The Best 3 Days in Seville Itinerary
The Best 3 Days in Seville Itinerary
Seville, located in the South of Spain in the Andalusia region, is an incredible city with an impressive food scene, spectacular architecture, and rich history. So, it was a no-brainer to make it my next travel destination. What was going to be a three-day trip, ended up being a weeklong stay in Seville. I got to explore every corner, find the best restaurants, and learn a few tips. But isn’t this a 3 Days In Seville Itinerary blog post? Yes, and I have comprised all the best in this article so you can maneuver the city like an expert on your 3-day trip to Seville.
Related Posts:
The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Seville
7 Easy Day Trips From Seville Without a Car
Are 3 Days in Seville Enough?
Three days in Seville is enough to see all the main attractions. You can spend the first two days sightseeing the famous monuments and the last day wandering around the city. If you have an extra day or two, I recommend going on day trips to Cordoba, Granada, or other nearby towns. You can check out my post on day trip ideas from Seville here.
How To Get To Seville
Depending on where you are visiting from, you can arrive in Seville by plane, train, or bus – that’s the beauty of traveling in Western Europe! If you are visiting from outside of Europe, chances are, you will have to do a quick layover in Madrid or another big airport before landing in Seville.
By plane: You will be flying into the Aeropuerto de Sevilla-San Pablo (SVQ), simply known as Seville Airport or San Pablo.
By train: If you are arriving by train, Seville’s train station is called Sevilla Santa Justa. It’s the third busiest train station in Spain and gives you easy access to the rest of the country.
By bus: Seville has two bus stations, Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastian. If you are in Portugal, it’s straightforward and convenient to take the bus to Seville.
How To Spend 3 Days in Seville?
Day 1 in Seville
Real Alcazar de Seville
Cathedral de Seville
Torre Giralda
Barrio Santa Cruz
Day 2 in Seville
Parque de Maria Luisa
Plaza de España
La Casa de Pilatos
Guided Food Tour
Flamenco Show
Day 3 in Seville
Explore Triana Neighborhood
Mercado de Triana
Metropol Parasol
Walk around Seville
Things to do in Seville that you cannot miss
Day 1 in in Seville:
Real Alcazar
Book guided tour
Ticket: General admission:18.5€, + Cuarto Real Alto: 23€
Monday: 1€ “Free entrance”
Get your tickets here
Real Alcazar is a Unesco World Heritage Site and by far the most iconic monument in Seville. Every year more than 500,000 visitors flock to the impressive palace. But trust me, even with the crowd and the long lines, the Real Alcazar is worth it. Once you are inside, you can take your time to peruse through the jaw-dropping halls and enthralling garden. You can also enjoy a coffee break in the garden with peacocks roaming the patio.
Night Tour
Ticket: General admission: 12.50€, + Room Tour: 17€
Real Alcazar also offers night tours for a different experience. If you have extra time in Seville, check it out. You will be treated to a performance tour with actors that recount the history of Alcazar. The only caveat is that the show is only available in Spanish.
Real Alcazar Ticket Information
The Real Alcazar has two entrance tickets. The general tour will give you access to the halls, courtyards, and gardens. If you want to tour the royal apartments – Cuarto Real Alto, it’s an extra charge. Make sure to book it in advance, as they tend to sell out for months. I tried purchasing, but it was sold out for the next two months.
On Mondays, the palace offers free admission. Make sure to reserve your ticket online for a Euro (processing fee) to skip the ticket line.
If general admission tickets are sold out online for your days in town, you can book a guided tour. Or you could also go early in the morning – at least an hour before they open – and wait in line to purchase tickets. If you stop by mid-day, be prepared to wait in line for hours.
Real Alcazar Hours
Oct - Mar: Mon to Sun - 09:30 am to 5:00 pm
Apr to Sep: Mon to Sun - 09:30 am to 7:00 pm
Closed on January 1st and 6th, Good Friday and December 25th.
Get your tickets here
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
Hours:
Mon: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm (time slot dedicated for free entrance)
Tues - Sat: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun: 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Tickets: 9 € Purchase ticket here.
Santa Maria de la Sede, also known as Seville Cathedral, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage. It stands tall in the heart of Seville, which is very hard to miss, and one of the most popular attractions in town. Make sure to climb the Giralda Tower for a panoramic view of Seville – it will be worth it!
Tip: Dress appropriately, yes, even in the summer heat. They offer free entrance on Monday from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm.
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz – Jewish quarter
The Barrio Santa Cruz is the heart – or tourist center - of Seville, where you will find many of the important sights. The old quarter’s winding streets make the perfect place for aimless wandering! As you walk around, you will discover many little gems. They may not be Top-Sights-in-Seville- worthy, but they are great to uncover as you explore the centuries-old neighborhood.
Keep an eye for the following :
Rosina’s balcony
Before realizing the significance of the balcony, I found it by accident as I was exploring the narrow streets. I remember the particular design of the balcony caught my eye, and stayed for a minute to admire it.
Callejón del Agua or Water Alley
It’s a picturesque and small alleyway that runs from Plaza de Alfaro to Calle Vida. It’s probably one of the most photographed streets in Santa Cruz.
Jardines de Murillo or Murillo Garden
Jardines de Murillo is a small garden where you can go for a tranquil walk or sit at the bench and smell the orange blossom fragrance. In the middle of the garden, you will find a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
Day 2 in Seville:
Seville Food tour
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to explore the local cuisine, especially if the place is renown for its delicious food. Seville is famous for its delectable tapas, and with such a wide variety, it’s hard to know what to order. Go on a food tour to learn about the regional tapas and the local culinary traditions before you go on a food adventure of your own. Check out this food tour. that will take you to three different neighborhoods and markets in Seville.
Wondering where to eat and what to order at restaurants in Seville? Check out my Seville Food Guide.
Flamenco shows in Seville
Flamenco show is a must when you visit Seville - the dance was originated in Andalusia after all, and Seville lives and breath flamenco. I grew up watching Flamenco shows and love visiting Tablaos – a colloquial way to call the place where you can watch flamenco shows. There are different ways to watch a flamenco show in Seville, but not all flamenco shows are the same.
Street performers
As you walk around the city, you may encounter street performers dancing flamenco. They may not be the best, but they are entertaining enough to watch for a few minutes. I wouldn’t leave Seville, having only watched a street version of Flamenco.
Local Tablao - Peña Flamenca
The Peña Flamenca is a flamenco association – sort of like a Flamenco club – where you can watch flamenco shows performed by local talents amid a cozy atmosphere. The goal of Peña Flamenca is not to make money, but to preserve the flamenco tradition. Therefore, peñas don’t charge an entrance fee or have high prices for food and drinks. Most towns in Spain have at least one peña, but in Seville, there are over 70 across town. The most popular peña in Seville is Torres Macarena.
Torres Macarena
Calle Torrijiano, 29, 41009 Sevilla
Hours:
Wed-Sun 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Mon-Tue: Closed
Ticket: No entrance fee
You can’t make reservations or book tickets in advance, so make sure to arrive early! Also, bring something that you can leave on the seat to reserve it while you head to the bar to enjoy some tapas. For a full list of peñas in Seville, click here.
Stage performance
If you want to watch some of the best flamenco show in town, head to Casa del Flamenco. The show is performed by professionals, and on a stage that models a traditional Andalusia patio for an immersive experience. What to expect: Two flamenco dancers performing three different styles of flamenco: Bulerías, Sevillanas, and, if not mistaken, the Farruca. But types of flamenco may vary per show. In between dances, you will get a stellar performance by the singer and guitarist. A noteworthy aspect of Casa del Flamenco is that it is done without any sound system – just excellent acoustics. The flamenco show was one of the best I have ever seen. The two dancers, guitarist, and a singer were simply amazing.
Casa del Flamenco
Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 28, 41004 Sevilla
Hours:
Shows in the Spring / Summer: 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:00 pm
Shows in Fall / Winter: 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm (and sometimes 5:30 pm)
Ticket: 18€ Purchase tickets here.
Note: no kid under 6 years old is allowed.
