2 Days in Seville (PLUS Bonus Options)

Are you planning to spend 2 days in Seville?  This is the perfect amount of time to visit the top spots in Seville. 

Explore iconic sites like Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, venture to lively Triana, or opt for day trips to Grenada, Cordoba, or Ronda. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture with Tapas and Flamenco at night. 

For first-time visitors, Seville presents an enchanting mix of traditional and contemporary experiences. Wander through the charming streets of Barrio Santa Cruz or marvel at the modern Metropol Parasol.

And, don’t miss enjoying a serene river cruise on the Guadalquivir for a unique perspective of the city’s beauty and history.

Your unforgettable 2-day Seville adventure begins here!

Day 1: Famous Seville

Day 1 takes you through the most famous sites in Seville.  This day is jam-packed in order to leave room for a day trip out of Seville on Day 2. 

You can alternatively choose to space these activities out onto your second day in place of taking a day trip. 

Royal Alcazar

The enchanting subterranean Baths of Lady María de Padilla in the Royal Alcázar, with vaulted ceilings reflecting in tranquil waters, a hidden gem in Seville.

Seville’s Royal Alcazar is one of the top reasons people come to Seville!  Many visitors spend 24 hours in Seville for this reason alone.

The beautiful multi-architectural palace combines Moorish and Christian styles, a common site in Southern Spain. 

However, the palace is one of the most famous buildings exuding this merge of art.

Fact: This UNESCO World Heritage site also holds claim as a Game of Thrones filming site!

Time: 2 Hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:30am-5:00pm ⏐  Website  ⏐💲Price: €13 ⏐ 

Plaza del Triunfo

Historic General Archive of the Indies in Seville, with its baroque façade and ornate street lamp, a cultural highlight for any Seville itinerary.

Plaza del Triunfo is located right in between the Royal Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral, making it a convenient stop on the way. 

The vibrant flowers and castle-like architecture make it one of my favorite plazas in Seville. 

Due to its proximity to the top two attractions in Seville, it does get crowded pretty fast, making it more important to start your day early in the morning. 

Time: 15 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐ 

Seville Cathedral (and Giralda Tower)

A side view of Seville Cathedral showcasing its impressive Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, and the Giralda tower in the backdrop, a highlight of any Seville itinerary.

Seville Cathedral is conveniently located across the plaza from Royal Alcazar, making all three of these morning stops easy to combine. 

The biggest Gothic cathedral in the WORLD is another pristine example of the architectural combinations of Moorish and Christian art forms. 

Giralda Tower is the bell tower attached to Seville Cathedral and comes with an entrance fee.  I skipped this activity, but they say it’s an amazing panoramic view of the city. 

Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm.  Sunday 2:30-6:30pm ⏐  Website  ⏐💲Price: €12 ⏐ 

Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is one of the most charming neighborhoods of Seville.  Its colorful, old buildings painted across winding, cobblestone streets is something out of a fairytale.   

Wander the streets and explore the quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants tucked away in this neighborhood. 

In Barrio Santa Cruz, every corner tells a story, blending the rich past with vibrant present-day life. It’s particularly enchanting in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts a magical glow over the buildings, offering perfect photo opportunities.

Additionally, this neighborhood is famous for its hidden courtyards filled with orange trees, providing a serene escape from the bustling city.

Time: 1 – 1.5 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐ 

Plaza de España

Plaza de España is a grand square featuring a huge building with iconic Spanish architecture.  The plaza is surrounded by picturesque park grounds which make for a great afternoon picnic spot or just a relaxing stroll. 

Tip: If you are following “option a” of this itinerary and not taking a day trip tomorrow, I recommend visiting Plaza de España tomorrow instead, before Maria Luisa Park. 

Time: 20 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐ 

Flamenco and Tapas

Pair two of the top Spanish cultural activities for a classic evening in Southern Spain.   

Flamenco and tapas are both significant parts of Andalusian culture, making a night out experiencing them essential during your visit to Seville.

Flamenco is a passionate art form combining guitar music, singing, hand clapping, and dance.  There are many performances held throughout the city at various venues from small intimate settings to large theaters. 

As for tapas, these small dishes of food are meant for sharing and offer a wide range of flavors.  

