Things to do in Seville: top sights, day trips and where to stay

Two days cover the essentials; with three you can add Córdoba or an afternoon at Itálica. The Royal Alcázar and the Cathedral have timed tickets and long queues, so book ahead. In summer, plan your day to stay out of the midday sun: Seville is one of Europe’s hottest cities.

What to see in Seville: top sights

Royal Alcázar
Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use and a masterpiece of Mudéjar art: the Courtyard of the Maidens, the Hall of Ambassadors with its golden dome, the Baths of Lady María de Padilla and vast gardens with peacocks. It was a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Recommended time: 2–3 h
Tip: Buy a timed ticket on the official website: the queue without one can take over an hour. It is quieter and cooler first thing in the morning.
Cathedral and Giralda
The world’s largest Gothic cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus and a gold-covered high altarpiece. Its bell tower, the Giralda, was the minaret of the Almohad mosque: you climb up ramps, not stairs, to views over the whole city.
Recommended time: 1.5–2 h
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Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
The great semicircle built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, with its canal, bridges and a tiled bench for every Spanish province. Next to it, María Luisa Park is the best green refuge from the heat.
Recommended time: 1.5 h
Tip: You can rent a rowing boat to glide along the square’s canal.
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Santa Cruz quarter
The old Jewish quarter, a maze of whitewashed lanes, courtyards, flower-filled window grilles and squares such as Doña Elvira and Santa Cruz, in the shadow of the Alcázar. Perfect for wandering after your palace visit.
Recommended time: 1–2 h
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Las Setas (Metropol Parasol)
The huge wooden structure on Plaza de la Encarnación, with a market below, Roman remains in the basement and a rooftop walkway with 360-degree views over the city. It is especially beautiful at sunset.
Recommended time: 1 h
Triana
Across the Isabel II bridge lies the neighbourhood of sailors, potters and flamenco: Calle Betis facing the river, the Triana Market on top of the old Inquisition castle and tile workshops on Calle Alfarería.
Recommended time: 2 h
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Torre del Oro and the riverside
The Almohad tower that guarded the port where gold from the Americas arrived. From here, the riverside walk leads to the Maestranza and the piers for Guadalquivir boat trips.
Recommended time: 1 h
Tip: A sunset boat trip on the river is a good way to rest your legs.
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Casa de Pilatos
A 16th-century Andalusian palace blending Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles, with tiled courtyards, gardens and a collection of classical sculpture. Less known and quieter than the Alcázar.
Recommended time: 1 h
Palacio de las Dueñas
The home of the House of Alba, where the poet Antonio Machado was born: courtyards with bougainvillea, a lemon tree in the garden and rooms full of the family’s art and memorabilia.
Recommended time: 1 h
A flamenco show
Seville is one of the cradles of flamenco. You can see it in theatres and tablaos in the centre, at the Flamenco Dance Museum or, with luck, at a peña in Triana, more authentic and without a stage.
Recommended time: 1–1.5 h
Tip: Shows in small theatres fill up: book for the night you want.

Day trips from Seville

Córdoba
About 45 min by high-speed train
The Mosque-Cathedral, one of the most astonishing buildings in the world, the Jewish quarter and the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs. In May, the Courtyards Festival fills the city with flowers.
Cádiz
About 1 h 45 min by train
The oldest city in the West, surrounded by the sea: the cathedral, the La Viña quarter, La Caleta beach and the best fried fish.
Jerez de la Frontera
About 1 h by train
The sherry bodegas, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and a historic centre steeped in flamenco.
Ronda
About 2 h by car or bus
The town perched over a gorge, with the Puente Nuevo and one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. It can be combined with the white villages of the Cádiz mountains.
Itálica
About 20 min by bus
The ruins of the Roman city where Trajan and Hadrian were born, with one of the largest amphitheatres in the Empire. A half-day trip just outside town.

Seville in 3 days

Day 1
The Royal Alcázar first thing and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. In the afternoon, the Cathedral and the climb up the Giralda. Tapas for dinner in the centre and a flamenco show.
Day 2
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park in the morning, then the Torre del Oro and the riverside. Cross to Triana for lunch by the market and finish with sunset from Las Setas.
Day 3
Casa de Pilatos and Palacio de las Dueñas in the morning and an afternoon on the Alameda de Hércules. Or a day trip to Córdoba.

Seville with kids

Isla Mágica, the theme park on La Cartuja island, with a water park in summer.
The Seville Aquarium, themed on Magellan and Elcano’s voyage.
Rowing boats at Plaza de España and feeding the pigeons in María Luisa Park.
A boat trip on the Guadalquivir.

Free things to do in Seville

Plaza de España and María Luisa Park.
Walking through Santa Cruz, Triana and along the river.
The Triana Market and Calle Betis at sunset.
The Alameda de Hércules, with its terraces and neighbourhood atmosphere.
During Holy Week, watching the processions pass through the centre.

Where to stay in Seville

Seville’s centre is large but flat and walkable. Staying inside the historic quarter saves transfers and lets you rest during the hottest hours.

Santa Cruz
Next to the Alcázar and the Cathedral, in the prettiest quarter. Full of charm, though also the most touristy area.
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El Arenal
Between the Cathedral and the river, close to the Maestranza and the Triana bridge. Central and full of tapas bars.
Places to stay in El Arenal · 812 properties
Triana
More local and full of character, across the river and a short walk from the centre.
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Alameda de Hércules
Young and lively, with terraces and nightlife, and slightly lower prices than the monumental centre.
Places to stay in Alameda de Hércules · 878 properties

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When to go to Seville

Spring is the best time: orange blossom in the air, pleasant temperatures, Holy Week and, two weeks later, the April Fair, with marquees, flamenco dresses and horses. Autumn is also highly recommended.

From June to September it is extremely hot, with days above 40 °C in July and August: if you go, sightsee early in the morning and after dusk. Winter is mild and sunny.

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Frequently asked questions about Seville

Do I need to book the Royal Alcázar in advance?

It is highly recommended. Tickets have fixed time slots and sell out in high season; without one, the queue can take more than an hour. Buy on the official website or with a guided tour.

How many days do you need in Seville?

Two full days for the main sights, Triana and a flamenco show. With three you can add a day trip to Córdoba, Cádiz or Jerez.

When is the April Fair?

It takes place two weeks after Holy Week, so the dates change every year. During fair week accommodation gets more expensive and books up early.

Where can I see flamenco in Seville?

In the theatres and tablaos of the centre and Santa Cruz, at the Flamenco Dance Museum or at the peñas in Triana. Booking is a good idea, especially at weekends.