Best 3 Days in Seville Itinerary [Map & Local Tips]

Seville, the capital of Andalucía, is undeniably one of the region’s most captivating cities. It’s famous for its historical sights, delicious traditional tapas, and incredible architecture. If you’ve got 3 days in Seville, I’ve got the perfect plan for you!

With its compact size, radiant sunshine – it’s Europe’s 2nd hottest city -, and compact historic centre, Seville is perfect for a short city break. 

As my hometown, I’ve included numerous insider tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Whether planning a weekend with friends or a bigger travel adventure through Andalucía, this Seville 3 days itinerary is an excellent starting point. 

This guide tells you everything you need to know, including what to see and how to navigate the city like a local.

Seville 3 days Itinerary: Quick Guide

Seville in 3 Days: Day-by-Day Overview

• 📍 Day 1: Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda, Metropol Parasol, Spanish Tapas, Flamenco Show
• 📍 Day 2: Barrio Santa Cruz, Hospital de los Venerables, Palacio de las Dueñas, Torre del Oro, Triana
• 📍 Day 3: Casa de Pilatos, Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija, Plaza de España, Parque de Maria Luisa, Alameda de Hércules

If you prefer to switch out a few things that I suggest, then check out these other top things to do in Seville.

Location Map of Seville, Spain

This map shows all the places I mention in this Seville itinerary.

Click on the map for the interactive version.

Your Complete 3 Days in Seville Itinerary

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3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 1

Real Alcázar

Start your 3 day Seville itinerary in the historical centre with a visit to the Real Alcázar, which is one of the top things to do in Seville.

Originally built as a fort during Arabic rule, it later fell under Christian reign and became home to Spanish Kings, each adding their unique touches. 

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, this stunning palace combines Moorish and Christian designs in the Mudéjar architectural style. 

The courtyards are lined with intricate lattice-like structures between beautifully decorated pillars, similar to the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra in Granada. I spend hours here admiring the gorgeous decor. My favourite rooms are the Patio de Doncellas and Salon de Embajadores – check out the photos below to see exactly what I mean.

Best Things To See At The Real Alcazar

• Mudéjar Palacio de Don Pedro
• Patio de Doncellas
• Salon de los Tapices
• Salon de Embajadores

I highly recommend booking the Exclusive Early Access Tour: Alone in the Alcazar, which lets you enter with just a small group before it opens to everyone else. 

If that’s not possible, then make sure to book a regular ticket in advance. Guided tours are great because you learn so much more about the place.

Location : Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla

Cathedral of Seville & La Giralda

It would be nearly impossible to miss the towering Cathedral of Seville, a must-see for your Sevilla itinerary. 

This stunning cathedral, also known as the Seville Cathedral, is another UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely belongs on your Seville bucket list. 

It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the resting place of Christopher Columbus. 

The site used to be a mosque until it was converted into a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral after the Christians conquered Seville in 1248, with construction finishing in 1506.

After exploring the cathedral, climb the 35 floors of the Giralda bell tower. 

Originally a minaret, the tower gives you outstanding views over the city. 

Spiralling ramps which were once used by horses to carry muezzins to the top take you up the 350-foot tower. Just be prepared for the loud chimes of the bells and don’t forget your camera!

Getting the Most Out of Your Seville Cathedral Visit

Similar to the Alcázar, it gets really busy here. 

There are different tickets available, and booking in advance is a good idea.

• Skip-the-Line Entrance ticket
• Combi ticket for the Early Alcazar Access and Cathedral

Location: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004

The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

The Metropol Parasol, known as “Las Setas de la Encarnación” (The Mushroom) because of its shape, is a massive wooden structure designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer. 

It’s a bit of a Marmite attraction in Seville — you’ll either love it or hate it. 

Regardless, it offers fantastic views across the old city and holds the title of the largest wooden structure in the world. 

