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Best Seville 3 Days Itinerary (by a local!) + map & Tips

Seville, the capital of Andalucía, is undeniably one of the region’s most captivating cities. Its compact size, radiant sunshine (holding the title as Europe’s 2nd hottest city), and charming architecture make it the perfect destination for a 3 days in Seville city break.

Wandering through its picturesque cobbled streets, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rhythm even within a short span of time. This Seville 3 days itinerary provides all the necessary information, including what to see in Seville, where to stay and how to navigate the city.

As my hometown, I’ve also thrown in numerous insider tips and guidance for some of the best attractions in Seville. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Seville with friends, or as part of a bigger travel adventure through Andalucía, this Seville in 3 days guide is an excellent starting point.

The Plaza de Espana in seville. It's a crecent haped building with decorative towers. This view shows one of the walkways with the columns and intricate ceiling. You can see some of the towers through the columns. mauke sure to visit during 3 days in seville itinerary.
3 Day Itinerary Seville Spain Plaza de Espana | Canva

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What you can expect in this article…

Seville 3 days Itinerary

This 3 days in Seville guide is divided into sections. The first section is an overview of the top things to do in Seville and a summary of what to do in Seville for 3 days. Scattered throughout you’ll find lots of insider tips.

The final section has answers to FAQs.

10 Best Things to See in Seville

  • Real Alcázar
  • Cathedral of Seville & La Giralda
  • Plaza de España
  • Parque de María Luisa
  • Barrio Santa Cruz
  • Torre del Oro (the Gold Tower)
  • The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
  • Triana
  • Palacio de las Dueñas or Palacio de las Pilatos
  • Flamenco Show

Seville in Three Days – Day-by-Day Overview

📍 Day 1: Visit Seville’s most iconic landmarks, including the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda. Take the skywalk at the Metropol Parasol, spend the evening eating traditional Spanish tapas and watch a live flamenco show.

📍 Day 2: Immerse yourself in Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter. Marvel at the intricate ceiling murals and grandmasters at Hospital de los Venerables and Bellas Artes. Explore the beautiful Palacio de las Dueñas. Climb up the ancient Torre del Oro. After, wander the charming district of Triana, the home of azulejo tiles. Then, drink cocktails on Seville’s trendy roof to bars.

📍 Day 3: Swoon over the beautiful Palacio de las Pilatos & Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija. Peruse around Plaza de España and stroll through the tranquil Parque de Maria Luisa. Spend the evening around Alameda de Hércules and check out some of Seville’s most vibrant bars, restaurants and tapas bars.

Best Things to Do in Seville in 3 Days – Know Before You Go

If you’re planning to visit Seville in 3 days, here’s useful info to get started with.

Getting to Seville

If direct flights are available, the most convenient way to get to Seville is to fly straight into Seville’s San Pablo Airport (SVQ).

However, if direct flights to Seville are not accessible from your location, consider flying into Malaga or Madrid and then taking 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 Seville City Centre

Once you’ve arrived at Seville Airport you have several options to reach the city centre of Seville.

The most economical option is to take a public bus. Buses leave from Terminal Level 0, just outside the arrivals building. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 40 minutes. Buses run from about 5 am until 1 am the following morning every day of the week. Tickets cost 4 euros one way.

If you prefer a more direct route, consider taking a taxi directly to your hotel. To avoid waiting, it’s recommended to book your transfer in advance.

Getting to Seville from Madrid

The quickest way to travel from Madrid to Seville is by a direct 2.5-hour high-speed train. The most convenient way to compare prices across all methods of transportation, including bus and train, is through the Omio app.

Getting Around Seville

When you visit Seville, you’ll quickly find it’s a compact, flat city with excellent pedestrian, bike, and public transport options. The historic centre is the best place to stay due to its proximity to the top things to see in Seville.

The city boasts an extensive 170km cycle network. For short trips, you could sign up for the Sevici bike rental scheme or hire a bike for a full day is a better option.

Seville’s public transport system is efficient and economical. You can use a pre-loaded Tussam card. However, understanding the route timetable may require some Spanish skills.

If you’re time-limited, opt for the hop-on-hop-off bus, which covers all major tourist spots.

The Best Time to Visit Seville

Seville is a year-round destination with perennial sunny skies, making it one of the warmest places in Europe in winter.

The summer (July and August) can be hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, hence the most pleasant Seville weather is during March-May and September-October.

