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Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville: The Ultimate Seville Itinerary

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Seville. A unique and colorful city in the south of Spain, it is utterly captivating, with its diverse, breathtaking architecture, Mediterranean weather, and vibrant atmosphere. Want to explore its grounds? There’s no better way than through this self-guided walking tour of Seville.

But I might be biased because I love wandering around new cities on foot. Self-guided walking tours provide you with the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want to go. It also gives you the opportunity to find hidden gems and save money on transportation, so it’s great for budget travelers!

And Seville is truly an amazing city to explore on foot. There are so many things to see in Seville, and they are all within easy walking distance of each other. Plus, I had tons of fun meandering around the streets admiring the beautiful Moorish and Gothic architecture.

And with Seville’s warm Mediterranean climate, a self-guided walking tour is perfect year-round, whether you’re visiting Spain in winter or summer.

So today, I am going to outline the ultimate self-guided Seville walking tour, so you can wander around the lively streets yourself while visiting Seville’s top sights. Enjoy!

(And for those wanting a little sneak peak, here’s my Seville walking tour map).

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville

Before we get started on this self-guided walking tour of Seville, I just wanted to add that you can edit your own walking tour however you want. You can start in Maria Luisa Park like I do, or you can go backwards, or you can just pick and choose whichever attractions you want to stop by.

In my opinion, the best thing about walking around Seville is that there are stunning sights around every corner. No matter what, you’ll have an amazing time!

1. Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa)

• Cost : Free
• Hours : 8 am to 10 pm daily
• Time Estimate : 20 minutes
• Website : https://www.marialuisapark.com/

First, let’s start our self-guided walking tour Seville in Maria Luisa Park, or the Parque de María Luisa. A gorgeous park close to the Guadalquivir river, it is filled with lush, green trees, tiled benches, and delightful fountains.

Covering 34 hectares of land, this historic park was first opened in 1914. And, not only does it offer some of the best walks in Seville, but it is perfect for people-watching!

So, I definitely recommend starting your day off in Parque Maria Luisa. I found it to be absolutely enchanting and almost meditative to bask in the nature and charming architecture. It’s probably my favorite park in Seville, so it’s definitely a Seville must see!

2. Plaza de España

• Hours : Open 24 hours/day
• Time Estimate : 1 hour
• Website : https://www.visitasevilla.es/en/history/plaza-de-espana

Next on our walking tour of Seville, head towards the Plaza de España. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Seville, this square is an architectural masterpiece.

170 meters long, the Plaza de Espana was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. And as you wander around, you may notice some familiar sights… because it was also a filming location for Star Wars Episode II!

Combining elements of the Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles, it may seem over-the-top to some… but I found it to be utterly breathtaking. It’s also a great place to take some fabulous pictures, so I recommend bringing your nice camera.

As you wander around the plaza, I recommend observing the beautiful tiled alcoves, as they each represent a province in Spain. You can also rent a rowboat to float along the canal (there’s a reason why the plaza is commonly referred to as “the Venice of Seville”!).

Overall, whether you walk away thinking it’s marvelous or ostentatious, visiting the Plaza de España is a must do in Seville.

3. Royal Alcázar of Seville

• Cost : €13.50. It costs an additional €5.50 to visit the Royal Bedroom.
• Hours : From October 29 to March 31: 9:30 am to 6 pm daily. From April 1 to October 28: 9:30 am to 8 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 90 minutes to 2 hours.
• Website : https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/
• Ticket : Click here if you want to book in advance (and skip the line!).

Now, head over to the Royal Alcazar of Seville (also referred to as the Real Alcazar de Sevilla). Even if you only had one day in Seville, I would still recommend checking this lavish and stunning palace out.

Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, the Alcazar de Seville is a magnificent example of Mudéjar architecture, showcasing Islamic and Christian influences.

Additionally, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the Europe’s oldest palaces still in use. It combines a plethora of different cultural and stylistic influences, including Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque design.

I’m not an architecture aficionado, but I was still floored by how beautiful and intricate the palace was. Trust me, the architecture is truly outstanding, and it was one of my favorite sights in Seville. And, it’s also a Game of Thrones filming location!

So, if you’re wondering what to see in Seville, Spain , the Alcazar is definitely it.

And if you’re interested in booking your ticket in advance (and skipping the interminable lines), click here.

4. Torre del Oro

• Cost : €3.00
• Hours : Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 6:45 pm. Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 am to 6:45 pm.
• Time Estimate : 30 minutes

Next on our Seville walking route, let’s head over to the Torre del Oro, otherwise known as the Golden Tower Seville.

Housed next to the Guadalquivir river, this 36-meter high defensive tower dates back to the 13th century. Originally covered in gold tiles, it has served as a fortress, prison, and chapel over the years.

While I personally didn’t enter the tower, I still loved admiring its medieval exterior from the riverside.

It’s currently home to a naval museum (and it offers spectacular views of Seville), so if you’re interested in Seville’s naval history, check it out!

5. Plaza de Toros de Sevilla

• Hours : 9:30 am to 7:30 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 30 to 60 minutes
• Website : https://realmaestranza.com/
• Tickets : Click here to book a tour with a professional guide and a skip-the-line ticket.

Walking along the shimmering Guadalquivir river, head over to the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (i.e., Seville’s most famous bullring).

This portion of my free Seville walking tour is one of my favorite Seville walks, as the stroll along the river is super serene and picturesque; so, I definitely recommend taking your time!

La Maestranza is Seville’s bullring, and is considered one of the most important bullrings in Spain . Built in 1733, it is the first bullring to have an oval shape.

Now, I am absolutely not endorsing bullfighting in any shape or form. I personally didn’t enter the building, but I still found it interesting to admire from the outside. So, I still think it’s a worthwhile stop on your Seville tour.

However, if you are interested in learning more about bullfighting’s long and significant history in Spain , you can also enter and tour the place.

6. General Archive of the Indies

• Hours : Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 1:45 pm.
• Time Estimate : 20 to 30 minutes

The next stop on our walking tour of Seville is the General Archive of the Indies, or the Archivo General de Indias.

Created in 1875, the General Archive of the Indies contains the documentation of the Council of the Indies, which was the governing body of Spain’s former empire in the Americas and the Philippines.

This makes this stop an absolute must for all history-lovers. But, if you’re in a rush or not too interested, I still recommend admiring the exterior architecture of this beautiful and grand building.

Enjoying this walking tour? Then check out my self-guided walking tour to Segovia, one of the best day trips from Madrid!

7. Seville Cathedral

• Cost : Around €10
• Hours : Monday to Saturday: 10:45 am to 5 pm. Sundays: 2:30 pm to 6 pm.
• Time Estimate : 60 to 90 minutes
• Website : https://www.catedraldesevilla.es/
• Ticket : Click here for a skip-the-line ticket.

Next stop is another must for city sightseeing Seville: the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower (Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda).

The most breathtaking Seville church, the Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built in the 16th century over a 12th century mosque, the Seville Cathedral still contains some Muslim influences. For instance, the Giralda Tower was initially used for the call to prayer. Renovations over the years have added even more influences, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-gothic styles.

The cathedral was my favorite church in Seville, with intricate architectural details and stunning stained glass windows. And don’t forget to climb up the Giralda Tower; it’ll provide a panoramic view of Seville that will surely take your breath away.

And if you want to book your tickets in advance and skip the long lines, click here.

8. (Optional) Barrio de Santa Cruz

Now, I’m going to list our next three stops as optional. This is because you might be out of time on my one day Seville itinerary, But, if not (and you have energy remaining), I definitely recommend continuing on this walking tour Seville.

So, next on my walking tour of Seville, it’s time to wander around the Barrio Santa Cruz (or the Santa Cruz District). This is the best area to stay in Seville, as it is the center for food, drinks, and shopping!

I absolutely loved perusing around this charming neighborhood, so I recommend taking some time to do so too.

With lovely Seville architecture and some of the best shops in Seville, it is easy to explore. Take your time, have a bite to eat, then continue on to our next destination: the Casa de Pilatos.

If you’re also visiting Barcelona, check out my 2-day Barcelona itinerary!

9. (Optional) Casa de Pilatos

• Cost : €12 for the whole house, €10 for the ground floor only.
• Hours : From November to March: 9 am to 6 pm daily. From April to October: 9 am to 7 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 45 minutes.
• Website : http://www.fundacionmedinaceli.org/
• Ticket : Click here for a ticket to the ground floor plus an audio guide.

Another Seville palace, the Casa de los Pilatos Seville is a fusion of Renaissance Italian and Mudéjar Spanish architecture, making for a unique and visually stunning experience.

While it’s not actually a royal palace, this 16th century building is a civil palace. It also has intricate details both inside and outside the building, from the beautiful gardens, remarkable center fountain, and ornately decorated rooms.

If you have the time, I definitely suggest checking out the gardens and admiring the ceramic tiles inside the Casa de Pilatos Seville. If not, it’s still worth walking by on your way over to our next and final destination: the Setas de Sevilla!

10. (Optional) Setas de Sevilla – The Final Stop on our Walking Tour of Seville!

• Cost : €10 to €15
• Hours : 9:30 am to 12:30 am (past midnight) daily.
• Time Estimate : 30 to 45 minutes
• Website : https://setasdesevilla.com/en/
• Guided Tour : Click here for a tour offering a skip-the-line ticket, knowledgeable guide, and a VR experience.

Last but not least, the final destination on our Seville walking tour is the Setas de Sevilla, or Las Setas. Known as the Seville mushroom, this structure showcases some of Seville’s more modern architecture.

It’s a really cool wooden structure to look up at and admire. While I personally did not go up to the top (due to the price of tickets), I hear that it offers some breathtaking, aerial views of Seville.

It’s a great way to end our day walking in Seville, so take some time to appreciate the charming views! I hope you enjoyed your day tour around Seville.

Other Things to Do in Seville

Now that you’re finished my self-guided walking tour of Seville, you may be wondering… what else should you do in Seville? Well, Seville is filled with fantastic sights and experiences! Even without my tour, Seville is definitely worth visiting .

I’ve split my top recommendations of things to do in Seville into three categories: the best tours in Seville, the best sights and museums, and the best day trips from Seville.

