Wondering how many days in Seville you need? My guide helps you pick the right number of days, outlines the sights not to miss and shares easy to follow itineraries for 1, 2, 3, and 4–5 days.
I also share ticket tips, how to skip queues, my favourite places, some day trips to consider and and a downloadable map you can follow to make the trip simple.
Very few places in Spain are as consistently beautiful as Seville, it’s one of my favourites, so let me help you make the most of your time there.
TL;DR How many days in Seville is enough?
Most first timers choose one of these:
- 2 days: Highlights only, tight schedule and early starts.
- 3 days: Highlights plus breathing room to relax. The best fit for most people.
- 4–5 days: Slower pace, more neighbourhood depth and some stops that are less travelled by the masses.
My Top Tip! Avoid deciding purely on a list of sights. You’ll end up with days that look good on paper and feel rushed in real life. I really recommend trying to get an least 3 days in Seville, this gives you the best balance.
More of my Spain guides to help plan your trip
- What to do in Granada: A full guide to the best sights, restaurants and view points
- Where to stay in Granada: Advice on the best areas to stay, some great hotels and why
- Alhambra Palace Granada Guide: An easy to follow route, tips and photo spots
- Gibraltar to Morocco guide: A great day trip across two continents
- What to do in Madrid: A guide to the best things to see and do all plotted on a free map
- Where to stay in Madrid: The best areas and hotels to make the most of your trip
Disclaimer: This article may feature affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information
What you can cover in 2, 3 or more days
2 days
You’ll cover the big two (Alcázar and Cathedral), Plaza de España, one viewpoint, and one planned evening of tapas or nightlife.
3 days
You can do the essentials without rushing, add Triana and the river, and still fit a slightly less obvious stop like a smaller palace or a museum.
4 days+
You can be much more relaxed, add Macarena and San Luis de los Franceses, fit in Bellas Artes, and keep most evenings open to explore and enjoy.
Downloadable map of my Seville itinerary
How to make a short trip work – Tickets and planning advice
I cannot stress this enough, If you only have 2–3 days, ticket planning is not optional. It caught me out on my first trip and it isn’t a mistake I’ve made again.
If you gamble on buying on the day, you’ll likely spend your morning in a queue, or miss out entirely.
My Top Tip! I recommend trying official sites first online, and have a queue-backup plan for sold-out days. The Alcázar in particular can sell out months in advance in peak season, but it does offer an early morning queue for a certain number of tickets on the day. More on that below.
If you can pre-book the Alcázar. Do this
- Pick your Alcázar slot first, this will be the time slot the rest of your day should revolve around
- Place Cathedral and Giralda bell tower on the same day, with buffer time between.
- Flexibility around these is key as they are the hardest sights to get into
- This is the official site for bookings
If the Alcázar is sold out online
- They release a number of walk up tickets each day (up to 10%) which you can queue for at the ticket office (located at Patio de Banderas)
- The office opens at 9am, but the queue forms well before this and it’s first come first served
- We arrived at 7.10am and had 100 people in front of us. Within 40 minutes that queue had more than doubled, so this gives you an idea of when to arrive.
- When you get to the front you have very limited choice of time slot for the same day.
- Keep the rest of your day itinerary flexible until you have the ticket and you allocated time slot.
Guided tours, your final option
Many local tour companies snap up timed slots for Real Alcázar and the cathedral, but don’t have all their slots filled. This is an opportunity as you can fill their slots.
It is more expensive than your own timed slot, but you avoid the queue and have a knowledgeable guide show you around, something many people prefer.
Check relliable sites, here are some of the best tours from Getyourguide and Viator or ask at your hotel for availability.
How to spot and avoid dodgy ticket sites
Watch out for pages that look like an official ticket office but do not clearly say who you are buying from. There are plenty and they are getting more convincing.
My Top Tip! Always pay by credit card and stick to sellers with clear refund policies if you are not booking direct.
The sights you need to pre book in Seville
For me, these are the ones you risk missing without some proper planning and they are all worth the effort.
Real Alcázar
The Real Alcázar is a royal palace complex blending Islamic, Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance layers. It is a Unesco world heritage site, Seville’s headline sight and one of the most visited places in Southern Spain. It is the most timing-sensitive visit, and it dictates your day if you need to queue (as per my advice above).
Time 2–3 hrs • Cost about €15.50 (£13.50) check for tickets
Seville Cathedral and Giralda bell tower
This is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the Giralda tower is climbed by ramps for skyline views and excellent photos. It pairs easily with the Alcázar as it is a short walk away. The inside it quite unlike anything I’d seen before, with ornate carvings and grand ceilings, it’s a must visit.