Although some of the best weather in Seville falls around Easter, I advise avoiding the European school holidays and major events like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril if you’re after more affordable accommodation.

The city’s signature Seville Oranges bloom in December, filling the streets with vibrant hues and captivating fragrances. The best time to do this Seville, Spain itinerary is Spring or Autumn. However, visiting Seville at any time of year you’re not going to be disappointed.

How Many Days in Seville Do I 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.

Likewise, if you were only passing through and had just one day in Seville, then pick a few things from the top 10 things to see in Seville list at the start of this article. If you have longer, then you could also tag on Portugal for a few days.

Where to Stay in Seville

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Seville for every budget for 3 days Seville trip. 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 are all within the old city walls.

#1 Top Pick – Luxury Option
Best Seville 3 Days Itinerary (by a local!) + map & Tips 1
Hotel Alfonso XIII via Booking.com

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5* Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville

✅ Iconic Historic Building

✅ Gym & Swimming Pool

✅ 3x Onsite Restaurants and Terraces

#2 Pick – Boutique Option

El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique, Seville

✅ Traditional Andalucian Decor

✅ Rooftop Hot Tubs

✅ Shaded Courtyards

#3 Pick – Affordable Comfort

Petit Palace Vargas

✅ Moden Decor

✅ Excellent Breakfast

✅ Central Location

Location Map of Seville in Spain

Here’s a map that shows everything I mention in this itinerary for Seville article.

Map of the best landmarks in Seville
Seville Map, Spain

Still unsure about what to do in Seville in 3 days? Check out this Seville Bucket List.

A (Very) Brief History of Seville

Before visiting any destination, it’s always handy to know a little bit of the history behind the place and why it is, the way it is. This is my very brief summary of Seville’s history.

📍 Legend says that Seville was founded by Hercules, and amongst other civilisations, the Greeks and Romans settled here.

📍 Although there are Roman ruins all over Spain, such as the impressive aqueduct of Segovia, you’ll find great examples of Roman ruins in and around Seville; Under the Metropol Parasol and the Italica ruins.

📍Most of Southern Spain fell under the reign of the Arabs in 712. Then the city was known as Isbiliah with the river Guad el Kevir, flowing through it. These two names evolved to become Seville and Guadalquivir River, which are still in use today.

📍Several landmarks in Seville date back to this era; The Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Muralla de la Macarena and of course, the Alcazar. All of these monuments have been included in this Seville city guide.

📍 The Arabs ruled over Seville for over 500 years. In 1248, they were defeated in a conquest led by Ferdinand III. Seville then came under the reign of the Christians.

The pink and cream building of the Archivos los Indias, in Seville with a fountain the the forground. Its surrounded by palms trees.
Archivos los Indias, Seville

📍 In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. The creation of the Chamber of Commerce in Seville to deal with this new trade from the Americas meant Seville became the wealthiest and most developed city in Spain. The Archivo de Indias, located between the cathedral and the Alcazar document this.

📍 In the 17th century, after a plague and the silting up of the Guadalquivir River, the Chamber of Commerce was moved to nearby Cadiz.

📍 In 1929 Seville hosted the Ibero-American Exposition, this was when magnificent buildings such as the iconic crescent of the Plaza de España were built. Then in 1992, Seville hosted another international event called The Universal Exposition. You can see some of the old remains of the deserted exhibition centre which today remains abandoned.

📍 Modern Seville is a vibrant city that seamlessly combines the historical influences of the Moors, with Spanish traditions in a modern melting pot. Not only is it a great place for vacations, but it’s fast becoming a popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to the comfortable climate, and affordability.

Seville in 3 Days – Your Complete 3 Days in Seville Itinerary

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3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 1

Visit Seville’s most iconic landmarks, including the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda. Take the skywalk at the Metropol Parasol, spend the evening eating traditional Spanish tapas and watch a live flamenco show.

Real Alcázar

Start in the historical centre. The perfect way to kick off your 3 day Seville itinerary is with a visit to the Real Alcázar. This is always pipped as one of the top things to do in Seville, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

The building was originally built as a fort and dates back to Arabic rule, it then fell under the reign of the Christians. Eventually, it became home to Spanish Kings who each added their own ideas to the building to the design you will see today. In 1987 it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built in the Mudéjar architectural style, you’ll see influences from both Moorish and Christian design. If you’ve visited the Alhambra in Granada, you’ll see plenty of similarities between the Nasrid Palaces and the Real Alcázar. 

The courtyards are lined with intricately patterned lattice-like structures stretching between decorated pillars. The Courtyard of the Maidens is remarkable. Don’t miss the Mudéjar Palacio de Don Pedro, Salon de los Tapices and Salon de Embajadores.

📍 Skip the lines with this Alcazar guided tour and Priority Entry 📍

Inner courtyard view of the Real Alcazar in Seville, which is a must fo your Seville in 3 days itinerary. It shows a central rectangualr pool surrounded by plants and ornate plasterwork and columns.
Real Alcazar

👉 Insider Tip: The Real Alcazar gets insanely busy, so plan to visit as early as humanly possible in the day. People start to queue up well before the doors open as it’s one of the best things to see in Seville. At peak times, admission passes do sell out, so book your ticket in advance.

Time: Approx 2 -3 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla | Monday to Sunday 09.30-17.30

Cathedral of Seville & La Giralda

It would be near impossible to miss this domineering building and a must for your Sevilla itinerary. The beautiful Seville Cathedral is also one of the must-see buildings on this 3 days in Seville itinerary. Like with the Real Alcazar, this is another designated UNESCO World Heritage site and certainly needs to be on your Seville bucket list.

It also boasts of being one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and the resting place of Christopher Columbus.

Historically, a mosque stood on this site. When the Christians conquered Seville in 1248 the mosque was used as a church. Eventually, the site was converted into a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral. Construction of the building was completed in 1506.

After musing over the Cathedral of Seville, take the meandering ramps up the 35 floors of the bell tower, known as the Giralda. Originally, this Giralda bell tower was the minaret of the old mosque that used to stand here and the ramps were once used for horses who would carry the muezzins to the top.

The 350-foot tower offers breathtaking views over the city of Seville. Taking a panoramic walk at the top will certainly be one of your highlights from your short break to Seville. Be prepared for when the bells chime. It gets loud, oh and don’t forget your camera!

📍 Bypass the queues for the Cathedral and Giralda 📍

The roof of the Cathedral of Seville and the Girlada in the background with blue skies and trees.
Cathedral of Seville & La Girlada

👉 Insider Tip: Most likely, you’ll want to spend two or three hours at the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda. It would be a sacrilege to visit Seville and miss out on this iconic landmark. It does get very busy, so save yourself the queue time and book skip-the-line tickets.

Time: Approx 2 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 | Monday to Friday 10.45-17.00, Sunday 14.30-18.30

The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

This gigantic wooden structure is the brainchild of a German architect; Jürgen Mayer. Affectionately known as Las Setas de la Encarnación (The Mushroom) due to its shape.

This is a bit of a Marmite attraction in Seville; you’ll either love it or hate it. Whichever your opinion, it does offer undeniably fabulous views across the old city of Seville. Las Setas also has bragging rights as being the largest wooden structure in the world!

During the building of the Metropol Parasol, construction workers unearthed a whole load of ruins dating back to Roman times. These are on display in a museum which can be found underneath the Metropol Parasol.

The wooden mesh structure of La Setas in Seville.
Sevilla 3 Days Itinerary | The Metropol Parasol

👉 Insider Tip: The best time to visit the upper levels is in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun is less harsh – there’s next to no shade on the viewing platform and walkway.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n, 41003 Sevilla | Monday to Sunday 09.30 – 00.30

Flamenco Shows and Tapas

The official home of Flamenco is in Seville. In Spain, you’ll find flamenco shows advertised in pretty much every city. However, if you’re after the most authentic Spanish experiences, nothing is going to be quite as good as seeing this charismatic dance where it all started.

Seville has deep roots in its folklore, both the dance and accompanying music are something they are outstandingly proud of. 

Watching a live flamenco performance is something everyone should do when they travel to Seville. You can supercharge your experience and make a full evening of it by combining it with a tapas crawl where you’ll be able to sample a whole range of traditional Iberian specialities and delicious Spanish wine. 

Typically, Flamenco is danced to live music. Fast rhythms are played on guitar often with percussion and clapping while the dancers’ flamboyant and powerful movements reflect this. Donning their beautiful dresses, you’ll be mesmerised as the dancers move their hands and feet so intricately in this deeply rooted tradition.

With your belly and soul satisfied, this ends your first of this Seville 3 day itinerary.

Three people on a stage, two aare dancing flaemnco and one is playing a guitar. The woman dancer is wearing a tradiditonal flamenco dress in white and blue.
Watch Authentic Flamenco During Your Sevilla 3 Day Itinerary


3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 2

Immerse yourself in Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter. Marvel at the intricate ceiling murals and grandmasters at Hospital de los Venerables and Bellas Artes. Explore the beautiful Palacio de las Dueñas. Climb up the ancient Torre del Oro. After, wander the charming district of Triana, the home of azulejo tiles. Then, drink cocktails on Seville’s trendy roof to bars.

Barrio Santa Cruz

The second day of your three days in Seville itinerary starts in the maze-like district of Barrio Santa Cruz. This district came about when Ferdinand III conquered Seville and banished the Jews to this area of the city.

This old Jewish quarter of Seville is filled with cute narrow cobblestoned alleyways, lined with colourful houses, and pretty fountain-filled courtyards and simply oozes history. It’s easy to spend hours here, wandering the iconic barrio.

It’s easy to get lost, physically and metaphorically, in these medieval streets.

Seville is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Europe, if you love to explore a new destination on foot then take a look at some of these other walkable cities in the world.

📍 If you want to delve into more of the history of this district, then I recommend booking a guided walking tour of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood to learn more about the stories and secrets that this fascinating area holds. 📍

Traditional Andalucian houses in Barrio Santa Cruz.
Seville Itinerary 3 Days | Explore Barrio Santa Cruz

👉 Insider Tip: You’ll stumble across plenty of cafes to pick up breakfast. Check out the quaint Bar El Comercio and opt for churros y chocolate. If you’ve not come across these yet, they are a bit like a stick-shaped doughnut, served with a pot of gloopy chocolate sauce to dip them in. Delicious!

Time: Approx 2 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: All the tiny streets surrounding the outer walls of the Alcazar | Open 24hours

Hospital de los Venerables

Continue the morning of your Seville travel itinerary by absorbing 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.

A decorative domed ceiling of a church
Hospital de los Venerables

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re into stunning ceilings, and you have some time to spare on your itinerary Seville offers some other beautiful ceilings. Head to Museo de Bellas Artes – it’s free to enter for EU citizens (it’s only a couple of euros for non-EU). It’s located in a Baroque-style building, with pretty courtyards and gardens and features a stunning ceiling mural in the back gallery.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Hospital del los Venerables, Plaza Venerables, 8, 41004 | Monday to Saturday 10.00 – 19.00, Sunday 10.00 – 15.00

Museo de Bellas Artes, Plaza del Museo, 9, 41001 | Monday Closed, Tuesday – Saturday 09.00 – 21.00, Sunday 09.00 – 15.00

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!

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace is a mix of Gothic and Mudéjar styles and is filled with detail on every surface imaginable. It comes complete with an arcaded fountained courtyard and pretty orange-tree-clad squares.

Although this three days in Seville itinerary is packed, it’s worth allowing plenty of time here just to relax and take everything in. You could easily spend hours here wandering about the rooms and courtyards. The attention to detail both inside and out is something to marvel at.

An Andalucia style patio with arches and palm trees
The beautiful courtyards of Palacio de las Dueñas

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re visiting on a Monday, you might be lucky to bag yourself one of the 50 free tickets! Find out how in the FAQ section at the end of this article.

Time: Approx 1.5 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Calle Dueñas, 5, 41003 | Monday to Sunday 10.00 – 18.00

Torre del Oro

The Torre del Orro (The Gold Tower), is another relic from Seville’s Islamic past, it dates back to the 13th century. Originally, this watchtower was one of a pair that guarded the entrance to the city. This is the only tower from the city entrance that remains and historically made up part of the city walls. 

Over the centuries it has undergone several renovations, particularly after the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 which destroyed the majority of Portugal’s capital. The shockwaves were felt here in Seville and caused severe damage to the tower.

Inside the Torre del Oro, you’ll find history surrounding the tower and its importance in defending Seville on the lower floor. The second floor houses a small nautical museum.

What makes Torre del Oro worthy of a visit is the view from the top looking out over the Guadalquivir River and the Old Town. You’ll also be able to see across the river to Triana, which is where you’re headed after! It was up here that I got some perspective on just HOW big the Seville Cathedral is too. It looms over the rest of the Old Town.

The torre de Oro in Seville, an octagonal building surrounded by trees.
Torre del Oro

👉 Insider Tip: One of the best things about this museum is that it’s free to enter. However, they do ask for a 3 euro donation to help with the upkeep of the building.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n, 41001 | Monday to Friday 09.30 – 18.45, Saturday and Sunday 10.30 – 18.45

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 the bridge; Puente Isabel II.

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 district 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.

A lady on a bike in front on a ceramic shop in Triana distric of Seville
Neighbourhood of Triana

👉 Insider Tip: Rather than all the souvenir-tat you’ve probably seen in the tourist shops in the historical centre, pick up any souvenirs in Triana. If you’re looking for locally made, and truly authentic gifts from Seville, then the tile shops here are a great place to start – most things can even be personalised.

Time: Approx 2-3 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Any of the streets surrounding Mercado de Triana | Mercado de Triana opening times: Monday to Saturday 08.00 – 15.00

Roof Terrace Sunset Drinks

After a full-on day of exploring Seville, finish off the second of your three-day Seville itinerary at some of the city’s trendy rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset. Three 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 

  • The Corner House – If you want something away from the Cathedral, then check out The Corner House, located in super trendy Plaza Alameda. Compared to the previous two, it has more of a relaxed feel to it. The terrace is filled with foliage and has a near-tropical feel about it. It looks out over the buzzing square below, so it’s a great place to start if you plan on going out for the whole evening.

Location: Alameda de Hércules, 31, 41002  

Seville Cathedral at dusk with a palm tree int he forground.
Dusk over Seville Cathedral


3 Day Seville Itinerary: Day 3

Swoon over the beautiful Palacio de las Pilatos & Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija. Peruse around Plaza de España and stroll through the tranquil Parque de Maria Luisa. Spend the evening around Alameda de Hércules and check out some of Seville’s most vibrant bars, restaurants and tapas bars.

Casa de Pilatos

The palace is predominantly built in the Mudèjar architectural style boasting intricacy on every surface and colourful tiles which gleam in the sunshine. You’ll enter the palace into the main arched courtyard flanked with columns, geometric vivid tile designs, a fountain and gigantic sculptures overlooking. 

Begin the final day of your 3 day Seville itinerary at the prettiest of palaces. If you loved Palacio de las Dueñas and the stunning azulejo tiles in Triana yesterday, you’re going to adore Casa de Pilatos!

Allow plenty of time to peruse every nook and cranny of this place, don’t forget to look up! You’ll see gigantic murals and elaborate latticework everywhere. 

Intricate platerwork and windows inside Palacio de las Pilatos in Seville
Palacio de las Pilatos
Statues and intricate plasterwork and tiles inside Palacio de las Pilatos in Seville
Palacio de las Pilatos

👉 Insider Tip: Normally, you have to pay to enter, however, if you can show an EU passport on a Monday afternoon, then it’s free.

Time: Approx 2-3 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Casa de Pilatos, 1, 41003 | Monday to Sunday 9.00 – 18.00

Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Sevillinano’s love their stunning palaces, and this is another one on the ‘must-see in Seville’ list. 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.

👉 Insider Tip: This palace museum is free to enter on Friday at 10.00. However, you can only access the ground floor and spaces are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Time: Approx 2 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Calle Cuna, 8, 41004 | Monday to Sunday 10.00 – 17.00

Plaza de España

If you type in the phrase ‘attractions in Seville, Spain’ in any web search, I 100% promise that this image will come up top. The stunning Plaza de España was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and combines Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles.

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.

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Seville in 3 days. The red-bricked semi-circular plaza features a huge fountain in the centre. Street entertainers often gather here. If you stand in the right place, you’ll catch the spray of the fountain, which has a very welcoming cooling effect in the heat of the afternoon. 

The perimeter of the half-circle is lined with beautiful alcoved buildings featuring immense towers and balconies. Climb up the stairs for a fabulous panoramic view of the plaza.

The buildings are lined with pretty colourful tiled images of every province in Spain. You’ll also find a giant moat, which runs parallel to the buildings with decorative coloured bridges crossing over to the central plaza. You can even rent a rowing boat to paddle about the moat, although you’re not going to go very far though! The whole place is breathtaking.

Plaza de Espana in Seville with sunlight hitting the crescent building. There are people walking around the plaza.
Plaza de Espana

👉 Insider Tip: Want to see Flamenco dancing for free? Although not always guaranteed, if you head to the back centre tower you will usually find live musicians and flamenco dancers.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Avenue de Isabel la Católica, 41004 | Monday to Sunday 08.00 – 22.00

Parque de Maria Luisa

From Plaza Espana head into the gorgeous Parque de Maria Luisa which is adjacent to it. 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.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Paseo de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 | Monday – Sunday 08.00 – 00.00

Archaeological Museo

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’d have gleaned that I’m an absolute sucker for ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Because Seville has an abundance of ancient stuff, it’s worth visiting the museum to find out a bit more. If you have time, then head to the Archaeological Museum at the far end of Maria Luisa Park.

The building’s exterior is beautiful, it was built as part of the 1929 Ibero-American Expo and houses Roman relics found locally and from afar. 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.

An ornate building of the Museuo de Artes y Costumbres refecing in a pond.
Museo de Artes y Costumbres, Seville

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re an ancient ruins or a Game of Thrones fan, then I highly recommend visiting the Ruins of Italica which are located just 8km outside of Seville.

Time: Approx 1 hour.

📍 Location and opening times: Plaza América, 51, 41013 | Currently closed for refurbishment – Nov 2023 – however, the museum opposite Museo de Artes y Costumbres (shown in the photo above) is worth a visit instead.

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.

Alameda de Hercules in Seville - a large open plaza with rows of trees. At the end of the plaza are two giant columns with roman statues on top
The open avenue of Alameda de Hércules

👉 Insider Tip: Looking for outstanding food? Then head to Duo Tapas. They might have a small menu, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. This is one of my regular haunts in Seville.

As a life-long vegetarian, Spanish food can be a nightmare – especially for tapas. I’m often limited to patatas bravas, Spanish tortillas and olives. Trust me, the novelty wears thin after a couple of weeks. About half of the Duo Tapas menu is dedicated to vegetarian food, and everything I’ve eaten here has been delicious. Another great option close by with plenty of options for veggies is Arte y Sabor.

Time: Approx 2-3 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Alameda de Hércules, 41002 | 24 Hours


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.

The ruins of Italica just outside of Seville. A large ampitheatre.
The ruins of Italica, just outside of Seville

👉 Insider Tip: It’s fairly straightforward to catch the bus from Plaza de Armas bus station to Santiponce. Take the 170A or 170B bus, the journey takes about 30 – 40 minutes and the bus stops right outside the entrance to the ruins.

Time: Approx 2-3 hours.

📍 Location and opening times: Avenue Extremadura, 2, 41970 Santiponce | Monday Closed, Tuesday to Sunday it opens at 09.00 however closing times vary throughout the year.

It’s best to check the official Italica website.

Kayak, SUP or Cruise along the Guadalquivir River

Surprisingly, 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.

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 that also involves 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? The pros make the dance look so fluid and effortless, however, it’s a lot harder than it looks. It’s also a great full-body workout.

Feet of a flamnco dancer. The shoes are white with red flowers on them.
Flamenco dance class

Day Trips from Seville

If you have longer than 3 days in Seville, Spain has a ton of other great places to visit. If time isn’t an issue, you might love this full two week Spain and Portugal itinerary, or explore some more great destinations in Andalucía.

Seville is a great base to get out and see other nearby towns and cities.

If you have a few extra days, then why not explore some more of Southern Spain on some of these great day trips from Seville?

Granada

One of the most visited cities in the region is Granada, where the infamous Alhambra is located. It’s also an easy day trip from Seville. The iconic UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site draws large crowds, so be sure to book your tickets for Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces and well in advance. They do sell out, and on the off chance there are tickets available, there are long queues at the ticket office.

You could easily spend a couple of days in Granada, but if you plan your visit or book a guided tour, you’ll be able to see the best of the city on a full-day visit to Granada.

Some of the notable points of interest are the Nasrid Palaces (don’t miss the Patio de los Leones courtyard), Medina, Alcazar and Generalife Palace.

The Alhambra in Granada surrounded by trees with mountains in the background.
The Alhambra, Granada

Jerez & Cadiz

The quaint old town of Cadiz is certainly worth a visit, spend the morning wandering about the pretty cobbled streets and marvel at the enormous Cathedral before hitting the beach in the afternoon. Cadiz also boasts some of the best beaches near Seville if you fancy a beach day.

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!

Both towns are doable as a day trip from Seville, either by car or train. It takes just over an hour to get there via car. You can also book a tour and let someone else do the driving, especially if you want to try lots of the sherry.

The roof of the Cathedral in Cadiz near Seville.
The costal town of Cadiz

Ronda and Pueblos Blancos

Andalucía has several gorgeous little white villages dotted about the parched yellow backdrop of the rolling countryside. These are called Pueblos Blancos. You’ll usually find them perched on hillsides with postcard-perfect, whitewashed walls and cute cobbled streets.

Nearby Ronda looks like it’s been picked straight from a fantasy novel. The iconic thing to see in this stunning town is the stone bridge called the Puente Nueve, which stretches over the valley. Walk across it, hike in the valley under it, or just sit in one of the cliff-side bars and stare at it for hours on end, it’s beautiful!

An image of the Puente Nueve in Rhonda looking across the gorge.
Puente Nueve in Rhonda

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.

The red and white striped arches inside the Mezquita or Cordoba.
Mezquita Cathedral, , Cordoba

Doñana National Park

If you’re looking to get outside of the city, and into the fresh air, then head to 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.

An Iberian Lynx sitting on a moss ocvered rock.
See if you can spot a lynx at Donana National Park

👉 If you’re feeling ambitious, then you could even take a day trip from Seville to Morocco – Morocco is close to the south tip of Spain. Pick up a ferry from Tarifa, and make the 90-minute journey across.

This can be challenging if you do it independently, you’ll have to take the bus to Tarifa which takes around 4 hours going via Cadiz so for this day trip, I recommend taking an organised day tour from Seville to Tangier instead.


How to Get Free Stuff in Seville

Wondering where to visit in Seville for free?

If you’re looking to save some money and not miss out on the best things to do in Seville, then check out this list below. On some days of the week, you can bag yourself free admission to visit some of Seville’s top attractions without spending a cent.

  • 💰 The Real Alcazar: Pay only a 1 euro booking fee to visit if you go on a Monday afternoon. You must book your free space online to take advantage of this. At peak times the free-access tickets sell out, so you’ll need to book several weeks in advance.
  • 💰 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.
  • 💰 Casa de Pilatos – Free for EU Citizens on Mondays between 15.00-17.30 – no need to book but take your passport/country ID card! Only 100 people are allowed access per hour – first come first serve.
  • 💰 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.

Seville, Spain itinerary: FAQs

What options are there for Getting to Seville?

Seville has its own airport. However, if direct flights to Seville are not available, consider flying into Malaga Airport. From Malaga, you can catch a high-speed train or bus to Seville, which takes about 2 hours.

Is 3 days enough for Seville?

Yes, three days is a sufficient time to explore the highlights of Seville, including the Cathedral, Alcazar, and the Plaza de España.

When is the best time to visit Seville?

The optimal time to visit Seville is during Spring (March-May) – with the exception of Easter, or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable accommodation prices.

When is the best season to visit Spain?

Although each season has perks, to make the most of the best weather and fewer crowds would be visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (October).

Is it worth visiting Spain during winter?

Spain can be a great destination to visit in winter, especially if you’re visiting over the festive period – with Christmas, New Year and Kings Day all happening over the space of a couple of weeks.

Is Seville a walkable city?

Yes, Seville is highly walkable. Its compact city centre, pedestrian-friendly streets, and numerous landmarks make it convenient for exploration on foot.

Is Seville safe?

Yes, Seville is generally safe for both residents and tourists. However, like any major city, it’s advised to be cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings to prevent petty crimes.

What are the best places to visit in Spain near Seville?

Some great day trip ideas are Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz and Jerez. Many of these are doable without a car, either as a tour or by using public transport. 

What should a first-time visitor not do in Sevilla, Spain?

While Seville is a welcoming city, first-time visitors should respect its relatively conservative dress norms. Avoid beachwear when exploring the town.

Even though Seville is overall a safe destination, avoid pickpockets, by leaving valuables at home.

Locals are friendly and will often greet you, it’s seen as a little rude to walk into a bar, restaurant or shop and not give a friendly greeting.

Although tipping is not mandatory, given Andalucia’s lower pay scale, it is appreciated.

What does your Seville in 3 days itinerary look like?

Hopefully, this Seville three day itinerary guide has answered everything you need to know, from what to see, getting around, where to stay and some insider tips to help you plan your epic 3 days in Seville trip.

If you’re planning more travel in Andalucia, then take a look at these other inspirational articles…

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