Seville (Sevilla in Spanish), the capital of Andalusia, is easily one of the most picturesque towns in Spain. If you can imagine a Spanish town that oozes nothing but romantic vibes and stellar architecture, it’s Seville.
This city is world-famous for its iconic landmarks, beautiful city-wide architecture, flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and tapas! While you’re here, you’ll get a really great chance to do some sightseeing while also discovering local culture.
The city’s most iconic landmark is the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace with gardens as lush as can be + intricate Moorish tilework all throughout. There’s also Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
But apart from that, there’s so much other stuff to take in while you’re in town. You can stroll through local neighborhoods, watch a flamenco show, take a boat trip down the picturesque river, tour an actual bullring, and attempt to taste as many tapas dishes as you can.
And we’re only just getting started with the list! Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing on your 4 days in Seville:
- Day 1: Sightseeing In The City Center
- Day 2: Alcazar, Plaza de España, and More
- Day 3: Triana and Flamenco
- Day 4: Day Trip to Cordoba (or beyond)
Ready to dive into all the fun to be had in this magical city?
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Table of Contents
Overview: Map Of Your 4-Day Seville Itinerary
Day 1: Sightseeing In The City Center
Breakfast: La Cacharrería
For breakfast, head to La Cacharrería. This local spot has an assortment of light bites, plus coffee and juices to pair with your morning meal. They have a great selection of sandwiches, waffles, and eggs!
Explore Mercado de Feria
Mercado de Feria is Seville’s oldest open-air market and offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s local life. Despite its historical significance, it remains pleasantly untouristy, making it an ideal spot to spend the morning with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture of Seville.
While exploring the market, be sure to walk by all the stalls to take stock of all the offerings! You’ll find fruit stalls, seafood stalls, pastry shops, a churreria, brewery, gastrobar, restaurants, and much more.
If you choose to grab a bite to eat here, you’ll find the quality-price ratio to be excellent, particularly for fresh fish and paella!
The market’s opening hours are from Monday to Saturday, from 8 AM to midnight. They’re closed on Sunday.
Wander through the Alameda de Hércules neighborhood
The Alameda de Hércules neighborhood in Seville has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Recently, it’s evolved into one of the city’s hippest and trendiest districts.
Centered around the lively Plaza Alameda de Hércules, this area is brimming with funky art gallery cafés, chic bars, restaurants, and vintage boutiques. As you walk into the neighborhood, expect to stumble upon a fun mix of shops, galleries, and eateries.
You can quickly browse for unique finds, enjoy a coffee in a trendy café, or just walk around, soaking in the artsy vibes before continuing to the Catedral de Sevilla for some sightseeing.
See Las Setas
The Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms), is a fun and impressive piece of modern architecture. It claims to be the largest wooden building in the world, which is crazy!
Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, it consists of six large wooden parasols soaring above the city’s Plaza de la Encarnación. These parasols are interconnected by a network of walkways up at the top which you can actually walk on. If you’re a sucker for views, it’s worth a climb up to the top.
To truly appreciate the Metropol Parasol, the best way to see it is to approach it from the ground level and eventually go to the top of the structure.
NOTE: The cost to do the walkway at the top has increased quite a lot recently, so it’s up to you on how badly you want to experience it from up top.
Catedral de Sevilla
Next up is the Catedral de Sevilla, or Seville Cathedral. On the way to the cathedral, you’re going to be strolling through the city center. Take in all the pretty buildings while you walk through and over to Catedral de Sevilla.
Also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, the Catedral de Sevilla is a Gothic masterpiece and a must-see if churches are your thing.
It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and houses some truly magnificent architecture, both inside and out. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, so it’s a big deal!
But it’s not just about how pretty it is. There’s also a lot of historical and religious importance there. Built on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral showcases a fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic influences, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Inside the Seville Cathedral, highlights include:
- The Giralda Tower: Originally built as a minaret during the Islamic period, the Giralda Tower is now the cathedral’s iconic bell tower. You can go up it too.
- The Main Altar: Adorned with intricate carvings and gilded decorations, it’s a masterpiece of Baroque artistry.
- The Tomb of Christopher Columbus: CC’s final resting place! His remains were brought to Seville from the Dominican Republic in the 19th century.