The Best Tours in Seville

First, Seville offers some of the most fantastic tours in Spain . Here are my recommendations for the best tours in Seville:

• Seville Food Tour : If you want to sample Seville’s best tapas and bars, this is the tour for you. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll taste traditional dishes and learn about Seville’s history and food culture.
• Seville Flamenco and Tapas Show : A trip to Spain would be incomplete without Flamenco! This tour offers a fantastic combination of delicious tapas and an authentic Flamenco show in the heart of Seville. And there’s also a cheaper flamenco show if you’re on a budget!
• Seville Paddle Surf Route and Class : One of my favorite spots in Seville was the sparkling Guadalquivir River. This tour will teach you how to paddle board on the Guadalquivir River while pointing out the gorgeous sights along the river!
• Seville Cooking Class and Triana Market Tour : On this essential experience in Seville, you’ll get to visit the bustling Triana Market, pick out fresh ingredients, then head to a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make a delicious 3-course Spanish lunch.
• Seville Bike Tour : Want to explore Seville’s medieval streets on something faster than your feet? Then you have to book this amazing Seville bike tour.

The Best Sights and Museums in Seville (Not Included on our Walking Tour of Seville)

Next, Seville offers some fabulous free and paid attractions and museums that I definitely recommend checking out. They include:

• The Walls of Seville (Murallas de Sevilla) : Surrounding the quarters of the Old Town of Seville, the Walls of Seville are the ancient, defensive walls surrounding the city. Initially built in Roman times, they are an absolute must-see in Seville!
• Museum of Illusions : For a fun-filled museum perfect for all ages, you have to check out the Museum of Illusions. It’s filled with optical illusions, puzzles, and interactive exhibits that will leave you amazed.
• Seville Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla) : If you’re an art enthusiast like me, then this museum should definitely be on your list. With marvelous Spanish art dating back to the medieval period, you can spend hours perusing this gallery!
• Archaeological Museum of Seville (Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla) [Currently Closed for Renovations] : With incredible Roman, medieval, and Islamic artifacts, this museum is perfect for those fascinated by history!
• Triana District of Seville : If you love the colors and vibrancy of Seville, then I definitely suggest checking out the Triana District of Seville. On the other side of the Guadalquivir River, it’s an enchanting area filled with marvelous photography spots.

The Best Day Trips from Seville

Last but not least, why not leave Seville’s city limits? These are some of the most beautiful and thrilling day trips from Seville:

• Granada : Visit the enchanting city of Granada on an amazing and educational day trip to the Alhambra and Nazaries Palaces.
• Cordoba and Carmona : Explore more of Andalusia on this fabulous day tour to Cordoba and Carmona.
• Gibraltar : Want to spend the day surrounded by local monkeys on the Mediterranean coast? Then you have to book this exhilarating day trip to Gibraltar, which includes stops at St Michael’s Cave and the Rock of Gibraltar.
• Ronda : Spend the day in the fascinating and stunning city of Ronda, one of the most ancient towns in Spain.
• Tangier : If you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can also take a day trip to Morocco with this incredible tour to Tangier!

Where to Stay in Seville

Once you’ve completed my Seville self guided walking tour, you may need a cozy place to unwind. So, where’s the best place to stay in Seville?

Let me share my top recommendations!

Luxury Accommodations:

• Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón : If you’re searching for comfortable and luxurious accommodations in Seville, then look no further than the Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramon. With stunning interior design, an outdoor swimming pool, and a mouthwatering continental breakfast, it’s the perfect place to stay.
• Hotel Gravina 51 : Want to stay in a beautiful, historic, 18th-century manor house? Then I recommend booking the charming and elegant Hotel Gravina 51.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Hotel Giralda Center : Offering spacious rooms, picturesque terrace bars, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center, the Hotel Giralda Center is the perfect choice for travelers looking for luxury at a more affordable price.
• La Suite del Conde Luxury Suites : If you’re looking for a cozy and delightful homestay for an affordable price, then I highly recommend La Suite del Conde Luxury Suites.

Budget Hostels:

• room007 Salvador Hostel : Conveniently located in the center of Seville, room007 Salvador Hostel is a clean, comfortable, and modern hostel with great staff and a lovely terrace.
• Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Seville : A hostel perfect for backpackers and budget travelers, Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Seville has an upbeat, social atmosphere, clean rooms, and friendly staff.

And if you’re wondering where to go after Seville, I recommend Lagos, Portugal ! To learn more, read my article on the most stunning Lagos beaches.

And That’s It for our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville!

I hope this self-guided Seville walking tour has inspired you to navigate Seville’s streets the best way possible: on foot! But, if you’re simply wondering what to see in Seville, then I hope this guide still helped you find the coolest places.

From the awe-inspiring architecture of the Seville Cathedral to the bustling streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville has it all. It’s one of my favorite cities in all of Spain, and I bet you’ll love it as much as I do, regardless of whether you’re spending 1 day in Seville, 2 days in Seville, or 3 days in Seville.

So go out and explore this beautiful city, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me – I’d love to hear all about your adventures in Seville. Happy travels!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more self-guided walking tours and travel itineraries, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on an incredible trip around Spain? Here are some of my relevant articles and favorite Spain destinations:

• The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary
• The Ultimate Segovia Free Walking Tour
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my travel itineraries
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Spain
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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One Day in Seville – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Seville Spain

Seville is hot, steamy and so very Spanish. More about atmosphere than attractions, the intimate bars at every twist and turn of its medieval lanes, the rich Mudejar history and splendid Baroque churches of Seville will delight and captivate you.

In this one day in Seville guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must see Seville attractions, with an interactive map, organised to make the best use of your time in this quintessential Spanish city.

We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your 24 hours in Seville.

When to Visit Seville

Travel to Seville is possible all year round.  Seville in winter  will be mild and it’s unlikely to rain. Locals tend to wrap up in coats and boots, but a long sleeve top or hoodie and trainers are enough on all but the worst days.  

Avoid summer if possible, Seville is the hottest city in Europe and temperatures regularly hit the high 30’s and low 40’s. Summer will be uncomfortably hot and humid, and incredibly busy.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. There will be fewer tourists, you are likely to get better deals on accommodation and the weather will be perfect. 

Christmas is always busy (but not as busy as summer) as  Seville hosts a number of fabulous Christmas markets , including the famous Feria del Belen, one of the most unique things to do in Seville. 

This market only sells nativity figures, in all designs, shapes and sizes. The nativity tradition is huge in Spain and at Christmas time every household, church and public building has a nativity scene.

Is this your first time visiting Spain? Get all the information you need in our Spain Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Seville Trip Resources

Fly into Seville San Pablo Airport

Drive in from Europe or hire a car in Spain

Travel Insurance

Medical costs, delays and lost luggage

Getting to Seville

If you are flying to Cordoba, you will fly into Seville San Pablo Airport , the cheapest way to get into the city from the airport is by bus.

At Seville Airport the re an urban bus transport link that connects the airport to the AVE train station and the bus station in the centre of town. The bus stop at the airport is located outside the main terminal. The buses run from 5:20 am-01:15 am and take 35 mins to get to the Plaza de Armas bus station, they run 365 days a year, however, the schedule does change so check before your trip here . The fare is nominal and needs to be paid on the bus.

You can take a taxi which will get you into the city centre in only 15 minutes and there are three flat rates from the airport. You can find out more about current fares here .

You can also book a private transfer from the airport with Klook directly to your accommodation in the city. Klook works with a large range of local operators to bring the the best options and prices for your transfer.

Where to Stay in Seville

Luxury: Casa del Poeta – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: H10 Casa de la Plata – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Petit Palace Vargas – Booking.com | Agoda

Hostel: The Hostel Triana – Booking.com | Agoda

Things to See & Do in Seville

Seville (or Sevilla to the Spanish) is a very walkable city with all the main attractions and city centre being easily navigated on foot following our one day in Seville guide . 

Access our interactive Seville map of tourist attractions and set out into this beautiful city – if you get lost down a winding alley or take the wrong turn from a pretty square, then stop for a coffee and enjoy being off the beaten track a little.

Interactive Map of Your Seville Itinerary

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Take a Seville Day Tour

If you’re looking for a Seville day trip, or would prefer a walking tour or half-day guided tour, check out these Seville day tours.

You can also book free walking tours of Seville , but be aware that you are expected to tip an amount that you consider fair, at the end of the tour. We’ve had mixed results with these tours, some of them have been superb and others a bit lack-lustre.

Climb the Metropol Parasol

Head north through the vibrant El Centro district to La Encarnación square and the  Metropol Parasol , one of Seville’s most remarkable sights.  Setas de Seville (mushroom of Seville) is an ultra-modern wooden structure, erected in 2011.

It is stunning to look at and fascinating to visit. Photographers will appreciate the contrast of the light wood of the structure, floating against the backdrop of the inevitable azure blue Seville sky. 

At five stories high, it is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing an antiquarian, viewing point and numerous bars, markets and cafes. Head for the mirador on the fifth floor for spectacular views of the skyline and structure itself, you’ll have the entire city at your feet. 

TOP TIP: Make sure to visit the  Church of El Divino Salvador , on the way south from the Metropole Parasol. The site of a former mosque, this baroque Roman Catholic church has an elaborate and intricately decorated golden altar with a breathtaking nave above.

Admire Plaza Nuevo

As you wander towards the historic centre of the city, take in Plaza Nueva, home to Sevill’es town hall and where you can see an equestrian statue of Fernando III who conquered Seville for the Christians in 1248, and later was declared a saint by the Catholic church in 1671.

The plaza is also home to one of Seville’s Christmas Markets – this one sells lots of local handicrafts like jewellery, fabrics and handbags.

Visit the Cathedral of Seville​

Properly named as  The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See , everyone calls it Seville Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world with the vast nave stretching to 42m. Ornate and grand, this masterpiece took over 100 years to build.

Visit the tomb of the great explorer Christopher Columbus, recently proved through DNA testing to be his authentic last resting place, despite claims from other cities and countries. 

Sadly, this is one cathedral you have to pay to enter, unless you go on a Monday when it’s free, but incredibly crowded.

Climb the Giralda Tower

All that remains of Seville’s ancient mosque is part of its intircate minaret, which is now the cathedral’s Giralda bell tower, another of Seville’s stunning architectural attractions. T he name ‘Giralda’ means ‘she who turns’, after the weather vane on top of the tower.

You can climb the famous 103 metre high bell tower, for spectacular views of the city. Except for the final section, which features stairs, the route to the top is via ramps – apparently, this is so it can be reached on horseback. We hope this means historically!

Visit the Real Alcazar of Seville

One of the top attractions in Seville, the  Royal Alcázar of Seville  is a glorious palace in the heart of the ancient city and built on the site of a Muslim fortress, by Castilian Christians after their reconquest of Seville. 

