15 things to do in Segovia for the perfect city trip

Discover the best things to do in Segovia, from the Roman aqueduct to the Alcázar. Plan your city trip and enjoy this historic Spanish city.

Discover Segovia: a fairytale city in the heart of Spain

To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect from Segovia. But when I stepped out of the parking garage, I was suddenly face to face with the Roman aqueduct. Wow, what a structure! It gave me goosebumps right away. And that was just the beginning.

Located in the Castilla y León region, Segovia is best known for what I saw first: the huge Roman aqueduct that runs right through the city. You’ll also find the fairytale Alcázar, said to have inspired Walt Disney’s castle, and the Gothic cathedral at Plaza Mayor. It’s no surprise that the entire old town together with the aqueduct is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

I didn’t have enough time to really get to know the city (do you ever?), but what I did see left me wanting more. I joined a guided tour, heard fascinating stories, and visited the most famous landmarks such as the Alcázar and the cathedral. I also ate at one of Segovia’s most renowned restaurants, where I witnessed an ancient ritual.

Segovia is a place I would love to return to. The city blends culture and history with a relaxed vibe and is surrounded by beautiful nature. I stayed in a finca about twenty minutes outside the city, in complete silence. A perfect base to combine Segovia with the tranquility of the countryside.

In this article I’ll take you through the best things to do in Segovia and some great day trips you can add to your visit.

The best things to do in Segovia

Segovia is not a large city (which I personally really like), but it is full of impressive monuments and beautiful viewpoints. These are the best things to do in Segovia.

Aqueduct of Segovia

The Roman aqueduct is the symbol of the city and runs right through the center. It was built around the second century (some say even earlier) and has more than 166 arches. At its highest point, the aqueduct reaches 28.5 meters. Standing underneath, you feel so small! What makes it truly special is that no cement was used: the 2,400 granite blocks are held together purely by their ingenious construction. I stood staring at it for a while, amazed that it has not collapsed after all these centuries.

From Plaza del Azoguejo you get the best view and really appreciate how impressive the structure is. On the north side you can climb the stairs to the Mirador del Acueducto, where you can see the arches up close from both sides. A truly special sight.

Alcázar of Segovia

When I think of an Alcázar, I usually picture a ruin (like in Andalusia). But in Segovia, the Alcázar is a real fairy-tale castle. It sits on a rocky outcrop at one corner of the city walls and is surrounded by towers. For centuries it served as a royal palace and later even as a military academy. Inside you can admire beautiful halls, displays of armor, and even the crossbow of Charles V.

It is absolutely worth going inside, as the castle has been beautifully restored. According to legend, Walt Disney was inspired by this Alcázar for his famous castle. And a fun detail: the well at the back of the fortress marks the end of the aqueduct.

Buy your tickets to the Alcázar of Segovia here.

Iglesia de la Vera Cruz

Just outside the center stands the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, an extraordinary 13th-century church. From the Alcázar you can see it clearly, standing solitary along the road. Its round shape and simple architecture are immediately striking. The church is often linked to the Templars, although it is officially attributed to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The interior is sober, but because of the silence and simplicity there is an almost spiritual atmosphere. In front of the church you will find a viewpoint with beautiful views back over the city.

Cathedral of Segovia

Although I am not religious myself, in Spain I am always drawn to cathedrals like a magnet. I love wandering quietly through these imposing buildings and soaking up all the details.

The Cathedral of Segovia stands on Plaza Mayor and is one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain. Construction began in the sixteenth century and lasted nearly one hundred years. Inside you will find impressive stained glass windows and remarkable works of art in the many chapels. Fancy a great view? Climb the tower for a stunning panorama over the city and the surrounding countryside.

Buy your tickets to the Catedral de Segovia here.

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is the bustling heart of Segovia. Here you’ll find terraces, the cathedral, and the city hall, so there’s always something going on. A market is often held in the square, adding even more life. It’s the perfect place to sit down on a bench, have a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Casa de los Picos

One of the first buildings my guide pointed out in Segovia was the Casa de los Picos. You recognize it immediately by its facade, decorated with hundreds of granite points. The house dates back to the fifteenth century and was once owned by a noble family. The unusual pointed stones were meant to demonstrate power and wealth, making this one of the city’s most striking facades. Today it houses an art school and regularly hosts exhibitions.

Monasterio de San Antonio el Real

One of the places I definitely want to visit next time is the Monasterio de San Antonio el Real. Located just outside the city center, this monastery is truly an oasis of tranquility. It was founded in the fifteenth century by King Henry IV.

What stands out most are the beautiful Mudéjar-style ceilings with intricate Arabic-inspired carvings and details. The cloisters are also richly decorated with paintings and carvings that are surprisingly well preserved. Monks no longer live here (the complex is now part of Hotel San Antonio El Real), but the atmosphere remains serene.

Barrio Judío

In the city center you can easily lose yourself in the old Jewish quarter. It is a maze of narrow streets and small squares, with occasional beautiful views of the cathedral. For centuries, Jewish families lived here until they were expelled from Spain in 1492.

For more background, you can visit the Centro Didáctico de la Judería de Segovia. Even the courtyard alone is worth a look. Because the neighborhood is a little off the beaten path, it feels much quieter than the hustle and bustle around the aqueduct and the cathedral. A lovely place to wander and soak up the atmosphere.

Museo de Segovia

Located on the edge of the city, the Museo de Segovia is housed in Casa del Sol, a historic building built into the city wall. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the history of Segovia and the surrounding region. The collection includes archaeological finds as well as artwork and everyday objects from the Middle Ages. Everything is clearly laid out, so you can get a good impression of the city’s past in a short visit.

La Muralla de Segovia

While not as impressive as the walls of nearby Ávila, Segovia also has city walls that protected the city for centuries. Large sections are still intact, and in some places you can climb them for a different perspective. Along the way you’ll pass old city gates that once provided access to the city. It’s a fun way to experience Segovia from a different angle.

Iglesia de San Martín

The Iglesia de San Martín is one of those churches you almost automatically come across while walking through Segovia. It stands right in the middle of the Calle Real shopping street, which I personally found a funny place for such an old building.

The church was built in the twelfth century in Romanesque style, with Moorish influences that you can especially see in the arches. The arcaded gallery and bell tower immediately catch the eye. Inside you’ll find frescoes and notable altarpieces, but it’s already rewarding to simply walk around the church and admire the details from the outside.

Restaurante Mesón de Cándido

I end this list of Segovia sights with the most extraordinary experience I had in the city: having lunch at Restaurante Mesón de Cándido. As soon as you step inside, it feels like stepping back in time: a maze of corridors and rooms that are always bustling with people. I was personally greeted by Cándido himself, who wouldn’t let go of my hand until I had his autograph and a leaflet about the restaurant.

This place is best known for its roast suckling pig, but I went for the tortilla and the fish, both of which were delicious. If you order the famous pig with a group, it comes with an entire ritual: Cándido cuts the meat with a plate and then smashes the plate on the floor. An experience you won’t soon forget!

Fun day trips from Segovia

As you can see, Segovia itself is already a destination full of highlights, but the surrounding area has even more to offer. Within an hour’s drive you’ll find medieval towns, charming villages, and royal palaces. These are three perfect spots for a day trip from Segovia.

Ávila

I combined Segovia with Ávila, which is about an hour’s drive away. The atmosphere here feels very different and much calmer. As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted by the impressive city walls. These walls are among the most beautiful medieval fortifications in Spain and stretch for an incredible 2,500 meters. Inside, you can wander past dozens of palaces, churches, and monasteries with fascinating histories. The cathedral, partly built as a fortress, is one of the highlights. It’s no surprise that Ávila is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• Read more: 15 Amazing things to do in Ávila, Spain: city of walls and stories

Pedraza

On the way back to Madrid airport, the owner of the finca suggested driving via Pedraza. That turned out to be an excellent idea! Pedraza is a small medieval village, recognized as one of the most beautiful in Spain, and it’s just over half an hour from Segovia.

It may be small, but it’s full of charm, and you can happily get lost in the quiet, narrow streets. Every now and then you’ll stumble upon a pretty little square. At the edge of the village stands a castle you can visit. When I walked past it, dozens of eagles soared overhead, a magical moment! Pedraza is wonderfully peaceful and makes a perfect contrast to the busier Segovia.

Real Sitio de San Ildefonso (La Granja)

Because I chose Pedraza, I didn’t have time to visit La Granja, but this is definitely on my list for next time. It’s less than a fifteen-minute drive from Segovia to La Granja de San Ildefonso, a royal palace built in the style of Versailles. In the eighteenth century, Philip V commissioned its construction, and it went on to serve as the summer residence of Spanish kings for many years.

Inside, you can wander through richly decorated halls filled with paintings, tapestries, and period furniture. The absolute highlight, however, is the vast gardens with fountains, which on certain days are all turned on at once. That must be a spectacular sight.

Buy your tickets for La Granja here.