A Leisurely Paced Itinerary for 3 Days in Seville

3 Days in Seville is just the right amount of time to get a feel for this incredible Spanish city. Seville won its place on our itinerary because it is home to the stunning Alcazar; however, it won our hearts with its fantastic food and friendly locals.

Keep reading to find out the best things to do on your 3 days in Seville itinerary.

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How to plan your Seville itinerary

There’s nothing so typically Spanish than the wonderful city of Seville. Based in the southern state of Andalusia, Seville has everything we imagine when we think of Spain: tapas, flamenco, and toros (bulls).

Seville is pronounced seh-VEE-yah

There’s plenty more to see than that, though! Get lost in the sinuous laneways of the historic old town, and feel awe at the grand UNESCO-listed palace, Catholic churches, and Moorish architecture.

Signs indicating the distance to Seville's most famous attractions for pedestrians
Seville is a fabulous city to explore on foot.

Take a walk through the bustling food market in Triana, sip a traditional glass of sherry, and, above all, make sure you make the most of your time in stunning Seville. Whether you’re here for three days or three months, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seville.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Seville

When is the best time to visit Seville?

Seville is one place I would actively avoid in Summer. Temperatures reach 95°F (35°C) for weeks in a row. It is actually the hottest city in Spain.

We visited in early October, and the weather was delightful, and the crowds were quite manageable. The warmer temps here mean you should not rule out visiting in winter.

Two of the most famous festivals in Seville, the Easter Festival, Semana Santa, and the spring festival Feria de Abril held in April are wonderful to attend but the prices of hotels triple, and the crowds make sightseeing and dining a challenge for all but the most organized.

How to get to Seville from other cities in Spain

Seville is connected to Spain’s main cities by high-speed train and to smaller towns via bus services.

Distances to Seville

Starting cityModeTravel Time to Seville
BarcelonaTrain5.5 hours
MadridTrain2.5 hours
MalagaTrain2-3 Hours
CordobaTrain45 Minutes
GranadaBus2 hours, 20 minutes
RondaBus2-2.5 Hours
ArcosBus2 hours
Lagos PortugalBus4 hours
Travel times from Seville to nearby towns and cities

The intercity trains arrive at Seville Santa Justa about 2km from the Cathedral. From the station bus, no 21 or A7 will get you to the center of town. We took a taxi to our hotel for a few euros.

These high-speed trains make a day trip to Cordoba or even Granada a possibility if you have a few more days in Seville and have seen all the attractions here.

Buses

There are two bus stations in Seville, Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastian.

Plaza de Armas is also known as the central bus station and is at the other end of town in Avenida Cristo de la Expiración, Nº2 CP 41001. You can find the full list of bus services traveling to and from Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Mérida, and Galicia.

Prado de San Sebastian is located on the edge of the city center and buses here will take you to Barcelona, Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz, Jaén, Málaga, and more.

Flying to Seville

Sevilla International Airport (or San Pablo Airport) – 10km northeast of Seville – a taxi fare is approximately €22-24. There is an airport bus, the EA airport bus which operates every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the time of day) from 05:20am till just after midnight, The trip takes 20-30 minutes.

There are direct flights to Seville Airport from Gatwick, Stansted, and Liverpool in the UK and Paris, Rome, Milan, and Amsterdam.

Our guide to Places to visit in Spain is a great place to get more tips about visiting this amazing country.

How to get around Seville

Seville is a very walkable city. Many of the destinations on our itinerary can be reached on foot if you stay in the city center areas that we recommend below.

Tram in Seville's lively center with people around
Tram in the bustling city center of Seville

If you are heading further afield or don’t fancy walking much, you can take one of the many buses or the tram.

There is only one tram line serving Seville with five stops: Plaza Nueva, Archivo de Indias, Puerta de Jerez, Prado de San Sebastián and San Bernardoit. The tram literally runs through the city center; we didn’t use it, but I did almost manage to walk in front of it more than once 😉

There is also a bike rental scheme and, being such a flat city, Seville is excellent for cycling. There are 250 rental terminals across the city, and they are very affordable. Find out more about the Sevici bike system.

If you arrive at the Central train station, Santa Justa, you could take an Uber or a local taxi to your hotel.

An easy-to-follow itinerary for three days in Seville

If you don’t really have three days, you can speed this itinerary up and cover most of these sites over 2 days in Seville.

Day One

Today you will see: Real Alcazar – Tapas Lunch Tour – Barrio Santa Cruz walk – Flamenco show.

