Seville is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. After spending 3 days in Seville, it is easy to see why this Andalusian capital is so popular. This city is full of spectacular Moorish architecture, a rich history and authentic Spanish tapas. There is so much to see and do in Seville, that you could easily spend a week in this city discovering everything it has to offer and as a base for exploring the region of Andalusia. Yet, you can see all the major attractions with 3 days in Seville, Spain. In order to discover the best things to do in Seville, follow this Seville itinerary.
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How Many Days in Seville?
Before delving into this Seville itinerary, it is important to decide how many days in Seville you need. Ideally you should plan 3 or 4 days in Seville. This will allow you to see all the Seville highlights and even take a day trip or explore the city further. However, if you only have 2 days in Seville, it is possible to see everything on this itinerary. A Seville 2 day itinerary can be done by spending less time at each spot, or even cutting out entrance to certain sites. If you are only planning on spending 2 days in Seville, it is advised that you visit during shoulder season as entrance lines will be much shorter. If you are wondering how many day in Seville to spend in order to have a relaxing trip and hit all the highlights, 3 days in Seville is ideal.
Seville Itinerary: 3 Days
If you are looking for what to do in Seville in 3 days, this is the perfect itinerary for you. This Seville itinerary will allow you to see the iconic sites in the city, without feeling rushed.
Day 1
Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower
Begin your day by wandering toward the Cathedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower. The Cathedral de Sevilla is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seville. The Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The Gothic style exterior, with the Giralda Tower as its main focal point is breathtakingly beautiful from every angle. Take some time to wander around the exterior of the cathedral before heading inside.
If you plan to go inside the cathedral, be sure to purchase your tickets in advanced. The highlights of visiting Cathedral de Sevilla is Giralda Tower, which is included in your entry ticket. Giralda Tower offers a panoramic view of the city. After a forty story walk up Giralda Tower, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of Seville.
Entrance Fee: 9 € ; If you are visiting on a Monday, entry is free.
Al Arenal
Leaving the Cathedral de Sevilla, spend some time wandering through El Arena, a neighborhood that was once home to the port of Seville. Highlights of this neighborhood include Plaza del Cabildo, Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza ( Seville’s Bullfighting ring), Hospital de la Caridad and Torre del Oro.
Torre del Oro
During your walk through Al Arenal, you will find yourself at Torre de Oro. Torre del Oro was originally a military watchtower built in the 13th century. Today, it is the home to Seville’s Naval Museum. Climb to the top of Torre del Oro for a view over the Guadalquivir River.
Entrance Fee: 3 € ; If you are visiting on a Monday, entry is free.
Triana
Head across the Guadalquivir River to the Triana neighborhood. From here you can get a gorgeous view of Torre del Oro from across the Guadalquivir River. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Seville. Spend some time wandering around the neighborhood, grabbing dinner at one of the many river side restaurants and waiting for the sun to set.
Day 2
Casa de Pilatos
Start your day at Casa de Pilatos, a Sevillian palace that was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. This palace is covered with intricate azulejos (tiles) and is well worth a visit. Casa de Pilatos is a great example of Seville’s palace architecture, a mixture between Renaissance and Mudèjar architectural styles.
Entrance fee: € 10 – € 12; € 10 for the ground floor only and € 12 for the whole house. This price includes a free audioguide.
If you have extra time, there are various other palaces in Seville that are well worth a visit including Casa de las Dueñas and Casa de los Pinelo. Most of the palaces in Seville are around the same price for entrance as Casa de Pilatos, so you may have to pick and choose for budgeting and timing.
Barrio Santa Cruz
After spending some time in Casa de Pilatos, put your map down and explore Barrio Santa Cruz. Barrio de Santa Cruz is Seville’s old Jewish quarter and considered one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Meander through the white alleyways and you will be sure to discover some of the areas most infamous attractions including Seville’s Cathedral and the Alcazar.
The Real Alcazar of Seville
A Seville itinerary would not be complete without a visit to the Real Alcazar of Seville. The Real Alcazar of Seville is a palace-fortress that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace-fortress is a beautiful example of Mudejar architecture and is one of the top things to do in Seville. The Real Alcazar is massive. There are various rooms and patios in the palace to explore, in addition to the expansive garden. Allow yourself plenty of time to properly explore the Alcazar. I spent approximately three hours here, yet could have spent more time. There is even a cafe, located in the gardens.
