Santa Cruz and the Centre
To sleep next to the cathedral and the Alcázar and walk everywhere. It is very touristy and a little more expensive, and some streets are noisy at night.
Itinerary · Seville
Seville in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary for Seville: Cathedral and Giralda, Real Alcázar, Santa Cruz quarter, Triana, the Setas and Plaza de España, with practical tips.
- 3days
- 12stops
- 6Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Seville who want to see the essentials at a comfortable pace. The first day is devoted to the cathedral, the Alcázar and Santa Cruz; the second to the river, Triana and the Setas; and the third to Plaza de España, María Luisa park and an evening of flamenco.
From the airport you have two main options. Tussam’s EA Airport Special line is a city bus that reaches the centre with stops such as Santa Justa station. Taxis leave from the rank at the arrivals exit and charge a fixed airport-to-city fare.
Tips
- Book the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral with the Giralda in advance; in high season same-day tickets often sell out.
- The summer heat is intense: visit the monuments first thing and leave the afternoons for shade, courtyards and terraces.
- People eat late and have dinner even later. Order tapas to share and try the salmorejo and fried fish.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the cobbles of Santa Cruz and Triana are tiring on the feet.
- Choose a small tablao for the flamenco, with limited capacity, and book in advance.
- The centre is very easy to cover on foot; save public transport for getting to Plaza de España or the airport.
Day 1
Cathedral, Alcázar and Santa Cruz
Catedral de Sevilla y Giralda
Centre
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, with the Giralda, the former minaret of the mosque, as its great landmark. Climb the tower by its ramps for a view over the city's rooftops, and book your ticket in advance.
Real Alcázar
Santa Cruz
A Mudéjar-style palace with courtyards, decorated halls and gardens where you can happily get lost for a while. It is one of the most visited sights in the city, so buy your ticket in advance and allow at least a couple of hours.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter, next to the Alcázar, is a maze of narrow lanes, flower-filled courtyards and small squares. It is best to wander without a map and let the neighbourhood lead you.
Archivo General de Indias
Centre
A sober Renaissance building between the cathedral and the Alcázar that holds the documents of the colonial era. It is worth a short stop, even if only to see the architecture.
Day 2
Torre del Oro, Triana and the Setas
Torre del Oro
El Arenal
An Almohad tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir, now with a small naval museum. It is the best place to start a walk along the river.
Triana
Triana
Cross the Isabel II bridge to this neighbourhood with its seafaring and ceramics tradition. Stroll along Calle Betis, browse the market and look for a ceramics shop.
Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
La Encarnación
A huge wooden structure in Plaza de la Encarnación with a viewing platform over the rooftops of the centre. Going up at sunset is a good idea.
Calle Sierpes y Plaza del Salvador
Centre
Round off the day strolling along the pedestrian streets of the shopping district and tapas-hopping in the nearby squares. You will find plenty of bars here where you can eat well without leaving the old town.
Day 3
Plaza de España, María Luisa and flamenco
Plaza de España
Parque de María Luisa
A monumental semicircular square built for the 1929 Exposition, with tiled benches representing the Spanish provinces. Best first thing in the morning, with fewer people and good light.
Parque de María Luisa
Parque de María Luisa
Gardens with fountains, bowers and shade, perfect for a break. You can explore on foot or by renting a bicycle.
Casa de Pilatos
Centre
An Andalusian palace that mixes Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance elements, with tiles and a lovely central courtyard. It is a quieter alternative to the big monuments.
Flamenco show
Centre
Seville is one of the cradles of flamenco. An evening in a small tablao, with guitar and dancing right next to the stage, is the best way to end the trip.
Seville
Where to stay in Seville
El Arenal
Close to the river and the Torre del Oro, with good bars and an easy walk to the centre. A balanced option for a first visit.
Triana
For those who prefer an authentic neighbourhood feel, with bars and a market, a few minutes' walk from the centre across the Guadalquivir.
Itinerary · Seville
More Seville itineraries
5 days
Seville in 5 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Alcázar and Santa Cruz
- Day 2 Torre del Oro, Triana and the Setas
- Day 3 Plaza de España, María Luisa and flamenco
- Day 4 La Macarena, Alameda and the Fine Arts Museum
- + 1 day
7 days
Seville in 7 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Alcázar and Santa Cruz
- Day 2 Torre del Oro, Triana and the Setas
- Day 3 Plaza de España, María Luisa and flamenco
- Day 4 Fine Arts Museum, La Macarena and Alameda
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Seville?
Three days are enough to see the essentials: the cathedral, the Alcázar, Santa Cruz, Triana and Plaza de España. With more time you can add a day trip to Cordoba.
What do I need to book before travelling?
The Real Alcázar and the Cathedral with the Giralda require advance booking, especially in spring. Everything else can be decided as you go.
What is the best time to visit Seville?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. In summer the heat is very strong, so it is best to start early and take a break at midday.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Yes, the centre is compact and almost everything is done on foot. To reach Plaza de España, a walk, a city bus or a rented bicycle is enough.
Photo credits
- Catedral de Sevilla y Giralda: cesar.ruiz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Real Alcázar: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Barrio de Santa Cruz: CarlosVdeHabsburgo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Torre del Oro: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol): José Luiz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Plaza de España: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons