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, with noise in some streets at night.
Itinerary · Seville
Seville in 7 days: day-by-day itinerary
7-day itinerary for Seville: Cathedral and Giralda, Real Alcázar, Triana, Plaza de España, Italica, La Cartuja, La Macarena and a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera.
- 7days
- 23stops
- 10Areas
This 7-day itinerary is designed for those who want to get to know Seville in depth and without hurry. The first four days cover the centre, the river, Triana, the 1929 Exposition area and neighbourhoods such as La Macarena and the Alameda; the fifth and sixth head out of the centre to Italica and La Cartuja; and the seventh is for Jerez de la Frontera.
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 Jerez bodega visits in advance.
- In summer start early: Italica and the open-air monuments are very harsh at midday.
- 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.
- With a week, alternate days of lots of walking with quieter days, such as La Cartuja and the river.
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 and look out over the city's rooftops. Book your ticket in advance.
Real Alcázar
Santa Cruz
A Mudéjar palace with courtyards, halls and gardens. Buy your ticket in advance and set aside the morning for it.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter, next to the Alcázar, with narrow lanes, flower-filled courtyards and small squares. Stroll unhurried and have some tapas.
Archivo General de Indias
Centre
A Renaissance building between the cathedral and the Alcázar that safeguards documents from the colonial era.
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 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.
Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
La Encarnación
A wooden structure in Plaza de la Encarnación with a viewing platform over the rooftops. 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 a square 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.
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 lovely central courtyard.
Flamenco show
Centre
An evening of guitar, singing and dancing in a small tablao, with the performers very close to the audience.
Day 4
Fine Arts Museum, La Macarena and Alameda
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 Golden Age, in a former convent.
Iglesia del Salvador
Centre
One of the largest churches in the city after the cathedral, in Baroque style, next to 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, ideal for dinner and a drink.
Day 5
Italica and Santiponce
Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica
Santiponce
The Roman city where the emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born, a few kilometres from Seville. It preserves a large amphitheatre and mosaics. You get there by regular bus from the centre; bring a hat and water.
Monasterio de San Isidoro del Campo
Santiponce
A fortified monastery of medieval origin, right next to Italica, with cloisters and altarpieces.
A relaxed lunch in Santiponce
Santiponce
Have lunch at a restaurant in the village, with traditional cooking and fewer tourists than in the centre.
Day 6
La Cartuja and the river
Monasterio de la Cartuja
La Cartuja
A former Carthusian monastery on the island of La Cartuja, which hosted Expo 92 and is now a contemporary art centre. Its gardens and cloisters are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Parque del Alamillo
La Cartuja
A large park beside the river, good for walking or renting a bicycle, with views of the Alamillo bridge.
Boat trip on the Guadalquivir
El Arenal
A relaxed way to see the city from the water, departing near the Torre del Oro.
Day 7 · Day trip
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is roughly an hour by train from Santa Justa station. It is the capital of sherry and has bodegas you can visit, as well as the Real Alcázar de Jerez and an important equestrian and flamenco tradition. Stroll through the old town and try the wines and tapas before heading back.
Seville
Where to stay in Seville
El Arenal
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 bars and good prices, 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
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
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days too long in Seville?
No, if you want to take it easy. A week lets you see Italica and La Cartuja as well as the great monuments, and take a day trip to Jerez.
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 and the bodega visits.
How do I get to Italica?
Italica is in Santiponce, a few kilometres from Seville. You get there by regular bus from the city centre.
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