Seville is one of the most impressive and beautiful Spanish cities and should easily be on your European bucket list!
This was our final destination on our two-week trip to Spain, and it was the perfect dream destination to round up our trip!
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Spain, Seville is filled with rich history! The blend of Moorish and Christian architecture and culture seen throughout, sprinkled with Roman ruins, makes it a must-see city to add to your Spain vacation.
This three-day itinerary of Seville, Spain, will guide you through the best things to do in this beautiful city in southern Spain, from exploring palaces and admiring cathedrals to enjoying walks through the royal gardens.
There is so much to see and do that you’ll want to maximize your time there!
I have also included some crucial tips and mistakes to avoid to help you have the most incredible trip to Seville!
Use this Seville itinerary as a guide to help you plan your amazing trip… and be flexible! Make this dream vacation one you’ll never forget!
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Day 1 of the Three Days in Seville
Morning:
Visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville
The Real Alcazar of Seville is one of the oldest palaces still used in Europe.
The layers of history make this Spanish landmark so beautiful!
The Alcazar was originally a Moorish fortress. During the Reconquista of Christians, instead of tearing down the fortress, they embraced it.
This beautiful palace perfectly blends Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
The horseshoe arches, hand-carved plaster ceilings, and Azulejo tiles (hand-painted ceramics) add to the intricate details of this beautiful fortress.
Walk the Gardens of the Royal Alcazar
The gardens have always been my favorite part of palaces: the lush gardens, perfectly manicured shrubs, shaded trees, and the many beautiful fountains and sculptures.
You’ll also see peacocks roaming around.
If you’re visiting during the Spring, you will really enjoy the aroma of the orange trees!
The shaded gardens are a perfect respite from hot, sunny days. It’s the perfect place to relax!
Tip: There is a little cafe, so enjoy an aperitif, a coffee, and a snack!
If you’re visiting Seville with kids, the Royal Palace gardens are a great place for them to explore. Just make sure they stay off the grass.
Take the staircase to the upper levels of the palace; this is a great spot to view the gardens.
Ticket Options: Check out the official website for ticket options. We only purchased admission to the palace and royal gardens. However, you can also include the Royal Apartments or a guided tour if it’s available.
Pro Tips: Book ahead!!
I cannot emphasize this enough- book your tickets well in advance! And I mean, weeks to months, depending on when you travel to Seville, Spain.
Don’t make the same mistake we did; we did not book our tickets beforehand.
What to do if you didn’t book your tickets in advance:
You must go to the courtyard first thing in the morning. My husband was there about 7:30, and the line was already very long. He waited in that line for almost 4 hours.
So, if you find yourself in this situation, I suggest getting there before 7:00 AM.
When you purchase your tickets, you will have to take whatever time slot they have available for that day. You will have to adjust your Seville three-day itinerary accordingly.
If you’re traveling to Seville with kids, the plaza is relatively safe for them to run around. I brought a ball and some toys, and they were plenty occupied.
They capped the number of tickets that are to be sold.
Be sure to bring your passports!
Visit the Seville Cathedral
The Seville Cathedral, Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, is one of the city’s main attractions and should be included in your three-day itinerary.
It’s within walking distance of the Real Alcazar.
The cathedral is magnificent! Once you see it, it comes as no surprise that it’s the world’s largest Gothic cathedral!
Like many of the major cathedrals of Southern Spain, the Seville Cathedral was built on the ruins of a mosque and was built over Roman ruins.
The Patio de los Naranjos is the original courtyard of the mosque.
Inside the cathedral, it is even more impressive. I can’t emphasize it enough—the church is massive. I couldn’t help but feel so tiny up against the massive columns.
The Main Altarpiece
Be sure to walk by and admire the main altarpiece—I have never seen one so impressively large. The beauty and details are a bit overwhelming!
The Tomb of Christopher Columbus
I was unaware that this cathedral houses the remains of Christopher Columbus. The monument was so unique and unlike any I’ve seen inside a cathedral that I had to read more.