👉 Pro Tip: To see Seville Cathedral and Giralda for just one price plus skip-the-line perks, I recommend you pre-book tickets on GYG: Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Skip-the-Line Ticket
La Giralda
This is the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. If you love panoramic views, the views from up top are great.
Should you choose to climb it, a slowly winding ramp takes you up 35 floors to the top of the Giralda. The views from the top are the perfect way to end your sightseeing activities on the first of your 4 days in Seville!
Lunch/Dinner: Enjoy an assortment of tapas
Time to eat! Your main objective while in Seville is to try as many tapas dishes as you can. And paella too!
Lucky for us, there are many tapas restaurants located in Seville’s city center! Just be sure to choose one that isn’t a tourist trap (and by that I mean there shouldn’t be a person standing there with a menu trying to lure you in).
Here are three that I’d recommend you check out. Just know that they don’t all serve the same types of tapas. For example, I like Pelayo Bar de Tapas because of the seafood assortment. If you like things like croquettes, fried calamari, and patatas bravas, Bodega Santa Cruz is great.
Pelayo Bar de Tapas – This was the first tapas spot I ate at during my own trip to Sevilla. You know what caught my eye? All the seafood dishes! The menu at Pelayo consists of creative local tapas, seafood, and meat plates, plus wine. They have paella in mini portions, which is great if you’re solo traveling or just not a big eater.
El Librero Tapas Y Quesos – Another tapas spot that features lots of local cheeses! The food here is spot on, and portions are surprisingly big. If you need pointers on what to order, I’d like to suggest the spinach and chickpea starter and a paella dish, at the very least. Their paellas are definitely worth ordering! The menu also caters to vegans and vegetarians too.
Bodega Santa Cruz – This cozy, affordable, and always-buzzing restaurant specializes in tapas, specifically the fried kind. It’s almost always full of people which is a great sign. It’s homey, the food is no frills and comforting at the same time — what’s not to love? They also serve charcuterie boards, wine, and draft beer.
Day 2: Alcazar, Plaza de España, and More
Real Alcazar
The Real Alcazar is a must-visit regardless of if you like history or not. The details found all over this landmark are SIMPLY breathtaking.
If you have no idea what this is, it’s essentially a palace that tells a tale of centuries-old history and showcases the cultural richness in this region of Spain.
Originally built as a fort during Islamic rule, it transformed after the Christian conquest in 1248, becoming the residence of Spanish Kings who further embellished and decorated it to their liking.
All over the Alcazar complex, you’ll find intricate Moorish design, lush gardens, and many other elements that showcase how Spain was impacted by both Islamic and Christian influences.
If the Alcazar looks familiar to you, it’s because it was a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones!
Learn about bullfighting culture
Whether you support it or not, the art of bullfighting is a staple in Spanish culture.
The bullfighting season usually kicks off around Easter and runs through October. The epicenter of bullfighting in Seville is the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería (Plaza de Toros for short).
This massive 18th-century bullring can seat up to 12,000 spectators and is conveniently located near the city center. You can attempt to catch a bullfight (typically held on Sunday), or just learn about bullfighting culture on a guided tour of the place.
In the Plaza de Toros, you’ll also find the Bullfight Museum which houses things like paintings about bullfighting and all kinds of objects that show the history and evolution of bullfighting and toreros in Spain.
You can book your skip-the-line tickets to Plaza de Toros here (the Bullfight Museum is included).
Stroll along the Guadalquivir River
After learning all the new things about bullfighting, we’re going to take a stroll along the banks of the river that flows through Seville while walking to the next landmark –the Torre del Oro.
Torre del Oro
The Torre del Oro is a watchtower with a fascinating history. Its name, meaning “Golden Tower,” harks back to Andalusia’s prosperous era during the Latin American colonies, where ships laden with gold would dock here to unload their precious cargo.
The tower also served as a storage facility and even housed a prison in its middle section.
Maritime lovers may find interest in the Museo Naval de Sevilla located on the top floor (it showcases antique shipping instruments and sea maps), but if you’re not all that into it, then you can just admire the tower’s exterior and check out the panoramic views of the Guadalquivir River from the top.
