What to do in Segovia Spain in One Day

Segovia is almost centrally located in Spain, northwest of Madrid (91.5 km), and is considered as a good day trip from there. Segovia is also approachable from Salamanca (156 km) via Avila (63.5 km) both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites and in our itinerary of road trip in northern Spain. Our itinerary was packed with free tings to do in Segovia in one day. All we had to do was plan a good self guided walking tour of Segovia-our map of Segovia old town dotted with major tourist attractions of Segovia.

Those of you who are die hard fans of UNESCO World Heritage sites can consider including Segovia old town in your Segovia day trip itinerary. The old town of Segovia and its aqueduct both are listed in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.

From Avila we arrived at Segovia past noon. I was quite excited about Segovia especially after seeing the gigantic aqueduct. A whole new town to be explored! It was almost like opening a new book and go through its pages. Like in a page of a book one would underline new words I have underlined things to do in Segovia in this post.

Most sightseeing monuments would close only at seven in the evening so we had ample time to do walking tour of Segovia’s old town.

Check this: 16 Exciting Europe Day Trips by Road – All Tried and Tested

Segovia Walking Tour

I prefer self guided tours of a place, not because I have something against the guided tours. A well planned self guided tour allows me to arrive and depart from a place at my will. In Segovia too we did the hassle free self guided tour of Segovia. All it needed was reading up about the places a bit, noting down the open and close timings and have a rough map of the place.

Segovia is very ‘tourist friendly destination’ with almost 5 tourist information centers. Grab a map of Segovia, get set and go!

Map of Segovia Tourist Attractions

What to Do in Segovia Spain

Here is a quick glance of what to do in Segovia Spain in one day with this itinerary

Aqueduct of Segovia (Segovia Aqueduct, Pl. Azoguejo, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain)
230 m, 3 min (time required to see anywhere from 5 min to an hour or more)
Casa De Los Picos (Casa De Los Picos, C. Juan Bravo, 33, 40001 Segovia, Spain)
450m, 7 min
Museo Gastronómico de Segovia (Segovia Is Wine, C. Daoiz, 9, 40003 Segovia, Spain)
400m, 5 min
Plaza Major (Plaza Mayor, Pl. Mayor, s/n, 40006 Segovia, Spain)
via Muralla de Segovia (Paseo Don Juan II Defensive Wall, Rda. de Don Juan II, 20, 40003 Segovia, Spain)
750m, 10 min
Alcázar de Segovia (Alcázar de Segovia, Pl. Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain)

Alternately you can go from
Plaza Major (Plaza Mayor, Pl. Mayor, s/n, 40006 Segovia, Spain)
95m, 1 min
Cathedral of Segovia (Catedral de Segovia, C. Marqués del Arco, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain)
400m, 6 min
Esteban Vicente Contemporary Art Museum (Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente, Pl. Bellas Artes, S/N, 40001 Segovia, Spain)
or to Jewish Quarter of Segovia (Jewish quarter of Segovia, C. Leopoldo Moreno, 16, 40003 Segovia, Spain)

Other sights are:
Cathedral of Segovia (Catedral de Segovia, C. Marqués del Arco, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain)
250m, 4 min
Iglesia de San Andres (Iglesia de San Andrés, Pl. la Merced, 9, 40003 Segovia, Spain)
1.2 km, 20 min
Church of the Vera Cruz (Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Tr.ª Zamarramala, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain)

Things to do in Segovia

Segovia is a captivating city that is steeped in history and brimming with architectural wonders. Nestled in the heart of Spain, Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich cultural heritage and remarkable landmarks. Read on for a virtual journey to explore some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Segovia.

Alcazar, most famous of all Segovia Tourist Attractions

A series of fort existed here before this present Alcazar of Segovia. A Roman fort that existed here was built on the remains of another ancient fort. On the foundations of Roman fort the Arabs built the Moorish Fortress.

After Portugal was recaptured from the Arabs this Alcazar (castle) was built. In 1154 – 1214 King Alfonso VIII was the first to build this castle. Alfonso X of Castile rebuilt this castle in 1258. In the first half of XV century after the reconstruction by Juan II the King of Castile and Leon it got this present look.

The Castle became the stronghold of Queen Isabel in 1474 when she was proclaimed Queen. Royal family never used this castle as home after the death of Felipe II. After that castle became the Artillery Academy, Military School, and State Prison and at last the museum.