Allow yourself to get lost and explore! You could easily spend a few hours here, especially when combined with La Giralda.
Need to Know Tips: Book your tickets in advance through their official website.
Thankfully, it wasn’t as much of a to-do to book the tickets for the cathedral compared to the Alcazar palace, but we were still limited in our options.
Our tickets included the combination with La Iglesia del Salvador.
If you plan on climbing up the bell tower, be sure to purchase the tickets in combination with the cathedral.
Climb La Giralda
La Giralda is Seville’s iconic bell tower, and belongs with the Seville Cathedral.
Sadly, we did not make it up the bell tower. Seville was the last stop on our two-week itinerary of Spain, and carrying the kids on our backs, we were not up to climbing the stairs.
However, on our food tour, we learned that this bell tower is quite unique. It originally was the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville. And what makes it even more interesting is that instead of stairs, there are ramps.
They had the ramps wide enough so they could ride a horse to the top. Had we known this, we would have made the trek.
I can only imagine the impressive panoramic views of the city!
Afternoon
Explore Santa Cruz and the Jewish District
The Santa Cruz neighborhood, Barrio de Santa Cruz, is one of the best places to wander around.
Initially, it was part of the Roman and Islamic city and eventually became Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter.
Our tour guide showed us stores and restaurants that had discovered Islamic architecture during renovations and then decided to keep it exposed. The ceilings and arches were quite beautiful.
The neighborhood has a more intimate feel, especially compared to the plaza, which has a majestic cathedral and royal palace.
Tip: Enjoy lunch at one of the shaded squares. It’s such an intimate experience!
We really enjoyed Cafe SantaCruz.
Tip: If you’re traveling to Seville with kids, they do have chicken. It wasn’t chicken fingers, but a well-prepared fried chicken breast that was delicious and easy to cut up.
Casa de Pilatos
Sadly, because of our fiasco booking tickets for the Alcazar Palace, we were unable to include the Casa de Pilatos in our three-day Seville itinerary.
It looks so beautiful, like a hidden gem, that I needed to include it on my list of things to do in Seville.
The Casa de Pilatos has one of the largest hand-painted ceramics collections, called azulejos.
You’ll find these beautiful azulejos on buildings and bridges throughout Seville, but the display on this landmark makes it worth a stop!
It’s close to the Santa Cruz neighborhood, in a quieter historic district area.
Evening
Enjoy a Flamenco Show
Flamenco was born in the Andalusian region of Spain. It’s their cultural expression in dance, and you can feel their passion in the dance.
A number of smaller venues offer flamenco shows in the late afternoon and evenings. Some shows include dinner.
Personally, I always prefer the more intimate experiences of the smaller venues.
Experience a Sevillanas Show
As a tourist, I think Sevillanas may be confused with Flamenco. Sevillanas is a traditional folklore dance of Seville.
According to our tour guide, there is a massive festival in Seville called the Feria de Abril (April Fair). Hundreds of tents are set up during this festival, where the locals dance Sevillanas.
This Seville festival is a big deal. You’ll see women dressed in the most beautiful Sevellian flowy dresses.
This is why you’ll find these dresses and fans in all souvenir shops.
Tip: According to our guide, this festival occurs two weeks after Easter Sunday. The week before Easter is Holy Week, which is also a big celebration throughout Spain.
Three-Day Itinerary of Seville: Day 2
Morning
Book a Food Tour
Food tours have always been one of my favorite activities. Truly, a food walking tour is a great way to see a beautiful city, learn about the culture, and experience the local cuisine.
I can’t recommend our food tour enough! Our guide was absolutely fantastic! We were traveling to Seville with kids (a toddler and a 4-year-old), and she was more than accommodating!
We had the best time!
Some of the top things to try in Seville:
- Iberian Pig (jamón ibérico)
- Pringa – Slow-cooked meat in soup, which was repurposed into sandwiches
- Russian Salad (Ensaladilla Rusa) – Boiled potato tapas with shrimp
- Gazpacho – Cold soup
- Croquetas (croquettes) – Small bread fried fritters filled with meats or seafood
Tip: Book tickets in advance. The food tours often sell out during the Spring and Summer months.
Additional Guided Tours in Seville
Tip: These food tours often last 2-4 hours.
Food and guided tours are usually great activities for day one of a three-day itinerary in Seville. However, I put them on day two to prioritize the Royal Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral.
Wander Around the Historic District.
If you’ve visited the Royal Palace and Cathedral on day one of your Seville itinerary, you’ve already seen some of the historic city center. It feels like the heart of Seville.
This is the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely stroll down some of the narrow streets and enjoy the architectural style of the beautiful buildings!
Maybe you’ll find some hidden gems!
Tip: The best ice cream shops and restaurants are usually down these roads. Walking around these streets is one of the best ways to see the city.
If you’ve booked a guided tour in the morning or on the first day of your three-day Seville itinerary, this is the perfect time to go back and see some of the things you missed!
Lunch: Bodega Diaz Salazar
This authentic restaurant had some of the best tapas and felt like a hidden gem. Seating is only available inside.
Afternoon
Cross over the Puente de Isabel II into Triana
The Puente de Isabel II bridge is a massive iron bridge that crosses the Guadalquivir River and connects Seville to Triana, its neighborhood.
The bridge offers a safe space for pedestrians and vehicles, and has the best views!
Tip: Pay attention to the bike lanes! They are right next to the walking lanes. Cyclists will let you know if you accidentally wander into their space.
Explore the Mercado de Triana
If you enjoy seeing where the locals shop, the Triana Market is a great place to visit in Seville! It looks like it was built on the Castillo de San Jorge ruins.
You can find everything from fresh produce, fresh fish, cheese, meats, and more.
Tip: It’s located right off the Puente de Isabel II bridge.
Evening and Dinner in Triana
The Triana neighborhood was so quaint and beautiful. It’s a nice break from the busier historic center.
Tip: We stayed in an Airbnb in the Triana district, and I would definitely recommend it!
The streets are lined with tapas bars; in fact, it looked like most restaurants served tapas.
It certainly is the right place if you want a quieter atmosphere for dinner away from the crowds.
Many of the buildings are decorated with beautiful ceramic tiles, azulejos, which, according to our tour guide, originated in this neighborhood.
A Walk Along the Guadalquivir River
If you have enough time, a great way to end the second day of your Seville itinerary is to take an evening stroll along the Guadalquivir River.
I think the view from the Seville side is the prettiest! Walking and soaking up the beautiful views is the perfect way to end your day!
Three Days in Seville: Day 3
Day three in this Seville three-day itinerary is designed to be more relaxing.
Morning
Plaza de España
While researching things to do in Seville, the Palaz de España popped up as one of the best things to see in Andalusia. And I’ll be honest: The photos don’t do it justice.
The Plaza de Espana is magnifient. Embellished with Azulejos, the Plaza de España is one of the prettiest attractions I have ever seen.
From the benches to the bridges, the attention to detail is astonishing.
If you visit Seville with kids, this is an excellent place to let them run around and play. Just be cautious around the water and bridges.
You can easily spend a lot of time here!
Entrance is free, you don’t need entrance tickets.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may even recognize it as the Kingdom of Dorne.
Afternoon
Explore the Parque de Maria Luisa
Visiting gardens and parks is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. Maria Luisa Park is the perfect escape from the historic centre of Seville.
The park is beautiful and shaded with giant trees, including palm trees. It’s the perfect refuge from the sun.
Exploring this botanical garden on your last day is nice and well-deserved.
Consider it a reminder to slow down and relax.
Seville was the final destination on our two-week trip to Spain. Needless to say, we enjoyed every minute of relaxing and unwinding in this park.
Be sure to enjoy a cafe or an afternoon Aperol and snack at one of the cafes or restaurants.
