Last Updated on 23.05.2023 by Iliyan
Segovia is a small quiet city less than 100 km from Madrid. With one of the grandeur Roman aqueducts, a fairytale castle and a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral, Segovia is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid. In addition, the historical city center was declared of World Heritage by UNESCO in 1985. Continue reading this guide to find the best things to do in Segovia.
How to Get to Segovia
Usually tourists visit Segovia as a day trip from Madrid. There are several different options to travel: car, bus, train, but the easiest of all is taking an organized Segovia day trip. However, I can’t recommend any tour agency, but you always can ask the staff in the hotel.
By car
This option can be more exprensive, but it will give you the freedom. The journey takes 1.20-1.30 hours, depending on the traffic.
By train
This is the fastest and the most convenient way to get to Segovia. It takes 30 minutes, and the price is 22.20€ round trip. Bear in mind, that the trains depart regularly from Madrid Chamartín Station.
When you arrive in Segovia Guiomar station, you’ll need to take bus #11 or #12 into the city center, because the station is located about 8 km away from the city center. The ticket costs 2€ per person and will take about 20 minutes to bring you to the Aqueduct of Segovia.
By bus
Another option to get from Madrid to Segovia is by bus. A round trip ticket from Madrid costs 12.64€ and this is definitely the cheapest option. However, the journey takes around 1.20 hours. You can book a ticket directly at Аvanza Bus.
I would recommend going by train because it’s a high-speed train and it is more comfortable than bus.
Top 4 Best Things to Do in Segovia
Once you’re in Segovia, it is pretty easy to get around. The city is very walkable and the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Here is a list of the best things to do in Segovia.
See the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia
Visiting the Roman Aqueduct is one of the best things to do in Segovia. Roman Aqueduct is the most recognizable structure and one of Segovia’s main attractions. Built by the Romans in 1 A.D. and still standing at the entrance of the city. Originally spanned over 17 km, the aqueduct used to carry the water of the River Acebeda to the city. This Roman masterpiece has 167 arches of granite stone. The highest point of the aqueduct is 28.10 m high, and it has two stories, each supported by two arcades.
Near to the arches, there is a little statue of the Capitoline Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome.
The Roman Aqueduct is free and open year round.
Step into a Fairytale at the Alcázar of Segovia
The Alcázar de Segovia was built in the 12th century and it’s considered one of the most unusual in the whole of Europe. It looks like a palace out of a fairytale, so no wonder the locals say that inspired Walt Disney for his Cinderella castle. Without a doubt, Alcazar is impressive World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its giant turrets and deep moat, and overlooking the rest of the city, it has a fairytale style. The castle is stunning inside and out, and you have great views of the surrounding areas from the top. The interior is quite well-maintained with plenty of rooms. Some of them are set up with artifacts like artillery, flags and armor.
Don’t miss to go to the top of the Juan II Tower. The tower is a must as you can see pretty much the entire city.
Hours
- 1 April – 31 October – 10:00 – 20:00
- 1 November – 31 March – 10:00 – 18:00
The tour of the castle and the museum usually takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets and Prices
There are a few options of entrance fees depending on whether you want to go to the top of the tower.
Palace + Museum
- Adults: 6€
- Children from 6 to 16, students, large families, senior (65+), disabled people (disability more than 33%) and unemployed: 4€
Palace, museum + Tower Torre de Juan II
- Adults: 9€
- Children from 6 to 16, students, large families, senior (65+), disabled people (disability more than 33%) and unemployed: 7€
Free visits:
- Children aged up to 5
- Disabled people (disability more than 65%).
Get a View of the Castle From Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
The Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos is a big field in the base of the cliff. It is just a 15 minute walk from the Alcazar. From this place you can see that the castle really does have that fairy tale look. This is one of the best things to do in Segovia, so don’t miss it.
Visit the Cathedral of Segovia
Segovia Cathedral is visible from almost everywhere in the city. It is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral located in the main square (Plaza Mayor). Construction on the Cathedral began in 1525 in a later Gothic style after the previous cathedral was destroyed, and it took nearly 50 years to 1577.
In Spanish is known as a La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos de Segovia or “La Dama de las Catedrales” (the Lady of the cathedrals), because of its elegant structure.
The cathedral has a very beautiful tower, which you can visit for an additional fee.
Hours
- Every day – 09:30 – 18:30
- Tower: 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:00 / 16:30
Entrance fee
Cathedral of Segovia
- Adults: 3€
- Adults when group of more than 20 people, large families, senior (65+): 2.5€
Tower
- Adults: 7€
- Students aged up to 25 and large families: 5€
Free visits
- Cathedral – children aged up to 10
- Tower – children aged up to 6
Segovia has 3 main tourist attractions: the Roman Aqueduct, The Alcázar de Segovia and the Cathedral, and I definitely recommend to visit when travelling in Spain. Segovia is not the only place you can visit for a day trip from the Spanish capital. Toledo, the city of three cultures, is another fantastic place where you can go if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle Madrid.