Time 90 min • Cost about €20–€21 (£17.50–£18.50) check for tickets
Los Gallos flamenco
Probably the most famous flamenco show in Seville. Los Gallos is the one I always recommend to friends travelling there. An intimate tablao with close dancing and an impressive performance, far from a tourist trap. Shows last around 1 hour 15 minutes and they serve drinks
Cost typical €38 (£33) book tickets in advance by calling or here
An itinerary for only 1 day in Seville
The goal is Seville’s highlights in one day, time is tight but it’s doable if you’re well planned. Start the day with one of the big ticket sights, then enjoy the charming streets this city is famous for, and finish with an easy to reach sunset viewpoint.
Start: Cathedral and Alcázar.
Finish: Setas area for sunset and tapas.
Morning. Pick your sight based on what tickets you can get
Real Alcázar (Option A)
Arguably the sight in seville, whether you do it yourself or with a walking tour. Keep an eye out for peacocks and parakeets in the grounds and follow my ticket advice above
Seville Cathedral and Giralda (Option B)
The spectacular cathedral complete with the tomb of Christopher Columbus. I found it easier to get ticket slots for this, so you may even be able to squeeze both the cathedral and Alcazar if you’re lucky.
Midday. Barrio Santa Cruz lanes (and lunch)
Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter next to the Cathedral. It’s a maze of shaded lanes, tiny plazas and quiet corners that make Seville feel special after it’s big monuments. You get the city’s atmosphere and quaint side without planning too heavily.
It’s great for a walk, photos and there are many options for coffee or food stops, pick which appeals the most
Late afternoon. Setas at golden hour
Metropol Parasol (Setas to the locals) is the gigantic modern wooden structure in Plaza de la Encarnación with a rooftop walkway. It is impressive both during the day and when it’s lit up at night.
It’s the worlds largest lattice wooden structure and is made of Finnish pine, I was relaibly informed on my visit that for every tree cut down 3 more were planted.
It is an experience to walk over the top and gives 360 degree views of Seville, an ideal photograph opportunity. Golden hour gives you the best of both worlds, but you will need to book a slot, especially in peak season.
Time 45–60 min • Cost €16 (£14) Advanced ticket slots available here
My top Tip! Go up about 30 minutes before sunset. Walk the loop once for the wide view, then stop twice for photos, first towards the Cathedral skyline, then back across the rooftops.
Evening. Tapeo close to Setas
Tapeo is informal tapas hopping, usually standing at the bar and ordering a few plates each stop. I love it, espeically after a long day sightseeing as you get variety without committing to a long meal.
Some options to consider; El Rinconcillo → Bar Alfalfa → Casa Ricardo (widely regarded as the home of the best croquetas in Seville – which I agree with!!)
If you want a more formal sit down Perro Viejo works well. Perro Viejo is tasty, simple and very close to Setas, but service can feel chaotic when it’s busy, so consider that.
2 days in Seville itinerary. The classic first-timer plan
Day 1 is the bookings and headline sights day. Day 2 is the “Seville feels like Seville” day. I recommend splitting it like this as you’re not reliant on tickets both days, but it gives you the opportunity to be flexible if needed.
1st Day : Historic centre day
2nd Day: Maria Luisa park, Plaza de España, one iconic residence.
Day 1. Alcázar, then Cathedral and Giralda
07:30–09:00 If Alcázar is sold out online, queue at the Patio de Banderas taquilla and ask for the earliest timed entry.
09:30–12:30 Alcázar. Patios and interiors first, gardens last.
12:30–14:00 Santa Cruz wander, then lunch (this is your buffer if the morning runs long).
14:00–16:00 Cathedral and Giralda. Cathedral first, Giralda second.
Evening Easy tapas near your base.
Day 2. Plaza de España and a walk in park before sunset at the river
09:00–10:15 Plaza de España. Walk the curve once, then pick a few alcoves to look at up close.
10:15–11:15 Parque de María Luisa. Slow lap in the shade.
12:00–13:30 Casa de Pilatos.
Afternoon Long lunch, then wander back towards the centre when you feel like it.
18:00–19:00 River loop at blue hour around Torre del Oro and towards Triana Bridge for reflections.
After dusk Setas for skyline views, then tapas nearby.
Plaza de España
A 1929 showpiece with tiled alcoves and huge open space. It’s potentially Seville’s most photogenic “big scene” and takes very little effort to enjoy. They also have the optional extra of getting a small boat around the edge or a horse and carriage in the park.
My top tip! Go early morning or late afternoon for less crowds and better light for your photos
Time 45–60 min • Cost Free
Parque de María Luisa
Seville’s classic shade and fountain walk next to Plaza de España. It’s a beautiful big park with various impressive gardens, statues, fountains and a grotto you can climb. Multiple cafes and vendors to stop for drinks or an ice cream too.
Time 45–60 min • Cost Free
Casa de Pilatos
A quieter Andalusian palace with tilework, patios and detail that are truly exceptional. It was a lovely stop for photography and a more relaxed pace, by far the quietest of the attractions I’ve done in Seville.
Time 60–90 min • Cost €12 (£10.50)
Torre del Oro
A small riverside watchtower with a quick museum and views. It’s a great option for sunset or to include on a riverside walk. You have the option to go inside, but I personally chose to take pictures from the outside.
Time 30–45 min • Cost Free outside or €3 (£2.60)
Setas (Metropol Parasol)
As I outlined above, a unique and impressive structure right in the heart of Seville
3 days in Seville. The best all-round choice
Three days is my recommendation for how long to spend in Seville whenever i’m asked.
That extra day means you get more than monuments and can relax. Triana gives you a different feel, plus some of the best skyline views back across the river.
Day 1 and Day 2 – follow my 2 day itinerary above
Day 3. Triana properly, ceramics, markets, and a great evening
10:00–11:00 Cross Triana Bridge. Riverside walk with skyline views back towards the centre.
11:00–12:00 Centro Cerámica Triana.
12:00–13:30 Market lunch.
Afternoon Calle Betis with optional extra of Plaza de Toros (the bullring)
Evening Flamenco, or Setas by night if you want a second skyline look.
Triana Bridge and Calle Betis riverside
A simple walk with a lovely view. The Seville skyline looks best from this side, especially as the light drops and Triana has a different feel as a neighbourhood.
Centro Cerámica Triana
A compact museum in a restored kiln complex. It makes all the tilework you’ve been seeing, and the kilns are genuinely interesting.
Time 30–45 min • Cost €2.10 (£1.80)
Mercado de Triana
A local-feeling market right where you already are, next to the castillo de San Jorge. It’s ideal for a simple lunch, but with choice for everyone in your party. I recommend keeping your eye out for tortillas, fried fish, croquetas and some excellent stews.
Time 45–75 min • Cost Free to enter
Mercado del Barranco (optional swap)
A smarter, more polished food hall by the river near the bullring. It’s less local feel and prices reflect this, but it’s a beautiful spot to sit, inside or outside.
Plaza de Toros tour (optional add-on)
A self-guided visit through the museum areas and into the ring. I enjoyed that you got to walk out into the ring and get an idea of the scale of the place, as well as view from the stands.
Time 60–75 min • Cost €12 (£10.50)
Los Gallos flamenco
In my opinion, the spot in Seville to watch Flamenco. An institution and far from a tourist trap,
Time 75 min • Cost €38 (£33)
My Top Tip! your booking is your seat in a small room. Aim for a central view and avoid anything that says partial view. Arrive a little early so you can get a drink and settle before it starts.
4 or more days in Seville. Depth without over-planning
This is where you can tailor your trip or mop up any key sights you missed or had issues getting tickets for. 4 or more days gives you a lot of flexibility to really make the most of Seville.
Below is a sample day 4 option and then I share other excellent activities you could pick and choose from and a couple of day trip options to consider.
Day 4. Macarena, San Luis, then Bellas Artes
10:00–11:00 Basílica de la Macarena and nearby walls.
11:30–12:15 San Luis de los Franceses.
Lunch San Lorenzo or Arenal for classic bars. Or if you didn’t try on day one, I highly recommend Casa Ricardo, everything on the menu is great.
16:30–18:00 Museo de Bellas Artes.
Evening Alameda de Hércules, a beautiful square with lots of people out and energy.
Basílica de la Macarena
A major devotional site with strong local significance, plus a different side of Seville from the centre.
Time 45–60 min • Cost Free
Iglesia de San Luis de los Franceses
A short visit with one of Seville’s best “wow” interiors that can be covered quite quickly
Time 30–45 min • Cost €4 (£3.50)
Museo de Bellas Artes
A serious fine-arts museum in a calm former convent. If you enjoy art, It’s high-quality and often far quieter than you’d expect.
