Segovia Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Common Tourist Mistakes

Things to Watch Out For

Underestimating walking terrain:
Segovia hilly with cobblestones. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
Eating dinner too early:
Many restaurants open for dinner at 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM.
Only seeing main sights:
Explore charming hidden streets, small churches, and viewpoints.
Not booking AVANT trains early:
Prices greatly for last-minute purchases.
Underestimating sun exposure:
Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, especially in warmer months.

Local Customs & Norms

Siesta (afternoon closing):
Many smaller shops close from around 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Greetings:
Always greet people when entering a shop or bar ("Hola").
Politeness:
Use "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) frequently.
Personal space:
Can be closer than in some other cultures.
Napkins on floor:
Common in traditional tapas bars; changing in modern places.

Phrases to Impress Locals

Admiring the City

"¡Qué bonito!" (How beautiful!) - when admiring the city or a sight.

Praising Food

"¡Está riquísimo/a!" (It's delicious!) - when praising food.

Speaking Spanish

Trying to order in Spanish, even if imperfect, shows respect and effort.

Learn Spanish (Babbel)

Cultural subtleties

Dining Etiquette

Lunch is usually the main meal, often around 2-3 PM.
Dinner is lighter and later, typically 9-10 PM.
Wine or beer accompany most meals.
Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up or a small amount for good service.

Social Interactions

A firm handshake is common upon greeting.
Two kisses on the cheek (starting with the right) are common among friends.
Conversations can be lively and at a higher volume.
Friendly and expressive interactions are common.

Navigating Local Spaces

Public Transport

Local buses are efficient for city travel.
Tickets purchased directly from the driver.
Check schedules at bus stops or online.
Consider a multi-trip card for extended stays.

Shopping Hours

Large stores and supermarkets open throughout the day.
Smaller shops may close for siesta in the afternoon.
Sunday shopping can be limited.
Tourist areas may have extended hours.

Historical Sites

Check current opening hours and holiday closures.
Some sites closed on Mondays.
Dress respectfully for religious sites.
Photography restrictions may apply in certain areas.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Solo Traveler Safety & Opportunities

Safety Measures

Segovia highly safe for solo travelers.
Standard precautions against petty theft.
Secure belongings in crowded areas.
Stay aware of your surroundings.

Social Engagement

Tapas bars great for solo visitors.
Sit at the bar and observe or chat with locals.
Guided walking tours good for meeting people.
Join a local workshop or class.

Navigation for One

Easy to navigate the city alone.
Use offline maps for navigation.
Local bus system straightforward.
Walking preferred way to explore.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

With Young Children

Strollers challenging on cobblestones and hills. A Baby carrier might be more practical.
Do not overschedule; time for breaks or playgrounds.
Present Alcázar as a "knight's castle" to engage imagination.

Kid-Friendly Dining

Spanish food generally kid-friendly.
Consider Tortilla de patatas, Jamón, Croquetas.
Patatas bravas a popular choice.

Managing Group Logistics

Group Reservations

Accommodation: Book group hotel blocks or large apartment rentals well in advance.
Dining: Make reservations for dinner, especially for larger groups.
Attractions: Pre-book all tickets to avoid splitting up or long waits.

Group Transportation

Consider private minivan or bus transfers from Madrid airport.
Useful for large groups with significant luggage.
Walking within the city suitable for most groups.

Accessibility Considerations

Mobility Impairments

Segovia's terrain can be challenging.
Plan routes carefully, prioritizing accessible attractions.
Consider using taxis for transport between points.
Inquire directly with hotels regarding accessibility features.
Check with attractions about their specific accessibility.

Sensory Impairments

Prepare with translation apps or written notes for communication.
Check for audio guides at attractions.
Look for braille options at museums or information points.
Some tours may offer sign language interpreters upon request.
Inform staff in advance about specific needs.

Special Travel Needs

Wheelchair Access

Cobblestones and inclines make wheelchair navigation difficult. Seek out accessible routes.

Medical Needs

Carry necessary medications with prescriptions. Locate pharmacies for minor health concerns.

Dietary Restrictions

Communicate dietary needs clearly when dining out. Many restaurants accommodate requests.

Important Safety Reminder

Always stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas, to prevent petty theft. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Trip

Navigation & Transport Apps

Google Maps:
For navigation, public transport directions, finding points of interest. Download offline maps.
Renfe:
Official app for booking and managing train tickets, especially AVANT high-speed trains.
Avanza Bus:
Official app for bus tickets to and from Madrid and other cities.

Communication & Dining Apps

Google Translate / DeepL:
For language assistance. Download Spanish offline packs.
WhatsApp:
Widely used in Spain for communicating with hotels, tour guides, and locals.
TheFork (ElTenedor) / HappyCow:
TheFork for restaurant reservations and deals; HappyCow for vegetarian/vegan options.

Useful Websites for Planning

Official Tourism Sites

Visit segoviaturismo.es for events, opening hours, and local information.

Segoviaturismo.es

Attraction Bookings

Check alcazardesegovia.com and catedralsegovia.es for tickets and visiting information.

Alcazardesegovia.com

General Spain Information

Spain.info is the official tourism portal for Spain, providing broader context.

Spain.info

Social Media & Digital Content

Social Media Accounts

Search "Segovia Turismo" on Instagram for local updates and inspiration.
Follow "Segovia Turismo" on Facebook for events and announcements.
Find official accounts on X (Twitter) for current information.
Use hashtags like #Segovia for traveler photos and tips.

Podcasts & Online Content

Search for podcasts on "Spain travel," "Castilla y León," or "Segovia history."
These resources offer historical insights and travel tips.
Find travel vlogs or blogs for visual inspiration and practical advice.
Listen to audio guides for attractions before your visit.

Accessing Connectivity

Wi-Fi Availability

Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi networks available in some city squares.
Use a VPN for secure connections on public Wi-Fi.
Consider a portable Wi-Fi device for constant access.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for mobile data.
ESIM options offer convenience without physical card changes.
Check data roaming policies if using your home country's plan.
Coverage usually strong within the city.

Offline Access

Download offline maps and language packs before you travel. This keeps you prepared even without internet access.

Segovia Travel Resources