Segovia in 2 Days: everything you need to know
If you are looking forward to visiting Segovia and you only have 2 days, here you have an itinerary of what you can't miss.
World famous for its aqueduct, which dates back to Roman times, Segovia is a city full of attractions. If you have 2 days to visit it, don't worry, here I'll give you a hand so that you can enjoy all its beauty to the full. From its ruins from prehistoric times, its Alcazar and monumental Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, to the curious house of the peaks, Segovia is full of picturesque corners.
A city where time seems not to have passed, its walls and towers give it a medieval air that conquers all its visitors. Located to the northwest of the Spanish capital, in the autonomous region of Castile-León, Segovia is a jewel worth discovering. There's plenty to see and do in Segovia in just 2 days, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes, because everything here is a walking tour. Here we go!
Day 1: Roman Aqueduct, Jewish Quarter, Casa de los Picos, Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral
Start your first day with a nutritious breakfast at Tradicionarius, right in the centre of Segovia, next to the aqueduct. You will find that the city is very easy to get around, practically everywhere is within walking distance.
Take a self-guided tour of Segovia
Segovia can be covered in a short time, as it is not a large city, so if you have 2 days, I guarantee that you will be able to make the most of your time. Although you can visit all the attractions on your own, a very good option is to hire a self-guided tour. It's very simple, you just need to download an audio guide on your smartphone, which will take you on a tour of the city's main points of interest, and in each one you can listen to its explanation.
Visit the impressive aqueduct of Roman origin
If you prefer, on the other hand, to tour on your own, you should start with one of the icons of the city, the Segovia aqueduct. It is believed that its construction dates back to the 2nd century AD, due to the type of structure and its similarity to other works carried out by the Roman Empire during that period.
You will be able to see its impressive structure, which was built without any mortar to join the enormous stones together. It is a work of engineering based on balance and millimetric calculation, which is truly astonishing. It was created to distribute the water that came from the mountains to the whole city. Its 167 arches give it a colossal image.
Legend has it that the aqueduct was built in a single night, by the devil himself. At the top of Calle San Juan, at the foot of the aqueduct, a curious sculpture has been erected of a jocular devil taking a selfie. You can't pass by and not imitate him.
Visit the House of the Picos de Segovia
Less than 10 minutes walk from the aqueduct, you'll come across the famous Casa de los Picos. Built in the 15th century, it is a typical Segovian house, with the particularity of having ornaments in the shape of a beak or diamond all along its façade.
It is a work of great architectural beauty that has already become a classic corner of the city. You can't visit Segovia and not miss it, its medieval style attracts tourists from all over the world every day who come to take a few photographs. Since 1977 there has been an art school here, so you will always find interesting exhibitions, displays and workshops.
Take a stroll through Segovia's traditional Jewish quarter: La Judería (Jewish Quarter)
Almost next to the Casa de los Picos is the beginning of Segovia's Jewish quarter. La Judería stretches from the back of the Cathedral to the Puerta de San Andrés. In the past, the Jewish quarter was enclosed by seven arches, forming a sort of ghetto. Today it has been integrated into the rest of the city.
It is worth mentioning that the presence of the Jewish community is almost non-existent in Segovia, given that, with the advent of the Christian kings, the few Jews who lived in the city were expelled and their synagogues destroyed or converted into churches.
La Judería is today a neighbourhood full of remnants of other eras, located in the heart of the historic centre of Segovia, where some of its most notable buildings date back to the 15th century. It is worth strolling through its medieval streets and letting yourself be carried away by the atmosphere. You will have the sensation of walking through time.
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Segovia
Another of Segovia's architectural, cultural and religious landmarks, the Cathedral, is just a 5-minute walk away. With a marked late Gothic style, but with a Renaissance air, the Cathedral is one of the essential visits in any tour of the city of Segovia. Its full name is Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos, although it is also known as "The Lady of Cathedrals", due to its majesty.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its construction took place in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and it is precisely for this reason that it has architectural features typical of the Renaissance period, later than the Gothic. Inside you can enjoy an important collection of works of art, from its room of Flemish tapestries to its section dedicated to works by Sánchez Coello.
You will not believe the beauty of the light coming through its Flemish stained glass windows. A unique place for believers and non-believers alike. Of course, as you only have 2 days, always remember to check the opening hours of Segovia Cathedral before your visit, so you can plan your itinerary better and not waste time queuing unnecessarily.
