Thanks for this thread! I was leaning toward Segovia for my one day trip from Madrid, and this thread has piqued my interest. Thanks especially to bakerstreet for such a great description of your day trip there.

TQ1: thanks for the clarification! If I were trying to "do" Spain, it would have to include Toledo. If you are trying to see Madrid and environs then I would certainly consider Segovia: it's a VERY nice day trip. I would certainly rank it over El Escorial, La Granja, or Cuenca.

When I lived there and had house guests for a few days, I would invariably include: Palacio Real (good tours in English), Almudena church next door, Plaza Oriente nearby (lots of scaffolding then) nearby, Plaza Major, walk in Retiro Park, Prado short tour (described above), Guernica, ?Thyssen and an evening of tapas hopping. My tapas favorite was the Plaza Santa Ana area -- take nothing with you but modest amount of cash and one simple form of ID (copy of passport page?). Pickpockets abound; don't stay home, just don't take much of value with you.

There is one old, very traditional flamenco location in Madrid, although the name escapes me at the moment. There were always a fair number of tourists there too. As I remember there was a cover charge and/or dining minimum -- but don't count on good food. Others may differ, but I think flamenco is far better and more available in Andalucia, so I would save that for another trip including southern Spain.

A great Flamenco show?8, there is Casa Patas, Las Tablas, Las Carboneras, Café de Chinitas and Corral de la Morería. There are also the Flamenco Peñas (for hard-core flamenco fans) and
Cardamomo ( near Santa Ana)
Although flamenco has roots in Andalucia , some of the greatest artists perform in Madrid .( and other cities in the country)

I too like Segovia, but love Toledo. They are quite different. Walking around Segovia is really nice, but the cathedral in Toledo is, IMHO, a not to be missed sight. It is quite simply, amazing, and stands out from all other cathedrals I have seen. Toledo is kind of mysterious with deep shadows everywhere.
In Madrid, the Palace is interesting, but not more interesting than many other palaces. The Prado, however, is one of the great museums of the world, and another don't miss kind of place.

Thanks, danon, for the list of flamenco shows in Madrid; I'm filing it away for next year's trip! Corral de la Moreria is the one I remembered...

Another vote for taking the bus to Segovia...very convenient.

SS

no problem
there is a one poster Kimhe who seems to be en expert on flamenco and often makes helpful suggestions.
We liked Cardamomo near Santa Ana - did not seem too touristy.
Saw Belen Lopez. Wow!

Hi all,

Will be going to madrid and considering Segovia as a day trip. can you provide more information about the bus option? Did a quick search and it looks like it's through http://lasepulvedana.autobusing.com/...icio?locale=en.

I'm trying to buy the ticket online but I get this message:

Sale Estacion cerrada temporalmente

"Exit station temporarily closed" Does anyone know why I'm getting this error? I chose the Madrid and Segovia as departure and destinations.

Many thanks.

It is a wonderful city with many architectural wonders. The Aqueduct build in either the 1st or 2nd century was used until about 20 years.

Be sure to have Cochinillo Asado or Roast Suckling Pig. I have not eaten there rrecently, so I cannot recommend a specific restauranrt but it is a regional speciality. Remember if it is made correctly, it will cut in large pieces by the edge of a plate.