Wondering how to spend 3 days in Seville, Spain? Here’s all you need to know!

Seville is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. The charming capital of Andalucia is known for its stunning Mudejar architecture, lively atmosphere, charming orange-tree lined streets, and truly authentic Spanish feel. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Seville is the perfect destination for a weekend city break. It’s an absolute must if you are planning a larger trip throughout Spain. 

Before you book your tickets, I must warn you. Seville is absolutely spellbinding. After my first visit to the city, I found myself so enchanted that I spent the following two years teaching English in this Andalusian paradise. 

With this 3 day Seville itinerary, you’ll be well on your way to feeling just like I did with this captivating jewel of southern Spain. 

 

Tips for Visiting Seville

When to Visit

One of my favorite things about Seville is the fact that it is sunny nearly every day! While it does rain more in the winter months, you’ll find that temperatures remain very mild, making it a great destination year-round. In the winter, temperatures range between 40-60°F, but in the summer you’ll find temperatures as high as 100°F (or more)! If you struggle with the heat, I’d avoid visiting during July/August, the city’s hottest months. 

Seville Fair

If you are planning to visit Seville in April/May, be sure to check the dates of the Feria de Abril. This annual festival is held two weeks after Holy Week (Semana Santa), and is a time when the whole city puts daily life on pause, dresses up in their Feria finest, and prepares to party!

This is an excellent time to visit if you love attending local festivals and witnessing traditions. However, if you would rather see the city’s museums and landmarks, you’ll find that this is not the best time to go. The city becomes crowded and expensive, and many restaurants, shops, and attractions close or have limited hours. If you are planning a visit during the Feria de Abril, be sure to read my guide to attending the festival here! 

How Long to Spend in Seville

Seville is a very walkable city, so you’ll find that it is quite easy to see most of the highlights in just a few days without feeling overwhelmed. You can, of course, book a guided tour to see them too. I recommend spending 2-3 days in Seville to cover everything, and this itinerary includes two full days in the city and one day spent on a day trip. If you are looking for a more relaxed visit, you may wish to forgo the day trip and see the sights at a more leisurely pace.

 

You 3-Day Seville Itinerary

Day 1: Seville’s Highlights

Today is all about getting out and exploring Seville’s most iconic sights. Grab yourself a cafe con leche and get ready for a day spent taking in some of the city’s most famous and beautiful locales.

Plaza de España

Your first stop of the day is the Plaza de España. This massive square is, in my opinion, the most beautiful in all of Spain, though it is not the most historic. The plaza was actually built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, making it a relatively new addition to the city. Spend some time wandering around this semi-circular neo-mudejar construction as you admire the intricate tile work which depicts different cities throughout Andalucia.

If you’d like, you can even spend a few euros to paddle around the small “river” running through the square. An equally fun and cheesy activity I 100% recommend. Be sure to bring your camera, as this square is picture-perfect! If you’re a Star Wars fan, you might recognize the location from Attack of the Clones.

 

Parque de María Luisa

After you’ve explored the Plaza de España, you’ll want to head next door to the Parque de María Luisa. This beautiful park is the perfect place for a stroll or even a picnic.

You’ll find exotic trees, blooming flowers, lovely landscaping, interesting water features, and even a pond filled with birds and other animals. This public park is rather large, so be sure to check out the maps from time to time to ensure you aren’t missing any of the tucked-away treasures you’re bound to stumble upon! 

 

Royal Alcázar of Seville

Your next stop of the day is the Royal Alcázar of Seville, one of the city’s most famous and visited sites. This gorgeous and historic royal palace dates back to the 14th century, and features Mudéjar architecture and Muslim influences which are hallmarks of Andalucian architecture. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you navigate through the palace and its gardens taking in the detailed tile work, extravagant rooms, and ornate details throughout. The location is so impressive that it was featured on “Game of Thrones!” Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as the entrance lines can be very long. In the summer months, tickets can even sell out! Book skip the line tickets here

 

Catedral de Sevilla

Nestled in the heart of the city and quite near to the Alcázar is Seville’s impressive cathedral. This massive gothic structure is actually the largest Cathedral in the world, making it pretty impossible to miss when visiting Seville! Don’t just settle for viewing the Cathedral from the outside. Even if you’ve seen more European churches than you’d ever care to, you’ll want to step inside. Not only is the Cathedral’s sheer size absolutely astounding, but you’ll find Christopher Columbus’ tomb here, and it’s one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen.