Beautiful patios, courtyards, stunning tiles and mysterious doorways beckon you through this atmospheric building which was used in the filming of Game of Thrones.

The Real Alcázar gardens are a botanists delight, with orange, lemon and pomelo trees hanging heavy with fruit. Fantastic Moorish inspired architecture creates symmetry and interest with arches, pavilions and galleries throughout the gardens. Head to the Patio de Banderas for the best views of the Giralda Tower.

The Royal Alcazar should be at the top of your list of things to see in Seville in one day, the romance and history of the palace are palpable and will set the scene for the rest of your time in the city.

Row Around the Plaza de Espana

Built for the Spanish-American exhibition of 1929, the  Plaza de España  is the centrepiece of the Maria Luisa park.

A popular spot with locals and visitors alike, there’s not much to actually do, but there is a great vibe here with impromptu and authentic live flamenco and Spanish guitar sessions daily. Late afternoon is the best time for this, as siesta comes to an end and the city wakes up for the evening.

You will also find a small lake where you can hire a rowing boat and meander around the lake enjoying people watching in the inevitable sunshine. Each of the 49 Spanish provinces is depicted around the plaza in colourful tiles. 

The park itself is a delightful large green space, ideal for a quiet stroll or romantic horse-and-carriage ride, or a slightly more energetic ride on a bike for four, both of which you can find on the road opposite Plaza de Espana. Make sure you agree the cost before getting onboard.

Wander the Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is Seville’s old Jewish quarter, full of narrow medieval alleys, quirky shops and cool bars and restaurants. It’s definitely a tourist area, but if you know that before heading there, you’ll have a great time.

Seville’s Jewish population was held here after Ferdinand III took the city from the Moors in 1248. Most of the streets are so narrow that cars are unable to pass, so meander at will. You probably will get lost but keep meandering and you’ll find a square or street you recognise within no time, it’s all part of the experience.

TOP TIP: Head up Calle Mateos Gago and which is lined with tapas bars. Find Bar Bodega Las Columnas and grab a beer and a tapa, then people watch to your heart’s content, that’s really what Santa Cruz is about.

Take in a Flamenco Show

Good flamenco is all about the spirit of the performance and passion of the performers – there is even a word for it – ‘ duende’,  which does not have a direct translation but refers to how the performance affects those watching.

Flamenco includes elements of singing, guitar music, clapping and of course, the feisty flamenco dancing and was born in southern Spain between the three great cities of Seville, Cadíz and Granada.

The city has become the home of some of the best flamenco in the world and you should not visit Seville without taking in a show. 

Discover Tapas

Tapas is a way of life in Seville and you’ll find it being served in all bars in the city. Tapas is loosely used to describe a  tapa  (snack) and a  racione  (small plate) as well as  pintxos  (food on a stick) which come from the north of Spain, and  montadito  (food on bread).  

Tapas is served and eaten as a snack (often whilst standing at the bar) with a beer or other alcoholic drink. Sometimes this comes free with your drink, but in a city like Seville, you’ll pay €3-5 for each tapa. Raciones are larger plates – usually a half-portion – and tend to be the size used to serve  jamon  (ham) or cheese which are perfect for sharing.

If you’re a tapas newbie, taking a tapas tour is one of the top things to do in Seville, and is the perfect way to learn the intricacies of this very Spanish tradition. Plus, you’ll also get to try tapas in the best places in town. 

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Where to eat in seville, freiduria puerta de la carne.

The oldest fry shop in Seville is unsurprisingly in the Santa Cruz district.  Pescaito frito  (fried fish) is a popular dish across Spain and you’ll find it on most menus in Seville.

At  Freiduria Puerta de la Carne , you’ll get the best fried fish in Seville, they’ve been serving it up daily since 1929. The menu is simple, order a mix of seafood and eat hot from the paper at a table outside. 

Bodeguita Antonio Romero

Bodeguita Antonio Romero Origin  is right in the historic heart of the city, close to the infamous Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería , Seville’s bull ring.

There are four Antonio Romero bodeguitas in town, but this is the original and has the most authentic Sevillano vibe. You can eat at a table or at the bar with a beer, if you’re looking for a quick snack. 

Mercado de Triana

For a perhaps a less touristy evening destination, head for the Triana district of Seville. This area is down-to-earth and home to the  Mercado de Triana , a busy and buzzy market hall with food stalls and small eateries serving traditional and local tapas. 

The nearby riverside street of Calle Betis on the Guadalquivir river has excellent restaurants and lively bars with live (and often impromptu) flamenco to get your feet tapping!

Top Five Seville Travel Tips

• There are an astonishing 25,000 orange trees lining the city streets. In winter they are laden with fruit and in spring, the gorgeous scent of orange blossom fills the air. The trees belong to the city, but are not harvested in any way. You are welcome to pick and eat the oranges, but you may get an unpleasant surprise – Seville’s oranges are used for marmalade and are incredibly bitter and really quite unpleasant to eat!
• If you’re visiting over a weekend, ask your hotel for a non-street facing room. Street noise in Seville at the weekends can be loud as locals fill the streets and squares into the early hours. Unless you want to join them, of course.
• There is a high level of petty crime in Seville and pickpockets are rife at all the main attractions and tourist areas. Look after your stuff and leave valuables in your hotel.
• For an incredible up-close view of Seville Cathedral, head to the rooftop bar at  EME Catedral Terraza , where you can sip a cocktail and admire the Gothic architecture on display.
• You can see flamenco for free at  La Carboneria   but it’s lacking in ambiance and intimacy, vital ingredients for great flamenco (and you’ll have to buy expensive drinks, so it’s not really free at all). If you want to do it properly, then buy a ticket. 

More Than One Day in Seville?

Perhaps you have two or even three days in Seville ? If you do, add these Seville attractions to your itinerary…

Casa de Pilatos

Visit the gorgeous Casa de Pilatos , a hidden gem in the centre of Seville. The small 16th century palace and its beautiful gardens are as good as anything you’ll see in the Alcazar. 

Torre de Oro

The 13th century watchtower of Torre de Oro dominates the riverbank. Known as the ‘Tower of Gold’, it was built by the Almohad rulers of Seville between 1220 and 1221 and has recently been restored. Today its home to Seville’s small Maritime Museum, which explores the importance of the Guadalquivir River and Atlantic to the Andalusian capital’s history.

Real Maestranza

Seville’s  Real Maestranza  bullring is one of the most important bull fighting rings in Spain. The Maestranza’s excellent museum explores the history of bullfighting, and daily tours of the arena are available.

Road Trip from Seville

This corner of Andalucia is full of stunning scenery and architectual delights. Some places to check out on a road trip from Seville include Ronda, home to the incredible Puento Nuevo, Antequera, where you can find ancient burial mounds and the romantic Lovers Rock and Granada, the most beautiful of them all and home to the wonderful Alhambra.

Córdoba and Mosque-Cathedral Full Day Tour

If you take one day trip from Seville, head to Cordoba on this highly rated and well organized day trip from Seville.

Explore the architectural treasures of Córdoba, former capital of the Islamic Emirate. Get priority entrance to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba , and visit the Jewish Quarter and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos .

With a professional guide to offer insights, an organized tour is the perfect opportunity to see  more of Spain in less time!

Are you looking for more Spain travel ideas? Check out these top posts…

Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter?

How to Hike the Circo de Soaso via Faja Pelay – Ordesa Valley

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2 Days in Seville: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Traveling to Seville for two days and wondering what to see and how to plan your time? In this guide, we share a detailed 2-day Seville itinerary that will help you experience the very best that the city has to offer.

Seville ( Sevilla ) is the capital city of the Andalusia region and one of the most remarkable cities in Spain. It’s a unique melting pot of different cultures, architectural styles, and distinctive traditions, making a visit here really interesting and worthwhile.

Needless to say, there is a lot more to see and do than you could possibly cover in Seville in two days. On the other hand, two days is enough time to visit all the top spots (and even a few hidden gems), see a Flamenco show, and have plenty of opportunities to taste some delicious tapas.

Good to know: This itinerary is structured in such a way that it brings you to the main attractions at the best possible times and helps you avoid the biggest crowds. It’s not overly packed (not like our 1-day Seville itinerary ) so you have more time to explore all the sights deeper, but a lot depends on your choices too. We also include a few local experiences and several less popular sights that will make your visit a bit more special.

To help you make the most of your trip, we also share tips on which tickets you absolutely have to pre-book in advance (Seville can be very busy!). In addition, we also created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article, including some local recommendations on where to eat. See below!

Seville 2-Day Itinerary & Map

Here is an overview of our recommended itinerary for two days in Seville (you can find all the detailed information further below):

• 8.30 – 9.30 AM: Plaza de España and Park Maria Luisa.
• 9.45 – 10.45 AM: Old town & cookies from a convent.
• 11 AM – 12.30 PM: Cathedral and Giralda Tower ( timed-entry tickets or guided tour ).
• 12.30 – 2 PM: Lunch.
• 2 – 2.30 PM: San Salvador Church (included with Cathedral ticket).
• 3 – 4 PM: Casa de Pilatos.
• 4.30 – 5.30 PM: Palacio de las Dueñas.
• 6 – 7 PM: Setas de Seville.
• EVENING: Calle Sierpes & dinner.
• (8.30) 9.30 – 11 AM: Royal Alcazar ( before-hours tour or timed-entry tickets ).
• 11 – 11.30 AM: Archive of the Indies and/or Plaza del Cabildo.
• 12 – 2 PM: Lunch at Triana Market.
• 2.15 – 3 PM: Bull Arena.
• 3 – 4.30 PM: Golden Tower, Nao Victoria 500, and/or River Cruise ( cruise options ).
• EVENING: Flamenco & dinner (we opted for this amazing Flamenco & tapas tour , but there are many alternative options – more info further below).

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME:

If you have 3-4 days in Seville, you could spend more time exploring the city (and there’s a lot to see indeed). However, if you want to see more of the beautiful Andalusia region, consider one or several day trips nearby. Here are the most popular choices for a day trip from Seville : (1) White Villages and Ronda , (2) Alhambra in Granada , and (3) Caminito del Rey hike . No matter which one you choose, it will make your visit to Seville so much more memorable!

As promised, here is a map indicating all the places mentioned in this guide, as well as some additional restaurant recommendations. Further below, you can find a detailed 2-day Seville itinerary with more information and tips for all the sights and attractions.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Planning Info & Tips

While you can easily visit the Cathedral and Royal Alcazar on the same day, it can be quite tiring and overwhelming. So with two days in Seville, we recommend visiting these two major sites on different days. But you can easily adjust this itinerary and see them both on the same day. In fact, there are many guided tours that visit both sites together, in about 3 hours.

