Segovia in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Located in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Segovia is a charming Spanish city with a wealth of historical monuments and rich gastronomy; as you will soon see when organizing your trip, there are many things to see and do in Segovia, a fact that complicates a bit the organization of the itinerary.

On the positive side of the equation, the city of Segovia is actually small and the main attractions are close to each other. If you organize your time and sightseeing well, you can take advantage of a short trip to see the highlights of the city.

Here is an itinerary that covers 3 full days of touring the city, from morning to dusk. Have fun and fall in love with Segovia!

The first day of your exploration of Segovia I recommend you dedicate it to some of the most emblematic attractions of the city. The idea is that you fall in love as soon as possible with the Segovian landscapes and see why it is such a popular destination for foreign visitors but also for Spaniards doing domestic tourism.

Climb up to the Mirador de la Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia

The Plaza Mirador Reina Victoria Eugenia, is the name given to the gardens and squares that provide access to one of the most visited and emblematic monuments of the city: the old fortress of the Alcazar.

You will find a large esplanade with very nice gardens that you can walk around quietly; the place offers spectacular views of the Alcazar complex and the city of Segovia from the top.

Do you want to take pictures? This is the right time to do it! On your tour do not forget to pay attention to the Monument to the Heroes of May 2nd, placed in a place of honor within the complex.

• Hours: The viewpoint is open to the public from 7:30 am from Monday to Friday and from 9:30 am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Explore the ancient fortress: The Alcazar of Segovia

Just 4 minutes from the viewpoint of the Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia you will find one of the oldest and most enchanting castles in Spain, the Alcazar of Segovia. A unique stone fortress built around 1542.

In addition to being one of Spain's most popular historical sites, the ancient fortress served as the prototype for Snow White's castle in the Disney animated version, thanks to the beautiful conical roofs of its towers in a brilliant blue color. In certain historical periods the Spanish Royal Family used the castle as a residence.

In 1862, the original and ancient interior decoration was severely damaged by a fire; today many of the rooms and decorations that we can enjoy are actually very faithful restorations.

Be sure to visit the Hall of the Kings! Here you will find a mural dedicated to Spanish royalty. Here are some additional details that you should take into account:

• Hours: the schedule of the Alcazar of Segovia changes depending on the time of year and days. Some days of the year it is open from 10 am and others from 10:30 am
• Price: tickets to the attraction are usually around 10€ per participant.
• Duration: reserve about 2 hours for this visit.

Visit the iconic Cathedral of Segovia

After your adventure through El Alcázar, all roads in the city seem to lead to the most important religious building for Segovians: its imposing cathedral. Built in a marvelous gothic style in the 16th century, I recommend my traveling friends to take the time to appreciate the marvelous structure from different angles and take as many pictures as you deem prudent.

As you walk through the surrounding streets pay special attention to the magnificent sculptures that adorn it, my favorite without a doubt the statue of the Virgin Mary that rises imposingly on the front façade.

Then proceed to tour the exquisite interiors of the Cathedral of Segovia, taking the time to admire its beautiful imposingly high vaults, its large dome and its beautiful stained glass windows through which the light from the outside pours in.

In the Cathedral you will also find a lot of art in the form of paintings and sculptures by renowned religious artists from different periods.

• Hours: although the doors of the temple usually open around 9:30 am, the opening hours of the Cathedral of Segovia vary depending on the time of the year and day of the week.
• Price: you can expect to pay around 5€ for the entrance to the building and about 10€ for guided tours.
• Duration: I recommend booking at least 2 hours to tour the monument.

Go to the Plaza Mayor of Segovia at lunch time.

At the foot of the imposing Cathedral is the Plaza Mayor of Segovia, this place is the heart of what is the old town of Segovia. Around the square are concentrated several important buildings such as the town hall, theaters, restaurants and much more.

I recommend taking a break for lunch in this place and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the historic center. Here are some suggestions of good places to eat, but I recommend you do your own research based on your preferences and budget.