Our main reason for visiting the beautiful city of Seville was to see the Real Alcazar, so we started here. We followed this up with a lunchtime Tapas Tour so we could get a list of must-eat spots for the rest of our trip. Nothing like local insight for planning the rest of your eats.

We rounded out the day with some history on our walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, you could also wander the streets alone with your camera if you prefer.

Discover the Real Alcázar (Royal Palace)

A place every Seville itinerary must include is a visit to this incredible UNESCO-listed royal palace. I don’t like musts and use them lightly, but this time it’s warranted.

Dating back to the 10th century, and undergoing a significant renovation on the 14th century, this Mudejar style of architecture is simply breathtaking. You can’t help but walk around sprouting superlatives!

Be sure to book tickets in advance in peak seasons and plan your other days in Seville around this booking.

The Courtyard of the Maidens is at the center of King Pedro’s Palace. Its symmetry and central reflection pool make it one of the most breathtaking spots in the Alcazar.

Miniature garden and pool inside The Real Alcazar
The Real Alcazar – Be sure to book tickets in advance in peak seasons

Another space not to miss is the Hall of the Ambassadors or the Throne room. Look up at the stunning dome ceiling, which is even more beautiful than these stunning walls.

The Hall of the Ambassadors (Salón de Embajadores) showcasing intricate interior architecture
Hall of the Ambassadors (Salon de Embajadores)

While it will feel impossible to draw your attention away from the intricate detailing above you, make sure you remember to look down at all the beautiful tiles below, something for which the palace is famous.

The stunning tile work in the Philip II ceiling room
Tile work in the Philip II ceiling room

The royal palace is still in use by the Spanish royal family, making it the oldest Palace in Europe still in use. Visitors can access to their chambers, staterooms, and halls with a special ticket.

The garden decoration in the Real Alcázar of Seville, Spain
There is plenty to see in the gardens and they make a brilliant spot for a picnic lunch

Allow a couple of hours to explore the buildings and gardens. You should book your tickets in advance, particularly in the high season. We arrived 30 minutes before opening and were glad we had tickets because the line was already impressive.

We chose an audio tour, however, guided tours are also available if you prefer.

To escape the crowds, consider visiting in the afternoon as the tour buses have usually left, and the palace is quieter and you may find you have spaces to yourself.

If you want to visit the apartments, which requires a separate ticket (approx 1.30 pm) do this first as they close at in the early afternoon.

Where: Patio de Banderas, s/n. 41004
When: 9:30am-5pm
Cost: €11.50 for the ground floor + €4.50 for the Royal apartments

Tip: You can visit the Real Alcázar for free on Monday from 6 to 7pm between April to September, and from 4-5pm between October to March.

Enjoy a fun Tapas Tour

Next on our list of things to do in Seville was to find the best food. Savouring the variety of tapas is synonymous with any trip to Seville, and you’ll no doubt be sampling your fair share of delicious food. Something you’ll notice upon arrival is the many, many types on offer.

Olives on skewers
Our tour included a stop at Mercado by the river, and we went back a few times!

Why not take a Seville food tour (Link to food tour page on GYG) to learn more about the various types of tapas and try something new, something typically Sevillian? Most tours will hop from bar to bar, to taste the specialties of each; it’s a great way to experience the extensive cuisine in Seville.

Take a Tapas Tour to learn about the food culture of the city and find great places to eat!

Walk around Barrio Santa Cruz

The historical center has plenty on offer from intricate alleyways and charming wine bars. This old Jewish Quarter is very touristy, but also fascinating. We explored the area with a local guide to learn more about its history. The Barrio de Santa Cruz walking tour was short, a little over an hour, and was very affordable. I highly recommend it.

However, for those who are looking for entertainment, this is the perfect place to see a typical Sevillia flamenco show. Usually housed in small, intimate venues, flamenco is performed by passionate local artists.

Early morning in a square in Barrio Santa Cruz
Early morning at a square in Barrio Santa Cruz

Where we ate: La Azotea

Our dinner at La Azotea was one of our best in Spain. It was recommended by a Spanish guest I had met on a greet while he was visiting Sydney, and I am so glad I noted it down.

La Azotea dish served on a white plate
La Azotea first course

La Azotea has four restaurants around Sevilla; we chose the one in Santa Cruz. If you want to dine at the traditional Spanish dinner hour, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. Be sure to try the Carrillada ibérica, Coquinas, or Pulpo a Feira if they are on the menu.

After dinner, make your way to a Flamenco show.

Get involved by clapping your hands (if you can keep up) and offering the musicians a passionate “Ole!”. Also! There’s nothing quite so Sevillian than to watch a flamenco show while sipping a glass of Andalusian sherry.