TIP:  If you are not interested in guided tours, this  Seville Super Combi  includes tickets to the main attractions and allows you to choose all time slots in one booking.

There are countless ways to adjust this itinerary (and everything is rather close by!), so feel free to do so based on your interests and schedule. But let me tell you why we recommend it as it is.

First, depending on the season, the Cathedral opens much later than Royal Alcazar, so it’s easier to start your first day there even if you only arrive in Seville in the morning. Second, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos as well as Palacio de las Dueñas on the same day. You’ll appreciate these sights much more if you see Alcazar after and not before them.

Please also note that the hours are only indicated for your reference – based on the normal opening hours, which might be different when you visit. Plus, depending on the options that you choose, you may have to plan a bit more (or less) time at some of the attractions.

Good to know: Seville is the warmest city in Spain and it gets VERY hot in the summer. Most shops and restaurants are closed in the afternoons, some tourist sights are open. But if you are traveling in the warmest months, don’t pack your afternoon itinerary too much because you may decide to take a siesta as well. For that, make sure that you stay centrally and that your hotel has a pool! Radisson Magdalena Plaza (€€€€€), Hotel Amadeus (€€€€), and Hotel Doña María (€€€) are all excellent options.

There are so many other factors to consider too; these are just the main ones. Further below, you can find more information and planning tips in our detailed guide about all the places recommended in this itinerary.

Below is a detailed itinerary for two days in Seville:

DAY 1: Old Town, Cathedral, Palaces & Setas de Seville

Here is what your first day in Seville could look like:

Plaza de España and Park Maria Luisa

8.30 – 9.30 AM.

Plaza de España is one of the most famous landmarks of Seville. This monumental square was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and has been awing visitors ever since.

Its architecture is very impressive – with beautiful buildings and an arcade gallery, azulejo tiles, and four bridges spanning a 515-meter-long canal, where you can even row a boat. Just to be clear, there is nothing you see on the boat that you wouldn’t see otherwise – you can walk along the canal too.

It’s unlikely that boat rental will be available early in the morning, but in general, the morning is one of the best times to visit Plaza España. There is hardly any shade on the square and it can get very hot during the day. Plus, there will be fewer people, allowing you to admire and explore this unique monument to the fullest.

Adjacent to the square, you’ll find Parque de Maria Luisa , Seville’s most beautiful park. There are many monuments (some also dating from the 1929 Expo) and interesting features to see here. You could just walk around for 15-20 minutes or spend an hour here or even more. There is also a bike/tandem/cyclobus rental at the park.

Planning info:  The square and the park are free to visit. In general, they are open to the public from 8 AM. The boats and the bikes might only be available from 10 AM though, so if you are absolutely interested in any of those options, you’ll have to amend the itinerary and come here at another time.

Seville University, Murillo Gardens, Barrio de Santa Cruz

9.45 – 10.30 AM.

Next, head to the historic town center. You can easily walk there in about 15-20 minutes, but there are taxis and trams available too. You will also see horses with carriages parked at the park entrance which could also bring you to the old town.

We recommend walking. On the way, you could stop by the former Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville (now Seville University ) and walk through the beautiful Murillo Gardens .

In the old town, explore Barrio de Santa Cruz , the old Jewish neighborhood of Seville. It’s located to the east of the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar. This lovely area is a labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares. It’s home to many beautiful historic buildings and tourist sights such as Hospital los Venerables, La Casa del Flamenco, and Casa de Salinas, to mention just a few.

Depending on your interests, you could visit one or the other place; most will be open already. Otherwise, simply walk around and sit down for a cup of coffee and some churros at one of the many restaurants.

Cookies from a Convent

10.30 – 10.45 AM (OPTIONAL).

If you are looking for a truly local experience, you have to get some traditional Sevilla sweets from a convent . This century-old Seville tradition originated around Christmas when people used to buy cookies and sweets made by nuns for the holidays. Nowadays, it helps to support the monasteries.

There are several convents where you can go for some local delicacies, but for this itinerary, we recommend Convento de Madre de Dios , which is the most centrally located of them all. We indicated it on our map.

The entrance is not very well signposted but using Google Maps, it’s not difficult to find. Once inside, you will see a little window to your left and a bell that you can ring if there is nobody there. The convent is usually open from 10 AM to 1.30 PM daily except on Sundays. Bring cash!

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

11 AM – 12.30 PM.

The impressive Seville Cathedral and its famous Giralda Tower are absolute must-sees, no matter how much time you have in the city!

Built in the 15th century on the site of an old Mosque, Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world. It’s also the 3rd largest Catholic church in Europe, after St. Peter’s in the Vatican and Duomo in Milan. Let’s just say that it’s absolutely impressive – both on the outside, as well as the interior.

The main highlight inside is the monumental grave of Christopher Columbus. But there is a lot more to see, including the stunning altars, stained glass windows, and dazzling Gothic pillars and ceilings.

Another must-see is the Cathedral’s bell tower, La Giralda . You will notice that this tower has Moorish architecture. It was part of the old mosque and was kept simply because it was so beautiful.

You can climb to (almost) the top for amazing 360° views of the city. The climb is not difficult with wide passages rather than narrow stairs like in most bell towers. However, it’s often so busy that the entire climb is one long queue… Plus, the views at the top are obstructed by a metal security net, so taking pictures is difficult, but if you just want to enjoy the views (and the sounds of the bells – every 15 minutes!), then it’s worth it.

Planning info:  You’ll need a timed entry ticket for a visit to the Cathedral and Giralda. So while booking it, you can immediately see when it’s open on your travel dates. For this itinerary, we recommend booking a time slot at around 11 AM.

TIP: When booking a ticket, you can also get an audio guide – it can be a good idea because there is a lot to see inside. Also, if you want to visit the tower, do it immediately after you pass the security check. When it’s busy, they give priority to people entering with timed tickets from the outside. You can visit the church itself after you come down from the tower.

Alternative: If you are looking for a more unique experience (and don’t mind spending 2 hours extra), you can also visit the rooftops of the Cathedral. You can only book this tour via the official website and have to stay with the guide at all times. There are usually just one or two tours a day and you have to book well in advance.

After the tour, you can visit the Cathedral and Giralda Tower on your own, so you’ll need at least 3 hours if you choose this option.

We did this rooftop tour and while the views were absolutely amazing, we were exhausted from all the slow walking during this tour (you spend way too much time standing still and listening to the guide). And it wasn’t even warm; I can’t imagine doing this in the summer… We have done many other cathedral rooftop tours in Europe and they are always unique and well worth it, but the one in Seville was by far the slowest and the longest of them all.

TIP: If you ever travel to Italy, you can visit the rooftop terraces of the Duomo in Milan much more easily and without a guide. Also the rooftops of Siena Cathedral are among the most interesting we have seen. In Florence , there’s also an amazing tour with exclusive access to the Duomo terraces.

12.30 – 2 PM.

For lunch, we recommend simply finding a restaurant in the vicinity of the Cathedral. There are so many nice places for tapas. Just be sure to check the reviews (we usually use Google Maps) so that you can avoid tourist traps.

We indicated a few restaurant suggestions on our map as well. Some good choices in the area include Bar Casa Morales and Taberna Coloniales to the west of the Cathedral (and there are many, many more).

Planning info: Since the Spanish tend to eat later, some restaurants don’t open until 1 PM. However, there are usually plenty of others that are open earlier. If you go to eat around noon or a bit before 1, it’s much easier to find a table at good, local restaurants.

San Salvador Church & Square

2 – 2.30 PM.

The Church of San Salvador (Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador) is one of the most beautiful churches in Seville. It’s the second-largest church in the city, but totally different than the Cathedral.

For starters, it was built a few centuries later in the Baroque style. The church has a bright red exterior and a colorful dome which is difficult to see from close-by, but you will see it in Seville’s skyline from many other places in the city. The opulent interior is worth seeing too, especially the extravagant gilded altars.

This church is located on a beautiful square, Plaza del Salvador, where you will also find another remarkable church, Iglesia de la Virgen de la Paz . With its lavishly decorated facade and two towers, it looks more like a palace than a church.

Planning info: The Church of San Salvador is open daily, on Sundays only in the afternoon. The entry is included with the Cathedral ticket . Iglesia de la Virgen de la Paz is usually open until 2 PM and then again late in the afternoon, but visiting inside is not an absolute must.

Casa de Pilatos

3 – 4 PM.

Casa de Pilatos is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seville. Built in the 15th-16th centuries, this was the Palace of the Governors of Andalusia, the family of Enríquez de Ribera.

Over the years, the family has expanded the house by purchasing the grounds and properties around it. The property became the biggest private residence in the city, with beautiful gardens, impressive courtyards, and a maze of rooms and hallways spread over several buildings. It is one of the finest examples of a typical Andalusian palace.

Nowadays, Casa de Pilatos is the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli and a museum managed by the Ducal House of Medinaceli Foundation.

It’s difficult to describe this place as it has such an unusual mix of architectural styles. From the late-medieval Gothic and Mudéjar-style ornamentation and decoration (post-Islamic Iberian architecture) to the early Renaissance styles with Italian influence – it’s a unique blend, to say the least. But Casa de Pilatos is very impressive and well worth seeing.

Planning info: You can get tickets for Casa de Pilatos online in advance or buy them on the spot. Depending on how busy it is, however, you may not be able to visit without advance reservation. It wasn’t an issue when we visited in November, but I read that some people were not able to visit because it was sold out… Anyway, regular tickets include a visit to the ground floor and an audio guide.

You can quickly walk through the palace in 15-20 minutes, but if you want to explore a bit deeper and listen to the audio guide, count at least 30-45 minutes inside.

The upper floor can only be visited with a 1-hour guided tour. If interested, you can book a tour for a specific time slot on the official site or simply see if there is one available and decide when you get there. We only visited the ground floor so I’m not sure whether the first floor is worth it. For us, it was more than enough since there’s only that much one can do with just two days in Seville…

Palacio de las Dueñas

4.30 – 5.30 PM.

Just 10 minutes walk from Casa de Pilatos, you will find another impressive Andalusian palace, Palacio de las Dueñas . This private palace was also built in the same period (15-16th centuries) and its architecture is also a mix of Gothic-Mudejar era and the Renaissance styles.