• Restaurante La Concepción, a classic café and elegant restaurant that has been part of the city's history. Known locally as "La Concha" it offers some of the best views of the cathedral and plaza.
• Restaurant José, with its impressive old architecture is undoubtedly one of the best options to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine.
• Pandora Restaurant, next to the cathedral, the place offers some of the best views of the square, here you can enjoy both traditional food and dishes with a modern twist.

Enjoy Segovia's Casa del Sol Museum

As you explore the Casco Antiguo, head to one of the city's most important museums: the Museo Casa del Sol. The exhibition gathers around 1,500 pieces divided between archaeological remains and art pieces.

Personally, I consider this museum as one of the most important museums in the city. 10 Things to do in Segovia with KidsI consider this museum as one of the most interesting, interactive and real approach to the history of the city and can awaken your curiosity for art, design, architecture and history.

• Hours: Closed on Mondays, regular hours are from 10am to 3pm.
• Price: Around 2€ for the entrance ticket.
• Duration: I recommend spending at least 1 hour here.

Afternoon: Explore the Jewish quarter of Segovia

Spend the afternoon exploring the rest of Segovia's old town, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a result of the legacy of the different cultural communities that lived together in the city. From the Moors to the Christians and of course the Jews, all made important contributions to the formation of the identity and character of the city.

The Jewish Quarter of Segovia is an excellently preserved architectural space, thanks to the early intervention of the authorities.

On your visit you will find numerous narrow streets with the pavements with which they were conceived after their creation. The authenticity can be seen in other architectural elements such as the cladding and decoration of the different buildings.

On the second day of exploration in Segovia continue to know the ancient architecture of the city and its historical monuments; in this plan I suggest you to visit important cultural squares, churches and works of ancient architecture located beyond the Plaza Mayor.

Visit the Lozoya Tower

The Lozoya Tower is a hidden gem that you should not miss. The origins of the architectural complex can be placed between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with an imposing design whose architecture combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Spanish Mudejar style.

The restoration process was carried out in the 60s of the last century and since its rehabilitation, although the space itself is a large-scale museum, inside you will find an impressive art collection belonging to the former Caja Segovia Foundation and which includes everything from paintings to sculptures, works in glass and ceramics and even coins and books from different eras.

• Hours: Closed on Mondays, it remains open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm.
• Price: The cost is approximately 5€ per participant.
• Duration: About 1 hour.

Go to St. Martin's Church

St. Martin's Church is a very interesting architectural ensemble and much loved by the locals. It is located on the other side of the main street that leads to the Torreón, so after you finish your exploration of the museum it will be the best time to visit the religious temple.

Upon arrival you will find an imposing work of medieval architecture made of stone whose first construction began in the twelfth century. With the passing of time, outbuildings were added and the original plan was expanded, resulting in an eclectic monument that combines different styles.

• Hours: Closed to the public on Mondays. Tuesday to Saturday hours are from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm. Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
• Price: The entrance fee is around 2 € and 4 € per participant.
• Duration: 1 hour is usually enough to tour the facilities.

Get to know the Plaza Medina del Campo and have a delicious lunch

Leaving behind the architectural complex of the Church, retrace your steps to Medina del Campo Square to enjoy an early lunch in one of the many old restaurants you will find in the place.

The historic part of Segovia is full of excellent gastronomic options, here is a list with a few alternatives that you might consider.

• La Casona de San Martín: Tapas place located between the Church and the Tower; excellent alternative to enjoy a typical Segovian lunch.
• Narizotas Restaurant: In Plaza Medina is one of the best places to eat in the center, its specialty is meats, Mediterranean and Spanish food.
• La Bodega del Barbero: A quaint and affordable restaurant within walking distance of San Martín. Gastronomic offerings include Mediterranean and Spanish food.

Spend the afternoon at the Segovia Aqueduct

Spend the afternoon getting to know one of the most impressive and oldest works of the city, the Aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman construction built in the 1st century BC and was in operation until 1973. Accumulating 2 centuries of perfect operation.

It is an impressive and imposing work of architecture and engineering. It occupies 2 levels high and is made up of a total of 167 stone arches; its water source comes from the Agua Frio river 17 kilometers away.

