Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Seville has so much to offer, from passionate Flamenco dancing to Moorish architecture, sun-soaked streets to mouthwatering tapas. My husband and I spent several nights there and barely scratched the surface of the historic sights and amazing restaurants. You can easily spend a year in Seville and never run out of things to eat! In this post, I share my in-depth 3-day guide, which highlights the best of the city and helps you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Seville

Start your Seville adventure in the city centre in Plaza Nueva, home to the Ayuntamiento (City Hall). This lively square is a great spot to grab a coffee and soak up the city’s atmosphere. Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, it’s time to visit the Royal Alcázar, one of Seville’s most breathtaking landmarks. Also known as Real Alcázar, this stunning Moorish palace transports you back in time. Every corner tells a story of history, blending Moorish and Christian architecture seamlessly. Prepare to be mesmerized by the colourful tiles, sweeping arches, intricate details and lush gardens. 

You can buy your ticket on arrival but as it’s so popular, I recommend buying your Royal Alcázar Entry Ticket in advance so you can skip the lines. You can stroll around listening to the audio guide (extra cost), but to enhance your experience, book this Alcázar of Seville Skip-the-Line Tickets and Guided Tour, which includes an informative tour by an expert guide. The Royal Alcázar is open daily 9:30 am–7pm, and remember to keep hold of your ticket for day 2 of this travel guide!

After exploring the Royal Alcázar, head to the Santa Cruz neighborhood for lunch. This area is full of winding streets and inviting local tapas bars. Look for some traditional Andalusian dishes on the menu, like salmorejo (a cold tomato soup), jamón ibérico (Iberico ham), grilled sardines, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas). Wash it down with a glass of refreshing tinto de verano. I personally recommend Bodeguita Blanco Cerrillo, a no-frills bar famous for its boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) or Bar Casa Morales, where we enjoyed albondigas (meatballs), Spanish tortilla and slow-cooked beef.  

After filling your belly, head into Seville’s Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The cathedral’s intricate altars, stylish design, and stunning stained glass windows will leave you in awe. You can also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus here. You can buy tickets on arrival (€14 pp, €5 for the audio guide), but if you don’t want to wait in line, skip the queue by buying your Cathedral and La Giralda Entry Ticket in advance. The cathedral is open Mon-Sat: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m / Sundays 2.30pm to 7pm.

Giralda Tower is the cathedral’s Gothic & baroque bell tower. Standing at 104 metres, it was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville in the 12th century, and later converted into a bell tower after the Reconquista. Instead of stairs, you’ll walk up sloped floors, making it easier to ascend than most bell towers. The 360-degree views from the top are impressive and are a great way to orient yourself to the city.

To make the best use of your time and gain a deeper understanding of Seville’s historical landmarks, check out these two top-rated tours; Cathedral, Giralda & Alcazar Entry With Guided Tour and Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar Guided Tour. These nearly-identical sounding tours both include guided tours by local experts, and skip-the-line entry tickets to the Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower.

After visiting three of the city’s most important sites, spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through La Judería (Jewish Quarter). Wander the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings and houses painted in hues of orange, yellow, and pastel pink. I loved strolling along the romantic streets, stumbling upon hidden plazas and unassuming art galleries and boutiques which showcase Seville’s finest artists and designers. To gain a deeper understanding of this quarter and its history, consider joining this small Jewish Quarter Discovery Walking Tour.

For dinner, I personally recommend Cervecería Salmedina, a fantastic seafood spot where you can enjoy fresh, locally-caught dishes. Try the choco frito (fried cuttlefish), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and utterly moreish Basque cheesecake! We also enjoyed dinners at La Cayetana – where we scoffed down garlic prawns, steak tartare, Iberico pork and mojama (salt-cured tuna) – and La Brunilda, where we devoured patatas bravas with crispy bacon and hot sauce, and salt cod fritters with pear alioli (where has this flavour combination been all my life!?). Arrive early at La Brunilda or prepare to wait – it’s popular for a reason!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the amazing-sounding restaurants and dishes in Seville, I suggest joining this Seville Tapas Crawl. With excellent reviews, this tour includes 10 dishes served at 5 different tapas bars. It sounds like a great way to familiarize yourself with Andalusian cuisine and meet fellow travellers, while being shown around by a guide. 