Time 60–90 min • Cost €1.50 (£1.30). Free for EU citizens
Other itinerary options and day trips from Seville
Here are some other excellent options in Seville, and two day trip options, if you have more time or you don’t like the sound of any of the suggestions above
Palacio de las Dueñas
A lived-in aristocratic palace with courtyards, gardens and family rooms. Consider it if you want another beautiful house-palace without the scale or crowds of the Alcázar.
Time 60–90 min • Cost €14 (£12.20)
Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija
A townhouse museum famous for Roman mosaic floors and richly decorated salons. Consider it if you like interiors and want a stop that feels different from the big monuments.
Time 60–90 min • Cost €15 (£13.05)
Hospital de los Venerables
A Baroque complex in Santa Cruz with an impressive church, courtyard, and art. It is a great option when you are in the Cathedral area with some spare time.
Time 45–75 min • Cost €12 (£10.45)
Casa de Salinas
A privately owned 16th-century mansion with patios, plasterwork and richly tiled rooms. Another more intimate and relaxed feeling palace stop.
Time 45–60 min • Cost €10 (£8.70)
Museo del Baile Flamenco
A flamenco museum in the centre. Great if you want to learn about the history. Does what it says, either a museum, show or both together and is a more daytime friendly Flamenco show option
Time 45–75 min • Cost Museum €6 (£5.20), show €29 (£25.25), combined €33 (£28.70)
Antiquarium (under Setas)
An underground archaeological site with Roman and early city remains beneath the Setas area. Very different to a lot of the other sights and simple to get in, ideal if you are staying near Setas.
Time 30–45 min • Cost €2 (£1.75)
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
A folk-life museum in the Mudéjar Pavilion in Parque de María Luisa. Perfect if you want something local and cultural that’s low-crowd and works well in midday heat.
Time 60–90 min • Cost €1.50 (£1.30), free for EU citizens
Acuario de Sevilla
A modern aquarium, ideal if you want a lighter day or you’re travelling with kids. Consider it as a hot-weather option or a break from churches and palaces.
Time 90–120 min • Cost €18 adult (£15.65)
Day trip to Córdoba
Córdoba is the best choice if you want one big, genuinely different day from Seville. The most famous sight to see is the Mezquita-Catedral, plus the compact old town, Jewish Quarter lanes, patios, and the Roman Bridge.
It works well as a day trip because the train is fast, around 40–45 minutes each way, so you get a full day exploring.
How long you need: plan for 8–10 hours door-to-door, with roughly 5–7 hours in Córdoba itself depending on your train times and how long you spend in the Mezquita and old town.
Itálica half-day trip
Itálica is ideal if you want a change of scene without sacrificing a whole Seville day.
It’s a Roman archaeological site near Seville with a large amphitheatre and mosaics, so it feels completely different from palaces and churches. It’s also easy as a morning trip, then you’re back in Seville for a relaxed evening.
How long you need: 3–5 hours total, including travel. Typical public-transport journeys are roughly 20–30 minutes each way from central Seville.
Where to base yourself for 2 to 3 days
- Santa Cruz (historic centre).
- Best for first timers who want to walk to the Alcázar, Cathedral, and most evening tapas with minimal planning.
- Arenal and El Centro (central, practical).
- Best if you want a flat, easy base between the sights, the river, and the Setas area, with lots of dining options.
- Triana (local feel).
- Best if you want character, ceramics, and river views, and you are happy to cross the bridge to reach the main monuments.
FAQ’s about Seville
3 days is ideal for most first timers. You can do the Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España and the park, plus Triana and flamenco without rushing. 2 days covers highlights only. 4–5 days suits a slower pace or a day trip.
No. A week works well if you prefer a relaxed pace. Use 4–5 days for Seville’s main sights and neighbourhoods, then add 1–2 day trips (like Córdoba or Itálica) or slower days for museums, markets, long lunches, and evenings in different areas.
Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are best for sightseeing, with warm weather that is usually more comfortable than midsummer. July and August can be extremely hot, which makes long walks and midday sightseeing harder.
Flying into Seville Airport (SVQ) is usually simplest. If you’re already in Spain, the high-speed AVE train from Madrid is an easy option, taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the service.
Seville is usually mid-range for Spain. Many top experiences are free (Plaza de España, parks, river walks), but ticketed sights like the Alcázar and Cathedral add up if you do several. Prices rise most in peak spring dates and weekends, especially for central hotels.
Yes, but it’s rarely the easiest way to get around the centre. Streets are narrow and parts of the historic centre have restricted access. If you have a car, it’s usually easiest to park outside the old town and explore on foot or by public transport.
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