

Best Churches in Segovia

These are, in my opinion, the best churches to visit if you spend one day in Segovia. Be sure to include all of them on your bucket list:

Spending one day in Segovia is one of the best one-day trips from Madrid

Top-rated Museums in Segovia

Visiting the best museums is one of the main things to do on your one-day trip to Segovia from Madrid:

It houses an exhibition on his professional career, as well as a copy of the bust of the poet by Emiliano Barral can be found in the garden.

Esteban Vicente is the only Spanish member of the first generation of the New York School of American Abstract Expressionism.

The Royal Mint still conserves its hydraulic infrastructure intact and is the oldest example of industrial architecture still existing in Spain.

Tradition and food

You should be quite hungry after all this sightseeing, and you cannot finish your trip to Segovia without tasting some of the gastronomic specialties.

There are plenty of restaurants all around the city, especially in Plaza del Azoguejo and close to the Plaza Mayor, where you can taste the local gastronomy on a terrace while enjoying the good weather in Segovia.

The suckling roast pork in the Meson de Candido and José María restaurants is famous around the world.

It´s a tradition to carve the crunchy skin of the pork with the side of a plate in front of the customers as it came out of the oven. If you don´t know where to eat in Segovia, both restaurants in Segovia are excellent choices.

The popular Segovian recipe of suckling roast pork mainly relies on the product itself, with just the added condiments of salt and pepper. This highlights the top quality of the raw materials used in the elaboration of the recipes.

While roast suckling pig is the most famous gastronomic attraction of Segovia, the suckling lamb and the giant white beans of La Granja are excellent choices too.

Candido and Jose Maria are some of the best restaurants in Segovia

Best restaurants in Segovia

There is a wide range of restaurants in Segovia where you can eat all the local specialties as well as other typical Spanish dishes.

As your visit to Segovia will probably be for just one day, I recommend you to taste the traditional cuisine of the province. I personally love the suckling lamb but the suckling roast pork is considered the icon of the local cuisine. The beans are an excellent alternative too.

If you don’t know where to eat in Segovia, these are my recommendations for the best restaurants in Segovia:

From his Inn of Azoguejo, Cándido provided his hospitality for over half a century.

As he presented the piglets he had cooked, he proceeded to carve them with the edge of a plate. This ritual, which currently has become a tradition, served to promote the business and contributed to making it famous worldwide.

Currently, Alberto Cándido, his son, preserves this legacy and continues with the family business. Mesón de Cándido is one of the best restaurants in Segovia.

Experts in gastronomy consider the restaurant to be a classic of the cuisine of Segovia which combines a traditional atmosphere with a creative and modern touch.

Hundreds of tourists spending one day in Segovia, as well as locals and visitors from other parts of Spain, enjoy its food every day.

To get the best suckling pig in Spain, José María created his own breeding farm with raw materials of exceptional quality. Vegetarian options are also available on the menu.

The restaurant brings together the traditional cooking of Segovia with modern cuisine, always using outstanding local products. In El Bernardino, the tradition of the suckling pig in Segovia is preserved.

The 15 minutes walking from the Aqueduct are worth it due to excellent traditional and homemade cuisine and the high quality of the service.

Will you try any of the best restaurants in Segovia?

Guided Tours in Segovia

There is not a better way of discovering the best things to do in Segovia than on a guided tour. In addition to my favorite free tour in Segovia, these are the best tours if you are spending one day in Segovia:

The Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Segovia is the best Segovia tour

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Segovia

Are you searching for unique experiences on your one-day trip to Segovia from Madrid?

You can enjoy birds-eye views of the best landmarks in Segovia, like the Aqueduct, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar. The captivating explanations of the guide will make the experience even more rewarding.

The experience is perfect for a one-day trip from Madrid, as you can choose the option of round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan from your hotel in the capital of Spain.

You will love every stage of the trip. You will feel the adrenaline while your brightly colored hot-air balloon is inflated, when you climb into the balloon’s basket, and you start to ascend into the air while hearing the roar of the gas flame.

The one-hour ride over one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, and the rest of the historic constructions is one of the best things to do in Segovia. It will allow you to capture exclusive panoramic photographs.

To finish the trip, you will receive as souvenirs the tour video in HD, a photo and a flight certificate, and you will be taken to your hotel if you have chosen this option.

Book the trip now to guarantee availability and get the best price. Don’t worry about the unexpected, you will get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and in case of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Toledo and Segovia tour is one of the best activities for your trip to Madrid

Segovia and Toledo Full day trip

This full-day tour visits two UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities in one day, Segovia and Toledo departing from Madrid.

Visitors will discover the most remarkable landmarks of Segovia, previously mentioned in this post, and Toledo, like the Cathedral and sacred Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.

You will love the guided walking tour through the medieval city of Toledo and the amazing and unique things to do in Segovia.

At the end of the day, return to your vehicle, and relax during the journey back to Madrid, where the Toledo and Segovia tour concludes.

Avila walls

Segovia and Avila Full day trip

Discover both cities Ávila and Segovia on this one-day tour from Madrid.

Visitors will be able to explore these sensational cities on a guided walking tour in English around Segovia and Avila, a beautifully preserved medieval city that was the birthplace of the Spanish mystic Saint Teresa, in the 16th century.

Stroll through the ancient streets of Segovia and Ávila, where you will visit the Basilica de San Vicente, the 12th-century cathedral and the stunning 11th-century walls surrounding the city.

At the end of the day, return to Madrid where your Avila and Segovia tour concludes at the start point.

Final Words

I hope you have enjoyed this post with the main things to do in Segovia. You can do the trip to Segovia on your own, but I strongly recommend you book a tour from Madrid with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Forget about planning. You will be picked up at your hotel, a professional guide will give you all detailed explanations of the landmarks in English, you will receive sensational souvenirs to always remember the experience, and at the end of the day, you will be dropped off in your hotel.

Keep on reading my Madrid travel guide to find other remarkable points of interest to visit on your trip to Spain. For example, visiting Aranjuez should be a must for every tourist in Madrid.

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