End your evening with a stroll through the historic centre, perhaps stopping at Híspalis Fountain (Fuente de Híspalis). This striking fountain in Puerta de Jerez is a great photo spot day or night, showcasing Seville’s beauty.

Day 2: Parks, Plazas and Markets

On your second day in Seville, explore Parque de María Luisa, the city’s biggest and most beautiful park. This green oasis in the city centre is filled with fountains, gardens, and shady spots to escape the heat. It’s where you’ll find Plaza de España, Seville’s most iconic public square. Featured in several films (including Star Wars), Plaza de España has a semi-circular building adorned with colourful tiles representing different regions of Spain. Take a leisurely stroll around the plaza, admiring the intricate ceramic tiles and impressive architecture, designed by the great Sevillian architect Aníbal González. You can even rent a rowboat to glide along the 515-metre-long canal and see the plaza from a different perspective.

After visiting Plaza de España, take some time to walk alongside Guadalquivir river. The river’s promenade takes you past picturesque bridges and waterfront cafés. You may notice the fragrant citrus smell as you’re walking; many of Seville’s main streets and promenades are lined with orange trees, which give out a wonderful scent. You can climb up The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro), a 36-metre high, 13th-century watchtower with an interesting maritime museum. It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 6:45 pm and costs only €3 per person (including an audio guide – concessions available).

Now it’s time to explore one of Seville’s most charming neighborhoods, Triana. This is where my husband and I stayed, and we’re really glad we did. It felt much less touristy than the Old Town, even though it’s just a short walk away across the river.

We loved Triana Market, a bustling market packed with fresh produce like olives, cheese, jamón, tapas stalls, and sweet treats. Open Mondays-Saturdays 9 am–3 pm, it’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts, and get a taste of local life. If you’d rather have a sit-down lunch, there are lots of tasty places to eat around the market, like Abacería El Mercader de Triana and Restaurante El Sella Triana, which offer delicious Andalusian dishes bursting with flavour.

After lunch, pop into Centro Cerámica Triana, a small museum about the history of ceramics in Seville. It features informative text in Spanish and English, videos, ceramics exhibits, and kilns where they used to make pottery. It costs €2.10 to enter (concessions available). If you still have your ticket from the Royal Alcázar, you can get in for free!

In the evening, experience the magic of a live Flamenco performance. Seville is synonymous with flamenco, the soul-stirring dance and music form that originated in Andalusia. While you can find some open-air performances in the city’s plazas, I recommend seeking out a smaller, indoor venue. I’ve found some performances for every budget, which take place in more intimate locations, allowing you to get up close and personal with the skillful dancers, their elaborate costumes and raw emotion.

Top Flamenco tours to consider:

• Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket (top-rated with 10,000+ reviews!)
• Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show (takes place in a historic 15th century theatre)
• Baraka Sala Flamenca Show in Triana (includes a free alcoholic or soft drink)
• Live Flamenco Show at Teatro Flamenco Triana (100% of the entrance fee goes towards Cristina Heeren Flamenco Art Foundation, which teaches and promotes flamenco). 
• Flamenco Show Ticket at Tablao Flamenco Las Setas (includes a complimentary signature cocktail made with sherry wine)

For dinner, I suggest Castizo Tapas Bar, a modern take on traditional Andalusian cuisine. We particularly enjoyed grilled squid with spicy tomato sauce, fried artichoke with Andalusian whiskey sauce, and stewed pork cheeks cannelloni with sundried tomatoes and pistachios. Make a reservation as it’s a very popular spot. 

Alternatively, you could return to Triana, hopping from one tapas bar to another, sampling local specialties. Antigua Casa Diego and Bar Típico barra de Tapas are both friendly, informal eateries with a wide range of dishes to enjoy. Don’t skip Empanadas Malvón while you’re in the area, to try their tasty Argentine-style empanadas.

Day 3: Roman Ruins & Local Neighbourhoods

On your third day in Seville, visit Itálica, an impressive Roman archaeological site filled with ancient mosaics and remnants of Roman streets. As someone who used to live in Rome, I can’t get enough of Roman relics and thoroughly enjoyed Itálica. The well-preserved amphitheatre, featured in Game of Thrones, is a real highlight. 