Las Dueñas Palace is not as popular as Casa de Pilatos, but it’s well worth a visit too. Because it’s located a bit further away from the main sights in Seville, it’s not as busy here and if you are lucky to visit when it’s quieter, it feels a bit like a hidden gem.

The architecture is really nice and the courtyard gardens are simply beautiful. Depending on the season, you may also admire the pink flowers covering the facade of the building. The interior oozes a luxuriously royal atmosphere, with the rooms recreated as they would have looked when the palace was lived in. There is also a very diverse collection of artworks.

Planning info: You can get tickets for Las Duenas Palace online in advance or buy them on the spot (which could mean a longer wait time). Tickets include an audio guide. Also here, you can quickly walk through in less than half an hour, but they recommend at least 45 minutes inside. Keep in mind that the palace closes at 6 PM and the last entry is at 5.15 PM.

Setas de Seville

6 – 7 PM.

Setas de Seville , aka Metropol Parasol, is a unique contemporary landmark that quickly became one of the must-sees in the city. Built over an ancient archeological site with the ruins of a Roman house (now Antiquarium Museum), the contrast with the modern architecture couldn’t be bigger. Yet somehow it fits together.

If you have the time and interest, you could also visit the archeological site, but the main reason to come here is definitely the viewing platform of Setas de Seville. The 360° panoramas from the top area really nice, offering an elevated viewpoint of the entire city center.

Plus – depending on the time of the year – you can enjoy a sunset from above, or enjoy a beautiful LED show ‘Aurora’ which starts the moment it gets dark.

The ‘Parasol’ is a large modern wooden structure with a viewing platform on top. You can see it from the outside just like that, but you will need a ticket to visit the rooftop. The tickets also include a ‘Feeling Seville’ experience, which is a very nice short movie about the city.

Planning info:  The Setas de Seville viewing platform is open until past midnight, so it’s very simple to fit it into any Seville itinerary. You can also come here after dinner if you prefer.

TIP: If you absolutely want to visit at a specific time, it’s best to reserve tickets  on the official website  in advance. While you can just get tickets on the spot, they only allow a certain number of people inside, so if it’s busy, you may have to wait a while until you can get in.

We had to wait for the tickets for almost half an hour, plus another half an hour before we could go inside. As we were waiting, the time slots that were available online when we arrived got filled up and we got a much later slot.

We could have easily gotten earlier tickets by simply booking via our smartphone instead of standing in line, but we thought that a ticket bought on the spot would give you immediate access, but it turns out that’s not the case. (Don’t always trust online forums :)).

Next time, I would try booking in advance, even if just on the day itself while walking there. That way, you can avoid the queue at the ticket desk and can see which time slots are still available. And if you have to wait a bit longer, you can simply sit down for a drink and relax a bit rather than waste your time queuing.

Calle Sierpes & Dinner

End your day with a walk through Calle Sierpes , one of the nicest little shopping streets in Seville.

You may want to know that most shops in the center close for siesta in the afternoon and start to reopen at around 5-5.30 PM. Tourist-oriented souvenir shops tend to stay open all day. In any case, most shops are open until 8-10 PM, so if you want to do some shopping or get souvenirs, you can do it in the evening.

For dinner, there are so many amazing restaurants and tapas bars that you won’t have trouble finding something nice. However, if you absolutely want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table in advance.

TIP: Check out the restaurant La Malvaloca at the southern end of the square overlooking Setas de Seville. We had dinner here and their tapas were among the best we had anywhere in Spain, plus, we had a great view of Setas de Seville which was beautifully lit up in the dark. Alternatively, the restaurant Doña Encarna just nearby is another great choice too. We indicated both of them on our map.

DAY 2: Royal Alcazar, Triana, Bull Arena, Riverside & Flamenco

This is what your second day in Seville could look like:

Royal Alcázar of Seville

(8.30) 9.30 – 11 AM.

The Royal Alcazar of Seville  (Real Alcázar de Sevilla) is another must-see in the city. It’s located in the old town, just steps away from the Cathedral. As already mentioned, you could easily visit these landmarks on the same day, with two days in Seville, we recommend doing one each day. That way, it will be less rushed and you’ll likely enjoy it more.

The Alcazar is a big and very impressive palace complex with multiple buildings and lovely gardens. It was built by different rulers over a period spanning several centuries, so the result is a mix of various architectural styles.

There is a very strong Moorish influence, but also Baroque and Renaissance elements; it’s truly unique.

You could easily spend half a day exploring the palace and the gardens, so ideally, you plan at least 1.5 – 2 hours inside and also leave some extra time in between this and other activities so that you can stay a bit longer if you feel like it.

TIP:  Make sure to book your tickets in advance and try to get the earliest possible time slot (or the earliest tour). The palace typically opens at 9.30 AM and by 9 AM there is already a queue that stretches for a few blocks…

Planning info:  For this itinerary, we recommend either  timed-entry tickets  (book the 9.30 AM slot and arrive earlier!) or this amazing  ‘Alone in the Alcazar’ tour  which starts at 8.30 AM (yes, an hour before it opens to the public!). We took this tour and it was amazing. However, these tours only run a few times a week and availability is very limited. So check if it’s available for your travel dates and if it is, don’t hesitate – it’s a very unique experience.

General Archive of the Indies and/or Plaza del Cabildo

11 – 11.30 AM (OPTIONAL).

If you leave Alcazar well before noon, you could visit a few other places nearby. These are not a must, but they are close by, don’t require any additional planning, and are free to visit, so you can also just decide on the day itself.

General Archive of the Indies   (Archivo de Indias) is an archive/library that holds the original documents about Spain’s colonization of the New World. The archive is located inside a beautiful 16th-century merchants’ exchange building located on the square between the Royal Alcazar and the Cathedral.

Plaza del Cabildo is somewhat of a hidden gem located a few minutes walk from the main attractions (and on the way to the next stop on this itinerary). It’s a picturesque little square encircled by a half-moon-shaped arched building. Sometimes, there is a flea market here, but it’s worth passing by either way.

Triana Market & Lunch

12 – 2 PM.

If you want to see a somewhat more local side of Seville, head to the Triana neighborhood on the other side of the Guadalquivir River. Triana is known as the birthplace of flamenco and is also the area where many famous bullfighters and sailors came from.

Here, you can visit Triana Market (Mercado de Triana) , which is an excellent place for lunch. This is a covered food market that has a mix of traditional market stalls, some of which also have several tables where you can sit down for a traditional meal. In addition, you’ll also find many good restaurants in the neighborhood. We indicated quite a few excellent choices on our map.

While this is the most famous market in Seville, it kept its original charm and is not nearly as touristy as the main markets in e.g. Barcelona or Madrid. If you want to try all kinds of local hams, this is a great place for that, but there are also plenty of other choices – from tapas to paella and everything in between.

Good to know: The market is open daily except on Sunday when most market stalls are closed. And while there is still plenty of choice of places to eat, for the best atmosphere it’s best to visit between Monday and Saturday.

TIP: If you are interested, there is a highly-rated food tour that you could easily fit into this itinerary (+-11.30 – 2 PM). We personally absolutely love taking food tours with locals when we travel! In Seville, we did another food tour, for dinner, in combination with a Flamenco show; you can find more info about it further below.

Bullring – La Real Maestranza

2.15 – 3 PM.

Next, you could visit the bullring of Seville (Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla) . It’s located in the old town and you’ll actually pass it on your way to Triana. So depending on your preferences, you could either stop here on your way to the market or after lunch.

The bullring of Seville is one of the oldest in Spain, dating from the 18 – 19th centuries. It’s still used for bullfighting nowadays and is considered one of the most prestigious arenas in the world.

The bullfighting season in Seville is rather short, with over a dozen flights per year. Most events take place in April and early summer. For the rest of the time, the arena functions as a museum.

While we don’t support bullfighting and I wouldn’t think of going to see a corrida, we found a visit to the arena very interesting and intriguing. It’s such an old tradition that no trip to Spain would be complete without learning more about it. And visiting a museum like this is a great way to do this. You can see bullfighters’ costumes, take a look behind the scenes, see Capilla de los Toreros (Bullfighters’ Chapel) and of course, explore the arena itself.

While there are guided tours available, you can easily visit the arena on your own. For more information, you can also download a free audioguide once you are inside the museum.

Planning info: You need about half an hour for a visit. However, sometimes, there is a long queue at the ticket desk. If you want to be able to enter without a wait, you can book your tickets online in advance.

Golden Tower, Nao Victoria 500 & River Cruise

3 – 4.30 PM.

Next, take a walk on the pedestrian promenade next to the Guadalquivir River. There are two main landmarks here: Nao Victoria 500 and Golden Tower (Torre del Oro) . In addition, you can also take a Guadalquivir River Sightseeing Cruise .

Nao Victoria 500 is a replica of the first ship that circumnavigated the world. There is a small museum inside and it’s quite interesting, but the entrance fee is quite steep and some people find that it’s not worth it. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide. If you are visiting Seville with kids, then you may want to check it out.

Torre del Oro (the Golden Tower) is a 13th-century military watchtower that later served as a prison. Nowadays, the tower houses a maritime museum, but most people visit it for the views from the top.

While the views are nice, we found them not as impressive as the views you have from Giralda Tower, Cathedral Rooftops, or even Setas de Sevilla. So I would only visit if there is no wait or if you are absolutely interested in the museum. Otherwise, just admire the tower from the outside – it’s way more impressive.

TIP: If you want to see Seville from a different perspective, you could also take a sightseeing river cruise . Most cruises take 1 hour and there are various options throughout the day, varying from big boat to private boat tours. It’s a nice way to see more of the city without having to walk in the heat. We recommend this company , which also offers quite an affordable private-tour option. In any case, I would book in advance – that way, you can just arrive a few minutes in advance and are sure to have a spot without an extra wait.

Flamenco & Tapas Dinner Tour

TIMING DEPENDS ON WHICH OPTION YOU CHOOSE .

Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco dance, so no visit would be complete without seeing a Flamenco show. There are tons of places where you can see Flamenco dancers in Seville, however, for the most authentic experience, you should go to a small traditional theater.

These little theaters have a very intimate setting with the public sitting very close to the performers, and they work with professional artists and musicians. The best shows are usually completely improvised on the spot. It’s a wonderful experience!

Here are a few options that you could choose from, depending on your interests:

OPTION 1 :  Flamenco + tapas tour (this is what we did). This small-group tour includes a traditional Flamenco show and a great selection of tapas and drinks at several locations before and after the show. This tour takes 4 hours, but there’s more sitting and eating than walking. It’s a very relaxing experience, like going out for an evening with a local friend. We did it with our teens and they loved it too. To my husband, this was  the  best experience in Seville.

