Santa Cruz and the Centre
Next to the cathedral and the Alcázar, ideal for walking to almost everything. It is very touristy and a little more expensive, and some streets are noisy at night.
Itinerary · Seville
Seville in 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
5-day itinerary for Seville: Cathedral and Giralda, Real Alcázar, Triana, Plaza de España, La Macarena and a day trip to Cordoba, with practical tips.
- 5days
- 17stops
- 8Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for those who want to get to know Seville at an unhurried pace: the great monuments, the neighbourhoods with the most character and a day trip to Cordoba. The first three days cover the historic centre, the river and Triana, and the 1929 Exposition area; the fourth goes to La Macarena and the Alameda, and the fifth is for Cordoba.
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, the Cathedral with the Giralda and the train to Cordoba in advance.
- In summer visit the monuments first thing and keep the afternoons for shade and courtyards.
- 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 and book in advance.
- For the Cordoba day trip leave early: with a full day you have time to see the Mosque at a relaxed pace.
Day 1
Cathedral, Alcázar and Santa Cruz
Catedral de Sevilla y Giralda
Centre
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Climb the Giralda, the former minaret of the mosque, by its ramps to see the city from above. Book your ticket in advance.
Real Alcázar
Santa Cruz
A Mudéjar palace with courtyards, halls and gardens. It is one of the most popular visits, so buy your ticket in advance and set aside the morning for it.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter, a step from the Alcázar, with narrow lanes, flower-filled courtyards and small squares. Ideal for a leisurely stroll and some tapas.
Archivo General de Indias
Centre
A Renaissance building between the cathedral and the Alcázar that safeguards documents from the colonial era. A short stop to round off the area.
Day 2
Torre del Oro, Triana and the Setas
Torre del Oro
El Arenal
An Almohad tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir, with a small naval museum. From here a pleasant walk along the river begins.
Triana
Triana
Cross the Isabel II bridge to this seafaring, ceramics-making neighbourhood. Stroll along Calle Betis, visit the market and try the tapas in its bars.
Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
La Encarnación
A wooden structure in Plaza de la Encarnación with a viewing platform over the rooftops of the centre. At sunset the view is especially beautiful.
Calle Sierpes y Plaza del Salvador
Centre
Wander the pedestrian streets of the shopping district and finish at one of the squares with terraces for dinner.
Day 3
Plaza de España, María Luisa and flamenco
Plaza de España
Parque de María Luisa
A monumental semicircular square from the 1929 Exposition, with tiled benches dedicated to the provinces. Best first thing in the morning, with fewer people.
Parque de María Luisa
Parque de María Luisa
Gardens with fountains and plenty of shade, perfect for a long break. You can explore on foot or by bicycle.
Casa de Pilatos
Centre
An Andalusian palace mixing Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles, with tiles and a very pretty central courtyard.
Flamenco show
Centre
An evening of guitar, singing and dancing in a small tablao, where the performer is very close to the audience.
Day 4
La Macarena, Alameda and the Fine Arts Museum
Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla
Centre
One of the most important painting museums in Spain, with works by Murillo, Zurbarán and other masters of the Andalusian Golden Age, in a former convent.
Iglesia del Salvador
Centre
One of the largest churches in the city after the cathedral, in Baroque style and a few steps from Plaza del Salvador.
Basílica de la Macarena
La Macarena
A neighbourhood and basilica closely tied to Holy Week, where the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena is venerated. Part of the medieval wall is nearby.
Alameda de Hércules
La Alameda
A long promenade with terraces, bars and an alternative vibe, with plenty of places for dinner and drinks at night.
Day 5 · Day trip
Córdoba
Córdoba
Cordoba is about 45 minutes by high-speed train from Santa Justa station. From the station you can walk or take a bus to the historic centre, where the Mosque-Cathedral is the great sight. Afterwards, stroll through the Jewish quarter, the courtyards and the Roman bridge before returning to Seville.
Seville
Where to stay in Seville
El Arenal and the Centre
A balanced area, close to the river and the Torre del Oro, with plenty of bars and an easy walk to the monuments.
Triana
For more of a neighbourhood feel, with a market, bars and river views, a few minutes' walk from the centre.
La Alameda
A younger area with nightlife, with good prices for accommodation and bars, about twenty minutes' walk from the centre.
Itinerary · Seville
More Seville itineraries
3 days
Seville in 3 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
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
Is it worth spending 5 days in Seville?
Yes: you have time to see the great monuments without rushing, get to know Triana and La Macarena, and take 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. It is also worth booking the flamenco tablao and the train to Cordoba.
How do I get to Cordoba from Seville?
The most convenient way is the high-speed train from Santa Justa station, with a journey of about 45 minutes.
What is the best time to visit Seville?
Spring and autumn. In summer the heat is very strong and it is best to start early and rest at midday.
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