Heading to southern Spain and wondering where to start? This 3 day Seville Itinerary is your best guide to kickstart the exploration in Andalucia and explore the rest of the region. 

 ** Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links which means that purchases made through these links reward Bey of Travel a small commission without any additional charge for the purchaser.** 

Perfect 3 day Seville Itinerary: Planning tips, and day by day sightseeing 

In this Seville travel guide, I’ll take you throughout the capital of traditional Spanish flamenco. Although it’s admittedly hard to compete with Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Alicante, Seville certainly takes on the competition. 

I visited the city for 3 days to discover the top things to do in Seville, including the Plaza de España, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the Metropol Parasol and so much more.

Getting to Seville Spain:

Seville is a beautiful city – and with almost 3 million visitors annually, it’s one of the busiest cities in Spain. In 2018, Seville was even voted the best city trip by Lonely Planet. 

The reason why I love the city so much? At every corner, you’ll find architectural masterpieces, which blew me away multiple times. The city is also really affordable and the residents are super friendly.

Getting to Seville is easy. You can travel there by road, train or fly. If flying internationally you can arrive at the Seville Airport, which is the sixth busiest inland airport in Spain. RyanAir has a terminal at the airport as well, providing connections from the UK and other parts of Europe. 

It takes around 20 minutes to get from the airport to the city center in a taxi, and it costs around 25€. Try to leave the airport and hail a taxi as quickly as possible.

Seville airport isn’t as big as Barcelona or Madrid, so finding a taxi can be tricky and queues can get long (especially when multiple planes land around the same time!).

A cheaper option is to take the bus into the city. The 35 minutes ride costs only 4€, and you can get your ticket from the bus driver. 

You can also visit Seville via high-speed trains from Madrid. Or take a bus from Lisbon to get to the city – the options are endless.

If you are road tripping, Seville is the perfect place to get your car rental and start exploring southern Spain. 

read next | THE PERFECT SOUTHERN SPAIN ROAD TRIP

Where to stay in Seville

When planning your stay in Seville, there are lots of lovely neighborhoods and areas to choose from.

Centro is the most central and commercial area of the city. You can browse shoes in one of the many shoe stores, or grab a bite to eat in a cozy tapas bar. This area is the perfect location for your hotel or Airbnb stay, as everything is quite close and within walking distance. 

Encarnación & Regina has been a neglected part of town for years, but this changed in 2004 when the city hall decided to redevelop the neighborhood. The Metropol Parasol – a spectacular wooden construction shaped like mushrooms – arose, and the area transformed into a new hotspot with several options for food and shopping.

Fancy a taste of authentic Seville? Visit the area of Triana, where you’ll discover the local passion for flamenco. Andalusia is the birthplace of this dance art, so you simply must book a flamenco show during your city trip in Seville (or even try to learn the dance!). 

Even in the streets, you’ll regularly come across flamenco dancers, like on Plaza de Espana. To admire the real work visit a flamenco bar such as Casa Anselma, one of the best flamenco bars in Seville.

Barrio Santa Cruz is the ancient Jewish quarter and the most historical neighborhood. The rich history and numerous churches mean the area is constantly flooded with tourists. But it still remains a must-visit to wander around and absorb all architectural highlights.  

Where to stay in Seville 

There are so many wonderful choices when it comes to hotels in Seville, so I’ve cherry-picked a few favorites:

Hotel Alfonso XIII

For ultimate luxury, book a room at Hotel Alfonso XIII. This beautiful 5-star hotel is located in the Santa Cruz district, close to most of the sights in Seville. It’s one of the most prestigious hotels in the city – book your room here.

Hotel Boutique Casas de Santa Cruz

For something a little less expensive, this hotel offers decent rooms at fair prices – and it’s located in the historical part of the city. Book your room here.

Limehome Sevilla Calle Torcuato Luca de Tena

Would you rather escape the crowds? Boutique hotel Holos is the perfect solution. This perfectly managed hotel is located just outside the city, making it easy to avoid the buzzing city noise. Book your room here.

Hostel Urban Sevilla

If you’re visiting Seville on a budget, Hostel Urban Sevilla is the perfect accommodation. This hostel is located right in the middle of the center and has both dormitories and private rooms. Book your room here.

When is the best time to visit Seville? 

With annual temperatures averaging around 25 degrees, a city trip in Seville is perfect all year round. Ideally, try to avoid the extremely hot summer months and opt to visit the city in the spring or autumn.

Day 1: The top things to do in Seville in 3 days 

The list of things to see during a stay in Seville is endless. I’ve put together an overview of my personal experiences during a city trip to Seville, highlighting all the sights that are worth a visit to the city.

On day one of your Seville trip, check in to your centrally located hotel, grab some nice breakfast and start exploring. I recommend checking off the iconic landmarks on your first day. So hit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Seville – Real Alcazar Palace, Seville Cathedral, and the Archives. 

Real Alcázar

One of the top places to visit in Seville is the Real Alcázar – the royal palace. This beautiful palace has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987 – and it’s still in use every time the royal family visits the city. You can wander around the palace and adjacent gardens for hours. Get lost and be amazed by its beautifully intricate design! 