Good to know: This tour normally starts at Plaza de San Francisco , about 15 minutes walk from the river. On the way there, you could also check out the beautiful buildings of Palacio de San Telmo . The San Francisco Square itself is very beautiful too – well worth seeing either way!

LEARN MORE: Seville Flamenco & Tapas Tour Review

OPTION 2:  Flamenco in the old town, for example at  Flamenco Museum (you can choose to just see the show or to also visit the museum) or at Casa de la Memoria . After the show, you can find a nice restaurant for dinner nearby.

OPTION 3:  Flamenco at Teatro Flamenco Triana . This is the neighborhood where this dance is said to have originated (and that we recommended in this itinerary for lunch). However, if you decide to see a Flamenco here, change this itinerary a bit, have lunch in the old town, and visit this part of town in the evening. The market will be closed, but there are plenty of nice restaurants for dinner.

You will find all these theaters indicated on our map (at the top of the article). We also indicated lots of nice restaurants in each area.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Best Things to Do in Spain (Top Sights & Experiences)

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Seville

With just a few days in Seville, we recommend staying in the old town . Not only will you be able to easily walk everywhere, but it will also allow you to maximize your sightseeing time. Plus, if you are traveling in the warmest months, you can go back to your hotel for an afternoon siesta.

TIP: In the summer season (+- May – October), look for a hotel with a swimming pool. And – especially if renting private apartments – be sure to double-check if they have air conditioning!

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in the old town for all budgets:

• €€€€€€€€€+  Hotel Alfonso XIII  – the iconic historic grand hotel.
• €€€€€  Radisson Magdalena Plaza  – a very highly-rated modern 5* hotel.
• €€€€  Hotel Amadeus Sevilla  – a charming, music-themed boutique 4* hotel.
• €€€  Hotel Doña María  – a very popular mid-budget 4* hotel in an old palace.
• €€  Hotel Cervantes  – a good value hotel a bit outside of the main tourist areas (this one has no pool).

READ ALSO: Traveling to Barcelona: Tips for Your First Visit

So, this is our suggested itinerary for a first 2-day visit to Seville. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what you can expect and helps you plan a memorable trip.

Have a great time in Andalusia!

More travel inspiration for Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• Best Gaudi Tour in Barcelona
• 1 Day in Barcelona
• 2 Days in Barcelona
• 1 Day in Seville
• 1 Day in Madrid
• 2-3 Days in Barcelona
• How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Toledo Day Trip from Madrid

TIP: If you are also visiting Portugal on this trip, check out our Portugal travel page . We travel to Portugal all the time and have tons of articles covering many popular destinations all over the country.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Wednesday 29th of November 2023

Hi Jurga, Absolutely love your maps and guides! Do you have one for the South of France... from Italy or the South East of France to Barcelona seems to be an trip many people don't post about (e.g. Venice or start Nice then South West to Andorra and Barcelona). Do you have any guides or tips to do this route?

Hi Sek, no, we don't have many articles about France and nothing from that part of the country. It's just been too long since we've visited, long before I started this blog. You can find our Barcelona articles here and Italy here.

Seville Map and Walks

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15 best things to do in Seville (with tourist map)

Written by Maartje

Seville is one of the most popular city trip destinations in Spain and all of Europe and we can absolutely understand this. The stunning city in Andalusia combines a wonderful climate – with pleasant temperatures even in winter – with yoone of the largest historic cities centers in the world. It is simply impossible to get bored during a city trip to Seville and all historic sights and beautiful monuments will keep you entertained for days. So what are the best things to do in Seville? Read this blog to learn about the most beautiful sights of Seville, including practical tips and a Seville tourist map.

Did you know: Seville has its own international airport and you can easily find affordable flights to Seville ?

Why Seville is definitely worth a visit

The rich architecture and history.

Seville is known for its charming alleys, city walls, flamenco theatres, arches, churches, squares, monuments, palaces and more churches. A city usually has its sight concentrated around a cathedral, central square or castle, but Seville is different. There is not just small section with historic buildings. The splendor of Seville seems to never stop! The city has one of the  largest historical centers in the world  and there is so much to see and admire. 

The reason for this is the rich history of Seville. Rich in the sense of money, but also rich in the sense of culture. From the Visigoths to the

From the Visigoths to the Romans to the Islamic Moors to the Christian monarchs, they all left their mark and created one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Islamic Moors in particular have enriched Seville into the monumental city it still is today. The architecture of the Moors from North Africa was unprecedentedly refined, developed and large-scale. Over a period of more than five hundred years, Seville was built up with the most beautiful buildings and many of them are still there today.

The unique Mudajar architectural style

The Moorish buildings were so beautiful that when the Moors were expelled and Seville became part of a Christian kingdom, the architecture has been preserved. To erase the Moorish influences, the buildings were Christianized. So old mosques were decorated with Christian saints and reused as churches. The result is a special architectural style that you only find in Spain – and sporadically in Portugal. The Mudejar style is a beautiful combination of Muslim and Christian architecture , and Seville is arguably the best place to admire it.

Later in history, architects were still impressed by the Mudejar style. This inspired them to introduce the Neo-Mudejar style in Seville. In the 1920s and 1930s, the old Mudjar style was reintroduced, but with a contemporary twist. Famous highlights like it Plaza de Espana and the Hotel Alfons XIII are good examples of this unique reincarnation of the old Moorish and Christian architecture.

The most important commercial city of colonial Spain

But before we jump from the Moors to the 1930s, it is worth mentioning Seville’s wealth as a colonial trading city . The river port of Seville was the most important in Spain and the exclusive place where all ships returned from the Spanish colonies. They brought tobacco and other precious merchandise, so Seville prospered. This resulted in a golden age with impressive monuments and a large expansion of the historic city center. Seville lost its special position when the Spanish ships became too large to reach the city by the river. The most important colonial port was moved to Cadíz, conveniently located on the coast.

So why is Seville worth a visit? Its rich history translates into an old city full of monuments, creating one of the largest Old Towns in the world. Add to that a pleasant Spanish atmosphere and a wonderfully warm climate and you understand why the city should be on your bucket list.

The neighborhoods of Seville: where to stay?

If you are looking for accommodation in Seville, it is good to first choose which neighborhood you’d like to stay. The old center of Seville is large and although all sights are within walking distance, the different neighborhoods offer a different atmospheric.

The best neighborhoods in Seville’s city center are:

• Centro with the iconic Metropol Parasol and the major shopping streets
• Barrio de Santa Cruz, also called the Jewish Quarter, with the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral
• Barrio del Arenal with the Hospital de Carridad and the Torre del Oro
• Barrio San Vicente with great restaurants and hip hotspots
• Maria Luisa Park with the famous Plaza de España
• Barrio de la Macarena packed with churches and also the Palacio de las Dueñas
• Barrio de la Triana, a working-class neighborhood on the other side of the river, where flamenco once originated

We recommend to stay in either Centro, Santa Cruz, Arenal or San Vicente . These districts are most centrally located between the sights, so you’ll get to stay right between the beautiful highlights of Seville. Santa Cruz is often praised as the best neighborhood in Seville and we can agree to that. The narrow alleys, squares with orange trees and beautiful vistas make this the most charming part of the city. Yet the other neighborhoods we mentioned are so close to it and they also have a lot of that charming atmosphere that we would just as well choose Centro, Arenal or San Vicente. As Santa Cruz is very popular, most hotels are quite pricey and the other areas offer more affordable places to stay in Seville.

Hotels or hostels in Seville we can recommend:

• Hotel Amadeus & La Musica for a small-scale hotel in a picturesque alley with stylish design rooms.
• Hotel Alfonso XIII for those who have a big budget and want to sleep in one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the city.
• Hostal Sierpes for a budget-friendly family hotel in a seventeenth-century monument surrounding a patio.
• Adriano Boutique Hotel with classic boutique rooms in the heart of Santa Cruz.

How to get around Seville

On foot around seville.

The historic center with the famous highlights of Seville is quite large. Yet you can reach everything very well on foot , if you’re fit and don’t mind running your pedometer overtime. Make sure to map out a convenient route, so that the distances remain manageable.

Tip: do you want to explore the old town on a free tour of Seville with a guide? There are several free walking tours available and we can highly recommend them. You simply pay the guide afterwards what you believe the tour was worth.

By bike or electric scooter

If you want to cover the distances more easily, using the local bicycle or electric scooter system is a good option. The city center has many safe and seperate bike lanes , making it easy to cruise around. You can rent a bike for a day at several places. But you can also use Sevici , the self-service bike rental system you’ll find all over the old town.

Tip: if you want to see as much of Seville as possible in a short time, a guided bike tour is highly recommended.

You will also see many electric scooters and steps in the old town. Would you also like to tour the city on an electric scooter or scooter? Then look for the electric steps from Voi and mint green scooters from Yego. You can easily and fairly cheaply rent them via an app .

Not recommended: horse carriages

You will probably also see horse-drawn carriages everywhere in the old center to ride tourists around during a romantic trip along all the beautiful highlights. That sounds very idyllic, but we wouldn’t recommend you to do it.

We don’t like the use of animals as tourist attractions . We believe that’s not what animals are meant for and we have noticed many times that the animals working in tourism aren’t treated well. Even if it seems that the animals have a good life, you just can’t determine this as a tourist and we would simply choose not to opt for a horse carriage.

If you like being driven around old Seville, you could opt for the Hop-On Hop-Off Buses . These are included in the Sevilla Pass, as is the entrance ticket to the Royal Palace and the Cathedral.

Our Seville tourist map

What to do in Seville: 10 must-see highlights

#1 plaza de espana.

The most beautiful square in Seville and most impressive landmark is the Plaza de España, or: the Square of Spain. As a Star Wars enthusiast, this square may look familiar to you. It actually appeared in Star Wars Episode II. But even without having seen this film, you have probably seen photos of this beautiful square. It is no less than 160 meters wide and has spectacularly beautiful architecture !

It was built in 1929, when Sevilla hosted the World Expo . The world exhibitions usually leave many spectacular marks in the cities hosting them, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Atomium in Brussels. That is exactly what the Plaza de España is for Seville.

The square is shaped like a semicircle. An open form was deliberately chosen to give visitors a warm welcome in this new symbol for Spain . A colonnade and beautiful buildings were erected along the edge of that semicircle, where government offices are now located. One of our top tips for Seville is the viewpoint over the square. The facade protrudes slightly in two places. At those places, you can take the stairs up to have look over the square from the balustrade.