La Casa de Pilatos - Pilate's House
Pl. de Pilatos, 1, 41003 Sevilla
Hours:
November to March: 9am - 6pm
April to October: 9am - 7pm
Tickets:
Complete House ticket: 10€ (includes guided tour to the upper floor)
Ground Floor ticket: 8€
La Casa de Los Pilatos may not be as opulent as Real Alcazar, but still beautiful and worth visiting. The stunning villa combines Italian Renaissance styles with Spanish Mudejar style – an archetype of an Andalusian palace. Make sure to visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
Palacio de las Dueñas
Calle Dueñas, 5, 41003 Sevilla
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 5:15pm
Tickets: 10€ (Tour of the ground floor only)
If you can’t get enough of Seville’s stunning palaces, check out Palacio de las Dueñas. Hidden in a maze of small streets, Palacio de las Dueñas is a gorgeous palace with a beautiful patio – similar to the one in Casa de Los Pilatos. It makes for a nice city-escape. Although the palace is open to tourists, access is restricted to the ground floor rooms only.
Parque Maria Luisa – Maria Luisa Park
Take a stroll in Seville’s most famous park after your visit to Plaza de España. Follow the trail to the botanical garden. And on Avenida de Pizarro, you will find the beautiful Pabellón de Alfonso. Here’s a map of the enormous park to help you navigate.
Plaza de España
Ticket: No entrance fee
Hours: Open 24/7
Plaza de España, nested in the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, is a spectacular sight that you cannot miss when visiting Seville. The grand semi-circular plaza is a feast to the eyes with its coral bricks and beautiful blue and yellow titles. Along the perimeter of the plaza, you will find an emerald green canal that you can tour by boat in the summer. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd and the afternoon heat.
Day 3 in Seville:
Explore Triana
Exploring the vibrant old quarter of Triana is a must when visiting Seville! Cross the iconic bridge of Isabel II to the picturesque neighborhood and check out the small shops and lively streets. While you are in the neighborhood, make sure also to visit Triana Market.
Local Tip: Avoid eating at Calle Betis, but do check out Triana Market for tapas and bites.
Las Setas De Sevilla or Metropol Parasol
Pl. de la Encarnación, s/n, 41003 Sevilla
Hours:
Sun – Thu: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm
Fri – Sat: 9:30 am – 11:00 pm
Ticket: 3 €
It’s an ultra-modern wood structure located at La Encarnación square. It’s an impressive installation, but the main appeal of the Setas de Sevilla is the panoramic view you get of the city. Go during sunset for a picturesque view Seville. Want to know something interesting? During its construction, Roman ruins were discovered. They have been incorporated into the museum, Museo Antiquarium, located underneath Las Setas.
Attractions that you should skip on your 3-day Seville itinerary
With so many great attractions and only 3 days to see them all, there are a few sights that you can leave out - without feeling like you missed out big time. Unless, of course, you like to pack your schedule with lots of sightseeing. But you can always come back and check them out on your second visit. There, I just gave you another reason to return to Seville!
Torre del Oro
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n, 41001 Sevilla
Tickets: 3 € - Free on Mondays
The Torre del Oro served as a military watchtower that controlled access to Seville via the Guadalquivir River. Now a day, the tower is mainly used to house the Maritime Museum. Visitors can enjoy the city view from the top, but it’s not particularly scenic. My recommendation is if you are not a big fan of naval history, skip it. Alternative: You can admire the tower as you stroll along the river.
Hospital de la Caridad
Calle Temprado, 3, 41001 Sevilla
Tickets: 5.00 €
The Charity Hospital (Hospital de la Caridad) is a 17th-century hospital that now serves as a place of prayers and nursing home, managed by the religious congregation. The Hospital de la Caridad is also open to visitors. The outside façade it’s beautifully decorated with blue and white tiles, and the inside has the quintessential designs and patios renown in Seville.
Tip: If you are looking for a pretty façade and a quiet church with a lovely patio, check it out, otherwise leave it for another trip.
La Maestranza Bullfighting Ring
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 12, 41001 Sevilla
Ticket: Check website for all the prices
Bullfighting - or Corrida de Toros in Spanish - is a long-standing Spanish tradition that is still pretty much alive. They are held in plazas de toros – bullring – and you will find them in many cities across Spain. One of the most famous plazas is the one located in Seville, Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, or simply La Maestranza. It was established in the 17th century, and it’s one oldest –if not the oldest – bullring in Spain. Although the building is impressive in scale, there isn’t much to see and do. There’s, however, a museum inside, Museo de Taurino that showcase the trophies and painting of famous matadors. I’m not a fan of corridas de toros, so I can’t recommend it. But if you are looking to learn more about this Spanish tradition, check it out.