End the day with dinner in the Plaza Mayor square
Just a few metres away is the epicentre of the city of Segovia, the Plaza Mayor. Here you can take a break and enjoy a drink, tapas or dinner in an unbeatable setting. Around the square you will find a large number of bars, cafés and restaurants, with outdoor terraces.
The Plaza Mayor has the Town Hall of Segovia on one side, and the traditional Teatro Juan Bravo on the other, which was built in 1917.
To end this first day, I suggest you treat yourself to dinner at the restaurant La Taurina, which is located in front of the square. One of the best places in Segovia to taste the most delicious meats and other options, with a first class quality.
Day 2: San Millán Church, San Andrés Gate, Royal Mint Museum, King's Gardens and Alcázar of Segovia
Start this second and final day in Segovia with a delicious breakfast at La Flor de América café and tea shop, one of the best in the city. Located just around the corner from the Jardinillos San Roque, on Calle Santo Tomas, No. 2, here you can indulge in some of their exquisite artisan pastries and their many varieties of tea and coffee.
Visit the Romanesque Church of San Millán
Just 200 metres from there you'll come across the Romanesque Church of San Millán, another of Segovia's must-see sights. Built in the 12th century, it preserves a sober style with a medieval appearance on the outside. It was declared a National Monument at the beginning of the 20th century.
Although its interior does not have great art galleries or sculptural works like the Alcázar or the Cathedral, the building itself is a jewel, and part of the architectural and cultural heritage of the city.
Walk through the Puerta de San Andrés
Walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Puerta de San Andrés, one of the three gates to the city that still stand today. It is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Segovia with children, as it gives the feeling that you have gone back in time, to the era when knights in armour roamed the city.
Don't miss the chance to climb its two towers, from the top you can enjoy incredible views of the city and the river Clamores, one of the rivers that crosses the city. You will be able to appreciate the beautiful walls that protected Segovia from possible attacks. The Cebrián gate and the Santiago gate are also preserved today, and although they are not as picturesque as the San Andrés gate, they are in a good state of conservation.
Enjoy the views from the lookout point on the city wall
But if you're looking for good panoramic views, you must go up to the viewpoint on the wall. Located 5 minutes' walk from the Puerta de San Andrés, there is no better place to appreciate the beauty of Segovia Cathedral, "The Lady of Cathedrals". From here you can also see a good part of the city
Segovia has different viewpoints, located in different elevated points of the city, and all of them are worth the climb. The viewpoint of the Alcázar and the two valleys, the viewpoint of the San Marcos meadow, the viewpoint of the Aqueduct and the viewpoint of the valley of the river Clamores, among many others. Segovia is so beautiful that you can enjoy a different and unique spectacle from each of them.
Visit the Royal Mint Museum and the Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens)
Located on the way to the Alcázar, in the Eresma valley, the Royal Segovia Mint Museum is a beautiful building next to the river, where the old hydraulic presses used to print coins are preserved. It is also an important part of the **city'**s industrial heritage, as the building is one of the oldest in Spain.
Outside are the Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens), designed together with the building by Juan de Herrera, so that Philip II could stroll and enjoy nature. The place is ideal for walking among the lush vegetation, while appreciating the Alcázar, located just a few metres away.
Discover the charm of the Alcázar of Segovia
Visit the city's most important monument. Built on top of an enormous rock, the Alcázar of Segovia was originally a defensive fortification, later transformed into a royal palace. Inside you will have the chance to appreciate the work on the walls and ceilings, with a truly surprising level of detail.
Residence of a large number of kings, including Isabella the Catholic, who was made queen in this city. The building is in an absolute state of conservation, and here you can even see various pieces of furniture used by royalty over the centuries, tour the halls, enjoy works of art, armour and much more.
It is one of the most visited monuments in the whole of Spain, and has even been used by Disney as a model for some of its films. Remember that you can book your tickets for the Alcazar of Segovia in advance online, so you can skip the queues and enter the site directly.
Bid farewell to Segovia with a traditional dinner
You can't say goodbye to the city without enjoying the most typical Segovian food. To do so, I suggest you dine at Restaurante José María. Located behind Segovia Cathedral, this is one of the best places to try traditional flavours with an innovative twist. Its roast suckling pig is delicious and forms part of Segovia's cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Getting to know the gastronomy of a place or a region means getting to know the history, the legacy and the most characteristic features of its community. Come and find out more about the gastronomy of Segovia and the region of Castilla y León, you won't regret it.
That's all for now. I hope you found this article useful and that you enjoy your 2 days in Segovia to the full. As you will see, the city has everything for you to have a great time. See you next time!