Pay attention to the Moors’ influences that collide with Medieval and Renaissance characteristics. The unique details and colorful tiled walls make this place absolutely perfect for those Instagram-worthy snaps. 

Top tip: Book your tickets online in advance. The tickets for Real Alcázar are 8 euros more expensive, but you won’t regret it for a second as you’ll avoid super long queues.

Cathedral of Seville the largest Gothic cathedral

Within walking distance of Real Alcázar is another huge Seville tourist attraction – the famous Cathedral of Seville. This beautiful gothic architectural wonder is truly breathtaking. 

You will notice how the cathedral has Moorish architecture, especially the iconic Giralda Tower. 

You can combine a ticket to the royal palace and the cathedral of Seville. During your visit don’t forget to climb to the top of the cathedral towers for some amazing views of the city from up above. 

After sightseeing, pause for brunch (or lunch) at one of the cafes in the old Jewish Quarter. The small alleys of this historic district are very beautiful and deserve some camera attention!

In the afternoon, head to the Plaza de España. 

Plaza de España

The most famous square in town, Plaza de España, will leave you astonished. All the Spanish provinces are pictured here in azulejos (decorative blue tiles). The central square is nearly completely surrounded by a canal – you can take a gondola ride to see the four bridges that represent the four old kingdoms of Spain. 

Jardin de Murillo

If you fancy getting away from all the tourists on Plaza de Espagña, walk a bit further through to the Jardin de Murillo. Enjoy a nice stroll through the garden and finish your sightseeing for the day!

The walk is about 11 minutes from Plaza de Espana (towards Real Alcazar) to Jardin de Murillo. 

Optional: Because you are close to the Real Alcazar and the Cathedral, you might as well enjoy a relaxing spa and treatment at the Arabic bathhouse aka Aire de Sevilla.  This is the most famous Arabic bathhouse of Andalusia. Set inside a 16th-century Moorish palace, you can enjoy thermal baths at the bathhouse with a rooftop pool that offers views of the city. 

Day 2 of Seville Itinerary 3 days: Explore more of Seville

On your second day in Seville, visit some of the other important landmark sites in the city. Also, add a food or a cooking tour to get oriented to Seville’s culinary culture (which is so delicious – I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did).

But first head to the Tower of Gold aka Torre del Oro. 

Torre del Oro

Torre del Oro is a medieval watchtower located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir river, which is the water body flowing through the city of Seville. The tower dates back to the 13th century and was initially used as a military water tower and later as a prison. Today you can visit the tower for its views and to explore the maritime museum located inside.

Sightseeing Cruise on the Guadalquivir river

After sightseeing at the tower, stop for a relaxing cruise on the Guadalquivir river. This tour lasts 1.50 to 2 hours and comes with bar services as well on a comfortable yacht. 

Along the Guadalquivir river lies the largest public park in Seville – Parque Maria Luisa. Maria Luisa Park is the green space in the city, where you can relax and hang out with your loved ones.

In the afternoon, I recommend choosing a tapas bar-hopping tour or a cooking class. This will occupy 2 to 3 hours of your 3 days in Seville itinerary.

Tapas Tour

This recommended 3-hour tapas tour, will take you through the world of Andalucia tapas with an experienced guide. You will get to visit 5 different tapas bars and sample local cuisines. All in all, about 10 to 12 tastings will be provided. 

Tapas tour is one of the easiest ways to eat and live like the locals do as you travel around various tapas bars for an unforgettable experience. Plus you also get to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. 

You can book your guided tour here.

Cooking Class in the heart of Seville

If you are staying at the Alfonso XIII Hotel, you will get to meet your guide near its gate as they welcome you to an exclusive cooking experience in Seville. 

This cooking class is for 1.50 to 2 hours, and it is conducted at the heart of Andalusia with views of the Cathedral and the Giralda, the Alcazar of Seville, and many others. 

You will learn to make “Paellero”, aka a real Spanish paella from a local expert, and understand why this dish is so appreciated worldwide. As part of the experience, you are given welcome drinks, and you also get to sit down together to enjoy your typical Spanish paellas (that you prepared from scratch).

More cooking classes in Seville: 3-hour cooking class with dinner book here.

Other options for sightseeing include

• Palacio de las Dueñas – Palacio de las Dueñas is one of the oldest and most important houses of the city, thanks to its architectural and artisanal heritage values. Access inside costs 9€. You can book your tickets here.
• Casa De Pilatos – Home to one of the largest tile collections in the world – and definitely worth a visit! 150 different styles of ‘azulejos’ can be found in this Andalusian palace, and the garden has the most beautiful Orangerie. Access is 10€.
• Seville Aquarium – With over 400 species of aquatic animals in 35 aquariums, the Seville Aquarium will delight and be an engaging experience for families. You can book your tickets here.
• The Royal Tobacco Factory – This is a heritage stone building (dating to the 18th century), which is now the seat of the University of Seville. 

Day 3 of Seville Itinerary 3 days: Explore Tirana and watch a flamenco show, plus a day tour to Italica

On your final day in Seville visit the Roman ruins at Italica. This short day trip takes about 20 minutes to get you to the village of Santiponce. 

Roman ruins at Italica

From here you can explore the Roman city of Italica, which is home to the 3rd largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. 

Do spend time exploring the Trajan monument, and visit the gym and thermal baths. Admire the mosaics in the House of the Planetarium, and follow in the footsteps of gladiators as you walk through the tunnels they used. 

If booking a tour, you can also enjoy a stop at the magnificent Monastery of San Isidoro del Camp en route. Check out this 4-hour tour here.

After arriving in Seville, head to the neighborhood of Triana

Triana

Known for the Mercado de Triana and as the birthplace of flamenco, this lovely neighborhood is perfect for those who wish to explore Seville’s lesser touristy quarters.  

You can start your sightseeing with lunch at the lively market hall near the arched Puente de Isabel II bridge. You will be left delighted with the many food stalls and eateries options and their delicious menu.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the centre of Triana – go shopping at the Centro de la Cerámica Triana, visit the stunning Capilla Virgen del Carmen, check out the Monumento “Triana al arte flamenco”, and  historic Plaza del Altozano.

read next | VALENCIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Flamenco Show

Finish your sightseeing in Seville with an epic flamenco show in the heart of Triana. This ticket allows you to experience an hour of flamenco show with local white wine tasting. 

Flamenco is an art form with music and dance traditions. It originated in the region of Andalusia in southern Spain. 

Note: To learn more about flamenco and its history, visit the Museo del Baile Flamenco or Flamenco Dance Museum in Seville. It is located in the Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Where to eat in Seville – The Best Restaurants and markets in Seville 

When it comes to Spanish food, everybody immediately thinks of tapas. At times it can be tricky to eat healthily in Spain, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover lots of trendy breakfast spots aside from the traditional ‘cafeterias’. 

Encarnacion, the area close to the Metropol Parasol, is especially up-and-coming – and there are plenty of delicious breakfast hotspots there: 

• Jester – A hit with Instagrammers. Everything from the acai bowls to the fresh bagels is prepared with such an eye for detail. Definitely try one of the many freshly squeezed juices or their delicious coffee
• Milky Away – In this small bar your chance of finding a table is slim, but you can still order a takeaway! Everything is eco-friendly and there’s a wide range of gluten-free shakes and smoothies.
• Cocome – Choose from salads, wraps, sandwiches, soups, and juices – most of which you can compose yourself.

During your stay in Seville, make sure you sample some of the delicious tapas on offer. The best spots for tapas are:

• Bodega Santa Cruz – Eat among the locals at high stand tables in a typical Spanish tapas bar.
• Mariatrifulca – Enjoy splendid tapas with the best view over the Canal de Alfonso XIII.
• Bar Alfalfa – A cosy tapas bar, with a limited but daily fresh menu.
• La Isla – A spectacular seafood restaurant.
• De La O – Anything special to celebrate? Definitely reserve a table at De La O!

If you’re planning a few drinks after dinner, my favourite spots for cocktails in Seville are The Second Room and Le XiX.

Where to find the best views in Seville?

For the most stunning view over Seville, you must climb the Giralda Tower. The tower is 97 meters high – but there aren’t any stairs. Instead, you can ascend to the top via steep hallways, and you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Andalusian capital. 

The bell tower is part of the famous Sevillian Cathedral, the second biggest church in Europe.

You can also enjoy a spectacular view over the city on the Metropol Parasol – the best sunset spot in Seville. 

Enjoying the views and contemporary architecture costs €5, or you can just chill during the day under the world-famous mushroom construction without paying any entry fees.

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Seville

Seville is truly a lovely city with many picture-perfect spots. Here’s a complete list of the most instagrammable places in Seville:

• Plaza de España – During the day, this square is full of tourists. Get up early and try to visit it at sunrise to have it all for yourself. On top of having lots of space, you’ll also profit from the most beautiful lighting for your pictures.
• Real Alcázar – Taking pictures in Real Alcázar is a challenge, as it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in Seville. Buy your tickets online! Try to stand at the doors before opening and when entering, cross to the other side of the square immediately to discover the most beautiful shooting locations.
• Metropol Parasol – This spot is well-loved by both young and old visitors. For beautiful pictures under the wooden structures, it’s best to visit the Parasol in the early afternoon. At this time of day, you’ve got the best chance to shoot without many crowds. The top-level is the most beautiful during sunset (but don’t forget you’ll have to buy tickets for that).

• Casa De Pilatos – This palace is much quieter, and in the late afternoon you can shoot as much as you wish without too much hassle.
• Catedral De Sevilla – Patience is a beautiful thing! It’s crowded here all day long, so it’s up to you to decide when’s best to take pictures and grab your moment when you can.

Where to go after exploring Seville in three days?

With cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, Spain is really the best holiday country for me. The combination of delicious food, beautiful weather, culture and leisure makes traveling in this country a unique experience time and time again.

Are you planning to discover other places in Spain – but you’re still looking for some more inspiration? Be sure to read 7 most beautiful Spanish cities you need to visit and my Spanish bucket list post.

PIN 3 day Seville itinerary

Related posts