3 Days in Seville: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

With three days in Seville, you’ve got the time to go beyond the highlights and really soak up the atmosphere. You can explore the famous landmarks, try more local food, and even slip in a few lesser-known spots.

But how do you decide what’s worth your time – without completely overloading yourself?

This three-day Seville itinerary will help you find that sweet spot between seeing it all and enjoying every moment.

Day 1

Morning

Real Alcázar

Start your first day in Seville with one of its biggest highlights – the Real Alcázar. This royal palace is a layered mix of history, with Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences all coming together in one of the most visually impressive spots in the city.

Originally built by Muslim rulers in the 10th century, it was later expanded by Christian kings, and today it’s still used by Spain’s royal family when they visit Seville.

You’ll walk through intricate halls with carved ceilings and colorful tiles, pause in quiet courtyards like the Patio de las Doncellas, and wander gardens filled with fountains, orange trees, and the occasional peacock.

The grounds are extensive, so plan to spend at least an hour and a half here. It’s best to arrive right when it opens to enjoy it before the crowds roll in. To avoid waiting in line, book your Alcázar tickets in advance – especially if you’re visiting during a weekend or holiday.

Cathedral and La Giralda

Next, walk just a few minutes to Seville’s Cathedral, another can’t-miss spot. It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and was built on the site of a former mosque – part of the old minaret was kept and turned into the Cathedral’s bell tower, which is now known as La Giralda.

Inside, the scale is almost overwhelming, with soaring vaulted ceilings, hundreds of ornate chapels, and a golden altarpiece that took decades to complete. Don’t miss the tomb of Christopher Columbus, carried by four stone figures representing different kingdoms of Spain.

After exploring inside, climb the ramps of La Giralda for one of the best views in Seville. There are no stairs – just a gradual ascent that was originally designed so a horse could be ridden to the top. Once you’re up there, you’ll get a sweeping view over the rooftops, the Alcázar gardens, and beyond.

Lines can be long, so it’s a good idea to buy Cathedral and Giralda tickets online ahead of time to save yourself the wait. Take your time here – it’s not a place you’ll want to rush.

Lunch

After a busy morning exploring two of Seville’s most iconic sights, you’ll be ready to slow down over a good meal. Luckily, you’re surrounded by great food options right in the heart of the city.

Bodega Santa Cruz (also known as Las Columnas) is a classic spot just steps from the Cathedral. It’s busy, loud, and full of energy – grab a spot at the bar or squeeze into a table outside and order a few traditional tapas like espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), solomillo al whisky (pork loin in whisky sauce), and croquetas.

If you’re after something a little more relaxed, Casa Román is tucked into a quieter plaza nearby and known for its top-quality jamón ibérico. Pair that with a bowl of salmorejo and a local red wine, and you’ve got a solid lunch without going far from the sights.

For something a bit more modern, head to La Azotea on Mateos Gago. It serves creative Andalusian dishes that still feel rooted in local tradition. Think fresh tuna tartare, grilled seasonal veggies, and local cheeses – all beautifully presented.

Afternoon

Barrio Santa Cruz

After lunch, take your time wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter. It’s full of narrow streets, shady courtyards, and colorful buildings – a place where getting lost actually makes the experience better.

Start at Plaza de Doña Elvira, a quiet square lined with orange trees, tiled benches, and flower-covered balconies. It’s one of those spots that feels like it belongs in a storybook, and it’s perfect for a short break in the shade.

Then make your way down Callejón del Agua, a narrow alley that runs along the back of the Alcázar walls. The name comes from the water channels that once supplied the palace, and today it’s a peaceful path lined with ivy-covered walls and historic plaques. It’s short, but worth walking slowly.

Finish up at the Hospital de los Venerables, a beautiful 17th-century building that once housed retired priests. Today it’s home to the Velázquez Center, with a small but impressive art collection and a peaceful inner courtyard. The Baroque chapel inside is a real standout – even if you’re not usually into church architecture.

You don’t need a set route through this neighborhood. Just let yourself wander a bit and enjoy the slower pace – it’s part of what makes this part of Seville so special.

Evening

Spend your first evening across the river in Triana, a neighborhood known for its deep roots in flamenco, pottery, and a strong sense of identity. Cross the Puente de Isabel II and head to Calle Betis, which runs right along the riverbank and offers one of the best sunset views in Seville.

Start with dinner at Casa Ruperto if you’re after a no-frills, local vibe – they’re known for their fried quail (codorniz) and cold beer. For something a bit more refined, Blanca Paloma is a longtime favorite serving elevated takes on Andalusian dishes like bacalao con tomate and presa ibérica.

Day 2

Morning

Plaza de España

Start your second day at one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks – the Plaza de España. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, it’s a huge semi-circular plaza lined with towers, tiled bridges, and a canal where you can even rent a small rowboat.

What makes it really special are the tiled alcoves along the curved wall, each one representing a different province of Spain. People love finding the one that connects to where they’re from or have traveled.

The architecture is grand, the setting is beautiful, and the whole place has a theatrical feel to it – it’s no surprise parts of Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here.

Come early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the light as it hits the building. You’ll want your camera for this one.

Parque de María Luisa

Right next to Plaza de España is Parque de María Luisa, the city’s most famous green space and a great place to slow the pace a bit. Originally part of the gardens of the San Telmo Palace, it was redesigned as a public park in the early 20th century and still feels like a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of the city.

Wander along tree-lined paths, past tiled fountains and shaded benches. Look out for the Glorieta de Bécquer, a romantic statue surrounded by greenery, and the duck ponds near the Plaza de América. There’s no need for a strict plan here – just stroll, relax, and take in the atmosphere.

Torre del Oro

From the park, follow the Guadalquivir River north along the riverside path. It’s a lovely walk, with views across to Triana and plenty of open space – especially nice in the cooler morning hours.

FYI: This sightseeing eco cruise along the Guadalquivir River is a great way to relax and enjoy Seville’s skyline from the water. Grab a drink, sit back, and watch the history glide by.

You’ll soon reach the Torre del Oro, a 13th-century watchtower that once formed part of the city’s medieval defenses. Its name means “Tower of Gold,” possibly because of the golden sheen it once had or the treasures it was thought to guard. These days, it houses a small naval museum, but the real highlight is the view from the top.

If you’re planning to go inside, you usually won’t need to book in advance (and tickets are cheap). Otherwise, even seeing it from the outside during a riverside walk is worth it.

Lunch

For lunch, head just a few minutes inland into the Arenal neighborhood. It’s still central, but it feels a little more local than Santa Cruz, with small streets, traditional shops, and plenty of places to eat.

One solid choice is Bodeguita Romero, a popular spot known for its montadito de pringá – a small sandwich filled with slow-cooked meat that’s about as Andalusian as it gets. Pair it with a cold beer and a couple of tapas, and you’re good to go.

For something more sit-down, Petit Comité offers a more refined menu with seasonal ingredients and a slightly modern twist on Spanish classics. Or if you want a relaxed vibe with local crowd appeal, Bar El Baratillo serves generous tapas and is just a few steps from the Plaza de Toros.

After lunch, you’ll be well placed to explore more of Arenal or continue toward the next stop on your day 2 itinerary.

Afternoon

Arenal

After lunch, spend a little time exploring Arenal, one of Seville’s most historic and character-filled neighborhoods. The narrow streets here are lined with traditional bars, small bakeries, and a mix of elegant and slightly faded buildings that give it a real lived-in charm.

Wander through the area at your own pace, and if you’re interested, consider a visit to the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. It’s one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and still active during the season.

Even if you’re not keen on bullfighting itself – which, for the record, I most certainly am not – the building and the small museum inside offer a look at how deeply this tradition is tied to the city’s past.

Las Setas

Next, make your way north to the Encarnación area to see Las Setas, also known as Metropol Parasol. It’s one of Seville’s most modern landmarks and feels completely different from everything else you’ve seen so far – which is exactly why it’s worth a visit.

