The following list of things to do in Segovia is brought to you by Sydney from Alone and Abroad, an American living abroad! Read on for some of her top Segovia must-dos.

If you’re interested in medieval history, fantastic food, and romanticizing your life, Segovia, Spain should be on your travel bucket list. 

Segovia is a small town in Spain, a few hours east of Madrid. The city center is small and walkable, and it’s easy to see all the main Segovia attractions in a day. 

The city was conquered by the Romans in 98 B.C., and according to legend, was founded by the fictional hero Hercules. As we’ll see in this ‘things to do in Segovia’ list, there are statues, paintings, and carvings of this mythic city founder scattered across town. 

Now that the background fun facts are out of the way, these are some of the top things to see in Segovia, Spain!

1. Admire the Roman Aqueduct

Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct is the most iconic landmark in the city and sits at the top of every “Segovia must-see” list. 

The aqueduct was built in the first century to bring fresh water to the city center. It’s one of the most intact Roman aqueducts in Europe and was fully functional until the mid-1900s.  

The photos don’t quite capture the size of this. It runs 15 km (9.3 mi) before ever reaching the city. At its highest, it reaches a height of 28.5 m (93 ft 6 in). It’s so large, there was a theory that Hercules built it himself. 

The best photo spot can be found by climbing halfway up the staircase to the left of the aqueduct.

2. See the Disney-Inspired Castle

Segovia’s main tourist attraction is also one of the most visited landmarks in Spain. The Alcázar of Segovia is the castle that inspired Cinderella’s castle in Disneyland (though that it is a lot cheaper to visit this castle). 

There are two things to do here. The first is to tour the castle, and the other is to climb to the top of the tallest tower. While a visit to the castle and the tower are separate, it is 100% worth it to spring the extra euros for the tower ticket. After climbing over 100 stairs to the top, you’re rewarded with (in my opinion, anyway) the best view of Segovia. 

3. Tour Spain’s Last Gothic Cathedral

The third best thing to do in Segovia is tour the city’s cathedral. Segovia’s cathedral was the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Spain. 

Gorgeous Spanish cathedrals take my breath away, and this is no exception with its massive arched ceilings, stained glass windows, and gold centerpiece. 

While you’re there, be sure to visit the art exhibit near the cloisters to see the remains of the original cathedral. 

4. Climb the Cathedral Tower

Yes, it’s inside the Cathedral, but I’m considering it a separate item on this list because it takes a separate entry ticket. 

The tower in the Segovia Cathedral was the tallest tower in Spain when it was built in 1614. This stone tower replaces the wooden original after it was destroyed in a fire.

If you take the guided tower, they’ll start by leading you through an audiovisual exhibit on the history of the cathedral. Then, you’re taken to the “Campanero’s House,” the home of the bell ringer and their families. For generations, one family lived in this 4-room apartment. 

Finally, after climbing 190 steps, you reach the highest viewpoint in the city. The tower has a lookout platform at the top, with 360-degree views of Segovia. 

For a more unique thing to add to your Segovia to-do List, you can also visit the tower at night! It has the same itinerary as the day tour, but this time you can see Segovia from above as the city lights turn on. 

5. Relax in the Plaza Mayor

Segovia’s main square, the Plaza Mayor, is just outside the cathedral. 

Surrounded by shops, cafes, and narrow winding streets, it’s a great place to explore, grab a coffee, and unwind.   

In medieval times, the Plaza Mayor was used as an outdoor market. Later, a bullfighting ring. If there’s a celebration in Segovia, it’ll be here. I visited on what seemed like a random Wednesday, and there were dozens of people singing and dancing in the square. 

6. Escape from a Royal Palace

Now, time to visit a Renaissance-era palace! The Episcopal Palace of Segovia was the bishops’ official residence until the late 1900s. 

While it may not be as grand as the Alcazar or the Cathedral, it’s still worth a visit. Entry is included in the cathedral entry ticket – you’d be losing money not to go.

The palace is split into three sections: the art exhibition rooms, the area where the nobles lived, and….. an escape room. Using Segovia’s history, they created puzzles for players to solve as they explore the palace (and escape).

7. Try A Local Pastry

Now for a local delicacy. Ponche Segoviano is a layered sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a generous layer of caramelized sugar. 

The original recipe is a heavily guarded secret – many bakeries claim to have it, but the only place you can get a true Ponche Segoviano is at Confitería El Alcázar. 

8. Walk Along Old City Walls

One of the best places to visit in Segovia is the murallas, the old city walls. Segovia is encircled by 3,000-meter-long medieval walls that were built to defend the city from invaders. 