Easily reached by taxi or bus from Seville Plaza de Armas (bus journey time around 30 minutes), it costs only €1.50 for non-EU members and is free for you lucky EU lot. It’s open Tuesdays-Saturdays Tuesday, 9 am–5:30 pm, 9am-3pm Sundays and closed Mondays. The site has plenty of signage in English and Spanish, and it’s very walkable (you get a map with your entrance ticket). If you’d prefer a guided tour, this Italica Roman City & Medieval Monastery Tour has excellent reviews and includes a professional guide. If you’re a cycling fan, you can also join this Half-Day Guided Bike Trip from Seville to Itálica. 

When you return to Seville, spend the rest of the day exploring more of the city’s wonderful neighborhoods.

• Macarena Neighborhood: A trendy district home to the Basilica de la Macarena and the famous Virgin of Hope statue. Take a short stroll to Calle Feria and Calle Regina, two vibrant streets filled with quirky, independent shops, cosy cafés, and a lively flea market if you’re visiting on a Thursday.
• Metropol Parasol: Known locally as Las Setas (“The Mushrooms”), the Metropol Parasol is a modern architectural marvel. At ground level, you can visit the Antiquarium, an archaeological museum full of Roman and Moorish relics.
• Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza: Explore one of Spain’s most famous bullrings, and learn about the tradition of bullfighting through an audio guide.
• Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla (Seville Museum of Fine Arts): Learn about Seville’s artistic heritage in this museum, home to an impressive collection of Spanish art, ranging from the medieval period to the early 20th century.
• Casa de Pilatos: A mix of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, this mansion is an underrated alternative to the Royal Alcázar.

For a fun evening activity, why not join a tapas walking tour? Yes, you read that right! The Tapas, Taverns, and History Walking Tour lets you sample delicious local dishes across a four-hour tour, while learning about the city from a passionate guide. 

Alternatively, you can do a sangria wine-tasting (sign me up!). Located at a rooftop bar, this Sangria Tasting Experience gives you the chance to experience the rich flavors of four types of sangria, including one made with locally-produced sherry wine. The ticket price also includes small plates of olives and cheese to soak up some of the booze.

Tours & Day Trip Ideas

If you’re lucky enough to stay longer in Seville, why not do a day trip to a nearby city?

• Granada – This wonderful city is just a few hours away by train or bus. You can join this organised Granada Day Trip, which includes skip-the-line entry tickets and guided tours to Granada’s unmissable historical sights Alhambra and Albaicín.
• Córdoba – Explore this city as part of this Córdoba and Mosque Cathedral Full-Day Tour, which includes priority entrance to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and an English/Spanish-speaking guide. 
• Ronda & Setenil – This Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas Day Trip takes you to two of Andalucia’s most well-regarded cities. You might recognize the incredible Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda, which stretches across a 120-metre-deep chasm over the Guadalevín River.
• Pueblos Blancos and Ronda – This Pueblos Blancos and Ronda Full-Day Trip includes stops at picturesque whitewashed towns of Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, and Ronda, along with an olive oil factory, castles, and cliff tops.

If you’d rather stay in Seville, here are some popular tours and activities:

• Spanish Cooking Class & Triana Market Tour – This 3.5hr cooking class gives you the opportunity to visit Triana’s market to pick up local ingredients then recreate some classic Spanish and Andalusian dishes, including Paella Valenciana. If you’d rather do an evening cooking class, this Spanish Cooking Class with Dinner takes place inside Triana Market and has a near-perfect rating! 
• Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions – This top-rated tour has everything you could possibly want from delicious food and drink to interesting facts about Seville. It often sells out so make sure to book tickets well in advance. 
• Flamenco Dance Class – Step into the shoes of a flamenco dancer with a dance class, tailored for beginners.

I hope this 3-day Seville itinerary has given you plenty of ideas of what to see and do in this wonderful city.

Are you planning to visit more Spanish cities after Seville? Check out my other Spain city guides for Madrid, Granada and Valencia, and my Two Weeks in Spain Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to help you create the perfect Spanish getaway!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow