Day 1
Moorish legacy
Start early at the Real Alcázar before the groups arrive, then move on to the cathedral and up the Giralda. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the white lanes of Santa Cruz.
Seville is the sun-baked capital of Andalusia, where Moorish palaces, a colossal cathedral and orange-tree streets come together. Between the Real Alcázar, the Giralda and the white lanes of Santa Cruz, you feel the legacy of eight centuries of al-Andalus at every turn.
But the city truly lives outdoors: tapas eaten standing at the bar, flamenco in a small Triana tablao and long evenings on sun-warmed squares. Almost everything is walkable, and in spring the whole city smells of orange blossom.
Itinerary
Day 2
Squares and views
Wander through Plaza de España and the María Luisa park, then cross the centre to the Setas de Sevilla for the panorama. End the evening on a tapas crawl around the Alameda.
Day 3
River, Triana and flamenco
Cross the Guadalquivir into Triana for its market and Calle Betis, with the Torre del Oro across the water. Or take the train for a day trip to Córdoba, and close the night with a flamenco show.
Highlights
🏛️Landmark
Real Alcázar
This royal palace began as a Moorish fortress and was expanded by Christian kings in the Mudéjar style, layered with carved plaster, azulejo tiles and shaded garden courtyards. Book a timed ticket online to skip the long ticket-office queue, and leave time for the gardens where peacocks roam.
🏛️Landmark
Cathedral & Giralda
The world's largest Gothic cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and its bell tower, the Giralda, was once the mosque's minaret. Instead of stairs you climb a gentle ramp built so riders could ascend on horseback, ending with a rooftop view over the city.
🏛️Landmark
Plaza de España
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this vast semicircular plaza wraps around a canal where you can rent little rowing boats. Along the wall, 48 tiled alcoves each represent a Spanish province, so find your favourite region and pose in front of it.
🏘️Neighbourhood
Barrio Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter beside the cathedral is a tangle of whitewashed lanes, flower-hung balconies and small orange-tree squares. Get deliberately lost, and seek out Plaza de Doña Elvira and the narrow Calle Agua, which once carried a water channel along its wall.
✨Experience
Triana & flamenco
Across the Guadalquivir, Triana is one of flamenco's birthplaces and the old home of potters, sailors and dancers. Browse its ceramic workshops and the riverside Calle Betis, then book an evening seat at an intimate tablao such as the Teatro Flamenco Triana.
🌄Viewpoint
Setas de Sevilla
The Metropol Parasol, known to everyone as Las Setas (the mushrooms), is one of the world's largest wooden structures, rippling above the old town. Go up to the panoramic walkway for sunset, and below ground the Antiquarium displays Roman remains found under the square.
Neighbourhoods
Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter right by the cathedral, a maze of white lanes. Central and charming but touristy and pricey in summer, ideal for a first visit.
Triana
Across the Guadalquivir, the home of flamenco and ceramics. More authentic, lively and cheaper than the centre.
El Arenal
A quieter riverside district beside the bullring and the cathedral. Central but with less of the tourist crush of Santa Cruz.
Alameda de Hércules
The alternative, young north, full of bars, terraces and nightlife. At its liveliest after dark.
Where to eat
Espinacas con garbanzos
Spinach and chickpeas stewed with cumin, paprika and a splash of vinegar, a Moorish-Sephardic legacy. A classic order at Bar Las Golondrinas in Triana.
Salmorejo
A cold, thick tomato-and-bread cream from Andalusia, topped with jamón and chopped hard-boiled egg. The perfect antidote to the summer heat.
Pescaíto frito
Small fish and seafood dredged in flour and fried in olive oil, often served in a paper cone. Try the cazón en adobo, marinated dogfish.
Serranito
Seville's signature sandwich: pork loin, Serrano ham and a fried green pepper in a crusty roll. The perfect quick lunch.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September, October) are ideal, with a pleasant 15 to 25°C and orange trees in bloom. Summer is brutally hot, often above 40°C, while winter stays mild and quiet. For the full spectacle, but also crowds and high prices, time your trip with Semana Santa or the Feria de Abril.
Getting around
The historic centre is best explored on foot, backed up by the MetroCentro tram along Avenida de la Constitución and the SEVIci bike-share network with over 70km of cycle lanes. For day trips, the train reaches Córdoba in about 45 minutes and Cádiz in roughly 1.5 hours, while bus M-170 runs out to the Roman ruins of Itálica.
- Currency
- EUR €
- Languages
- Spanish
How much does Seville cost?
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Backpacker€50per person / day
Mid-range€100per person / day
Comfort€200per person / day
Seville offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
Local tips
- ✓Book the Alcázar and cathedral online in advance, the ticket-office queues are huge.
- ✓In summer, take a long siesta and save your sightseeing for the cooler evening.
- ✓Lunch starts around 2pm and dinner rarely before 9pm, plan your meals accordingly.
