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The Ultimate Segovia Free Walking Tour (2024)

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Segovia. A gem nestled in the heart of Spain, this city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and unforgettable sights that are just waiting to be explored. Fancy discovering its secrets? There’s no better way than embarking on this self-guided Segovia free walking tour.

Photo from the top of the Segovia Aqueduct with views of the town of Segovia on an overcast day. The Aqueduct is the first stop on our Segovia free walking tour.

Segovia is a common day trip from Madrid, but I was so enraptured by its towering medieval walls and Disneyesque castles that I spent several days exploring every nook and cranny.

And Segovia is small and compact enough that it is the perfect city to explore on foot!

Through my numerous days of walking and wandering, I was able to pinpoint the most incredible, historic, and stunning spots that every traveler should visit, even if they only have one day in Segovia.

And on this walking tour of Segovia, I will guide you through all of the unmissable spots, necessary costs, and best walking routes.

Self-Guided Segovia Free Walking Tour

The idea of uncovering the wonders of Segovia in one single day might seem daunting. But, with this Segovia walking tour at hand, you’re in for an unforgettable venture. Without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Segovia Aqueduct

Our self-guided Segovia free walking tour starts at its most famous and extraordinary sight: the Aqueduct of Segovia.

Photo from the base of the Aqueduct Segovia on a sunny day, with several visitors walking in its shadows.

Built by the Romans in the 1st century A.D., the arches of the Segovia Aqueduct supplied and distributed water from the Frío River. At its maximum height, it is 28.5 meters tall!

The towering arches are made with little to no mortar. This can be a bit disconcerting when you’re under it, but it is extremely safe, sturdy, and well-maintained.

The Segovia Aqueduct was hands-down my favorite sight, so I definitely recommend taking some time to admire it from different angles.

On one end of the Aqueduct, you can find some stairs that offer spectacular views of the town. On the other end, there are some isolated areas, making it the perfect spot to capture some amazing, tourist-free pictures!

Photo of the Aqueduct of Segovia at one of its far ends, with no tourists around and the arches closer to the ground.

After you have sufficiently explored the Aqueduct of Segovia, it’s time to move forward. In the opposite direction of the McDonald’s, head up the C. Cervantes to our next stop: the Casa de los Picos.

2. Casa de los Picos

The next stop on our Segovia walking tour is the Casa de los Picos. A medieval palace built in the 15th century, its wall features 617 granite points!

However, there’s not much to do here, as it now houses an applied arts school. It’s simply a great spot to admire some cool architecture and take a quick picture.

Now, let’s continue up the street on C. Juan Bravo to our next stop: the Plaza de Medina del Campo.

3. Plaza de Medina del Campo

  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Open 24 hours/day
  • Time Estimate: 5 minutes

A small but charming square in the center of Segovia, the Plaza de Medina del Campo is surrounded by beautiful buildings and delicious restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Photo of the statue of Juan Bravo in the Plaza de Medina del Campo, with the words Segovia at the base of the statue.

At its center, it features a statue of Juan Bravo, a leader of the Castilian Revolt of the Comuneros who died in 1521. You can also spot a couple of siren statues made by Franciso Bellver in 1852.

I personally didn’t spend much time here, but it’s a great spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of Segovia. Afterwards, head up the stairs to our next spot: the Church of San Martin.

4. Church of San Martin (Iglesia de San Martin)

  • Cost: Free
  • Time Estimate: 5 minutes (or 30 minutes if you can enter the church)

As one of the oldest and most historic churches in Segovia, the Church of San Martin (or the Iglesia de San Martin) is definitely worth a visit.

Photo of the side of the Church of San Martin (Iglesia de San Martin), with a close-up of its brick tower and sandstone base.

Constructed in the 12th century, the church was inspired by several architectural styles, from its Flemish Gothic chapel, Mudéjar tower, and Romanesque atrium.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enter the church during my visit. And there doesn’t seem to be a regular set of visiting hours.

Nevertheless, I definitely recommend exploring the interior if you can! And if you can’t, I still loved appreciating the astounding architecture of the church from outside of it.

After soaking in the views, head up C. José Canalejas and C. de la Infanta Isabel to get to the next destination on our Segovia free walking tour: the Plaza Mayor.

5. Plaza Mayor

  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Open 24 hours/day
  • Time Estimate: 10 minutes

A simple but delightful spot in central Segovia, the Plaza Mayor is less ostentatious than the other Plaza Mayors scattered around Spain. But, it is enchanting nonetheless.