During its construction, Roman ruins were discovered here, which are now on display in a museum underneath. 

There’s next to no shade at the top, so I highly recommend taking a wide-brimmed hat and slathering on the sunscreen. Also, come back here at nighttime when they light the structure up – it ripples with colour.

Book skip-the-line tickets here or buy them at the booth outside La Setas.

Location: Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n, 41003 Sevilla

Watch A Flamenco and Enjoy Tapas

The official home of Flamenco is in Seville. 

While you can find flamenco shows all over Spain, there’s nothing like experiencing this captivating dance where it all began. Seville’s deep folklore roots mean the city is incredibly proud of its dance and music. 

When you travel to Seville, watching a live flamenco performance is a must. 

I did a full evening tour that lasted 4 hours, learning about flamenco’s history while sampling local tapas in a traditional bar. We then watched a mesmerizing live show at La Casa del Flamenco before ending the night with more delicious tapas. 

This unforgettable evening is a perfect way to wrap up your first day of your Seville 3 day itinerary.

3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 2

Barrio Santa Cruz

The second day of your three days in Seville itinerary starts in the charming district of Barrio Santa Cruz. 

This area was established when Ferdinand III conquered Seville and confined the Jewish population here. 

Seville is one of the most walkable cities in the world, ideal for exploring on foot.

Wandering through the old Jewish quarter, you’ll find narrow cobblestoned alleys, colourful houses, and lovely courtyards with fountains, all brimming with history. It’s easy to get lost in these medieval streets, both physically and metaphorically. 

If you want to understand more of the history of this district, then I recommend booking a guided walking tour of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood

Location: All the tiny streets surrounding the outer walls of the Alcazar

Hospital de los Venerables

Continue the morning of your Seville travel itinerary by seeing some of the stunning artwork that Seville is home to. Hospital de los Venerables is conveniently located in Barrio Santa Cruz.

The ceiling murals of the chapel are Seville’s answer to the Sistine Chappel. It’s absolutely incredible with such attention to detail on every surface.

Usually, you have to pay to get in, but Hospital de los Venerables has some limited set free hours if you arrive at the correct time (check out the section later on where I list free things to do in Seville).

Location: Hospital del los Venerables, Plaza Venerables, 8, 41004

Palacio de las Dueñas

Although I adore the Real Alcazar, the Palacio de las Dueñas comes in at a very close second in terms of visual wow and an over-stimulus for the senses!

It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries and has a mix of Gothic and Mudéjar styles. You’ll find intricate details on every surface.

You could easily spend hours here wandering about the rooms and courtyards. To learn more about the families who lived in this stately home, you can book an audio guided tour.

Location: Calle Dueñas, 5, 41003

Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro (The Gold Tower) dates back to the 13th century and is another relic from Seville’s Islamic past. It was originally part of a pair, which formed part of the city walls guarding the city entrance. It’s the only one remaining.

Over the centuries, it has been renovated, especially after the “Lisbon” Earthquake of 1755, which caused severe damage. 

Inside, the lower floor shows the history of the tower’s defensive role, while the second floor houses a small nautical museum. 

The real highlight is the view from the top, offering a fantastic perspective over the Guadalquivir River, the Old Town, and even the towering Seville Cathedral. 

You can also see across the river to Triana, your next destination!

Location: Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n, 41001

Triana

You’re going to be continuing your Seville 3 days itinerary across the river in the pretty neighbourhood of Triana. To get there, cross over the Guadalquivir River using Puente Isabel II bridge.

While you’ve been wandering around Seville, you will have noticed that so many buildings are covered in stunningly intricate, vivid and decorative azulejo tiles. Triana is the home of them.

Triana is a charming little neighbourhood to wander about – it has a much more residential feel to it.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of the stunning tiles, then be sure to visit the very informative Centro Ceramica.

Location: The best areas are Betis Street (Calle Betis) and any of the streets surrounding Mercado de Triana

Roof Terrace Sunset Drinks

After a full-on day of exploring Seville, finish off at some of the city’s trendy rooftop bars. Enjoy sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset.

Two great places to go are;

• Terraza Hotel Doña María – Seville’s original rooftop bar, located right next to the Cathedral and La Giralda. Due to its popularity, during the summer months, you can only visit the bar in the evenings (the rooftop and pool are exclusively for guests), however, during the winter you can visit any time of the day. Location: Calle Don Remondo, 19, 41004
•  La Terazza de EME – This modern rooftop bar is a firm favourite; it’s located in Santa Cruz next to the Cathedral. You’ll find it on top of the hotel with the same name; hotel guests can also use the pool. This is one of the chicest cocktail bars in Seville, so expect everything to be a little pricier up here, but it’s worth it for the views. Just wow! Location: Calle Alemanes, 27, 41004 

3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 3

Casa de Pilatos

Begin the final day of your 3 days in Seville at what I think is the prettiest of palaces.

If you loved the Alcazar, Palacio de las Dueñas and the stunning azulejo tiles in Triana yesterday, you’re going to adore Casa de Pilatos!

You’ll enter the palace into the main arched courtyard flanked with columns, geometric vivid tile designs, a fountain and gigantic sculptures overlooking. Another great example of Mudèjar architecture.

Book tickets for Casa de Pilatos.

Location: Casa de Pilatos, 1, 41003

Good to know: If you’re a huge fan of this type of architecture then you’ll adore Morocco – you can actually see Morocco from the south of Spain! A must-do in Morocco is to explore the gorgeous palaces which are dotted all over the country.

Alternative Suggestion: Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Sevillinano’s love their stunning palaces, and this is another one is this palace.

The countess whom the palace is named loved to collect ancient mosaics. So much so, that the whole palace is dedicated to and decorated with them.

Like the previous palaces mentioned, this one is predominantly in the Mudèjar architectural style with the addition of Roman and Greek mosaics donning the courtyards. This twinned with colourful azulejo tiles on the walls, makes this one of the most Instagrammable palaces in Seville.

Locations: Calle Cuna, 8, 41004

Plaza de España

When you search for attractions in Seville, Spain, Plaza de España is sure to appear at the top.

Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this stunning site combines Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles.

The red-bricked, semi-circular plaza features a huge fountain at the centre, where street entertainers often perform. The perimeter is lined with beautiful alcoved buildings adorned with colourful tiles representing different provinces in Spain.

Climb the stairs of the towers for a panoramic view of the plaza. There’s also a giant moat with decorative bridges, and you can rent a rowing boat to paddle around.

Location: Avenue de Isabel la Católica, 41004

Parque de Maria Luisa

From Plaza Espana head into the gorgeous Parque de Maria Luisa. They are next to each other.

The park is huge; it covers about 100 acres!

Here you’ll find gazebos, lakes, fountains, museums, tropical trees and flora which are dispersed with little pathways and benches all under the shady canopy.

The park is also home to the noisy yet cute little green parrots and you’ll hear them squawking as they fly above. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind on your final afternoon.

Location: Paseo de las Delicias, s/n, 41013

Museo De Artes y Costumbres

The building’s exterior is beautiful, it was built as part of the 1929 Ibero-American Expo. Inside are all things related to Seville Culture. Not only is it packed with loads of interesting stuff – costumes, toys, instruments, household things – it’s a great place to escape to on either a rare rainy day, or to get out of the inferno heat of summer.

Opposite it is the Archaeological Museum, although it’s been under renovation since I’ve lived here – which is nearly 4 years!

The Archaeological Museum also contains ruins from the Moorish Medina Azahara (from the nearby city of Cordoba), as well as sculptures of Hadrian and Trojan.

Both buildings are at the far end of Maria Luisa Park.

Location: Plaza América, 51, 41013

Alameda de Hércules

Your Seville 3 days itinerary has come to an end.

For your final night, I highly recommend heading to Alameda de Hércules to experience some of Seville’s vibrant bars and nightlife. 

During the daytime, this open plaza has a chilled atmosphere but comes alive at night time. It’s busy every day of the week, more so at the weekend. You’ll find a mixture of locals and tourists of all ages taking in the ambience.

Location: Alameda de Hércules, 41002

Planning Your Trip To Seville

Getting to Seville

The most convenient way to get to Seville is to arrive at Seville’s San Pablo Airport (SVQ).

If direct flights to Seville aren’t available, then you could fly into Malaga or Madrid and then take the train or bus to Seville.

You might also be arriving in Seville by road as part of a longer South Spain itinerary.

Getting From Seville Airport to The Centre

There are several options to reach the city centre of Seville.

The most economical option is to take the airport bus which takes about 40 minutes.

Alternatively, use the taxis waiting outside the airport, or book a meet-and-greet transfer in advance.

Getting Around Seville

Seville is a compact, flat city with excellent pedestrian, bike, and public transport options.

The historic centre is the best place to stay which is close to all the top things to see in Seville.

• If you don’t want to walk then hire a bike for a day or use the Lime eScooters
• The public transport system is efficient and economical. Use a pre-loaded Tussam card although understanding the route timetable may require some Spanish skills.
• Opt for the hop-on-hop-off bus to get around all the major tourist spots.

The Best Time to Visit Seville

Seville is a year-round destination. It’s also one of the warmest places in Europe in winter.

July and August can be insanely hot. The most pleasant Seville weather is during Spring and Autumn.

You might want to avoid visiting Seville at Easter – this is the busiest time in Seville thanks to two major events: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Where to Stay in Seville

One thing I do recommend for your 3 nights in Seville is to stay fairly central so you’re not wasting time travelling in and out of the city. The best areas in Seville are all within the old city walls.

How Many Days In Seville Do You Need?

I live here, and I’m still always in awe at how stunningly beautiful the city is.

With 3 days in Seville, you can comfortably explore the city’s top sights. If you have more time, even a week won’t feel like too much.

Check out these other Seville itineraries:

• One day in Seville
• 2 days in Seville
• 5 days in Seville

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Seville?

Considering it’s a major city, Seville is fairly budget-friendly.

Here’s what you’d typically pay for things.

• Single Tapa: €3-7
• Local Beer: €1.50 (for a small caña – around 200 millilitres)
• A Coffee = €1.50
• Bottle of Local Wine from a Supermarket: €5-7
• Basic Hotel = €50 – €90 per night depending on neighbourhood

You can use my trip cost calculator here to work out how much your trip might cost.

Have 4 Days in Seville? Or Even a Week in Seville?

If you’re wondering what to do in Seville if you’re visiting Seville for longer than three days, then this section is for you.

Of course, there are some great day trips from Seville – you could even switch out some things I’ve suggested in this 3 days in Seville itinerary and visit a few of these places.

Other Things to Add to Your Seville, Spain Itinerary

• Ruins of Italica: Located just outside of Seville (it’s about 8km to the north), these Roman ruins are worthy of some exploration. The temple junkie in me loved wandering about the site. They also appeared in the Game of Thrones series. It’s easy to get to via bus. From the Plaza de Armas bus station catch the 170A or 170B bus, the journey takes about 30 minutes or book the Roman Ruins Tour of Italica.

• Water activities on the Guadalquivir River: SurpriFlamenco Dancesingly, the Guadalquivir is the only navigational river throughout the whole of Spain, so it seems a shame not to make the most of it. It’s also a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, or not, there are several ways you can do this.
  • Yacht Cruise along the Guadalquivir
  • Kayak Rental in Seville
  • Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

• Spanish Cooking Class: Hopefully, during the past 3 days in Seville, you’ve got to sample some of the delicious local cuisines. So a great way to keep the memories alive when you return home is to recreate some of these tasty dishes. Book a cooking class with a trip to a local market to get fully immersed in the experience.