Ther are also boat trips that depart from here! If you’re tired of walking at this point, you can take a break from it all and appreciate the beauty of the city by river travel:
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is hands-down my favorite free attraction in Seville. It’s romantic, peaceful, and truly impressive. I could sit there all day listening to flamenco music and watching the dancers create magic with their moves.
Plaza de España was originally built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, serving as a showcase of Spanish architecture and culture. The whole thing is so intricately designed, blending Renaissance and Moorish influences with colorful ceramic tiles, ornate bridges, and majestic towers.
Parque de María Luisa
DO NOT miss the chance to stroll through Parque de María Luisa after your visit to Plaza de España. They’re practically connected to one another. If you’re a fan of natural spaces and gardens like me, this is a must!
If you run out of time on your second day, please make time on a later day of the trip. The entire park is so romantic!
Dinner: El Rinconcillo for tapas
If you can handle more tapas, then head to the famed local institution, El Rinconcillo. This tapas tavern has been open since the 1600s. It’s almost a rite of passage for any visitor to Seville, which often means it’s crowded.
If you don’t have a reservation, there may be a long wait! In addition to that, if you’re visiting as just a walk-in (no reservations), you’ll eat in one of two places: standing at the counter or sitting at one of the bars on the ground floor (the tables are mainly on the upper floor).
As a walk-in though, you get to experience something super cool: the staff taking your order and keeping track of your tab by writing it all down on the bar table with chalk!
They have a really diverse menu that’s inclusive of all types of diets — there are meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, so there’s actually something for everyone. If you didn’t get a chance to try iberico ham the day before, now is your chance!
Day 3: Triana and Flamenco
Today is going to be more about getting more cultural experiences in rather than sightseeing at major landmarks. These are the types of days I live for when I travel!
Explore Triana
We’re going to start by crossing the bridge to reach a local, non-touristy neighborhood on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, Triana.
Triana is a working-class neighborhood that’s produced some of Spain’s most celebrated bullfighters and flamenco dancers. While you won’t find any grand landmarks here, Triana will give you a sense of what local life looks like in Seville.
Although this was once the most important district in Seville, Triana remains refreshingly devoid of tourist crowds, which means you can explore without having to beat the crowds.
During my visit in 2018, I ran into almost no one on my walk over to Triana. It was peaceful. I actually got a genuine glimpse into local life and culture. I went into a pastry shop that no one else was in and enjoyed a coffee at my own pace. It was great!
While you’re here, you should walk Calle Betis (bars and restaurants line this narrow street with river views on one side), but also other streets within the neighborhood if you have more energy.
As you explore, take note of the ceramics workshops, flamenco bars, and other local businesses. Pop into any of them if they interest you! Should you find something worth buying, support them!
Shop at the Mercado de Triana
The Mercado de Triana is right by the Puente de Isabel II Bridge.
You can browse stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies at this bustling food market. Among the many fresh meat and fish stalls, you’ll find small cafes and bars.
Explore the historic city center some more
Once you’ve gotten your fill of Triana’s vibes, you can head back to the city center.
Seville’s city center is quite large, and chances are you didn’t get a fully explore the area on your first day. Head back to the other side of the river and spend a few hours getting lost in the maze-like streets of the city center.
You can do some shopping, or just browse through the windows. Even though I didn’t buy anything on my last trip to Seville, I had so much fun window shopping and seeing what types of stores there were.
It gave me a really good representation of goods produced in Spain. If you’re in search of souvenirs to bring back (such as Iberico ham, olive oil, cute paper products, flamenco fans, etc.), now is a good time to grab some!
Go to a convent for yemas
Convento San Leandro is a 13th-century convent with resident nuns. But these nuns do just a teensy bit more than typical convent activities. They make and sell yemas de San Leandro.
These rich, sweet, and creamy nuggets are a simple mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and egg yolks — they taste very similar to Ovos Moles de Aveiro that I had in Aveiro, Portugal!
Establishments across Spain make traditional yemas, but to get your hands on San Leandro’s signature supply of yemas, you’ll have to visit the convent for yourself.
When you enter the foyer, you’ll find a revolving tray built into a wooden door. Check the price list, decide on what you want, then place the appropriate amount of money on the tray and rotate it behind the wall. A few moments later, a box of wrapped yemas should appear in its place!
Casa de Pilatos
If you are a fan of unique and somewhat quirky architecture, you’re going to want to add this one to your Seville itinerary.