The structure stretches over a large square and is made entirely of wood in a design that’s often compared to giant mushrooms (hence the nickname). Take the lift up to the top to walk along the undulating platforms and enjoy wide views across the city.

It’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the sun starts to dip and the light softens over the rooftops.

Evening

End your second day in Alameda de Hércules, one of the most relaxed and lively parts of the city, especially in the evening. It’s a wide, open square lined with trees, restaurants, and bars – and it draws a younger, more local crowd than the tourist-heavy areas closer to the Cathedral.

For dinner, try Duo Tapas, a modern spot known for creative dishes like tuna tataki, crispy pork belly, and local cheeses – all served in a casual, buzzy setting. Al Aljibe is another solid choice, with a pretty terrace and a slightly more traditional menu.

Alternatively, if you’re after something fully vegetarian or vegan, Habanita is a reliable pick nearby.

After dinner, stick around for a bit. The Alameda has a great atmosphere in the evening, with people sitting out late, street musicians playing nearby, and plenty of places to grab one last drink.

It’s the perfect way to wind down the second day of your trip.

Day 3

Morning

Start your last day with coffee and breakfast in Triana, where the pace is a little slower and the streets feel more lived-in.

Grab a seat at a local café – Café de Indias or Bar La Esquinita near the market are both good spots – and order a tostada con tomate y jamón with a café con leche. It’s a classic Andalusian breakfast, simple but satisfying.

Afterwards, wander through Triana’s ceramic shops, many of which have been here for generations. The area is known for its tiles and pottery, and it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir that doesn’t feel mass-produced.

Stop by the Triana Market, too – part food market, part cultural space – and have a look around the stalls or grab a second coffee by the river.

Speaking of food, this Spanish cooking class with a tour of Triana Food Market is a great option to take your visit to the Market to another level. The hands-on cooking class is a great way to get some tips to impress your friends with once you get back home!

When you’re ready, walk back across the Puente de Isabel II and head into the center one more time.

This is a perfect moment to take lesser-known routes – skip the main tourist paths and explore the smaller streets between Arenal and Santa Cruz, or circle back to a favorite neighborhood you passed through earlier in the trip. Now that you’ve got your bearings, it’s the perfect time to experience Seville at your own pace.

Afternoon

Your last afternoon is wide open, depending on how you’re feeling. If there’s a sight you rushed through earlier – like the Cathedral, Alcázar gardens, or even Plaza de España – this is your chance to loop back and take a second look.

If you’re in the mood for something indoors and a little quieter, stop by a small museum. For instance, the Archivo de Indias, just beside the Cathedral, houses centuries of documents from Spain’s colonial history.

It’s more interesting than it might sound, I promise, especially if you’re into historical maps, letters, and the global story of Seville’s Golden Age. Entry is free, and it doesn’t take long to see.

Or, if you’re ready to shift into full wind-down mode, find a shady bench in Parque de María Luisa or one of the smaller plazas in Santa Cruz, grab a cool drink, and just enjoy being in the city without a schedule. You’ve seen a lot already – this part is all about slowing down and soaking it in.

Evening

For your final evening in Seville, keep things simple and special with dinner at a rooftop bar or terrace. After three days of exploring, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a drink and watching the sun go down over the city.

La Terraza del EME offers front-row views of the Cathedral and La Giralda, especially magical as the buildings light up after dark. Drinks are on the pricier side, but the setting more than makes up for it. You can also grab dinner downstairs at their restaurant if you want to stay in one spot for the whole evening.

Pura Vida is another solid rooftop option nearby. It’s more casual, often has live music, and serves simple, tasty food with that same unbeatable view. Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails or just a quiet glass of wine, it’s a relaxed way to end your trip.

Is three days in Seville enough?

Three days in Seville gives you the perfect mix of sightseeing and downtime. You’ll have enough time to explore all the must-see landmarks like the Real Alcázar, Cathedral, and Plaza de España, while also wandering through neighborhoods, enjoying long lunches, and catching a flamenco show or two.