Photo of the Segovia Cathedral framed by some smaller buildings on a sunny day, one of my favorite sights on this Segovia walking tour.

Surrounded by the Juan Bravo Theater and Segovia City Hall, the plaza is filled with adorable cafes, restaurants, and shops

Furthermore, Plaza Mayor was hands-down my favorite square in Segovia because it featured one of the most breathtaking local sights: the Segovia Cathedral.

And unsurprisingly, the cathedral is the next stop on our Segovia walking route! Simply turn west to admire this Segovia must see.

6. Segovia Cathedral

  • Cost: 4 euros to enter the Cathedral and Episcopal Palace. Up to 10 euros for a guided tour of both the Cathedral and the Tower.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Sundays: 12:30 pm-6:30 pm.
  • Time Estimate: 60-90 minutes
  • Website: https://catedralsegovia.es/
  • Tickets: Skip the line and pre-book your tickets here.

An essential stop on any free walking tour Segovia, the Segovia Cathedral is the last Gothic cathedral that Spain built. Towering over Plaza Mayor, this impressive church began its construction in 1525 and completed it in 1577.

Photo of the Segovia Cathedral on a bright day, focusing on its many pillars. An essential stop on my free walking tour Segovia.

The church was built under Charles V and replaced the city’s formal cathedral after extensive damages from battle.

The cathedral includes a 90-meter tall tower, which offers spectacular views of the entire medieval town. Furthermore, the cathedral houses incredible pieces of religious artwork.

I visited the cathedral several times during my visit to Segovia; the architecture is that stunning. I definitely recommend taking your time at this stop to truly appreciate this superb site (both outside and inside)!

After you’ve soaked in all of the views and history of the Segovia Cathedral, head up C. Marqués del Arco towards another must see in Segovia: the Alcazar of Segovia.

Photo from a balcony of the orange, tan, and white buildings of Segovia on an overcast day.

(But don’t forget to take your time! While it is a 10-minute walk, there are many boutiques and cafes en route. I loved ambling around, admiring both the city’s architecture and vibes).

7. Alcazar of Segovia

  • Cost: 9 euros, which includes access to the Palace, Artillery Museum, and the Tower of Juan II.
  • Hours: November 1 to March 31: 10 am-6 pm. April 1 to October 31: 10 am-8 pm.
  • Time Estimate: 60-90 minutes
  • Website: https://www.alcazardesegovia.com/

If you’re wondering what to see in Segovia in one day, the Alcazar of Segovia has to be at the top of your list. Located on the edge of a cliff (as a strategic defense position in battle), this medieval palace was built in the 12th century.

Photo of the Segovia Alcazar with a focus on its ship-lake shape, with the Segovia Cathedral visible in the background.

Famous for its distinctive “bow of a ship” shape, it is rumored to have inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World. In other words, the Segovia Alcazar is literally a fairy tale palace!

The Alcázar of Segovia has served as a royal palace, prison, and military academy. If you’re a history nut, then you definitely have to check out this castle.

And the Alcazar’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with elaborately decorated rooms and halls that take you back in time. Make sure to visit the Throne Room and Royal Chambers for an insight into the luxurious life of royalty.

Exploring the extensive rooms and grounds of the castle was a highlight of my trip – do not miss out! Not only do you learn more about the history of Segovia, but the views from the Alcazar’s tower are breathtaking.

Close-up of one of the muted, sand-colored towers of the Alcazar of Segovia on a bright day.

And luckily, the Alcazar Segovia tickets are cheap, costing only 9 euros.

After taking your time exploring the castle grounds and gardens, it’s time to head outside of Segovia’s ancient walls and past the Eresma River to our next stop: the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos.

8. Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos

  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Open 24 hours/day
  • Time Estimate: 20 minutes

Now, this portion of the Segovia free walking tour is hands-down my favorite. While wandering around the plaza surrounding the Alcazar of Segovia, I stumbled upon a set of stairs that guided me down to some walking trails surrounding Segovia. These walking trails provided me with some of the most gorgeous views of the ancient city.

This section of my self-guided Segovia walking tour will incorporate some of those routes!

Photo of the Segovia Cathedral and the trails outside of Segovia’s medieval walls on my Segovia free walking tour.