Casa de Pilatos is a 16th-century palace renowned for its fascinating architecture. Serving as the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli, this palace features unique architecture supposedly based on Pontius Pilate’s estate, decor, and even has a bust of Caligula.
Constructed by Fadrique Enríquez de Rivera (the first Marquis of Tarifa), Casa de Pilatos features a blend of Renaissance styles, ornate details, and elegant courtyards. By just strolling around, you’ll be able to imagine people’s opulent lifestyles in Andalusia’s past.
If you can time your visit with a guided tour (English), then you’ll be able to learn a lot more about this place than if you were wandering through it alone. They also have audio guides.
It was also used as a movie set! Remember the 1960s film Lawrence of Arabia? Casa de Pilatos can be seen there.
You can buy tickets in advance here.
Watch a flamenco show.
Catching the flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria is a must if you want a heavy dose of cultural immersion!
Through the art of song and dance, you can learn about Spain’s culture while marveling at the talent of experienced singers and dancers.
Dating back to the late 18th century, flamenco is really big in Spain. Unlike other types of dancing, the dancers are not really dancing TO the music. Instead, the music is being played TO the dancing.
One of the best places to watch the magic of flamenco is at Casa de la Memoria.
In an intimate theater that dates back to the 15th century, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the colorful world of flamenco. Marvel at elaborately crafted costumes, the performers’ undeniable talent, and the emotion that you’ll inevitably feel when watching!
Whenever I watch live flamenco, there are ALWAYS moments where tears well up in my eyes! In a GOOD flamenco performance, the music, singing, and dancing are way more powerful than what words can convey.
Even though the flamenco show at Casa de Memoria is great, just know that it doesn’t come with dinner!
If you want a flamenco dinner show, I recommend going to El Palacio Andaluz instead (your show comes with a tasty tapas dinner).
Day 4: Day Trip To Córdoba
It’s day trip time! One of the most popular spots to visit near Seville is Córdoba, another city steeped in history, culture, and amazing architecture.
At its heart lies the iconic Mezquita, a magnificent mosque-cathedral famous for its red and sand arches, and once again, showcasing the region’s blend of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences.
While you’re here, take the time to walk around. I especially love the historic Jewish Quarter! You’ll want to get lost and stroll through all the charming courtyards adorned with colorful flowers.
Top 5 things to do in Córdoba
- Visit the Mezquita / Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
- Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Judería, and wander through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower-filled courtyards.
- Admire the beautiful Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress with lush gardens and great views of the city.
- Discover the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, spanning the Guadalquivir River and offering panoramic views.
- Experience the high energy at Mercado Victoria, a food market offering a wide variety of local delicacies and traditional dishes of Andalusia.
How many days to stay in Córdoba? If you want a more immersive experience than what a day trip tour could provide, I’d suggest you stay the night before leaving the Seville/Córdoba area.
I personally think 1 night will do for Córdoba if you’re in a rush. If slow travel is more your thing, 2 nights will be perfect!
Alternative Day Trips From Seville
If Córdoba is not your vibe, here are a few other nearby destinations you could consider if you want to enjoy a day trip from Seville.
Cádiz (1.5 hr train ride)
Cádiz is another easy day trip to do if the beach is what you’re after. Known as the “Tacita de Plata” (Little Silver Cup), Cádiz is a historic port city famous for its beaches, rich maritime heritage, and laidback culture.
You can wander through the city’s charming old town, explore ancient fortresses and watchtowers, and relax on its picturesque beaches. You’ll also find lots of delicious seafood, lively markets, and colorful festivals, such as the Carnival of Cádiz (February).
👉 Take the train! You can train from Seville to Cádiz — the train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours, and there are frequent departures throughout the day from Seville’s main train station, Santa Justa. You can buy tickets at the station or online in advance. If you’re traveling during the high season, buy tickets in advance! Otherwise, all the best train times will be booked up by the time you get to the station. When you get to Cádiz, the train station is near the city center, so exploring the historic old town, beaches, and attractions on foot is totally doable.
Doñana National Park (1 hr by car)
Doñana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves. Known for its diverse ecosystems (marshes, dunes, forests, and more!), it’s a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
From Seville, you can take guided tours to get to the park. You’ll get to explore the park’s unique flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle.