Entrance Fee: 9 € ; If you are visiting on a Monday, entry is free. You can get your tickets here.
To make the most of your visit, consider booking a guided or audio tour. This Alcazar Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Tickets is a great option! This will save you time and give you valuable insight to the Alcazar. Book now!
Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a quintessential Andalusian experience. Not only is flamenco a form of dance, it is the artistic expression of the sorrows and joys of life. If you have never seen a flamenco show, you should definitely add it to your Seville itinerary. Seeing flamenco (in Madrid, not Seville) was the highlight of my trip to Spain. There is so much passion, that you cannot look away from the dancers.
Day 3
Plaza de España
Begin your last day in Seville at Plaza de España, located in Parque Maria Luis. Plaza de España is one of the most beautiful and photo worthy spots in Seville. This spectacular semi circular plaza is decorated with 48 pavilions illustrating the different provinces of Spain and maps as well as benches with intricate tiles. Take some time strolling around this stunning plaza, taking in every last intricate detail. There is a moat within Plaza de España, with four foot bridges to walk across. You can even hire a row boat to take you around.
Parque Maria Luis
Take a relaxing stroll through Parque Maria Luis. Parque Maria Luis is Seville’s largest green space, covering over acres. In addition to being in the peaceful setting of this park, there is also plenty to do within Parque Maria Luis. Parque Maria Luis is home to Plaza de España as well as various museums including Museo Arqueologico and Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares.
Universidad
Spend some time walking around the Universidad neighborhood. This is the area surrounding the Universidad de Sevilla, the former 18th century Royal Tobacco Factory. Be sure to stop by the decadent Hotel Alfonso XIII for a drink while you’re in the neighborhood before strolling along the Paseo de las Delicias. Paseo de las Delicias is a riverside walk along he Jardines de San Telmo, which translates to the “walk of delights”.
Calle Sierpes Shops
Spanish brands are some of my favorite to shop. I took some time window shopping on Calle Sierpes, a pedestrianized shopping street in Seville. On Calle Sierpes you will find some of your favorite Spanish chain stores and independent boutiques.
Alternatively, if you are not into shopping, spend this time at Palacio de las Duenas, located nearby.
Metropol Parasol
End your 3 day Seville itinerary with a stop at Metropol Parasol. This ultra-modern structure is quite the standout in Seville. While it slightly clashes with the architecture throughout the city, it makes for a cool contrast. The view from the observation deck provides a view over Seville. The Metropol Parasol is one of the best sunset spots in Seville.
Entrance fee: € 3 . Keep in mind that entry to the observation deck is cash only. Unfortunately, I had no cash on me and was unable to make it to the observation deck for sunset. However, viewing the exterior of the Metropol Parasol was well worth the visit.
4 Days in Seville?
If you have 4 days in Seville, consider planning a day trip from the city. Seville is a great hub to explore Andalusia. There are plenty of Seville day trips available including Gibraltar, Cordoba, Granada and Cadiz.
Where to Stay in Seville
In order to see everything on this Seville itinerary, you will want to stay centrally. The touristy area of Seville is actually very compact, everything on this itinerary is within walking distance. There are various hotels and airbnbs that are centrally located.
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of the best hotels in Seville. This hotel is located nearby the Real Alcazar of Seville and Plaza de España. This luxury hotel is the most iconic hotels in the city and is well worth the splurge if it is within your budget. Book now!
Hotel EME Catedral
Familiar House, Old Town
Making the Most of 3 Days in Seville
In order to make the most of your Seville itinerary in 3 days, you may consider some of these things.
Plan Ahead
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most visited cities in Spain. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time for the major tourist attractions including the Cathedral of Seville and the Real Alcazar.
Travel During Shoulder Season
Shoulder season in Seville is from September to January. During this time, the weather is moderate and the crowds are slimmer. Traveling to Seville during this time of the year will allow you to enjoy the entire day without dealing with overcrowded attractions or the extreme heat that come in the Spring and Summer months.
Book Guided Tours
Seville has a long and interesting history. The best way to fully understand the background of the sites you are seeing is with a guided tour in the city. Consider booking a guided or audio tour to the top attractions in Seville in order to make the most of your experience.