The Giralda

The Giralda is another reason to venture into Seville’s Cathedral. This former minaret today functions as the Cathedral’s bell tower and offers some of the best views of Seville! You’ll find that the panoramic city views are well worth the climb. I also appreciate that the walkway up is far less narrow than most other bell towers I have climbed, making the walk up more pleasant and less crowded and claustrophobic than other towers. Book Catedral and Giralda tickets here

 

Barrio de Santa Cruz

The Barrio de Santa Cruz is the city’s former Jewish Quarter and the most historic and touristy neighborhood located just next to the Cathedral. Spend some time enjoying the labyrinth of narrow streets and the lovely squares within. If you have time to join a walking tour of Seville, you’ll be able to learn more about the Barrio Santa Cruz and its history. Book a walking tour here

Tapas Time

After a busy day exploring some of the city’s main highlights, it is time to try some of the Seville’s best tapas! Be sure to do as the locals do and hop from tapas bar to tapas bar in search of the most delicious small plates in town.

 

You won’t want to start your evening too early, as most restaurants don’t open up until 7:30 or 8:00PM! While you’re in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, try starting your tapas tour at Casa Morales, the second-oldest tapas bar in town and favorite among Sevillanos.

For tapas-themed tours, check these:

 

Day 2: Sightseeing

Now that you’ve discovered some of Seville’s most famous landmarks, it’s time to see what else the city has to offer! From beautiful riverfront walks to tucked away historic homes, you’ll have lots to explore on your second day in this magical city! 

Enjoy the Guadalquivir riverfront

During the summer months in particular, you’ll find locals and tourists alike enjoying the Guadalquivir riverfront. The river separates many of the tourist sights from the Triana neighborhood and used to be a part of my daily commute! Whether you simply walk along the river (there are promenades on both sides) or decide to have a picnic along the shore, the riverfront is an excellent place to spend the morning! 

 

Torre del Oro

As you walk along the riverfront, you’ll find the Torre del Oro, a 13th century watchtower which overlooks the Guadalquivir. If you’d like to visit, there are a few military exhibits housed within the tower, and of course an excellent view of the river. 

Explore Triana

As your morning already includes a walk along the river, you’ll want to cross the Triana Bridge, Puente de Isabel II, to explore the Triana neighborhood of Seville. This authentic area is not only beautiful, but it is a favorite among locals as there aren’t as many tourist attractions on this side of the river. You’ll really be able to see the traditions of Seville come to life here in the bars, restaurants, and squares. If you are looking to purchase some tile work or ceramics, then this is an area where you’ll find a variety of shops perfect for souvenir hunting!

Visit a market or two

Try popping into the Triana Market for a chance to see where locals do their grocery shopping (outside of the city’s supermarkets). Here you’ll find fresh produce, meat, and other goods all sold by local vendors. If you are looking for a more trendy market to grab a snack, then simply walk across the bridge to the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a gourmet market with a variety of offerings from smoothies to more traditional tapas. The 19th-century building was originally a fish market, but today is an excellent gathering spot or place to grab a drink as you enjoy views of the river! 

Try these Triana tours:

 

Plaza del Toros

Another sight you’ll pass on your walk along the river is the Plaza del Toros, Seville’s bullring. Personally, I have opted not to attend any bullfights while in Spain, as six bulls are killed during the fights and they are very violent. That being said, you can opt to simply tour the bullring and learning about the history of bullfighting in Seville.

Visit a historic home…or two!

There are several impressive and beautiful noble homes that one can (and should) visit when in Seville. I highly recommend paying a visit to the Palacio de las Duenas or the Casa de Pilatos to get a sense of the city’s stately past. If you have time or love historic homes, then try to squeeze in both! These former residences are impeccably preserved and feature antique artifacts, gorgeous grounds, and highlight the beautiful tiles that Seville is so famous for.