Boat trips along this southern portion of the Guadalquivir River offer a chance to spot flamingos, herons, and other waterfowl.
Matalascañas
Matalascañas is another beachy destination you can consider going if you have a rental car.
Located on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) not too far from Doñana National Park, Matalascañas is a popular seaside resort town known for beaches, food, and sunsets!
You can spend all day lounging on golden sands, swimming in clear blue waters, and enjoying water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. In the evening, beachfront bars and restaurants offer delicious seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails (everything is so cheap!), making it the perfect spot to unwind, catch a sunset, and savor the Andalusian coastal lifestyle.
Getting here is kind of annoying without a rental car (there are no direct trains from Seville), but some guided tours combine a visit to Matalascañas with Doñana National Park for a full-day adventure.
Where To Stay In Seville, Spain
Finding a place to stay for your trip to Seville is part of the fun! There are so many trendy spots to choose from, and surprisingly, many of the accommodations come in the form of apartments.
For first-timers, I recommend you stay close to the city center. That way, you can do more/see more on foot and head back to your accommodation easily whenever you get tired or need a little siesta. Here are a couple that I had on my Seville wishlist:
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Palacio Bucarelli
SUPER CUTE apartment-style accommodations conveniently located in the city center! Breakfast includes fresh pastries, fruit, and juice.
UPSCALE / LUXURY HOTEL
Hotel Casa Del Poeta
A very charming 4-star historic hotel located in the center of Seville just 270 yards from Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. Homemade breakfast is served daily!
UNIQUE AND HOMEY
Lola de Triana Apartments
This one’s located in the Triana neighborhood just across the river, so if you want to stay further away from all the touristy things and stay where the locals actually live, this is a great option.
What You’ll Need To Book In Advance
Other than hotels, you’ll want to book the following attractions in advance if waiting in long lines is NOT your idea of fun.
Real Alcázar – We highly recommend booking before you go. Instead of waiting in line for 1+ hour, you’ll get speedy entrance by entering via a special line for pre-purchased tickets.
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower – These landmarks are less busy than the Alcázar, but the rooftop access can fill up fast, so book this in advance if you want those views.
Flamenco shows – These are also very popular! You’ll want to secure a seat at a show before you get there. Luckily, there are a lot to choose from.
Essential Tips For Visiting Seville, Spain
Avoid traveling during the summer months. Seville gets HOT, like – degree hot. If you can’t avoid visiting during these months, be sure to book a hotel that has air conditioning! I stayed at an Airbnb with no AC — those hot, sweltering nights of trying to fall asleep were miserable.
During the summer, there’s sunlight until 9 to 10 pm. Not kidding! While the sun isn’t “up”, there’s still daylight well into the night. If you tend to sleep early, bring an eyemask just in case your hotel doesn’t have good blinds.
When it comes to booking attractions, the first thing I would do is go online and book your tickets to the Alcazar. Without a ticket, you’re going to have to stand in line for over an hour for tickets.
The food alone is worth the trip there, so if you enjoy immersing in local culture through food, do some research on restaurants and make reservations whenever possible! Even though I visited Sevilla as a solo traveler (which often means not getting to taste as much food as I’d like), I still ate at many wonderful restaurants in town.
While main attractions like the Alcazar and Cathedral are must-visits, don’t forget to wander off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known neighborhoods like Triana or Macarena. You’ll discover hidden gems, charming cafes, and local businesses that showcase the authentic local culture of Seville.
Embrace the siesta culture. Like many other parts of Spain, Seville operates on a relaxed schedule, with many shops and businesses closing for a siesta (midday break) between approximately 2 PM and 5 PM. Use this time to rest up in your room, enjoy lunch, picnic in the park, or take a siesta yourself like the locals do!
Opt for tapas instead of a “regular restaurant meal”. Instead of ordering a full meal with big portions at just one restaurant, embrace the tradition of tapeo (bar hopping) and sample a variety of dishes at different tapas joints.
Plan your trip around local festivals. Seville hosts several large festivals throughout the year, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week in March or April), Feria de Abril (April Fair), and Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day, on January 6). These events offer unique opportunities to experience local traditions and party with the locals. Whenever I travel to a new destination, I’m always on the lookout for major cultural festivals happening around my travel dates!
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