Segovia - A Day Trip from Madrid

Day Trip to Segovia

If you have an extra day in Madrid and want a change of pace, Segovia is the perfect place to visit. Just a quick train or bus ride away, this small city has incredible views, architecture, and Spanish food that’ll give you the authentic Spanish experience.

Getting There

I recommend catching the early morning AVE train from Madrid’s Chamartín Station — it only takes about 30 minutes to reach Segovia. From there, hop on the local bus or grab a taxi into the city center. Otherwise, there is a bus that will take you straight into the city, but the tickets can sell out so make sure you purchase them at least the night before if you are headed out in the early morning.

Roman Aqueduct

Start with the best, visiting the lively town square with an aqueduct that runs right through it. The aqueduct towers over the city, and walking beneath its perfectly stacked granite stones feels surreal. I’d suggest walking up the stairs on the left side to get the panoramic view. The square has such a fun atmosphere with performers, dancers, and joyous celebration at all times. We joined in on a conga line and had a blast enjoying the music and presence of others

Alcázar of Segovia

A short walk from the city center is the castle. You can buy tickets to tour the inside, and it is worth going into if you are making a trip out here. The Hall of Kings and tower climb are highlights of the castle tour. Plus, the views stretch across rolling hills and the red rooftops of the old town. If it's a nice day out and you have some extra time, there is a nice walking trail that goes around the perimeter of the castle. My friends and I took this route as a result of a missed turn, but it was a lovely walk and you get to step away from the crowds and into nature a bit, in addition to getting a view of the castle from many different angles.

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Feel free to grab lunch wherever sounds best to you, but a good recommendation I have is Mesón de Cándido. Famous to this place is their cochinillo asado — roasted suckling pig. Mesón de Cándido sits just beneath the aqueduct, and they even have a tradition of cutting the pig with a plate. Make sure to make a reservation beforehand, as this place is no secret!

Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral

Wander your way back through the city to Plaza Mayor, the heart of Segovia. It’s a charming square, lined with cafés, and home to the impressive Cathedral. You can pop inside the Cathedral for a self-guided tour or just admire its towering spires from the outside, either way, it’s the pinnacle of the city and a must see.

Walking Around

For the rest of your day, I'd recommend walking around as much of the city as you can, exploring the different streets, stores, and shops. Start at the Jewish Quarter, a quieter part of Segovia with winding cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and a few hidden viewpoints over the valley. It’s peaceful and perfect for getting a feel of local life. From there, head over to the Mirador de la Canaleja, a small overlook where you’ll get panoramic views of the countryside, and some of the most underrated views in the city. This is a great spot to take a breather and enjoy the view. And if you’re in the mood for an afternoon sweet treat, stop by Pastelería Limón y Menta, a beloved local pastry shop near the aqueduct. The "ponche segoviano" is their signature dessert, a marzipan-covered sponge cake that’s unique to the region.

That should easily fill up your day! Depending your departure time, catch the Cathedral and Aqueduct lit up at night to cap off your day in another Spanish city. This is a perfect day trip to see more of Spain and feel as though you transported back in time to get an authentic Spanish experience. With the food, architecture, and close knit feel, this is an incredible city to visit. So, when planning your trip to Madrid, make sure to add a couple days to visit both Segovia and Toledo to round off your stay in one of the best cities in Europe, in my opinion.