Essential Sightseeing Spots You Must Visit In Segovia

Visiting Madrid is an adventure filled with art, culture, and vibrant life. But if you venture just a little further out from the Spanish capital, you'll uncover one city brimmed with history and stunning architecture: Segovia. This lovely city is roughly a 35-minute train ride away from Madrid, and this guide highlights the essential sightseeing spots you must visit in Segovia, Spain.

Getting To Segovia from Madrid

In this guide, I assume that your starting point is Madrid. To get to Segovia, you have to make your way to the Madrid-Charmatin Train Station, so if you are staying in the city center, be sure to allocate your time properly to catch your scheduled train. I highly recommend buying your train tickets on Renfe, which is the main Spanish railroad company. As you can see in the above screenshot, it takes about 30 minutes each way, and will cost you €22.20 (~$26USD) round trip.

Once you step outside out of the Segovia-Guiomar train station, you will see that there are only a few bus options that will take you to the Segovia town center:

Bus 11 runs more frequently, and you can hop off at the very Aqueduct 3 stop if you want to start your day right in the city center. You will also take this same bus back to the train station when you leave. My plan was to walk directly to the Segovia Castle first and make my way back down towards the Aqueduct so I don't have to rush back and catch the bus back to the train station. Therefore, the spots I highlight below are based on my route selection when they first appear.

Puerta de San Andrés

As you make your way to the Segovia Castle, you will reach the Puerta de San Andrés, which is one of the historic gates of Segovia. It serves as a significant landmark in the city. Built in the late 15th century, it was part of the medieval fortifications that protected Segovia from invasions. As you enter through the gate, you will encounter Segovia's Jewish Quarter, and the subsequent views of the Segovia Castle.

Alcázar of Segovia

I decided to walk straight to the Alcázar of Segovia right after getting off the bus because I thought it would make more sense to start from the furthest spot and make my way closer back to the town center. The castle is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain, and many have often said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. It was built in the 12th century and was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The castle was Showcasing a mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Mudéjar styles, the Alcázar is as visually stunning as it is historically significant.

Alcázar of Segovia showcasing its distinct towers.

I did not get a chance to go inside the castle, so if you want to do so, make sure you reserve a ticket ahead of time at the official website here. General admissions range from €7 to €13.50 depending on the add-ons (ie. climbing the Tower of Juan II).

If you look at Google Maps, you will see that there are multiple "Miradores" (viewpoints) around the castle. Because I didn't go inside the castle, I decided to venture out past the castle and explore the viewpoints further out from the main castle entrance. I checked out the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, Mirador Altos de La Fuencisla, and the Mirador Alcázar de Segovia II. I think these viewpoints were worth it during sunrise or sunset, so you can have a beautiful landscape shot. However, for a typical tourist, the cost benefits may outweigh the advantages simply because it does require you to hike down towards the other side of the Eresma River, and you will have to walk back up, making this more of a strenuous adventure especially if you are experiencing the summer heat.

Segovia Cathedral and Plaza Mayor

As you make your way back towards the aqueduct, you will eventually see the Segovia Cathedral and Plaza Mayor. This stunning Gothic structure, completed in the middle of the 16th century (between 1525 - 1768), was one of the last cathedrals built in Spain. If you have some free time and would like to explore the interior, you can purchase tickets on their official website here. Tickets range from €4 to €10 depending on whether you select a general visit or a guided tour.

The elaborate facade of the Segovia Cathedral highlighting its Gothic architecture.

Right outside of the cathedral is Plaza Mayor, a lively square encircled by historical buildings, shops, and a variety of restaurants. It provides the perfect setting to relax and soak in the local vibe. The plaza often hosts local events and markets, adding to its charm. It was Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April when I went, so there were processions and other events culminating in Easter celebrations. You will encounter Nazarenos, members of religious brotherhoods, participate in processions, often wearing long robes and pointed hoods (capirotes). I won't get into much details here but here is a fun fact: the clothes of the Nazarenos is what drew inspiration to the outfits worn by the Ku Klux Klan in the United States.

The Aqueduct of Segovia

One of Spain's most recognizable landmarks, the Aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering marvel that dates back to the first century AD. This astonishing structure features over 165 arches, with some soaring over 28 meters tall. For a millennia, it transported water from the Frio River to the Segovian people until the mid-19th century. Today, the aqueduct is not only a major tourist attraction but also a testament to Ancient Roman engineering. It is remarkable that the aqueduct still stands remarkably preserved after all these years, and was named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1985.

The stunning Aqueduct of Segovia

As you walk alongside the aqueduct, take a moment to appreciate the massive granite blocks and intricate design. You can also spot the sections where it was reconstructed or replaced based on the granite block cut and placement. There are also several viewpoints perfect for capturing panoramic photos. You will want to capture this unforgettable site that reflects the ingenuity of Roman architecture.

Culinary Experiences

Cochinillo - roast suckling pig

I explored every spot on my must-see list before finally pausing for a meal. After an afternoon of exploring, treat your taste buds to quintessential Segovian cuisine, which encompasses cochinillo (the famous roast suckling pig), cordero asado (roast lamb), judiones de la granja (white bean stew), and sopa castellana (Castilian soup). Numerous eateries in Segovia offer these authentic dishes, many with inviting outdoor seating options. I wrapped up my tour at the Aqueduct and found a restaurant with a perfect view of it.

I went to Restaurante Casares and opted for their €39 set lunch, which included a choice of starter, main dish, desert, and a glass of wine. I went with the Castilian soup followed by the suckling pig, so perhaps next time I might try the beans and the suckling lamb if I come back here.

The Last Word

With its historical richness and vibrant culture, Segovia is an essential stop for anyone traveling through Madrid. My tips should help you make the most of your visit and avoid the stress of rushing back to catch your train. Assuming you are going back to Madrid, I recommend taking the 11 Bus right across from the aqueduct back to the train station.

I spent roughly 5 hours total in Segovia, but I would recommend at least a full day here if you truly want to experience each of the spots a little more. Whether you come for the history, the food, or simply to wander, Segovia promises a journey worth taking.