What to see in Seville in 3 days
The best thing about having three full days to enjoy a city like Seville is that you can relax and plan to visit almost everything on foot. The Andalusian capital is home to majestic monuments and fantastic museums, but the best way to discover its greatness is on foot, exploring neighbourhoods such as Santa Cruz and Triana. The friendly locals, the tapas served at legendary establishments and the strolls by the Guadalquivir River are an elixir that will make you fall in love with Seville every day.
We have prepared an itinerary that includes all the basic landmarks as well as places only a local could recommend.
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Plaza de España
María Luisa Park, Seville’s vast green area, is home to this 50,000 m2 palace-square where visitors can stroll or take a boat ride along the 500-metre canal. It was designed by Aníbal González as a pavilion for the 1929 Expo.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Archivo de Indias (General Archive of the Indies)
This magnificent building originally housed all the documents about overseas territories and colonies, which explains its name. It is interesting to visit and view the files, archives and thousands of maps. This structure and its contents have been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cathedral and Giralda
The Seville cathedral is known for its size and beautiful altarpiece, and because it is the resting place of Christopher Columbus. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Giralda, and we encourage you to visit the top of this minaret-belfry, that stands at over 100 metres, and enjoy the panoramic views.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Tapas at Bodega Casa Morales
This family-owned tavern is just a short walk from the Alcázar. Opened in 1850, it is the second oldest establishment in Seville. Although it was originally a wine shop, it now serves tapas, montaditos (small sandwiches), cured meats and delicious home-made stews.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Santa Cruz neighbourhood
A stroll through Seville’s old Jewish quarter is filled with countless surprises: squares, palaces and tapas bars, such as Bodega Las Columnas, that emit the smell of home-made food. Continue along Callejón del Agua in order to explore the Jardines de Murillo gardens.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold)
The Tower of Gold, a recurrent theme in popular songs, is also worth visiting. Originally connected to the Royal Alcázar, its purpose was to defend the city against raids from the river. It currently houses the Maritime Museum.
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Muelle de Nueva York (New York Pier)
Taking a walk by the Guadalquivir River is always a pleasant experience as you feel the breeze from the river. Be sure to take a boat ride to take in the city from a different perspective, or stop by the terraces at the Muelle de Nueva York for a snack.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Teatro Lope de Vega (Lope de Vega Theatre)
Built as the Seville pavilion for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this Neo-Baroque theatre exudes luxury and glamour. Its extensive programme includes jazz concerts, theatre and flamenco shows.
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM
Dinner at Eslava
Located in the San Lorenzo district, this is one of Seville’s top restaurants for signature tapas. Although it serves a wide array of food, the honey ribs are always a hit. It has a casual, modern atmosphere.
Itinerary day 2
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Real Alcázar de Sevilla (Royal Alcázar of Seville)
This fortress—a royal residence during medieval times—features palace quarters, courtyards and gardens. The architecture is a combination of Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, Mudejar and Moorish styles. It has served as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Shopping
At this point in the trip, you may be thinking about buying some souvenirs. The traditional shopping district, and the one with the most shops, is the area around Calle Sierpes.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Tapas in El Rinconcillo
As one of the most traditional tapas bars in Seville, it will feel like you have travelled back in time the moment you walk through the door. Enjoy its authentic feel and traditional tapas. In addition to being very unpretentious, the prices are very reasonable.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Palacio de las Dueñas (Palace of the Dukes of Alba) (open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
This gorgeous palace, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, belongs to the House of Alba and has welcomed the most renowned figures of European nobility. Treat yourself to a visit and explore the many halls, courtyards and gorgeous gardens.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
Plaza de la Encarnación is the location of Metropol Parasol, a wooden structure designed by Jürgen Mayer and popularly known as Las Setas. It is claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the world. The views of the city from the top are incredible.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tablao Los Gallos
Opened in 1966, this is one of the most traditional tablaos in Seville and features daily performances by ten artists. Since this small and cosy venue has excellent acoustics, microphones and speakers are not used.
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM
Bodega Santa Cruz
Popularly known as Bodega Las Columnas, this is one of the most traditional restaurants in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. It is one of those places where staff keep track of what diners consume by jotting it on the bar in chalk. Be sure to order a ‘pringá’ montadito, which tastes like heaven.
Itinerary day 3
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Museo del Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum)
As the only one of its kind in the world, this museum helps visitors understand every aspect of flamenco: dancing, singing and music. Created by Cristina Hoyos (a famous dancer), there are daily performances every afternoon-evening.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Plaza de toros La Maestranza (La Maestranza bullring)
On an architectural level, this landmark is definitely a worthwhile stop. The outer façade is just as impressive as the inside, and the museum houses valuable pieces from the world of bullfighting. The tour also includes the stables for the rejoneador horses.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Triana neighbourhood
Separated from the historic quarter by the Guadalquivir River, this neighbourhood has its own identity. Cross the Triana Bridge and take in the district’s streets, pottery and flamenco. You can also visit the venerated effigy of La Esperanza de Triana.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Triana Market
This market has a long history due to the fact that it was built on the former site of the Castle of San Jorge, a seat of the inquisitional court. It is now a market with gourmet areas. Stop by to make culinary purchases and eat some tapas.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Las Golondrinas bar
This is one of the most traditional establishments in Triana for beers and tapas. For more than 50 years, diners have enjoyed its delicious food and excellent service. There are now two locations, Las Golondrinas I and II. The most popular tapa served is tenderloin tips.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
La Cartuja Monastery and Andalusian Centre for Modern Art
This Carthusian monastery, where it is said that Christopher Columbus planned his second trip to America, is famous for having housed the Pickman ceramics factory. It is now the Centro Andaluz de Arte Moderno (Andalusian Centre for Modern Art), which has interesting exhibitions.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)
Housed in what was originally the convent of the Order of the Merced Calzada de la Asunción, this museum is known as Spain’s second art gallery. Its permanent collection includes works by Zurbarán, Murillo, Valdés Leal and other artists trained in Seville.
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Plaza del Salvador
This pedestrian square in the Alfalfa district is home to the lovely Salvador Church. The open-air terraces at this location are the perfect way to start off the evening with a glass of wine or to stop by at any time due to the great atmosphere.
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM
Ovejas Negras restaurant
The excellent work of Genoveva and Juan Manuel García is conveyed in the menu and modern décor of this restaurant. Based on quality ingredients, the creative cuisine includes delicious salads and tatakis.