24 Hours in Seville: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

One day in Seville is just enough to get a taste of this beautiful, sun-soaked city. With 24 hours to explore, you’ll want to make every moment count.

So what’s the best way to see the top sights, eat great food, and still have time to wander those charming streets?

This itinerary breaks it all down – so you can enjoy a full day in Seville without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

Morning

Real Alcázar (Royal Alcázar)

Kick off your day with one of Seville’s most iconic sights – the Real Alcázar. This royal palace is still in use today by the Spanish royal family when they’re in town, making it the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still actively used.

It was originally built in the 10th century during Muslim rule and later expanded by Christian monarchs, which is why you’ll see such a mix of styles inside – from Islamic arches and geometric tilework to Gothic halls and Renaissance additions.

The craftsmanship is truly unreal. Every room and courtyard feels like it was built to impress, with endless details carved into stone, wood, and ceramic.

Make sure to leave time to explore the gardens – they’re huge and easy to wander through for a while. There are quiet paths, reflecting pools, and plenty of shady spots if you need a break from the sun.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the palace’s resident peacocks wandering around. Plus, Game of Thrones fans, it may just Dorne on you why this part of town looks familiar…

This is easily Seville’s most popular spot for visitors, so you’ll definitely want to get your Alcázar tickets in advance to skip the long lines. Arriving right when it opens (usually around 9:30 AM) means fewer crowds and better light for photos, too.

Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

From the Alcázar, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Seville Cathedral, and you’ll know you’re there as soon as you spot the massive bell tower rising above the rooftops.

Built on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral was designed to be so grand that “those who see it will think we are mad,” according to the church elders of the time – and honestly, they weren’t far off.

The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world and it feels like it – vaulted ceilings stretch far above your head, and every corner is filled with chapels, tombs, and art. One of the highlights is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which is held aloft by four stone figures representing the kingdoms of Spain.

After exploring inside, head up the Giralda tower, which was originally the mosque’s minaret before being adapted into the cathedral’s bell tower. Instead of steps, there’s a series of ramps – 35 in total – which were designed so that someone could ride a horse to the top.

Once you’re up there, the view over the rooftops and courtyards of Seville is one of the best in the city.

FYI: You’ll want to book your ticket for the Cathedral and Giralda ahead of time since this is another spot where the queues can get pretty long. The combined ticket at that link covers both the interior and the tower, and it’s well worth it to take your time exploring both.

Plaza de Doña Elvira

Once you’ve finished at the Cathedral, take a short stroll into the heart of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and stop at Plaza de Doña Elvira.

This small square is said to be where Doña Elvira – the fictional noblewoman from Don Juan Tenorio (yes, THAT Don Juan) – once lived, and whether that’s true or not, it’s still one of the most charming corners of the city.

The square is surrounded by orange trees and tiled benches, with a fountain right in the center and balconies draped in flowers above. It’s a great spot to take a breather, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe grab a quick coffee from one of the nearby cafés.

Callejón del Agua

From the plaza, follow the narrow alleyway known as Callejón del Agua, which runs along the back walls of the Alcázar. The name means “Water Alley” – it comes from the ancient aqueduct system that once brought water to the palace, and the path still traces part of its route.

It’s a peaceful little walk lined with old houses, bright bougainvillea, and plaques marking literary figures who once stayed in the area – including Washington Irving, who wrote Tales of the Alhambra. It only takes a few minutes to walk, but it’s a lovely, quiet way to enjoy a different side of the city.

Hospital de los Venerables

End your late morning with a visit to the Hospital de los Venerables, just a short walk away. It was built in the 17th century as a residence for aging priests, but today it houses the Velázquez Center, dedicated to Seville’s most famous painter.

Even if you’re not usually into art galleries, the building itself is worth seeing – from the peaceful courtyard to the beautiful Baroque church tucked inside. The gallery includes a small but impressive collection of Spanish art, with works by Velázquez, Murillo, and others.

You can usually get tickets at the door, but it’s worth checking ahead if you’re visiting during a busy time of the year, as it can be worth booking tickets to the Hospital de los Venerables in advance to guarantee entry. It’s often less crowded than other sights in the area, so it’s a nice break before heading off for lunch.

Lunch

By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite, and luckily, there are some great lunch spots just a few minutes’ walk from the Hospital de los Venerables. Since you’ve only got one day in Seville, this is the perfect time to try some local favorites.