General Archive of the Indies
Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9:30 – 5:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ticket: Free
The General Archive of The Indies serves as an archive to the most important records, maps, and letters of Spanish colonialism in America and one of the UNESCO sites in Seville. If you are a history buff, you will really enjoy the museum. I found it really interesting to peruse through the exchange of letters with historical figures in my country. But if you don’t speak Spanish or a history fan, you may find the museum underwhelming.
Where To Stay in Seville?
There’s no one best place to stay in Seville. It all comes down to what you are looking for. On my visit, I stayed in two different areas, Santa Cruz, and El Arena – both were great neighborhoods.
Seville Neighborhoods
Barrio Santa Cruz
The Barrio Santa Cruz is where you will find all the main attractions in Seville. The old Jewish quarter is vibrant, and everything is within walking distance. The cons, it can get very noisy if you like to sleep early or sleep in.
El Arenal
El Arenal, located between the Cathedral and the Guadalquivir River, is one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Seville. Here you will find a more local vibe than the next-door neighbor, Santa Cruz. It’s a great area to stay if you want to steer away from the buzzing center, but remain close enough that you could get there in a short walk.
Macarena
Macarena, located in the north of the city center, is the most colorful neighborhood in Seville. If you don’t mind adding extra steps to your fitness-tracker, Macarena is a great neighborhood to get a little taste of the local life in Seville. Here you will find independent shops, El Jueves flea market, and plenty of pop & mom restaurants.
Alameda
Once a dangerous district is now the trendiest neighborhood in Seville where you will find vegan restaurants, yoga studios, art galleries, cafes, and chic bars. It's a nice area to hang out and get to know the local culture.
Accommodations in Seville
When it comes to accommodation in Seville, there’s an abundance of choices. It will all come down to the budget and the neighborhood that you would like to stay in. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Seville.
Luxury Hotels in Seville
- Hotel Mercer Sevilla Check price.
- Hotel Palacio de Villapanes Check price.
- Hotel Alfonso XIII Check price.
Apartments in Seville
- Byron Suites Check price.
- Santa Maria Apartments Check price.
- Plaza de Refinadores Check price.
Boutique Hotel in Seville
- Suites Murillo Plaza de Santa Cruz Check price.
Modern & Posh Hotel in Seville
- Hotel Kivir Check price.
- Hotel Posada del Lucero Check price.
- Hotel Casa Del Poeta Check price.
What’s The Weather in Seville and The Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Seville is in the Spring from March to May and Fall from September to October. During these months, the temperature is milder and the crowd smaller. Smaller crowd also means better hotel rates.
Summers in Seville are dry and scorching. Temperatures can reach over 100 ºF, and many of the attractions are outdoors. You will also find that many businesses close in the afternoon during weekdays due to the heat.
Winter can be a bit chilly in Seville around 50ºF, but that would be better than bracing the Seville heat in the summer.
Seville Tips
I can’t stress this enough: buy your tickets in advance – and this goes for all the famous attractions in Andalusia. As soon as you have your flight ticket, start booking all the attractions. They tend to sell out fast, and if you decide to wing it, be prepared to spend hours waiting in line.
Real Alcazar Tickets sold out online? Don’t fear, here are two other ways to see it.
Book a guided tour – You will get a guide, an entrance ticket, and you get to skip the line. Book in advance as well, they sell out fast too.
Even when tickets are sold out online, most attractions reserve an amount to be sold in person. Go early – at least an hour before they open – and wait in line to purchase the ticket.
BOOK YOUR SEVILLE TOUR
Many of the attractions in Seville are within walking distance, but if you need to give your legs a break, Uber is available. There is also plenty of taxi around the city.
Paella is not a typical dish in Seville, and most restaurants that advertise it are usually tourist traps serving you reheated frozen rice. Instead, find a local place that serves “Arroz del dia” rice of the day, or find a restaurant owned by Valencians – where Paella is originally from. For more food recommendations, stay tuned for my Where to Eat in Seville post.
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