Book a Flamenco Show or better still, a flamenco lesson for an Andalusian culture shot!

Day Two in Seville

Today you will see: Maria Luisa Park – Plaza de España – Royal Tobacco Factory – Cathedral of Seville & Giralda Tower – Metropol Parasol Sunset

This is a pretty busy day, but all the sites are close together, and you will have plenty of rest time. If you fancy a sleep-in after your night of flamenco, you could cut short your time in the park or take a horse and carriage ride around the park instead.

Stroll Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park)

Day two of your Seville itinerary should begin with a little nature! A stroll around Parque de María Luisa is a lovely way to start your day and walk off some calories you consumed last night!

Ducks and swans at the pond in Maria Luisa Park, Seville, Spain
The duck pond in Maria Luisa Park

The parks cover 34 hectares with dreamy palm trees lining the entrance to the park. Discover the many ponds and fountains around the park. In spring and summer, the gardens are especially gorgeous.

Where: Paseo de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla
When: 8am-10pm
Cost: Free

Visit Plaza de España

Continuing with the Mudéjar style of architecture, with an added touch of Renaissance and Art déco, the Plaza de España, or Spain Square, is another stunning sight in this beautiful city.

The enormous monument within the Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) was designed by a local Seville architect, Aníbal González, and built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

Plaza de España showcases tiled scenes from 49 provinces
Take a photo of each province you will visit for your collection

Included in the design is a tribute to all 49 Spanish provinces. Each has its only tiled feature. We walked around, taking a photo of each spot we visited on our trip for a photo album.

Families with kids might fancy a boat ride around the moat. Along the way will pass four bridges, representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain.

If the Plaza looks familiar, you may remember it from the movie Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

Tip: As you make your way on foot to your next stop, the Cathedral, keep an eye out for the Royal Tobacco Factory. Bizet’s Opera Carmen was set here in the Seville Tobacco Factory.

Where: Avenida de Isabel la Catolica, 41004
When: Plaza de Espana is lovely anytime but it’s beautiful at sunset and best avoided in the middle of a summer’s day.
Cost: Free

Tour the Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda Bell Tower

Spend a couple of hours this afternoon visiting this beautifully unique Gothic Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral by volume and the third biggest overall in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has eighty different chapels, so allow plenty of time for this one because there are spectacular views at every turn.

People walking around Seville Cathedral
Walking the perimeter of the Cathedral highlights just how big this is.

The history of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral runs deep; there are even hints of the mosque that once stood here many years ago. A guided tour will help you uncover all its secrets. This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Seville, just make sure you don’t miss the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Looking up at Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain
The Giralda is a former minaret that was converted to a bell tower.

The Giralda Tower was part of the original mosque, and a walk-up offers impressive views. Many people are that there are very few stairs to reach the top of the tower, instead, there are ramps that wind up the building with just a few steps at the end.

Panoramic vista from La Giralda Tower at Seville Cathedral, Andalusia, Spain
Panoramic view from the La Giralda tower of Seville Cathedral, Andalusia, Spain

Where: Plaza Virgen de los Reyes
When: Mon: 11am to 3:30pm / Tue-Sat: 11am. to 5pm / Sun: 2:30pm to 6pm
Book a skip-the-line ticket if visiting during busy periods, it adds a little to the cost but will save you lots of time waiting in a queue!

Tip: Travelling on a budget? You can enter for free on Mon from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Watch the sunset at Las Setas De Sevilla aka Metropol Parasol

The best place to end your second day in Seville has to be the Metropol Parasol. Visiting at any time of day will impress, but at sunset, you can see the shadows cast (from the world’s largest wooden structure ) in a completely different light.

Cityscape of Seville during dusk, viewed from Las Setas
Seville skyline at dusk from Las Setas

Arguably, the best place to take in the Metropol Parasol (or Las Setas to locals) is from the rooftop. Here you can take a walk along the winding rooftop walkway for a 360-degree view of the city that surrounds you.

The view from Seville's Mushroom
Seville’s Mushroom: an iconic wooden structure in the city center

Where: Plaza de la Encarnación
When: 9:30am-10:30pm (11.30pm Sat and Sun)
Cost: 5 Euro for Adults, 1 Euro for kids.
How: Take the train to Plaza Nueva

Tip: after sunset, take a 5-minute walk to Los Coloniales for some great local eats.

Day Three

Plaza del cabildo- Tour Plaza de Toros – Guadalquivir River – Mercado de Triana -Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge – Chapel of the Sailors and Real Parroquia de Señora Santa Ana

Today we suggest a sleep-in, your first site opens at 10 am so no need to rush. You are heading out of the city center and across the river to Triana. Along the way, visit the Plaza del cabildo and the bullring before continuing on to Triana.

Buy some sweets at Plaza del Cabildo

This semi-circular building and courtyard are worth a short stop for their beautiful architecture alone. However, there is another reason, it is home to a small pastry and sweet shop called El Torno where the goods are baked daily by cloistered nuns from convents across the city.

Pedestrians strolling around Plaza del Cabildo in Seville, Spain
Just a 2-minute walk from the Cathedral pop past for a peek

Once considered off the tourist trail, it has been listed in Rick Steves’s Seville guide, so I am sure the secret is out!

Where: Plaza del Cabildo
When: every day 10:30 am-7 pm

Check out the Plaza de Toros Bull Ring

This 12,000-capacity bullring is one of the most famous in the country. While we would never go to a bullfight, the building and its Plaza are impressive to see.

The full name of the Bull ring is Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla

If you want to learn more about the history of the bull ring and its place in Spanish culture, you can take a guided tour. We were happy just to have a peek as we walked by.

Frontal view of the Bullring in Seville, Spain
You will stroll past the Bull Ring before you cross the bridge to Triana

Explore Triana Neighborhood

Once you have seen the main sights, you might like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find yourself surrounded by in the intricate whitewashed houses of a neighborhood quite unlike the others.

Empty, colorful streets of Triana neighborhood in Seville
Explore the Triana barrio of Seville

Just a short twenty-minute walk over the bridge from the historic old town, you can find the authentic and local quarter of Triana. A working-class neighborhood with plenty of layers, especially if you get a few streets back from the river.

Shop at Mercado de Triana

Fancy some local produce? Perhaps you’d like to make a picnic, buy some lunch or simply observe the locals going about their day-to-day lives. Either way, Triana Market is the perfect place to spend some time.

A meat stand at Mercado de Triana's indoor market
Meat stall at Mercado de Triana indoor market

This indoor market mostly sells food, and after walking past stall after stall selling gorgeous fruit and vegetables, you’re bound to give in to your inner temptations. Here can also find a fishmonger, bakery, and several restaurants just waiting for you to try the culinary delights, typical of Andalusia.

Where: Calle San Jorge, 6
When: 9 am-midnight (Sundays)

Visit Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge

History buffs will want to schedule a visit to Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge, aka the Inquisition Museum. The site was one headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.

Sign on the building of Museo del Castillo de San Jorge
Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge

Located right next to the Triana Market, the site was discovered underneath the market during the 1990s. The museum is free, and the displays are in both English and Spanish. Well worth a 30-minute detour.

Where: Plaza del Altozano, s/n, 41001 Sevilla
When: 11am-5.30pm
Cost: Free

Photograph Corral de vecinos, la casa de las flores

Make a quick detour to this pretty street, known as the house of flowers. This is especially recommended in spring, and if you have not included Cordoba on your itinerary. Photographers will want to take their time here; the location is perfect for capturing Seville. There is a lovely view across the river, back to the city.

Visit Capilla de Los Marineros (Chapel of the Sailors)

Built in 1759, this small chapel punches well above its weight. It was here that sailors said their prayers before heading to sea. It is said that the men who sailed with Columbus prayed here before they left Spain. The key artwork here is the Esperanza de Triana-The Virgin of Hope statue.

Where: Calle Pureza, 51, 41010 Sevilla
When: Mon-Sat 10am- 1pm & 5:30pm-9pm Sun 10am-2pm & 5:30-8:30pm
Cost: free

Real Parroquia de Señora Santa Ana

There are several churches worth a look in Triana, but the most visited is the Gothic-Mudéjar, Iglesia de Santa Ana in Calle Vázquez de Leca. It’s the oldest church in the area (1266) and the one most dear to the hearts of the locals. The church is a huge player in the Easter festival.

Where: Parroco Don Eugenio, 1, 41010 Sevilla, Spain
When: 10:30am-1.30pm & 4:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: 2€. More details, including mass times on the website.

After exploring the church, we stopped at the local favorite, Bar Santa Ana (Calle Pureza, 82) for a coffee and cake. Well earned after walking from our hotel. If you don’t fancy the 30-minute walk, you can take the metro to Plaza de Cuba station, which will get you to Triana and reduce the time on your feet.

Dinner at Casa Robles

We ate our final evening meal at this old-school restaurant that looked a little touristy as we walked by but turned out to be full of locals. The draw card was one of our childhood dishes, that will certainly not be for everyone’s taste, sheep’s brains cooked in garlic butter.

I decided against the photo in case it offends, but they took both Charles and me back to our mother’s home-cooked dinners of the 1970s.

Heading to Cordoba – check out our guide

Where to Stay in Seville

On a short visit, the location you choose to stay in becomes more important because you don’t want to spend too much time commuting. We recommend choosing one of these three central spots.

El Arenal – the Old Town

El Arenal is the most central area to stay in if you’re only planning on spending 3 days in Seville or even perhaps just have time for a weekend break.

Crowded square in the old town during tapas time
A square in the old town at tapas time.

It’s conveniently near all the major attractions like the Real Alcazar and the Cathedral and within striking distance of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

The best part is that there are plenty of options to suit all budget levels. Basing yourself in the heart of the action is great, but if you’re bothered by hustle and bustle or noise at night, consider staying a safe distance away from the evening fiesta.

Splurge – Hotel Alfonso XIII – A Luxury Collection Hotel

If your budget will stretch or you are celebrating a special occasion, then this hotel should be on your shortlist. The hotel’s Mudéjar-style architecture is the closest you can get to staying at the Real Alcazar.

The Hotel Alfonso XIII building surrounded by trees
Hotel Alfonso XIII

Mid-range – Hotel Mercer Sevilla

The Hotel Mercer is a small 12-room property that offers a rooftop pool, in-house restaurant, and bar, in a former 19th-century palace. The decor is modern, and rooms feature oak floors, Nespresso machines, and fast wifi. All but the cheapest rooms offer a private terrace.

This is where we wanted to stay before we left it too long and missed out on a room. The location is perfect for exploring and just off the main streets, so not too noisy.

Budget – Casa Boutique La Pila del Pato

This traditional Sevillan guest house is a budget property that at most times of year is less than 90€ per night. For the price, the quality is outstanding. High ceilings, a lovely communal patio area, and a very modern room design.

The rooms are pretty small, but they are more than adequate for two travelers. They also have a budget triple room. I would be thrilled here.

Find prices for Casa Boutique on Booking.com

Barrio Santa Cruz

If it’s quaint cobblestone calles, charming plazas and classic Andalusian adorned balconies you’re after, then Barrio Santa Cruz is the place for you. Barrio Santa Cruz is again, conveniently located close to all the main tourist attractions, in the heart of the historical center.

Fountain and vegetation at Doña Elvira Square
Dona Elvira Square

You’ll likely spend your time here wandering the streets, jaw agape, looking at all the intricacies the old buildings have to offer. It really is a photographer’s dream! However, Santa Cruz is the most touristy neighborhood in Seville, so if you prefer a more off-the-beaten-track or local neighborhood, it might not be the best for you.

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería

For a very traditional experience, the Hotel Las Casas de la Judería comprises 27 Sevillan houses, connected by passages and courtyards.

The yellow building of Hotel Las Casas de la Judería
Hotel Las Casas de la Judería

The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, and beautiful Andalusian patios. The rooms are decorated in traditional style and range from economy single rooms to large suites.

Mid-range – Suites Machado

For a three-day visit, you might prefer an apartment, so you can do some shopping in the local markets and make a couple of meals at home. Set in a 17th-century Sevillian palace home, the design and decor are outstanding, particularly at the prices you can usually find on offer.

The apartments feature kitchens and reasonably large living areas. Many have private terrace areas.

Budget – Hostal Callejón Del Agua

We had a lovely stay at Callejón Del Agua, which is just 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral in one direction and a short walk in another to the bars and restaurants in the adjoining Alfalfa District.

The entrance of our Hostal Callejón Del Agua
Our home for three days in Seville

Our economy double room was quite small (12 m²) but very clean and comfortable. The best thing about this hotel, though, is the staff, who are very helpful, and the location which is ideal for exploring the entire city on foot.

This is a budget property with no passenger lift, so be sure to request a lower floor if you are not a stair lover. There is a free breakfast on the 4th-floor terrace at 9 am.

Triana

Triana is the perfect place to stay if you’re after an authentic, local experience. Here you will find buzzing tapas bars, local markets, and little boutiques selling artisanal products like ceramics.

Charming blue, white, and yellow balconies in the Triana neighborhood of Seville
Pretty balconies in the Triana barrio of Seville

A short twenty-minute walk over the bridge and you’ll find yourself in the hubbub of all the tourist attractions and after a long day of sightseeing, you can leave the noise behind and rest easy in the Triana neighborhood.

If you prefer to be in the heart of the action or don’t fancy the walk into the city each day, you might find this area a little out of the way.

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