 

Visit the oldest tapas bar in Seville

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Palacio de las Duenas you’ll find the oldest tapas bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo. The bar dates back to 1670 and still offers some of the best tapas in town, in addition to its amazing authentic atmosphere! Another great thing about this bar is that it’s open all afternoon and evening, so you don’t have to wait until late to sample the delicious food and drink within! I highly recommend the croquetas, and of course some jamon iberico!

 

Enjoy sunset at Las Setas

The Metropol Parasol, known to locals as Las Setas (the mushrooms) is a modern structure that certainly sticks out among the older structures in Seville. For just a few euros, you can purchase a ticket to the top, where you’ll follow the pathways around this cloud-like grid as you take in the city. Try to coordinate your visit so you can watch the sunset, as this is certainly one of the best views in town! The juxtaposition of the modern and historic truly shows the city off, and the pinks and purples of the setting sun and yellow city lights highlight Seville’s best features. 

Alameda de Hercules

After sunset, it is time to enjoy even more tapas and some of the city’s famous nightlife in the Alameda de Hercules. This large, bustling square is a favorite among locals, particularly a younger crowd, and it was my go-to when searching for a place to meet with friends, grab a drink, or enjoy some tapas. Spend a couple of hours doing as the Spanish do, hopping from bar to bar enjoying tapas, conversation, and the lively atmosphere. 

 

See a Flamenco performance

Andalucia is famous for its Flamenco dancing, so be sure to catch a performance while you are in town! A flamenco performance is the perfect way to cap off a busy day touristing, or it is a great way to start an evening spent dancing the night away! You can choose to purchase tickets to a Flamenco show, or if you are on a budget there are several bars which offer free performances. If you do opt to visit a free performance at a bar (one popular spot is La Carboneria) be sure to check online to see what times and days these performances are offered. 

 

Day 3: Day Trip from Seville

Today is the perfect day to choose your own adventure! Whether you stayed out late dancing and are ready to relax, have a few highlights from previous days you weren’t able to squeeze in, or are looking to hit some of the city’s museums, today is the day to do just that!

That being said, if you’re like me and are trying to squeeze in as much as possible, you might be ready for a new adventure! One of the best things about Seville is its location-you’ll have easy access to a variety of amazing day trips! From Roman ruins to the beach, here are some of my favorites:

Italica

Just 20 minutes outside of Seville, these incredible Roman ruins are easily accessible via public transportation. The amphitheater was even featured in Game of Thrones! Italica is an excellent choice for a half-day trip from Seville, especially if you are on a budget or there are a few things you’d still like to see in the city! Click here for more information on planning a visit. 

 

Cadiz

Looking to hit the beach? Simply hop on a train and in less than two hours you’ll find yourself in beautiful Cadiz. The city is quite walkable and centralized, making it easy to see in just one day. Even if it isn’t quite swimming season, you’ll find lots of history here (from phonecian ruins to 17th century fortresses) in Spain’s oldest city! Check out my favorite things to do in Cadiz here. 

 

Cordoba

Cordoba is one of my favorite cities in Andalucia. It makes for an excellent day trip as it is less than an hour from Seville by train. The city is home to the famous Mezquita (a must see!) among other historic buildings and even a palace. The city especially comes to life in May during the festival of the patios, so if you are planning a may visit, the town is not to be missed! Learn more about visiting the city here, and if you’re in town during May, be sure to check out the unforgettable flower festival. You can also see what the festival is like on my Instagram highlights @missadventuresabroad. 

 

Ronda

If you have a rental car and are interested in heading a little further afield, consider visiting scenic Ronda. This charming pueblo blanco is considered to be one of the most beautiful “white towns” in Spain. Plus, the cliffside views certainly make it one of the most unique. The drive is just under two hours, and is worth every minute! Read all about why you should visit Ronda in this post! 

 

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Seville! Whether you spend your time wandering from tapas bar to tapas bar, visiting historic palaces and churches, marveling at Mudejar architecture, or adventuring on day trips, you’re bound to fall in love with this city, just as I have! Vamos a Sevilla!

Have you spent time in Seville? What did you think?

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