Planning a Seville itinerary is one of the top things to do when you’re mapping out a trip to Southern Spain. Known for its complex history, beautiful architecture, and perennial sunshine, the Andalucían capital is one of Spain’s premier destinations for tourists and you absolutely can’t go wrong with spending to 2 to 3 days in Seville.
There is a lot that Seville has going for it including some amazing historical sites, a vibrant food and bar scene, and a rich flamenco history that can keep you occupied for weeks.
Seville has a lot to offer visitors no matter what it is they happen to be looking for. It is also one of the best destinations in the country to experience the unique Andalucían culture, with its seemingly endless tapas bars and gorgeous squares in which to while away your time.
However, if
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How Many Days in Seville?
Seville is the fourth-largest city by population in Spain and has enough attractions and points of interest to keep visitors occupied for multiple weeks. Unfortunately though, most people don’t have weeks on end to devote to this Andalucían city and want to know how many days to spend in Seville.
If you are keen to explore Seville as part of a longer itinerary through Spain, the city is an excellent base in Andalucía as it has many frequent transport links to other destinations throughout the region and the country in general. Therefore, it can be worth it to spend five or more days in the city, especially if you’re interested in going on a few day trips to neighbouring cities and towns.
However, if you’re pressed for time or want to visit the city as a quick city break or weekend away, then spending 2 days in Seville is the ideal amount of time to be able to see all of the sites.
If you are able to, though, we would recommend trying to spend at least 3 days so you aren’t rushed in your sightseeing and you can even go on a day trip to a nearby town or city like Córdoba or Cádiz.
However many days you spend in Seville you are sure to find a wonderful and welcoming city that will draw you back time and again.
Getting To & Around Seville
As one of Spain’s largest cities and the capital of Andalucía, Seville is quite well connected across Spain and to the rest of Europe.
If you’re travelling within Spain, you’ll find that Seville is connected by direct, high-speed train from just about every major city – including Madrid, Valencia, Málaga, Granada and Barcelona. If you want to save a bit of cash, you can also catch a bus from a range of destinations. You can view schedules here.
Seville is also home to its own international airport that connects the city to a number of different destinations across the continent and further afield. The Seville airport is situated about 10 kilometres from the city centre and its easy to reach.
Once in Seville, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to get around. The city centre is incredibly walkable and you can easily get around on foot. However, if you want to get a bit further afield or don’t feel like walking too much, there is also a great public transport system that consists of both a metro and a bus network.
2 to 3-Day Seville Itinerary
If you’re only planning on visiting for a short city break, then this is the ideal itinerary to follow. If you only have 48 hours in Seville, then the first two days of this itinerary will take you by some of the best sites and things to do in Seville. If you are planning a 3-day itinerary, the third day of this route will help you explore more of Andalucía using its biggest city as your base.
Day 1 – City Centre Sites
Day one will help you get the lay of the land and will see you checking out some of the most iconic sites in the Old City. Make sure you pack some good walking shoes, as you’re going to be on your
Free Walking Tour
One of the absolute best ways to get to know any city in the world is to take a free walking tour, and Seville is no different. Going on a free walking tour is a great and affordable way to see the main monuments in Seville at an efficient pace and entertaining manner.
There are numerous free walking tours to choose from in Seville but we would personally recommend Pancho Tours. They meet every day at 10:30 AM at the fountain in the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, right in front of the Cathedral of Seville.
The tour will take you by all of the main sites in Seville including the Cathedral, Alcázar, Torre del Oro, and Plaza de España among many others.
Along with taking you by some of these amazing sites, you also get the opportunity to have a local Sevillano show you their home city. This way you can get some personal restaurant and activity recommendations that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you’re just going off the pages of a guidebook.
Though the tour is
Seville Cathedral
After your walking tour, it’s time to actually visit some of the amazing sites you just strolled by in the morning. And one of the most iconic sites in Seville is its
As one of the most notable structures in the Spanish city, the Catedral de Sevilla is in the top five largest cathedrals in the world (the criteria can differ depending on who is measuring!) and was, at the time of completion in 1528, the largest cathedral in the world.
The building itself has a fascinating history, like many religious buildings in the area of the world. The original structure of the Seville cathedral was first a mosque that was built during the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 12th century. After the Reconquista, however, the mosque was turned into a church and it has been this way ever since.
There are still some remnants of the cathedral’s Muslim roots, however, — most notably in La Giralda, or bell tower. This iconic structure of the Cathedral de Sevilla was once a minaret on the original mosque before height and bells were added to it.
The Seville Cathedral is also famous for having the remains of Christopher Columbus, although it is heavily debated if it is actually him.
It is worth noting that entry queues can be extremely long, so if you want to avoid waiting in line, you have a few options.
First, you can purchase your tickets in advance online and this will allow you to skip the line. Second, if you forgot to buy online and the queue is getting to precarious lengths, you can purchase tickets at the nearby Iglesia del Salvador.
Lines at the church are never as long as they are at the cathedral and entry to both churches is included in the fee. Finally, there is also the option to take a guided tour of the Cathedral if you want to learn more about the history.
Barrio Santa Cruz
After visiting the impressive Catedral de Sevilla, it is time to take a wander away from the area of the main monuments and through the narrow, romantic streets of Barrio Santa Cruz.
This area, located very close to all of the main attractions in Seville, is the city’s historic Jewish quarter. Today, however, it is much more well-known for its cluster of small lanes, tall, white-washed buildings, and small squares. These factors make it an ideal place to get lost and wander around for an hour or two.
If all that walking has caused you to work up an appetite, you can also get a snack in quite a unique way from the Convento de San Leandro.
There is a great tradition of nuns baking cookies in convents across Spain, but what makes the San Leandro convent unique is that the nuns are cloistered, so you can purchase some delicious cookies without ever seeing another person. It’s definitely a more off-the-beaten-path experience!
If you want to learn more about the history of the Jewish Quarter, it is possible to take a guided walking tour through the
Metropol Parasol
After wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz, the last stop on day one should be at the Metropol Parasol, commonly referred to as Las Setas (the mushrooms) by Sevillanos.
Said to be the world’s largest wooden structure, this futuristic monument was completed in 2011 and is located in the Plaza de la Encarnación. The Parasol is situated atop some fascinating Roman Ruins and a wonderful market where you can purchase some delicious and fresh Spanish produce.
You also can pay a fee to go to the viewing platform at the top of Las Setas, which gives you excellent panoramic views of the city and is a fantastic place to watch the sunset and end your first day.
Day 2 – Triana & Historic Sites
Day two of this trip to Seville sees you exploring more of the highlights of this glorious city and maybe taking the time to get into the cuisine and culture as well.
Mercado de Triana
Your first stop on day two will take you across the Guadalquivir River to the vibrant, traditionally Roma neighbourhood of Triana. While there is a lot of Triana that is worth exploring (it has arguably the best tapas bars in Seville!), one of the highlights of this neighbourhood is its wonderful market.
One of the strongholds of Spanish cities are its large marketplaces where you can buy everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats and cheeses, delicious local olives and pickles, and freshly caught seafood all from small, local vendors. And the wonderful Mercado de Triana is no different.
While most markets in Spanish towns will include at least one little bar where you can grab a coffee, beer, or glass of wine after you’ve done your shop, the Mercado de Triana actually has a number of great restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a bite to eat. There is also a flamenco theatre (tablao) in the building and an excellent cooking school!
Another cool thing about the Mercado de Triana is the fact that it’s built atop the Castillo de San Jorge, a medieval fortress that was once used as the headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition in Seville. There is a small museum that is worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more and seeing the ruins of the fortress. It is also free of charge to enter.
If you want to get the most out of the market and make sure all of the stalls are open, it is worth making this your first stop of your day. The market stalls tend to start closing up around 2 PM.
If you’re eager to learn more about the food and tapas scene in this fascinating area of the city, then consider booking this tapas tour of Triana that will take you to a number of local bars!
Real Alcázar
After you’ve got your fill of seeing all of the traditional foods from Spain at the Triana market, it is time to visit one of Seville’s top attractions — the Real Alcázar. If you do nothing else in Seville on this list, please make sure you visit here.
This incredible royal palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was mostly constructed during the Moorish Almohad period in incredible Mudéjar style and it is an excellent and shining example of the Islamic-style architecture common throughout Andalucía and Spain as a whole.
Though the beautiful courtyard, patios and rooms within the Alcázar are exquisite and absolutely worth wandering through, one of the highlights for us was the vast gardens.
Filled with palm trees and orange groves, the gardens are a lovely, tranquil place to explore and you will surely feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Seville’s tourist centre, even though it is just on the other side of the walls.
The Alcázar is one of the most popular attractions in Seville and for good reason — it is breathtaking. It is also now becoming even more popular as it was used as a filming location for Dorne in HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Make sure to devote at least 2 hours to visiting this wonderful site, if not more.
Adult entry into the Alcázar is worth every penny. However, like the Catedral de Sevilla, the queues for entry can get quite long if you want to pay at the door. If you don’t want to waste your short time in Seville waiting in line, it is worth purchasing your tickets online in advance.
You can purchase for half-hour time slots throughout the day and we had no problem purchasing our entry online just one hour before we wanted to go. It saved us a lot of time and energy and we would highly recommend you do the same.
Another option if you want to learn about the complex history of the Alcázar is to book a guided tour which will also allow you to skip the queue. You can also book a combined guided tour of the Alcázar & Cathedral if you want to tour both sites and save money on individual tours.
Plaza de España
Another of Seville’s most iconic spots to visit is the beautiful Plaza de España, or Spain Square. This is one of the most memorable areas of this Andalucían city as it is used in almost every photo of the city. And it is absolutely beautiful.
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition, it is known for its impressive Regionalism architecture with beautiful elements of the iconic Mudéjar and Renaissance revival styles.
The plaza is lined with beautiful benches laid with classic Andalucian tiles, enchanting porticos, and a small pond winding its way around the square. It is even possible to hire a boat and put around the square!
Plaza de España is an incredibly popular spot with tourists, which also makes it an excellent place to grab a free bench and people-watch for a bit. It’s always fun to rest your feet and watch the world go by. You can also wander over to the María Luisa Park, located just next to the square, and chill out here.
Flamenco
After a busy day of sightseeing, it is time to do another thing that is famous in Andalucía and beyond — see a flamenco show! Though you can certainly see flamenco in other parts of Spain, the style of music and dance originates in Andalucía and there is arguably no better place to catch it in its most pure form than Seville.
Going to a flamenco show is an incredibly popular activity with foreign visitors to Seville and it can be difficult to make sure that you get an “authentic” experience. Basically, many places peddle overpriced flamenco experiences that pack 100+ people into a room with a dish of sub-par paella and call it a bona fide experience.
However, flamenco should be an intimate occasion and therefore you should not be in a room with more than a 30-person capacity. If you also want a truly local experience, you are going to need to go late at night, however, there is nothing wrong with finding a performance that happens earlier in the evening as it does help to keep the art alive.
Arguably the best area in Seville to see a flamenco show is the Triana neighbourhood. This area has traditionally been home to the city’s Roma population and therefore is where flamenco in Seville got its start. Some of the best bars for flamenco in Triana include Casa Anselma and T de Triana.
These places, however, can get very busy at night and if you want to ensure you get to see a show then booking in advance can be a good option. You can go on this tour which takes you to an intimate venue and also includes a glass of local wine.
Day 3 – Córdoba Day Trip or Cooking Class
If you have more than 2 days and want to know what to do in Seville for three days, these are some of our suggestions. We would recommend you only pick one of these, however, either choice is a great one.
Day trip to Córdoba
The charming and historic city of Córdoba was once the most important city in Western Europe and is an easy day trip from Seville. With frequent bus and train connections between the two cities, embarking on a Córdoba day trip is a great way to spend the last day in Seville. You can also go on a guided tour.
An absolutely beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors, some of the highlights of Córdoba include the impressive Mezquita-Catedral, its historic Jewish quarter, and its beautiful squares and tapas scene.
Spanish Cooking Class
If you don’t feel like taking a day trip, then a Spanish cooking class is a fantastic idea. Spanish cuisine is complex and delicious, however, it is widely misunderstood and it can be hard to know the facts about what makes something “authentic”.
There are lots of cooking classes available in Seville, but we would personally recommend Taller Andaluz de Cocina. Located in the Mercado de Triana, they offer a range of cooking classes and market tours (we recommend this cooking class & market tour!) that will more than certainly expand your knowledge of traditional Spanish cuisine, even if you’re a seasoned home cook.
Have more time in Seville?
If you have more than three days, then it can be a great opportunity to use the city as a base to explore more of Andalucía. Some of the best and most popular day trips from Seville include visits to the coastal town of Cádiz or the stunning hill town of Ronda.
Both of these towns will give you different perspectives on Andalucian life, history and culture and are within easy reach by bus, train, or car from Seville’s city centre.