Along the edge of the square all provinces of Spain are represented in alphabetical order in a tile tableau with a seat, where people often sit on sunny days. Another way Spain is represented in the square is in the four bridges. The country was once divided in four kingdoms – León, Castilla, Aragon and Navarre – and the four bridges each symbolize a kingdom. The bridges cross a canal and there are small tourist boats to enjoy the square from the water.

#2 The Royal Palace: Real Alcázar de Sevilla

Seville has the oldest royal palace in the world that is still used in that function. There may be older palaces, but they are no longer used by the royal family like that of Seville. When the Spanish King and his family are in Seville, they are allowed to stay in their palace and the palace is closed to visitors. The gardens are still open though and because of this lack of privacy the royal family usually chooses to stay in the prestigious Alfons III Hotel. Nevertheless, the people of Seville are proud to boast of their palace as the oldest royal palace in the world that is still in use .

Aside from that extra significance as a real royal palace, the Real Alcázar is one of the most beautiful structures in all of Spain. It is a unparalleled piece of architecture in which Moorish and European influences are intertwined, a typical example of the Mudajar architectural style. The palace complex is made of mosaic, arches, domes, passages, carvings and more beautiful details. The unique architecture will keep your eye entertained for hours.

Don’t miss the gardens of the Royal Palace. They are huge and just as beautiful as the palace. Game of Thrones fans should recognise the gardens from the many scenes that were shot here. The gardens have been used as a film set for the fictional Game of Thrones area of Dorne. The impressive Baths of Lady María de Padilla with that beautiful vaulted ceiling? That was where the Sand Snakes forged their plots.

You can buy tickets for the Real Alcázar on the spot, but then you will have to queue twice. First at the ticket office and then once again at the entrance. You shouldn’t be surprised if tickets are already sold out, as we unfortunately experienced when we wanted to visit the palace the first time. And that was even in the low season during the winter months. We recommend you to book your tickets online af the official palace website in advance. Are you traveling on a strict travel budget? Then we have the perfect tip for Seville: entrance to the Real Alcázar is free each Monday at the end of the day. Beware that you need an online ticket for this free entry as well – for which you pay a € 1 administration fee per person – and those are already sold out well in advance. Entry to the Real Alcázar is included in the Sevilla Pass.

#3 The Cathedral and Giralda Tower

The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is one of the largest churches in the world. Only St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London are bigger. The monument is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the city’s best-known tourist attractions. The history of the cathedral began when Seville was part of the Moorish Empire and the Muslims built their mosque at this exact location. After the city was conquered by the Christians from the Moors, the mosque was reused as a cathedral. Christian elements were added, creating a unique mix that we now call the Mudajar architectural style.

The literal pinnacle of the cathedral is the Giralda , the bell tower of 104 meters high. You can see this tower from almost every street in the old town. Does it remind you of a minaret? That might be right, as that’s what the tower was originally. The Moorish influences are still clearly recognizable in the square tower, but supplemented with Christian saints and other Christian references. One of those later additions is the Giraldillo, the Christian statue on top of the bell tower that can turn with the wind like a weather vane. The tower has been preserved over the centuries. The Moors were known for their phenomenal architecture. Even when parts of the city were destroyed by earthquakes, the Giralda survived.

The Moors also built a clever piece of art inside the Giralda. The first part of the towers consists of ramps instead of stairs. This way visitors could easily get up on a donkey. Nowadays you don’t have that luxury and you will just have to climb all the way up to the top. The beautiful view of the old city is well worth the effort though. It is still prohibited to build anything higher in the old town than the Giralda, so you can see all of Seville from the top.

Admission to the Cathedral and Giralda Tower is included in the Seville Pass. You can get tickets at the Cathedral, but if you want to skip the line, buy your tickets online in advance.

#4 Metropol Parasol: Setas de Sevilla

In a city where historic buildings and monuments fill every street, the Metropol Parasol is a surprising building. It is the largest wooden construction in the world with dimensions spanning the entire square. The design consists of six umbrellas that are connected to each other. It is also called the Setas de Sevilla by locals: the mushrooms of Seville.

Construction work for a parking garage once took place at the square. As centuries-old remains from Roman and Moorish times were found, the project was halted. Only many years later a new attempt was made to redevelop the square. There was a design contest and the impressive wooden creation we know now was the winning design. The building was completed in 2011, after which it quickly became one of the city’s famous tourist attractions.

You can simply walk on the elevated square, under the umbrellas and admire the beautiful structure from below. But if you want to see more of the Metropol Parasol, you can walk on top of it as well! Go into the cellar – where those Roman and Moorish excavations can also be seen – and buy a ticket there for a walk at the top . A walking path has been laid out over the umbrellas with a beautiful view of the artwork itself and of course the city.

#5 The Jewish Quarter: Barrio de Santa Cruz

The most beautiful neighborhood of the historic center is Barrio de Santa Cruz, the historic Jewish quarter. It has two of Seville’s biggest tourist attractions, the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral, surrounded by a maze of streets and alleys .

Wandering through this neighborhood is one of the best things to do in Seville. It has many narrow alleys, cobbled streets and small squares with orange trees or historic churches with colorful facades. Marvel at the picturesque vistas and beautiful buildings and just get lost . Barrio de Santa Cruz has many restaurants with sunny terraces, so this is also the perfect place for an authentic lunch while watching the people strolling past the terraces.

You inevitably end up at the imposing city walls of the Royal Palace. The Jardines de Murillo gardens also run along the walls, where you can see huge trees and enjoy some shade and tranquility.

#6 Parque de Maria Luisa

The Maria Luisa Park is the green lungs of Seville . It is a dizzyingly large park that runs along the Guadalquivir River. You’ll find it just south of most attractions and right next to Plaza de España.

The park is named after Maria Luisa, the Spanish princess who donated the parks to the public. Until then, the park was part of the private gardens of the Palacio de San Telmo . The park got a major transformation when Seville hosted the World Exhibition. The Plaza de España was built on the edge of the park and several pavilions were built in and around the park. The remnants of the World Exhibition are still some of the most beautiful buildings in Seville.

Make sure to visit Plaza de America , named after the American pavilion that was built here. It is a beautiful square with equally beautiful buildings, of which the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions is the most impressive. It is built in a Neo-Mudajar style, a modern version of Moorish-Christian architecture from centuries earlier.

We also recommend you just relax in the green park by making a long walk. There are ponds, statues, fountains, gazebos, small monuments, larger pavilions, benches, ancient trees, wide avenues and narrow paths. The park is the perfect place to feel far away from the busy city and enjoy nature.

#7 Real Fabrica de Tabacos

This beautiful building in the old town of Seville was once a tobacco factory . At a time when mostly men had work, this was one of the main employers for women in the city. Women, with smaller hands and greater precision, were said to be the perfect workers for rolling tobacco.

Because tobacco was still a very exotic and also precious commodity at that time, the ladies were checked daily to prevent them from taking their work home. The tobacco factory even had its own chapel to immediately do penance for these kinds of sins and a own prison to cool down for a while. Not for too long of course, as the factory had to keep running and every pair of hands missing meant less production. The Real Fábrica de Tabacos was even surrounded by a ditch , making sure the precious goods were well protected like a medieval fortress. The canal is now empty and even trees grow in it, but you still have to cross it to visit the old factory.

The impressive monument is now home to the university . There are several university buildings in the city, but this is the most important and the most beautiful one. It is open to the public, so be sure to take a moment to visit the inside as well.

#8 Hotel Alfonso XIII

The World’s Expo in Seville has left more traces in the city than just the famous Plaza de España. In order to accommodate all those visitors, a monumental hotel was also built: the Hotel Alfonso XIII . It was already one of the most luxurious hotels in the world then and it still is. The property was built in Neo-Mudajar style , a modern version of Moorish-Christian architecture centuries earlier. Interestingly enough, the building looks extravagant and beautifully luxurious, though cheaper materials such as bricks and plaster were used for construction.

Inside the hotel has kept the glory of past times. The marble floors and huge banquet halls with chandeliers still exude wealth and luxury. Named after the king who then ruled Spain, it is still a place of royal allure today. Although the royal family of Spain can use their own royal palace in Seville, they usually prefer Hotel Alfonso XIII. Other famous guests include Prince Charles and his then wife Diana, as well as stars such as Angelina Jolie and Madonna.

Would you like to visit the hotel yourself? Certainly do! A night at Hotel Alfonso XIII is not cheap , but you’ll stay in the most beautiful and famous hotel in Seville. If that is a bit above your budget, it is good to know that you can also enjoy a cup of coffee in the hotel restaurant without being a hotel guest. We just asked the lady at the reception if we could take a look and that was no problem as well.

#9 Archivo de Indias

Located right next to the cathedral and the Royal Palace, the Archivo de Indias was the place for trade. The city was once the main trading center for overseas and colonial trade, so the wealth was endless. Seville needed a commercial building fitting that wealth and this monumental building was erected to house the overseas and colonial trade. This created a triangle on the central square between politics (palace), religion (cathedral) and economy (commercial building).

When Seville became less important as a commercial city, this building became superfluous. Fortunately it has been beautifully preserved. It’s now a archive for colonial documents , like maps and mission reports. Exhibitions are also often organized.

When we visited Seville, there was a large exhibition dedicated to the local trading history, showing maps, historical paintings and replicas of ships. Unfortunately, the exhibition itself was only signed in Spanish, but the entrance was free and allowed us to take a look at the inside of the Archivo de Indias.

#10 Hospital de la Caridad

One of the hidden gems of Seville is the Hospital de la Caridad, located in the Arenal district. It was the headquarters of the Christian brotherhood Hermandad de la Caridad and the hospital where the sick and homeless were cared for. Such a holy place also needed a church to honor God and that became one of the most beautiful baroque churches in town .

When the wealthy philanthropist Miguel de Mañara became the head of the Order of the Brothers in 1662, he decided to found the hospital. Until that time, the Order of the Brothers was mainly concerned with assisting and later burying those sentenced to death, collecting corpses after floods and such gruesome jobs. But with the arrival of this wealthy benefactor, the living could also count on the support of the Order of the Brothers. A homeless center, a hospital and the Hospital de la Caridad with its beautiful baroque church were built.

The church was completed in 1670 and is now the main reason to visit this landmark. When you enter the Hospital de la Caridad, you will first pass through the old hospital next to the church. You will cross a beautiful courtyard with historic Delft blue tile tableaus . But the Baroque church itself is the highlight. The church has a beautiful but simple classical facade from the outside, but the interior is very exuberant.