With a third day, you can slow the pace and experience more of what makes the city special – not just the main sights to see in Seville, but the in-between moments. That might be sipping coffee in Triana, getting lost in Santa Cruz, or just sitting on a shaded bench with nowhere to be.

It’s a great amount of time to leave feeling like you really saw the city, not just skimmed the surface.

Is three days in Seville too long?

Not at all. Seville might be compact, but it’s a place that rewards lingering.

If you move fast, sure – you could see the highlights with a two-day itinerary in Seville. But part of what makes the city so memorable is the pace. Three days gives you space to enjoy the atmosphere without rushing from one attraction to the next.

And if you find yourself with an hour or two with “nothing to do”? That’s the point. Grab a drink, find a plaza, and just enjoy being there – that’s when Seville really works its magic.

Where to stay in Seville?

With three days in the city, staying somewhere central makes everything easier. You’ll be walking a lot, so being close to the main sights will save you time and let you explore more without worrying about transport. The best areas to base yourself are Santa Cruz, El Arenal, and Triana, depending on the kind of vibe you’re after.

Santa Cruz is the most popular spot for first-time visitors. It’s right next to the Cathedral and the Real Alcázar, which makes it perfect for sightseeing. The area is full of winding lanes, leafy courtyards, and traditional whitewashed buildings, so just walking through it feels like part of the trip.

It can get busy during the day, but it’s quiet in the mornings and evenings, and you’ll find plenty of boutique hotels and charming guesthouses tucked away on side streets.

El Arenal is just west of the Cathedral and has a slightly more local feel while still being very central. It’s close to the river, the Plaza de Toros, and lots of great tapas bars.

It’s ideal if you want to be in the middle of things but without as many tour groups around.

How to get around Seville

Seville is a very walkable city. Most of the main sights are within a 15 to 20-minute walk of each other, and the city center is mostly flat, which makes it easy to explore on foot. In fact, walking is often the best way to take in the smaller details – tiled corners, hidden patios, or unexpected street performers.

If your feet need a break, there’s a small tram line that connects the historic center with San Bernardo train station, and a well-connected local bus system. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Cabify are widely available and reasonably priced for short trips.

You really don’t need a car, and if you’re staying in or near the center, it’ll probably be more of a hassle than a help. If you’re arriving with luggage, a quick taxi from the train station or airport is usually the easiest way to get settled in.

Is Seville safe?

Yes, Seville is generally a very safe city for visitors, including if you’re traveling alone in Seville. The atmosphere is relaxed, and both locals and tourists tend to walk around well into the evening without issues.

Like in most busy tourist destinations, the biggest concern is pickpocketing – especially in crowded areas like Plaza de España, the Cathedral, or on public transport. Keep your valuables secure and your bag zipped up, and you’ll likely have no problems at all.

Overall, though, most people find the city feels welcoming and comfortable, even at night.

How to get to Seville

Seville is easy to reach, whether you’re coming from within Spain or flying in from abroad.

If you’re already in Spain, the AVE high-speed train is the best way to travel. It takes about 2.5 hours from Madrid, 45 minutes from Córdoba, and around 5.5 hours from Barcelona.

Trains are comfortable and reliable, and they arrive at Santa Justa station, which is close to the city center. I always recommend booking your tickets through Trainline to make sure you have all the options from Spain’s various train companies in the one place.

Flying in? Seville Airport (SVQ) is small but well-connected, with direct flights from many Spanish cities and a growing list of European destinations. From the airport, it’s about 15–20 minutes by taxi into the city, or you can hop on the EA bus, which stops at several central points.

Driving is possible, but not ideal unless you’re planning to visit nearby towns or continue your trip through Andalusia. Parking in the city center is limited, and the old streets weren’t built for modern traffic.

Three days in Seville is enough to go beyond the highlights and start feeling like you really know the city. From royal palaces to flamenco nights, riverside walks to quiet breakfasts in hidden plazas, there’s something about the rhythm of this place that stays with you.

You’ll see a lot in three days – but don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next visit before you leave.