You also could spend more time exploring Seville itself and taking in some more of this city’s historic sites and museums. Want to visit another Moorish palace? Head to the Casa de Pilatos. And if you’re a fine arts fan, then make sure to visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla (the Fine Arts Museum of Seville).
Seville Restaurants & Bars
Though noted for its beauty, Seville is also famous for its fantastic cuisine. And there is no shortage of fantastic places to eat in Seville, especially if you’re looking for an authentic Spanish tapas experience.
While there are certainly a lot of great restaurants in the main area in Seville, we recommend checking out a lot of the restaurants in the Triana neighbourhood, which happen to attract more locals and fewer tourists. These are some of our top suggestions.
Casa Martín – This small bar in Triana isn’t something you will find listed in many guidebooks, but it is incredibly popular with locals. They serve up traditional Sevillano tapas and have an excellent deal on their menú del día.
Blanca Paloma – This bar became one of our favourites in Seville, and we didn’t eat a bad meal in the city. This small Triana bar serves some excellent tapas and raciones and is an excellent place to pop in for lunch or a bite to eat in the evening with a beer. Make sure to try their boquerones fritas (fried anchovies) and bocaditos de
La Fábula – Another local Triana hidden gem, La Fábula serves classic tapas with a twist and some excellent craft and imported beers. Notable dishes here include their papas mojo picón (potatoes in a spicy cumin sauce) and mojama de atún (cured tuna). Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong.
Las Golondrinas – One of Triana’s most popular tapas bars, Las Golondrinas is an excellent place for a small bite to eat with delicious food. They’re famous for their pork loin, however, you can’t go wrong with ordering anything on their menu.
Taberna Álvaro Peregil – This place is a hidden gem amongst a lot of tourist traps in central Seville. Located a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral and Alcázar, this traditional tapas bar is famous for its vino de naranja (orange wine) and chicharones (slow-cooked pork belly). Other great dishes to order include their espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), a traditional Sevillano dish.
Where to Stay in Seville
Hotel Bécquer – This plush hotel in the centre of Seville is an excellent choice for those looking for a bright and comfortable stay. They have plenty of great rooms, a gorgeous outdoor terrace and pool, family rooms available and a superb breakfast each morning.
Monte Triana – If you’d like to stay on the Triana side of the river, this modern hotel is an excellent option. There are several modern rooms along with an inviting swimming pool and other great amenities.
Hostel One Catedral – A centrally-located hostel, this is a good choice for budget travellers looking for a social place to stay. There are dorms and private rooms, great shared spaces and a good atmosphere for meeting other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse for more hotels in Seville!
Best Time to Visit Seville
If you want to get away from the short, cold, and dreary winter days that plague most of Europe, then visiting Seville in winter is an excellent choice. Due to its southern location, the days in Seville are fairly long, even in the heart of winter, and you will likely be blessed with a number of sunny days and average high temperatures of around 16-20°C (60-68°F).
Summer, though arguably the most popular time to visit Seville, might be the worst season to come to the city. Temperatures can soar to well over 40°C (102°F) on many days and the average highs land around 35°C (95°F). Therefore, if you’re sensitive to the heat, it may not be the best idea to visit Seville between the months of June to September.
Like many destinations, one of the best times to visit Seville is in the shoulder seasons. The months of March-June and September-November are blessed with some of the best weather on the continent and just a fraction of the visitors that come during the much hotter high season.
If you do happen to visit in the month of April, you also have the opportunity to attend the Feria de Abril. Literally translating to the April Fair, this is a festival celebrating Andalucían culture that is fascinating to take part in.
Whether you plan to spend 2 days in Seville or 3, there is no denying that there are ample things to keep you occupied in this wonderful Spanish city.
Are you planning to visit Seville? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
Hi, Maggie.
Nice article about my favorite city, but you missed something very important….the Roman ruins of Italica.
Italica is in the nearby town of Santiponce, and it’s the place where three different Roman emperors were born (including Hadrian). The theater (opened recently) and the amphitheater are used for live events as well. Further, the amphitheater was used in the final season of Game of Thrones.
I think that the inclusion of Italica, as opposed to a trip to Cordoba (which should be its own location) would be good. 🙂
My daughter recommended your website!We enjoyed the Seville 3-day itinerary which you published! The tours were wonderful! I enjoyed the recommended chick peas with spinach! Yummmy! We had a very nice stay in Seville!
Thanks for your comment, Rene! I’m so glad you found our tips helpful and that you had a great time in Seville 🙂