Tip: If you have extra time, additional things to do in Seville are to visit the Plaza de América, located inside the gardens.
Head over to the Metropol Parasol
Our tour guide highly recommended the Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas, and I’m so thankful we visited.
The Metropol Parasol, designed by Jürgen Mayer, is the largest wooden structure in the world. Its design is supposed to resemble a forest of giant mushrooms, which is why it is nicknamed Las Setas.
I’ll be honest- I couldn’t see the “mushroom design,” but that didn’t make it any less impressive.
The contemporary Metropol Parasol towers over the Plaza de la Encarnacion, giving this area a very modern feel.
To climb the Metropol Parasol, you must purchase tickets inside. When doing this, be sure to walk around on the ground floor—there is an archaeological museum, which is neat to see!
Immediately upon purchasing tickets, you will be guided to the elevator that will take you up to the viewing deck and walkway.
Once on the deck, you can walk around admiring the 360-degree view, and the views are incredible!
The ticket prices include a 10 to 15-minute movie about some of the highlights of local culture and things to do in Seville, Spain.
If you’re visiting Seville with kids, they were very accommodating. You were even allowed to bring in some refreshments from the vending machines.
Tip: Consider visiting during the golden hour, or at sunset. I can only imagine how beautiful this would be!
Evening
Relax with Wine and Tapas
For your last evening in Seville, explore any areas you wanted to revisit!
Unwind with a Sangria and enjoy the Spanish tapas!
If you missed the Flamenco show on day two of this Seville guide, book one for this evening!
Additional information for Visiting Seville, Spain
Is three days enough to visit Seville
Although you can’t see everything, three days is enough time to experience the culture, see most of the main attractions, and enjoy the local cuisine!
If you’re including Seville in a Spain road trip, then three days is the perfect amount of time to feel like you’ve experienced Seville, Spain.
For those visiting Seville for more than three days, read the ultimate list of things to do in Seville.
When is the best time to visit Seville, Spain
Our tour guide discouraged us from coming back to Seville in the Summer. The Summer months are so unbelievably hot that if you visit, you have to acclimate to the siesta culture.
Spring (March-May) is their peak season, and it also has the most favorable weather, with temperatures in the 70s- 80s. The sun can make it feel quite warm.
If you visit during Spring, you’ll also enjoy the orange trees in bloom—and they smell incredible!
Tip: If you’re visiting in Spring, be sure to book tickets for attractions well in advance.
Fall (End of September—early November) is a bit cooler than Spring and has the advantage of fewer tourists.
In Winter (December – February), expect highs in the 50s—60s, which is relatively mild for many tourists.
Personally, I would visit the German Christmas Markets to enjoy the atmosphere, but visiting Spain during the winter months has the benefit of fewer tourists.
How to get to Seville, Spain
We arrived in Seville by train and departed by plane. Both were pretty easy to navigate.
By Train
The main train station is Sevilla-Santa Justa Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the city center.
Traveling to Spain by train is easy, and you can enjoy scenic travel without the fuss.
Tip: Traveling first class in Spain is a really nice experience. If you purchase first-class tickets, many larger train stations will have really nice lounges you can access.
By Airplane
Seville Airport (SVQ) is about 10km from the city center. You can easily catch the Bus or a taxi. We took a taxi from our Airbnb in Triana, and the ride took a little under 30 minutes.
Day Trips and easily accessible Spanish cities by train:
Cordoba: 1 hour
Malaga: 2 Hours
Madrid: 3 Hours
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Final Thoughts
When planning your Spain travel, Seville is usually one of the Spanish cities that comes to mind, along with Barcelona and Madrid- and rightfully so!
Seville is such a gem, and the perfect dream destination to include in your Spain vacation!
There is so much to see in Seville that you could easily spend more than three days. Thankfully, three days is enough time to see most of the main attractions and fully immerse yourself in and experience this city!
I hope you find this Seville travel guide helpful, and I hope you have an incredible time in Seville, Spain!
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