The church is beautifully decorated inside. Although it’s not very big, it certainly makes an impression! The plasterwork with decorations from wall to ceiling and a lavish golden altar immediately catch the eye. But the real eye-catchers are the paintings of the famous Spanish painter Murillo . He made six paintings about mercy for the Baroque church. Four of them were stolen during a war in 1810 and were scattered around the world. They are now in museums in London, Ottawa, Washington and St. Petersburg. Replicas therefore hang in their place, making the church looks as it was once intended. Because of this only two works of Murille are original. Which ones? The lower one on the left wall – Saint John with a sick man – and the lower one on the right wall – Saint Elisabeth healing a sick person – are still in their original place.

Tickets are €8 and audio tours €1. But every Monday at the end of the day, you can visit the Hospital de la Caridad for free .

#11 Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro is one of the great icons of Seville. This massive tower stands on the Guadalquivir River bank. The lower, dodecagonal part of the tower was built as early as the thirteenth century, so back in Moorish times. It was part of the city walls that protected the old city. The central part is dodecagonal and was added in the fourteenth century. The round spire dates from 1760.

Why it is called the Torre del Oro – or Golden Tower – is not entirely clear. It could refer to the gold that entered the city at this location once via the river, or to the city’s golden times as a colonial trading port. But it is also said that the tower is built of a material that contains straw, giving the tower once a golden glow in the sunlight.

The tower now houses a maritime museum. Tickets are only €3, but you can visit the museum for free on Mondays. From the top you have a beautiful view over the river, bridges and the working-class district of Triana on the other side. Do you also want to see the silver little sister of the Golden Tower? The Torre de la Plata is located nearby in a somewhat less impressive location – next to a parking lot – not far from the Torre del Oro. The two towers were once connected by a city wall.

#12 Plaza de Cabildo

One of the hidden gems of Seville is right next to the famous cathedral: the Plaza de Cabildo. This square has the shape of a half oval and is completely surrounded by buildings and part of the old city wall. You can get to the square via three passages under the apartment building, one of which is opposite the official but unused main entrance to the cathedral.

Along the Plaza de Cabildo is a part of the historic city wall, in front of which is a fountain. But it is the buildings that make this square so special. It consists of a gallery with marble columns, and above it three floors, two of which have balconies. It is a beautiful structure of marble, simple white plaster and colorful frescoes . The frescoes are located between and above the columns, but also at the very top under the eaves. So don’t forget to look up when you walk across the square.

The gallery now houses shops, but it is mainly an oasis of calm in the busy center of the city. Except on Sundays, because then the Plaza de Cabildo hosts an antique market where you can buy coins, stamps, historical medals and other antique items.

#13 Palacio de las Dueñas

We usually prefer not to include a highlight that we have not visited ourselves, but we have heard so much good about this Seville attraction that we do not want to leave it out of this list. Unlike, for example, the Royal Palace, in the Palacio de las Dueñas still has furnished period rooms and an impressive art collection.

The palace is owned by the House of Alba , a noble family with a long lineage. You might have heard of the Duchess of Alba , an extraordinary Spanish socialite who was often in the tabloids for her striking outrages and in the Guinness Book of Records as the person with the most noble titles. She married a much younger man in the family palace at the age of 85, something even the Spanish king spoke out against.

The beautiful palace is one of the oldest city palaces in Seville. It was built at the end of the fifteenth century. The architectural style is a remarkable mix of Mudajar, Gothic and Renaissance. It has a number of colonnaded courtyards with exotic plants and fountains. Many of the rooms are decorated, making the palace really come to life. A unique part of the palace is its art collection with many antique tapestries, but also a large collection of historical football posters.

Tip: if you’re still not bored of the Seville palaces after visiting the Real Alcázar and Palacio de las Dueñas, there is one more gem to visit. The Casa de Pilatos is also said to be a beautiful city palace with a similar architecture to the Palacio de las Dueñas.

#14 A free walking tour

Do you want to visit as many highlights of Seville as possible in one go? And learn more about the history, legends and best places to visit in Seville? Then join a free walking tour as we did. We are big fans of this concept and have joined these types of city walks with a local guide all over the world.

You can find many different tours in Seville only. You’ll have to register in advance, so the guides know what to expect from the group size. After gathering at a convenient starting point, the local guide will lead you along the most beautiful Seville sights. The guided tour is free, although you are supposed to pay a tip at the end, depending on what you can spare and what you think the tour was worth. Big tourist destinations like Seville have several tours at several times, so you’ll always find one that fits your travel plans.

Our guide took us to most of the big sights, while telling us anecdotes and stories about Seville and his history, some of which ended up in this blog as well. A tour is a fun way to see a lot of the city in two to three hours. So especially if you are in Seville for a short city trip and don’t have much time, this is a very efficient way to explore the city .

#15 Restaurants in Seville

As one of the biggest tourist destinations in Spain, Seville offers many great restaurants, tapas bars, coffee spots and hotspots. The neighborhoods of the old center have many lovely squares with terraces, where you can enjoy a drink and some tapas . The historic neighborhood of Barrio de Santa Cruz is the perfect place for this.

We can also recommend you to visit the Seville mercados , the local covered markets. There are many of them in the city and locals use them for grocery shopping or having a quick lunch. Mercado de Triana is the most famous and one of the oldest markets in the city. It has stands with vegetables, fruit, fish and meat and is used by locals to buy their groceries. It is one of the best places to visit in the Triana district. Another recommendation is the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, which is a more trendy counterpart to the Triana market. It is a modern food court with a bar, where mainly the young locals come. A third recommendation is the Mercado de Feria, where you have a fish market as well as trendy bars and places where locals come for their lunch.

Are you looking for the hip hotspots of Seville ? Filo is a nice but very small lunch spot for mainly healthy food. Large salad bowls and fine sandwiches are on the menu. For a well-priced breakfast, we recommend Almazen Café. It is also a popular spot for digital nomads, as the wifi is good and the juices are tasty. If you’re looking for another digital nomad spot, then you should definitely visit Caótica. This bookstore coffee spot is full of people working on their laptops. La Cacharreria is a popular spot for lunch. This is the perfect place for pancakes, avocado toast and bagels. Speaking of pancakes: we also really liked La Mala. This fine brunch spot is very cozy and is located in a cozy street, where you can also get a table at their terrace.

As a coffee lover, Sebastiaan has tried all of the best coffee spots in Seville . Strangely enough, the best specialty coffee spots in the city are not hip hotspots with stylish interiors and cozy corners and seats, but white and simple bars where people simply come for excellent coffee. Great options are Hispalis Café, Virgin Coffee, Jester, Parceria Café and Borbotea Coffee Lab. Borbotea was the only good coffee bar with a cozy interior that makes you want to stay and enjoy your coffee inside.

Best things to do outside Seville: the best day trips near Seville

#1 the western village of el rocío.

The picturesque El Rocio is known as a pilgrimage destination , but only at Pentecost when the city is overrun by thousands of visitors. The rest of the year, the small town is a lot quieter and visitors come mainly to taste the unique western atmosphere.

El Rocío is like a western movie set, where you would expect to see a cowboy on horseback riding by. The white houses, dusty dirt roads, locals on horseback and historic porches in front of the houses seem to belong in the wild west. It’s like a time machine bringing you to the old days of the wild west. The town is designed for horses and horse-drawn carriages. The horses and covered wagons now seem to be mainly used for tourists, but the town still clearly shows how this was once the standard. The many large squares with grass fields in the center show where the horses used to graze. And do you notice those wooden beams in front of all the houses? They were used to tie the reins of your horse.

Tip: from Seville you can book a guided day tour to El Rocío during which you also visit the lovely Matalascañas beach.

#2 Doñana National Park

Southwest of Seville is the Doñana National Park, which is also well worth a visit. The park is a gigantic swamp area with special flora and fauna , such as flamingos and deer that we both spotted in the park. There are also rare lynxes in the park, but it is very hard to see on of them.

You can enjoy beautiful hikes in the park. You can walk the Camino de Moguer, where you explore a beautiful part of the park. Other scenic hiking trails start from the three visitor centers in the park. These are mainly short walks, varying from more than 2 kilometers (from the visitor center of La Rocina) to 7 kilometers (from the visitor center in the white palace Palacio del Alcebrón).

Tip: from Seville you can book a 4×4 tour in Doñana , where you explore the park in a rugged 4WD car.

#3 Picturesque Carmona

Only a fifteen-minute drive from Seville is the cozy village of Carmona, one of the hidden gems of Andalusia . For centuries, this strategic hilltop site has been inhabited, conquered from enemies and developed with the most beautiful structures. From the Carthaginians to the Romans and from the Moors to the Christians, they all left their mark on this beautiful town.

When visiting Carmona you will probably enter the historic center through one of the two gates at the old city walls. Especially the Puerta de Sevilla is very impressive to see. From this city gate, the Alcazar palace is hard to miss. The old palace is located on top of this city gate and was once a Roman fortress to defend the city. Be sure to visit the Santa Maria Church, which was once a mosque before it was reused as a catholic church. You can still recognize the old minaret in the church tower, just like the Giralda tower of the Cathedral of Seville.

If you have enough time, we also recommend a stop at the Roman necropolis just outside the city. This necropolis dates from the second to fourth centuries BC. You can still see the remains of a system of corridors, an amphitheatre and a crematorium. Admission is free for EU residents.

Tip: from Seville you can visit Carmona with a guided tour , including a visit to the Roman necropolis.

#4 The Roman Ruins of Itálica

Just north of Seville, you can visit the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Itálica, which is one of the best-known day trips from Seville. It was one of the first Roman cities in nowadays Spain and therefore one of the more important places for the Romans. Did you know that the Roman Emperors Trajan and probably also his successor Hadrian were born in Itálica?

The archaeological park is located in the village of Santiponce, under which part of the Roman ruins are still buried. Only part of it has been excavated, but even that is impressively large. You can see the remains of an amphitheatre, temples, bathhouses, aqueducts, houses and temples. Particularly impressive are the mosaics in the old houses .

The amphitheater is especially a great place to visit for Game of Thrones fans. Some key scenes from Season 7 were filmed here, in which the remaining competitors for the throne of Westeros gathered in the dragon pit to discuss what to do about the white walkers. The archaeological park is free to visit for EU residents.

Tip: from Seville you can visit Itálica with a guide , also stopping at the medieval monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.

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