To get from the Segovia Alcazar to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, we’ll take the Cuesta de la Zorra hiking trail, and cross the Puente de San Marcos bridge.

Then, we’ll arrive to the Mirador, which is a small grassy area next to the Church of San Marcos. Look up, and you’ll be gifted with a phenomenal view of the Alcazar of Segovia!

This is where you can get the most stunning photos of the Segovia Alcazar, so I recommend taking some time to truly soak in the sights; it’s one of the top free things to do in Segovia.

Side photo of the Segovia Alcazar located on the edge of a cliff on a cloudy day – a sight on my Segovia free walking tour.

When you are ready to move on, it’s time to head to the Gate of Saint Andrew.

To get there, continue on the Paseo del Eresma path onto the Paseo del Valle del Clamores. And don’t forget to admire the stunning views en route!

9. Gate of Saint Andrew (Puerta de San Andres)

  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Open 24 hours/day
  • Time Estimate: 5 minutes

A historic gateway into Segovia’s Jewish Quarter, the Gate of Saint Andrew (or Puerta de San Andres) is an asymmetrical city entrance composed of two towers; one of the towers is square, and the other is polygonal.

While there isn’t much to do here, I thought it was a fascinating sight. So, I definitely recommend taking a minute to admire the gateway.

Then, from the Gate of Saint Andrew, we’ll head inside of the city’s walls to continue our free walking tour Segovia in the Jewish Quarter.

If you’re enjoying this walking tour to Segovia and you’re planning to explore more of Spain, check out my self-guided walking tour to Seville!

10. Jewish Quarter (Juderia)

  • Time Estimate: 20 minutes

Inhabited by the Jewish people of Segovia from the 12th century to the 15 century, the Jewish Quarter (or Juderia) of Segovia holds a lot of history. While it used to contain five synagogues, many of them have been unfortunately converted or modified.

As you walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the Jewish Quarter, I recommend taking a moment to imagine the bustling community that once called this place home.

While there isn’t a lot to do in the Jewish Quarter, I still enjoyed wandering through its tranquil streets. Then, head southeast towards the San Millán Church.

11. San Millán Church (Iglesia de San Millan)

Last but not least, the final stop on our Segovia free walking tour is the San Millan Church (or the Iglesia de San Millan).

Photo of the muted San Millan Church (Iglesia de San Millan) surrounded by deep blue skies.

Built in the 12th century, the San Millán church was constructed in the Romanesque style. While it’s nowhere near as opulent as the Segovia Cathedral, it holds its own, majestic charm that I absolutely adored.

So, I suggest taking some time to appreciate the architecture and history of this enchanting church from both outside and inside its walls.

From the San Millan Church, it’ll take you 5 minutes to walk back to the Segovia Aqueduct. Or, you can head anywhere you like! My self-guided Segovia free walking tour is officially over.

Other Things to Do in Segovia

If you’re looking for some other amazing things to do in Segovia Spain even after our walking tour, here are my top recommendations:

Photo of a colorful hot-air balloon flying above the medieval city of Segovia, with the majestic Segovia Cathedral rising from the city skyline.
  • Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Segovia: If you’re interested in admiring Segovia from above, this is the best way to do it. Including hotel pick-up from Madrid and a traditional and delicious brunch, it is truly an experience of a lifetime.
  • Tour of the Segovia Cathedral Tower: While our Segovia free walking tour stops at the Segovia Cathedral, we don’t spend a lot of time there. If you’d like to change that, you have to check out this guided tour of the cathedral’s tower! Offering spectacular views of the medieval city, it is a great way to spend an hour.
  • Church of the Vera Cruz (Iglesia de la Vera Cruz): Located outside Segovia’s medieval walls, the Church of the Vera Cruz was constructed in 1208 by the Knights Templar. It’s a cute choice to add to your Segovia itinerary if you’re into history!
  • Antonio Machado House-Museum: If you’re a fan of the poet Antonio Machado, you have to check out his house from 1919 to 1932. It is now a museum that holds various mementos, furniture, and portraits from his life.
  • Check Out Some of the Incredible Segovia Restaurants: Segovia is home to some of the most delicious restaurants in Spain, including the Restaurante José María and El Sitio. Don’t leave without trying the Cochinillo (roast suckling pig), a local specialty.
Photo of the Segovia restaurants next to the Aqueduct at dusk, with several people eating outside in the evening light.