• Flamenco Dance Lesson: Being the home of this iconic Spanish dance, what better place to learn than in Seville? Learn how to dance flamenco with the pros.

Day Trips from Seville

If you have longer than 3 days in Seville, Spain has a ton of other great places to visit.

It’s a great base to get out and see other nearby towns and cities.

Here are my top suggestions on where to go.

• Granada: Home to the stunning Alhambra this iconic UNESCO-listed World Heritage site draws large crowds. It’s doable as a full-day organised tour from Seville. If you have time, I recommend spending at least a couple of days in Granada to do it justice but you could see the highlights by yourself in just a day – just make sure you start early!

• Jerez: Nearby Jerez is known for its sherry production, it would be almost rude not to visit this town and sample some while you’re in the region! It’s easily accessed by train or book a tour and let someone else drive.

• Cadiz: Cadiz boasts some of the best beaches near Seville if you fancy a beach day. The quaint old town of Cadiz is certainly worth a visit too. Explore the pretty cobbled streets in t the morning before hitting the beach in the afternoon.

• Ronda and Pueblos Blancos: Ronda is famous for its stone bridge called the Puente Nueve, which stretches over the valley. It’s worth visiting Ronda and the Pueblos Blancos in a full day trip to see these traditional Andalucían white villages.

• Cordoba: There are plenty of things to do in Cordoba including a beautiful Alcazar, a pretty Jewish Old Town, iconic Flower Street and of course the unmissable UNESCO Heritage-listed Cordoba Cathedral Mosque, the Mezquita–Cathedral de Córdoba. You can see the highlights of Cordoba in a day.

• Doñana National Park: Explore the rugged landscapes, marshes and beaches in this protected area. You’ll also have the chance to spot flamingos, eagles and lynxes. There’s no easy way to get to the park using public transport the easiest way to get there is by booking a 4wheel drive tour.

Free Things in Seville

Wondering where to visit in Seville for free?

Here are my top picks of the best things to do in Seville without spending anything.

• The Real Alcazar: Visit one of Seville’s top attractions for free – pay only a 1 Euro booking fee to visit if you go on a Monday afternoon. You must book your free space online. Do this several weeks in advance, the free-access tickets sell out.
• Cathedral and Giralda: From Monday to Friday between 14.00 and 15.00 you must make an online booking to take advantage of this. There are only 20 free tickets available per day.
• Torre del Oro: No need to book in advance, it’s technically free to enter all the time, but they suggest a 3 euro donation per person.
• Palacio de las Dueñas: Free on Mondays after 16.00. Limited spaces are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Hospital de los Venerables: Free entry on Mondays from 15:00 to 19:00. Must book online in advance.
• Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija: Free entry on Friday at 10:00, first come first serve.
• Archivo de Indias: Entry is always free.
• Plaza de Espana and Parque Maria Luisa: Entry is always free.

What To Do In Seville For 3 Days: FAQs

Hopefully, discovered exactly what to see in Seville in 3 days. Although this is a decent amount of time to see the highlights, if you have longer, then I definitely recommend spending more time in the city and the region. Even though I live here, I’m still not bored and always discovering new things to see and do in Seville.

Check out these other useful articles and start planning your trip.

Andalucia and South Spain

• Southern Spain Itinerary: Best 7 Days in Andalucia
• Local’s Guide To Seville in 3 Days
• 35+ Top Things To Do In Seville
• 23 Best Day Trips From Seville, Spain
• How to Do A Seville to Cordoba Day Trip
• Where Is the Nearest Beach to Seville?
• How To Spend One Day in Granada
• Best 2 Days in Granada Itinerary
• The Best Cordoba in One Day Itinerary
• 5 Places for the Best Glamping in Spain’s Southern Coast