While some parts are closed to the public, many parts are free to walk along. Not only are there fantastic views of the Alcazar from here, but it’s also extraordinarily peaceful – I only saw 2 other people there. 

9. Wander Through the Historic Jewish Quarter

In the 12th century when the community was at its largest, the historic Jewish Quarter was the richest neighborhood in Segovia. 

It was a bustling district, with synagogues, Talmud schools, and a Jewish hospital and cemetery, but these were destroyed when the forced expulsion of non-Catholics began in 1492. 

As you walk through the neighborhood’s winding streets, you’ll find dozens of plaques and memorials explaining the neighborhood’s history.

10. Touch a Spiked Palace

It’s time for one of the more unique Segovia sights. If you’ve seen the Casa de Bicos in Lisbon, you might know the concept. Casa de los Picos is a medieval palace that’s decorated with large granite spikes – over 617 of them! 

It’s been converted into the Segovia Art School and exhibition hall that you can visit for free!

11. Drink in an Outdoor Cafe

Because let’s be real, what’s a European day trip without sipping a fruity lil’ cocktail on a terrace? 

For anyone visiting Spain, tinto de verano – a red wine and lemon soda mix – is an absolute must. Tinto de verano is what locals often drink instead of sangria. It’s cheap, it’s in every bar, and it’s very refreshing when battling the Spanish summer heat. 

12. Fly Over Segovia

If you’re hoping for a breathtaking, unforgettable experience, does it get any better than a hot air balloon ride?

For an hour, you get to take in Segovia’s valleys and castles from above. When the trip is over, you’re greeted with breakfast and a bottle of champagne. 

Full disclosure – I’m terrified of heights, so you’ll never catch me doing this. But, I will happily be the friend who holds everyone’s bags from the safety of solid ground. 

13. Take a Quick Mini-Hike

To get one of the best views of Segovia, we have to go a bit outside the historic center. 

There are dozens of miradores (viewpoints) around Segovia, but El Mirador del Alcazar y los Dos Valles probably has the best view. 

Situated on a hill with Segovia on one side and the Spanish countryside on the other, this viewpoint is especially gorgeous at sunset.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from the city center – and this is something you’re going to want comfortable shoes for. Before reaching the top, you have to hike up a dirt path and many flights of stairs. 

14. Learn About the City’s History

When in Segovia, another must-do is of course a visit to the Segovia Museum, whose permanent permanent exhibit goes chronologically through Segovia’s history. Starting with the city’s foundation and continuing to the 20th century, it takes at least an hour to see all of the museum’s 1500 paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

If you’re looking for a low-budget activity, this is it. Entry is €1, and free for EU residents who are minors, teachers, students, over 65, and/or large families.

15. Try the Local Cuisine in a Michelin Restaurant

Of course, we can’t visit a new place without trying the local cuisine. One such meal to try is called cochinillo. A Segovia specialty, cochinillo is a slow-roasted suckling pig that is cooked in a clay pot. Then, it’s briefly grilled so the skin can get a crispy texture. 

If we’re exploring new cities, my philosophy is always ‘go big or go home’. With that spirit in mind, there are four Michelin-starred restaurants in the Segovia city center, all serving traditional Spanish food.

• José María: If you Google “Cochinillo Segovia” this is the first restaurant that pops up. Everyone, from travel bloggers to TripAdvisor to Condé Nast, raves about how the cochinillo melts in your mouth.
• Juan Bravo: One of the youngest chefs to ever receive a Michelin star created their extensive tapas menu. They have a terrace in the Plaza Mayor facing the cathedral, making this a great spot to relax with a drink in one hand and jamón in the other. 
• Villena: This restaurant took a 400-year-old convent and transformed it into a luxury hotel and restaurant, serving only local dishes.
• Casa Silvano-Maracaibo: Known for taking regional recipes and making modern dishes, this is the place to try a different spin on Spanish cuisine. 

16. Visit the City’s Strangest Museum

It’s only fitting to end this guide with the door that leads out of the city. The Puerta de Santiago is the best-preserved gate within the city’s walls.

But it’s inside the gate that you’ll find one of the stranger places to visit in Segovia – a puppet museum. According to the museum website, Francisco Peralta was once the ‘greatest puppeteer in Spain.’ 

How does one earn that title? 

I have no idea. 

But I do know that the museum holds 38 of his best works! 

Did I Miss Any of Your Favorite Segovia Things to Do? 

Drop a comment letting me know!