Accommodation in Segovia

Wondering where to stay in Segovia? There are plenty of options, from luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Luxury Option:

  • Áurea Convento Capuchinos by Eurostars Hotel Company: Conveniently placed next to the Segovia Cathedral, this world-class hotel is located in a former monastery. Offering a wellness center, enchanting gardens, and a delicious breakfast, this is the perfect place to stay for a luxurious experience.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Hotel Apartamentos Aralso: If you’re looking for more private, self-catered accommodations, Hotel Apartamentos Aralso is the place to go. Offering clean and welcoming studio apartments in the San Millan neighborhood, this hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
  • Hotel Cetina Palacio Ayala Berganza: Want to stay in a 15th century palace? Then the Hotel Cetina Palacio Ayala Berganza is the choice for you. With exceptional staff and a great location, this hotel offers a comfortable and homey experience.
  • Infanta Isabel by Recordis Hotels: Located in the Plaza Mayor opposite of the Segovia Cathedral, the Infanta Isabel by Recordis Hotels provides a remarkable stay.

If you’re enjoying this walking tour to Segovia and you’re planning to explore more of Spain, check out my 2-day Barcelona itinerary!

Budget Accommodations:

  • Hosteria Natura: Located 50 meters from the impressive Segovia Cathedral, the Hosteria Natura is one of Segovia’s cheaper hotels offering clean, comfortable rooms and warm, friendly staff.
  • Hotel Corregidor: Situated in a convenient location, the Hotel Corregidor comes highly recommended. It features a team of helpful staff and offers a sanctuary of cozy rooms to retreat to after a day of exploring.

How to Get to Segovia

Now that we’ve gone over what to do in Segovia and accommodation in Segovia, let’s talk about how to get to Segovia. There are many methods to get to Segovia from Madrid, each with their own pros and cons.

Bright photo of the stone arches of the Segovia Aqueduct on a sunny day.

By Tour

First, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get to Segovia from Madrid is by tour.

Joining a tour not only takes care of transportation to and from Segovia, but it also includes a guide to show you around the city and provide historical context. It’s perfect for those who want an all-in-one package without worrying about planning or navigation.

However, you won’t be able to complete my full self-guided walking tour of Segovia!

Nevertheless, my top three recommendations for tours are:

By Train

Next, I personally used the Madrid to Segovia train to get between the two cities. Not only is it the quickest way to get from Segovia to Madrid, taking around 30 minutes, but it isn’t too expensive either, costing around 14 euros one-way.

The AVE high-speed train departs from Madrid’s Chamartin Station around once an hour and arrives at Segovia’s Guiomar Station. Make sure to book the train in advance!

However, the train station is unfortunately located quite far away from the city center, so you’ll have to take a city bus to get to the Aqueduct. This will cost you an additional two euros.

Photo of a red and white Renfe train in Spain stopped at a train station.

By Bus

If you’re not interested in visiting Segovia by tour nor by train, then the bus to Segovia from Madrid is the way to go.

Offering the cheapest fares of around 5 to 7 euros, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete the journey.

However, keep in mind that the timing of the bus from Segovia to Madrid may not be as frequent as trains. So, make sure to check the schedule in advance and plan your visit accordingly! I personally like to book my buses in advance with BusBud.

By Car

Last but not least, one of the most freeing ways to complete a Madrid to Segovia day trip is by car.

While it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive the 57 miles (92 kilometers) between the two cities, you’ll have the freedom to stop at any of the fabulous sights en route. This includes the Real Sitio de San Ildefonso and Manzanares el Real.

And if you’re wondering how to rent a car, I recommend checking out Discover Cars.

And That’s It for our Segovia Free Walking Tour!

I hope this self-guided walking tour of Segovia has provided you with the confidence and knowledge to explore this incredible city by foot! And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and take your time to soak in the beauty and vivacity of Segovia.

Safe travels, and happy exploring 🙂


Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more self-guided walking tours and travel itineraries, make sure to check out my other articles.

Cheers,

Mia

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

The Ultimate Self-Guided & Free Walking Tour to Segovia, Spain

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2 Comments

  1. We’re in our 70’s and thinking about visiting Segovia but are concerned about walking up hills. Are the attractions hard to reach by foot? Are the streets steep?

    1. Hi Dan, Segovia is definitely a bit hilly (especially if you explore the trails outside the city), but it’s not too bad! You can easily explore some great attractions without climbing a large hill, including the Aqueduct of Segovia

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