Bodega Santa Cruz (often called Las Columnas) is a classic choice for casual, tasty tapas right in the heart of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It’s usually buzzing, and you’ll order at the bar and eat standing or at one of the outdoor tables if you can snag one.

Go for the espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), solomillo al whisky (pork loin in whisky sauce), and a caña of local beer.

For something a little quieter but still very local, Casa Román is tucked into a small square nearby and is known for its jamón ibérico.

If you’re into cured meats, get a plate of their jamón to share, along with some salmorejo (a thicker, creamier version of gazpacho) and grilled artichokes if they’re in season.

If you’re in the mood for a proper sit-down meal, La Azotea (the Mateos Gago location is closest) blends traditional Andalusian flavors with a more modern twist. Dishes change with the seasons, but their tartar de atún (tuna tartare) and presa ibérica (a juicy cut of Iberian pork) are always a hit.

Keep in mind you’ll probably have to reserve a table here, so make sure to do so a couple of days in advance.

Don’t skip dessert either – grab a scoop of turrón (nougat) or orange blossom ice cream from Helados Rayas, just around the corner. You’ve still got a lot to see this afternoon, and a little sugar boost won’t hurt.

Afternoon

Plaza de España

After lunch, head south toward one of Seville’s most iconic sights – Plaza de España. It was built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929 and is massive in scale, with a sweeping semi-circular building wrapped around a canal you can actually row a boat along.

The highlight is the tiled alcoves representing each Spanish province – people love finding the one that matches where they’re from or where they’ve visited.

The whole place has a grand, theatrical feel to it, and if it looks familiar, it might be because it showed up in Star Wars: Episode II and Lawrence of Arabia.

Parque de María Luisa

Right next to the plaza is Parque de María Luisa – the biggest green space in Seville and a great place to slow the pace a bit after a full morning.

The park was originally part of the private gardens of the San Telmo Palace and was later redesigned in a more romantic style with winding paths, fountains, and shaded benches.

Wander past tiled pavilions, duck ponds, and hidden courtyards – there’s no set route, so you can take your time and just enjoy whatever you come across. It’s especially welcome on a hot day, with plenty of trees and spots to relax for a few minutes.

Torre del Oro

Wrap up your afternoon at the Torre del Oro – a 13th-century military watchtower that sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Its name means “Tower of Gold,” and though there’s debate over whether it once stored gold from the Americas or just shimmered in the sun thanks to its building materials, it definitely stands out against the water.

Inside is a small maritime museum, but the main draw is the view from the top. It’s not a long climb, and from up there you get a great look at the river, the bullring across the way, and the rooftops of the city.

If you’re planning to go inside, you usually won’t need to book in advance (and tickets are cheap) – though if time’s tight, even seeing it from the outside during a riverside walk is worth it. It’s a nice way to ease into the evening before dinner or a sunset stroll.

Evening

Triana

As the sun starts to dip, make your way across the Puente de Isabel II (often called Puente de Triana) to explore one of Seville’s most characterful neighborhoods – Triana.

This area has long been known for flamenco, ceramics, and a strong local identity that sets it apart from the rest of the city.

Start by strolling along Calle Betis, the street that runs right along the river with views back across to the Torre del Oro and the cathedral. It’s lined with bars and restaurants, and it really comes alive in the evening.

If you’ve timed it right, you might catch the golden hour light hitting the buildings across the water – it’s one of the best places in Seville to watch the sunset.

Dinner

Triana is also a great place to grab dinner. For something casual, check out Bar Casa Ruperto, famous for its fried quail (codorniz) – it’s no-frills, very local, and packed with personality. Or head to La Taberna for traditional tapas like bacalao (salt cod), croquetas, and montaditos.

Or for something more modern, Blanca Paloma is a longtime local favorite with elevated versions of Andalusian classics.

Flamenco

If you’re up for a bit of music afterward, Triana is one of the best places to catch a live flamenco show. And with Seville being the birthplace of flamenco, with many experts saying Triana specifically is where it came from, this is a must-do if you have the time.

This live flamenco show at Teatro Flamenco Triana is legendary for the passion of its live performances. You’ll really feel up close and personal with the singers, dancers and musicians.