The Royal School of Artillery that was billeted in Alcazar de Segovia lasted here until fire destroyed it in 1862. Building was restored in 1882. It gives goose bumps to read and think about the numerous inhabitants this castle would have had! Imagine the scenes the walls here would have witnessed over the centuries! Photography is permitted. (No flash.)

Travel Tip: Arrive in the afternoon to take well lit pics of keep and façade of the fort.
Trivia: The castle is believed to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Open Timings: April – September from 10 AM to 7 PM. October – March from 10 AM to 6 PM. In October castle is open as during the summer on Fridays and Saturdays, rest days of the week according to winter schedule.
Tickets: General admission is 7 Euros.

Iglesia de San Andres

As you walk down from Alcazar along the street Calle Daoiz, the first historic monument you will come across is Iglesia de San Andres. It is a pretty little church in Romanesque style. It has an impressive facade made of brick. The Mudejar tower features a slate roof and two apses that are next to it. Do include this in your list of must see tourist attractions of Segovia. The old town is dotted with several such historic monuments, even if you take a random walk you are bound to stumble upon some monument.

Open during the hours of worship only.

Admission is free.

Iglesia de San Andres Segovia

Self guided walking tour Segovia Spain

Cathedral of Segovia

This UNESCO world Heritage monument was built in the years between 1525 and 1593. The cathedral has a beautiful yellow color due the stone used in its construction. This is Spain’s last major Gothic structure and one of must see attractions of Segovia.

Interior is lit through beautiful 16^th century Flemish windows. There are several chapels inside; of them the Blessed Sacrament Chapel has colorful stained glass windows, carved choir stalls and immensely beautiful paintings of those times.

The place around the cathedral is dotted with several cafes and souvenir shops. The place is worth a pause.

Open: April – October from 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM. November – March from 9.30 AM to 5 PM.
General admission is 3 Euros.

Shopping in Segovia, Spain

Plaza Mayor, Segovia

Keep walking along the street Calle Daoiz toward aqueduct and you will reach Plaza Mayor on your left. It is a huge square surrounded by monuments of medieval era. To the north is the Town Hall, a granite building constructed in 1610. The eastern side is flanked by the Teatro Juan Bravo (Juan Bravo Theater). At the south end you will see the Church of San Miguel. In the center there is an open pavilion, which becomes the center of activities during the city’s festivals.

Travel Tip: There is a small market on Thursday mornings, so try and make a plan on Thursday morning to be a part of it.

Plaza Mayor Segovia

Aqueduct of Segovia

This is the time defying monument that greeted us and bid us good bye during our trip to Segovia. Be sure that it will play the same role to all tourists for coming centuries too! It is one of the most magnificent monument of Roman times!

The whole aqueduct consists of about 25,000 granite blocks held together without any mortar. It spans 818 meters with more than 170 arches, the highest being 28 m high. The aqueduct once transported water from the Rio Frio River, situated in mountains, 17 km from the city in the La Acebeda region. It runs 15 km before arriving in the city. The aqueduct has its maximum height at Plaza del Azoguejo, in the heart of old town.

Photo Tip: There are steps leading to top of aqueduct, you get amazing views of town of Segovia and wonderful perspective of the aqueduct.

Free to see all year round!

Aqueduct of Segovia

You have time in hand to explore more of Segovia? Then this following list of places to see in Segovia are worth considering.

Church of the Vera Cruz

Formerly known as the Church of Holy Sepulchre, it is located very close to the convent of San Juan de la Cruz. An unusual Romanesque church, its floor plan is a 12-sided polygon. It has 3 chapels with tympanums and 2 portals with archivolts on columns. The Church of the Vera Cruz is located 5 km from capital, north of the city.

Iglesia de San Millán in Segovia

The Iglesia de San Millán is situated beyond the fortified historic center of Segovia, in the former Moorish neighborhood where Mozarab craftsmen once plied their trade. This church exemplifies the typical Romanesque style of the 12th century, boasting three naves and three apses. However, its architecture also displays traces of Islamic influence, such as Caliphate-inspired vaulting and ornamentation.

Inspired by the Cathedral of Jaca, the church incorporates a tower inherited from a previous Moorish structure. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite Mudéjar artworks, horseshoe arches, and a captivating Gothic crucifix dating back to the 14th century.

Statue of Juan Bravo Segovia

Museo Gastronómico de Segovia

Situated within an old house, the Museo Gastronómico de Segovia serves as a captivating gateway to the region’s traditional culinary delights. This museum showcases a wide array of exhibits, utensils, and audiovisual presentations; all dedicated to introducing visitors to the local food products.

What sets this museum apart is its incorporation of the building’s Roman origins, with remnants from that era on display. This makes it a much sought after among the different tourist attractions of Segovia.

For food enthusiasts, it stands as an ideal destination to gain insight into the region’s renowned cheeses and other distinctive specialties. The exhibits provide detailed descriptions of gastronomic delicacies, including dishes typically found in Segovia’s esteemed restaurants. Moreover, visitors have the delightful opportunity to sample some of these exquisite offerings firsthand.

Esteban Vicente Contemporary Art Museum

For those of you who have ample time in hand and are admirers of abstract and contemporary art, a visit to the Esteban Vicente Contemporary Art Museum is highly recommended. Housed within a converted 15th-century palace once owned by Henry IV, this gallery showcases the remarkable works of Spanish painter Esteban Vicente from the 20th century.

The museum’s modern exhibition spaces are solely dedicated to Vicente’s extensive collection, featuring 153 works in diverse mediums. Visitors can admire his oil paintings, collages, drawings, small sculptures, and creations in other artistic forms. While particular emphasis is placed on the pieces from Vicente’s later career, during which he resided and worked in the United States, the entire evolution of his artistic journey across various media is thoughtfully represented.

Alcazar Segovia

Jewish Quarter of Segovia

Exploring the remnants of Jewish settlements in Segovia offers a remarkable opportunity to delve into the past, where streets, houses, and courtyards bear witness to the lives led by men and women of the Jewish population.

The Jewish community thrived in Segovia from the city’s repopulation in the 11th and 12th centuries until their expulsion in 1492. According to the Red de Juderias association, which examines the historical Jewish presence in Spain, the Segovian community was vibrant and populous.

The Jewish quarter of Segovia showcases streets that captivate with both their architectural charm and evocative names, such as the Old Jewish Quarter, New Jewish Quarter, Calle de Santa Ana, and Corralillo de los huesos. Strolling through these streets unveils a captivating journey of discovery.

Iglesia de San Millán – Things to see in Segovia

Is Segovia worth visiting?

If you enjoy history, architecture, and exploring charming old towns, Segovia is likely to be a place you’ll enjoy. Segovia worth a visit for its Roman Aqueduct – an iconic landmark in Segovia, Alcázar of Segovia – a fairy-tale castle, Cathedral of Santa Maria – a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, and for its traditional cuisine. Segovia walking tour offers a captivating blend of all a tourist wishes to experience.

Is one day enough for top Segovia attractions?

The first five Segovia tourist attractions in the list of things to do in Segovia were covered in one day. So one day is sufficient to see the main places in Segovia. Segovia old town isn’t very big. 4 to 5 hours of Segovia sightseeing should suffice, unless you wish to enter every monument to see all details. However, for a leisurely trip with no rushing through sights, you can push a couple of sights mentioned above to next after a night’s rest in Segovia.

Parting Thoughts from Segovia

Bidding farewell to Segovia wasn’t easy. What I explored during our Segovia walking tour is but a miniscule of what I couldn’t explore. The memories of its historic charm and architectural grandeur still linger in my heart. The city’s rich heritage, from the awe-inspiring Roman Aqueduct to the fairy-tale-like Alcázar, has left an indelible mark on our souls. The winding streets of the Jewish Quarter and the vibrant Plaza Mayor transported us back in time, reminding us of the city’s multicultural past.

FAQ on Things to Do in Segovia Spain

Where is Segovia?

Segovia is a historic city in central Spain, located in the autonomous community of Castile and León.

What does Segovia mean?

Segovia’s name is of Celtiberian origin, meaning “victory” or “fortress” due to its strategic position.

How much time in Segovia?

A day trip is sufficient, but staying overnight lets you explore at a more relaxed pace.

How long do you need in Segovia?

You can cover the main sights in 4-6 hours, but spending a full day offers a richer experience.

Where to park in Segovia?

Public parking is available at Acueducto, Ezequiel González, or José Zorrilla car parks.

How old is Segovia?

Segovia dates back over 2,000 years, with its Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century AD.

What to buy in Segovia?

Look for local specialties like Segovian ceramics, traditional sweets like Ponche Segoviano, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Why visit Segovia?

Visit for its iconic Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar castle, and rich medieval history set amidst stunning landscapes.

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