• Hours: Always open.
• Price: It is worth buying a tour or an audio guide to visit this magnificent monument. Available starting at approximately 11€.
• Duration: Tours usually take 2 to 3 hours on average.

At night: Take a tapas tour in Segovia

Say goodbye to Segovia's Old Town by doing the basic activities of gastronomic tourism in Spain: a night of tapas and drinks in the city. This activity can easily be classified among the best things to do in Segovia at night.

The tapas tour will take you on a journey through the gastronomy of Spain, getting to know some of the best dishes of the city. In Segovia there are plenty of alternatives of spectacular tapas places, so I recommend you to do your own research. Anyway I share with you some of my favorites.

• Bar Cervecería España: Located in the Plaza de Alto de Leones, it is an ideal terrace bar to enjoy at night especially if you go to Segovia in summer.
• Restaurante Azabache: In the street San Francisco 48, is a slightly newer place whose specialty is canapés, the drinks are excellent. It is very visited by both locals and tourists.
• Las Cuevas del Duque: The Mesón Restaurante de Las Cuevas del Duque was founded in 1895, it is one of the most visited places for tapas and its specialty is dishes cooked in a wood oven.

On the last day of your tour I invite you to get off the beaten path and do those other activities that shorter trips in Segovia don't allow most visitors to do.

Arrive at the Santa Maria del Parral Monastery at opening time

The Monastery was commissioned in the time of Henry IV, the work began in 1447 and was completed in 1503; it is one of the best visits to the outskirts of the city, walking to the top of the hill is one of the best things to do in Segovia during the winter or autumn.

Santa María del Parral is an asset of cultural interest in the region. In the different buildings that make up the complex you will find various architectural styles including Gothic, Mudejar and Plateresque.

To get to the Monastery I recommend a walking route through Segovia going up the Santo Domingo de Guzmán avenue from the Aqueduct. The walk is completed in 30 minutes and is an excellent way to see the landscapes surrounding the old town.

• Hours: The monastery is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays; from Wednesday to Sunday the schedule is from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Price: By donation.
• Duration: Reserve about 4 hours for this experience.

Get to know the temple of San Millán in Segovia

Less than 8 minutes away by car you can visit another historical monument belonging to the religious architecture in Segovia, the Temple of San Millán. Located in the southwestern part of the city, on your visit you will find an ancient medieval church whose origin dates back to the eleventh century, although significant renovations and extensions were carried out between 1111 and 1126.

It is one of the oldest churches in the city, the predominant style is medieval architecture with Renaissance tints.

• Hours: The religious temple is closed on Mondays, from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm and in the afternoon from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Price: Admission is free.
• Duration: 1 hour is usually enough to tour the facilities.

Explore the Esteban Vicente Art Museum.

A short distance from San Millán is the Esteban Vicente Art Museum, a perfect opportunity to appreciate a historic Segovian monument and at the same time enjoy the work of contemporary artists.

The building used for the museum is the Palace of Enrique IV, also known as the Palace of San Martín. One of the jewels of Segovian architecture, it was built in 1455 and retains much of its original Mudejar style, although it has undergone major restorations in recent decades.

• Hours: Closed on Mondays, official museum hours are from 11 am to 8 pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
• Price: Free admission for the general public.
• Duration: Depending on how much you like the type of art on display you can spend between 1 to 2 hours touring the place.

Say goodbye to the city: walk through the monuments of Segovia at dusk.

Many cities in Spain are even more charming at night, the small and charming Segovia does not escape from this reality. If you have any energy left to spend, take a last tour of the city at night to enjoy the beautifully illuminated monuments of Segovia.

If you follow the itinerary proposed in this article, you can make a tour similar to the one you made during the first days of exploration.

The places and monuments that you cannot miss during the tour are: the Jewish quarter of Segovia, the neighborhood of the Canonjías, the neighborhood of the Knights and of course the vicinity of the Alcázar.

This is the end of this tour of the best of Segovia, I hope this itinerary will help you get the most out of your 3-day stay in the city and get to know all that this magical Spanish city has to offer.