Alternatively, this flamenco performance at Flamenqueria Sevilla is renowned for its authenticity in a more intimate setting. The views overlooking the Guadalquivir river are pretty great too.

Whether you end the day with a drink by the river or some foot-stomping music in a tablao, Triana is a great way to finish your day in Seville – lively, local, and full of energy.

Is one day in Seville enough?

One day in Seville gives you just enough time to see the city’s biggest highlights – the Real Alcázar, the Cathedral and La Giralda, Plaza de España, and a few more spots that make it feel like you’ve really experienced the place.

If you’re smart with your timing and stay somewhere central in Seville, you can cover a lot without feeling rushed.

That said, Seville has a way of pulling you in. The slower pace, the energy in the streets, the way the city shifts between grand and down-to-earth – you’ll almost definitely wish you had more time.

One day works as a great introduction, but if your schedule allows it, staying overnight or even bumping your trip up to 48 hours in Seville means you can enjoy more local food, catch a full flamenco show, or just wander through neighborhoods without looking at the clock.

And if you add another day again to give yourself a full three day itinerary in Seville? Well, not only do you give yourself more of the city to see, but you’ll even have the chance to see a bit of the country with one of these great day trips.

Where to stay in Seville?

If you’ve only got one day in Seville, where you stay really matters. You’ll want to be based somewhere that puts you within easy walking distance of the main sights – that way you can spend your time exploring, not figuring out transport or waiting around in traffic.

Santa Cruz is the top pick for that. It’s the old Jewish quarter and sits right next to the Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, which makes it incredibly convenient for sightseeing.

The neighborhood itself is full of narrow, winding lanes, tiled patios, and small plazas with orange trees – walking around here is part of the experience. There are plenty of small hotels, guesthouses, and apartments scattered through the area, and you’ll find tapas bars and cafés tucked into almost every corner.

If you’d prefer something just a little less tourist-heavy but still central, El Arenal is another great option. It’s just to the west of the Cathedral, close to the river and a short walk from the Triana bridge.

You’ll still be right in the middle of things, but with a slightly more local feel. It’s also a great choice if you’re planning to head to Triana in the evening – you can walk there in just a few minutes, then stroll back after dinner or a flamenco show without needing a taxi.

Both neighborhoods give you that historic Seville feel while keeping everything on your itinerary easily within reach.

How to get around Seville

Seville is very walkable, especially if you’re staying in or near the historic center. Most of the main sights on this itinerary are within a 20-minute walk of each other, and wandering through the streets is part of the fun.

If you’re trying to save time or give your feet a break, there’s a small tram line that runs from San Bernardo station to Plaza Nueva, and a handful of bus routes that pass near major sights.

Taxis and ride apps like Uber or Cabify are easy to use, but unless you’re heading out of the center, you probably won’t need them.

Is Seville safe?

Yes, Seville is generally a very safe city for visitors. Like most places that attract a lot of tourists, the main thing to watch out for is petty theft – especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like Plaza de España, the Cathedral, or on public transport.

Keep your bag zipped, don’t flash valuables, and be cautious if someone tries to distract you in the street. Aside from that, walking around the city – even at night or when traveling solo in Seville – usually feels comfortable and relaxed.

Just stick to well-lit areas and trust your instincts, especially if you’re out late or walking alone.

How to get to Seville

Seville is well connected by train, plane, and road, so it’s easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Spain or flying in from abroad.

If you’re already in Spain, the high-speed AVE train is the easiest and fastest way to get here, with Trainline being the best option for booking these in my opinion. Trains from Madrid take about 2.5 hours, and from Córdoba it’s just 45 minutes.

Coming from Barcelona takes longer – around 5.5 hours – but it’s still much more comfortable than flying. Seville’s main station, Santa Justa, is just a short taxi or bus ride from the city center.

If you’re flying in, Seville Airport (SVQ) has connections to several Spanish cities and a good number of international destinations. It’s about 15 to 20 minutes from the city by taxi, or you can take the EA bus, which drops off near the historic center.

Driving is also an option, but parking in the city center can be tricky, so it’s not the most convenient choice if you’re only visiting for the day.

Either way, whether you’re stopping through on a longer trip or squeezing Seville into a tight itinerary, one day here is enough to fall for the city’s mix of history, rhythm, and street life. From palaces and flamenco to tapas and orange trees, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you – and might just convince you to come back for more.