A day trip to Segovia from Madrid is a must if you have some extra days to spare when visiting Spain’s capital. Though this beautiful city is located in the Spanish region of Castile and León, and thus outside the region of Madrid, it is still a very easy day trip from Madrid. Many tourist buses offer a combined (and therefore slightly rushed) organized day trip from Madrid to both Segovia and Ávila. But if you are the type who prefers to do it yourself and explore Segovia at your own pace, keep reading for an easy, breezy one day Segovia itinerary from Madrid.
How to Get to Segovia from Madrid
To get to Segovia from Madrid, you will take a bus. This isn’t a public city bus, but rather a bus line running specifically between Segovia and Madrid. Tickets cost €4.19 each way, and the journey time is about seventy-five minutes each way. You can view timetables and buy the bus tickets online from the official site in advance for an additional €1.20 fee, or you can buy the tickets at the departure station on the day of. When selecting your bus ticket times, I recommend budgeting an absolute minimum of six hours in Segovia, but ideally seven or eight if you plan to have a sit-down meal.
On the day of the Segovia day trip, start your day in Madrid. Head to the Moncloa metro station, which is on metro line 3 (the yellow line). If you do ride the metro to get here, exit the metro portion of the station, but do not exit the station itself!
If you already have your mobile ticket, from within the Moncloa station, look for signs for the bus terminal. Ask Metro station staff for help if you need. You will go down to the lowest level of the station, where there is a bus terminal. Locate the AvanzaBus with the sign “Segovia” on its dashboard, display your mobile or printed ticket, and you’re good to go!
If you are purchasing your bus ticket on the day of, instead of heading to the lowest level of the Moncloa station, first look for the AvanzaBus ticket booth. Again, ask Metro station staff for help locating it if you need. After purchasing the ticket, then head to the bus terminal.
Things to Do in Segovia
Before you know it, your bus from Madrid will be dropping you off in the beautiful city of Segovia. There are three main attractions in Segovia. They are the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, the Segovia Cathedral, and the Alcázar of Segovia. But there are honestly so many more smaller points of interest, too!
So I’ve listed the below things to see and do in Segovia in an order that will efficiently guide you through the three main attractions while sprinkling in the rest of the attractions in between. Depending on how much time you have for your day trip and your personal interests, I’ve added the more out-of-the-way attractions at the end. You can pick and choose which of those, if any, you care to add to your Segovia day trip!
Plaza del Azoguejo
Head to the Plaza del Azoguejo, where it’s impossible to miss the large and imposing aqueduct. This beautiful piece of Roman architecture is practically the emblem of Segovia and is without a doubt the main attraction in Segovia. You can stop for a quick cafe and a nibble in the plaza if you need a little pick-me-up after the early-morning bus ride.
Roman Aqueduct of Segovia (Acueducto de Segovia)
Now, it’s time to get up close and personal with the Aqueduct of Segovia. From the Plaza del Azoguejo, head to the left side of the aqueduct walls and climb the stairs to enjoy some pretty cool views of the city of Segovia, the surrounding landscape, and the aqueduct itself.
This impressive aqueduct was built during the 1st century and supplied water into the 20th century. It is one of the largest and best-preserved of the Roman world.
Casa de los Picos (House of the Peaks)
From the top of the aqueduct, make your way further into Segovia’s historic center. Be sure to stop by the Casa de los Picos. It’s a fortified house from the later part of the 1400s with a super-interesting facade of granite pyramid-shaped peaks (or picos, in Spanish!).
Church of Saint Martin (Iglesia de San Martín)
As you continue further west, pass by the Iglesia de San Martín. This Romanesque-style church was built in the 1100s, back when much of the Iberian peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) were under the control of the Moors. This historical building is located smack-dab in between the aqueduct and the main cathedral, so why not pass by!
Plaza Mayor (Main Square)
Next, walk the Calle Real (or royal street, in Spanish) all the way to the Plaza Mayor. Here, you will find Segovia’s bright, yellow, main cathedral. You’ll also find picturesque, pastel-colored buildings and plenty of cafes lining the sides of the square. You’ll also find Segovia’s city hall (the ayuntamiento) and some public toilets (but bring your own toilet paper).
Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Segovia)
The next large attraction on your self-guided Segovia itinerary is the Segovia Cathedral. This Gothic-style Roman Catholic is located in Segovia’s Plaza Mayor (or main square). It is actually one of the last cathedrals to have been built in a Gothic style. Entry into the cathedral is €4. While the cathedral itself is quite large and beautiful, I recommend adding the extra €3 to see the tower. This is a one-hour guided tour at set times each day. You can view the cathedral and tour hours, as well as reserve tickets in advance, online at the official site.
Church of Saint Esteban (Iglesia de San Esteban)
From the Segovia Cathedral, walk just a couple of minutes to the Iglesia de San Esteban (if you aren’t completely churched-out yet!). It is another example of Romanesque architecture and was built in the late 1100s or early 1200s.
Segovia Castle (Alcázar de Segovia)
Continue west, and walk under the El Arco de La Claustra if you can, to reach the third and final main attraction in Segovia: the Alcázar. Entry into this picture-perfect castle is €7 for just the palace and museum, but I absolutely insist you add an additional €3 to enter the tower. You can view opening hours, prices, and purchase tickets in advance online at the official site.
Walls of Segovia (Murallas de Segovia)
From the Alcázar, make your way back east, towards the historically Jewish Quarter (La Judería). On the way, you reach the city walls. From the walls, you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and even get to walk on some parts of the walls. Keep walking along the walls and let the fairytale-like Alcázar get further and further in the distance, until you finally arrive at the Puerta de San Andrés.
Puerta de San Andrés (Saint Andres’ Gate)
Continue along the road once the walkable part of the walls end. You will eventually reach the Puerta de San Andrés. It was once part of Segovia’s medieval fortifications and is one of the three remaining gates from the ordinal seven. As you exit the other side of the gate, be sure to turn back, because this direction has the best view!
The Jewish Quarter (La Judería)
By now, you have entered the historical Jewish neighborhood of Segovia, knowns as La Judería. This area was inhabited by Jewish people from at least the 1100s until 1492, the year the Catholic Monarchs fully took back the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. In late March of that year, the Jewish people of Spain were expelled and given until that July (just 4 months!) to leave.
If you have time, stop by the Centro Didáctico de la Judería de Segovia to learn more about Segovia’s Jewish quarter.
Viewpoints (Los Miradores)
You’ll have done a lot of walking by this point. But if you can muster up the energy, I highly recommend leaving the city walls and checking out some of the viewpoints to the south. First, head to the Jewish Cemetery. Then, follow the path heading west, up the hill. Once you reach the flat part up-top, continue walking west for some really nice vantage points of the Segovia Cathedral and the Alcázar. You’ll even find a park bench to sit a while and enjoy. (Open the Google Maps link to the viewpoint here.)
More Things to See in Segovia
Everything above is already a lot to do in one day in Segovia as a day trip from Madrid! But if you have some time or are really interested, here are some more things to do in Segovia. They’re just a little more out-of-the-way!
Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
I didn’t make it here, so I don’t have a photo to share. But pop the words “Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos” into Google Images, and you’ll see why it might be worth a visit. This viewpoint is located at the foot of the hill upon which Segovia’s old town sits. Because of that position, it offers a really great (and popular postcard image) view of the Alcázar from below. Here is the exact location of the viewpoint on Google Maps.
Church of Saint Juan of the Knights (Iglesia San Juan de los Caballeros)
The Iglesia de San Juan de los Caballeros is located a small walk north of the aqueduct. It’s another Romanesque style church, built between the 1000s and 1200s.
Church of the True Cross (Iglesia de la Vera Cruz)
For me, the view of this church from the Alcázar tower was satisfactory due the the time crunch that a day trip puts you on! But if you have time for the trek, or are traveling by car, you might consider stopping here. Not only is it a historic church built in the Segovian style, but it also provides nice views over the entire city and mountains behind. Depending on the time of year of your visit, those mountains might even be snow-capped!
Cochinillo (Roasted Sucking Pig)
I’m not the biggest fan of meat. But if you are, be sure to try Segovia’s signature traditional dish while in town!
Any Questions on this Segovia One Day Itinerary?
Have you visited Segovia, or Madrid? Do you have any questions on how to make this Segovia day trip from Madrid? Let me know in the comments below! I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
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