Explore the city’s bustling tapas bars, or “tapas crawl”, to try various specialties from seafood to cured meats and cheeses.  And don’t forget to taste the local sherry, a fortified wine that pairs perfectly with tapas.

Tip: If you are running tight on timing today, include this activity tomorrow instead, or experience Flamenco at night in Barcelona, Cordoba, or Grenada.  Or really, just about anywhere else in Spain!

A traveler with dark brown hair wearing a red dress walking through a large historic doorway leading to a square with Seville Cathedral in the background, a snapshot of life in Seville.

Day 2: Seville Continued OR Day Trip

Congratulations on reaching Day 2 in Seville, yahoo!  From here, you have two options:

  • Option a: Take things at a slower pace and continue to experience all that Seville has to offer. 
  • Option b: Get out of town and take a day trip.  There are tons of options through the Andalulsia region of Southern Spain.

Alternatively, consider extending your itinerary for 3 days in Seville to complete all of the activities. 

Seville Continued

Maria Luisa Park

Just a 5-minute walk from Plaza de España lies Maria Luisa Park. The park’s hidden architectural gems amidst vibrant botanic gardens offer a tranquil experience.

Stroll through its expansive greenery, featuring tree-lined avenues and exotic plants, perfect for leisurely walks or relaxation.

Close to the Guadalquivir River, enjoy a refreshing breeze for picnics. Entrance is free!

During summer, enjoy natural shade throughout the park with canopied trees. For a cool morning, visit Plaza de America nearby.

Time: 15 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐ 

Triana

Chapel of El Carmen in Seville with its ornate blue-tiled dome and brick bell tower, a perfect example of Seville's religious heritage and Andalusian architecture.

Cross the Triana Bridge over the Guadalquivir River into Seville’s Triana neighborhood, a charming area offering a different perspective of the city. While the city center bustles, Triana invites you to savor Seville at a more relaxed pace.

One must-visit spot is the renowned Triana Market, known for its local flair. Keep in mind that some stalls may be closed on certain days and options for vegetarians can be limited.

A highlight of Triana is the quaint Paseo de Arte, a hidden gem featuring local artists’ works in a peaceful setting.

With its unique charm and accessibility, this spot offers a delightful way to immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s artistic vibe.

Time: 1.5 hours minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐ 

Dueñas Palace

If you’re considering adding Dueñas Palace to your itinerary, now is the perfect time.

Situated on the way back to Seville’s historic center in the Encarnación-Regina district, one of the highlights is its picturesque garden.

While the palace itself may be small, with only a few rooms accessible to the public, some visitors find it underwhelming for the entrance fee. However, I haven’t visited personally to provide a definitive opinion.

Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm⏐  Website  ⏐💲Price: €12 or free on Monday afternoons (as of March 2024) ⏐ 

Setas de Sevilla

View of Metropol Parasol, known as Setas de Sevilla, with its unique waffle-like grid structure towering against a clear blue sky, a modern landmark to include on a Seville itinerary.

A 5-minute stroll from Dueñas Palace takes you to Setas de Sevilla, a must-see honeycomb structure for first-time visitors.

Spend a few minutes soaking in the stunning architecture from the outdoor terrace, or take the elevator for panoramic views of Seville.

Don’t miss the underground museum displaying ancient ruins found during construction. Ideal for a quick visit!

Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Viewing platform 9:30am – 12:30am.  Plaza 24 hours ⏐  Website  ⏐💲Price: Free for plaza or €15 or for viewing platform⏐ 

Day Trip

There are tons of day trips from Seville to incorporate into your itinerary, or to extend your trip.  

Ronda

Traveling to Ronda for a day is a must-do experience in Southern Spain for first-time visitors.

The picturesque Pueblo Blanco offers a blend of historic architecture, breathtaking views, and a renowned gorge to explore.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a hidden gem in Southern Spain! Explore its treasures like La Mezquita and stunning Roman architecture on a day trip.

The city’s rich history, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque streets, makes Cordoba an unforgettable stop in any Andalusia adventure.

It’s a must-visit city in the region – don’t miss out!

Granada

Granada, known for the mesmerizing Alhambra Palace, showcases the beauty of Moorish art and architecture, making it an enchanting day trip from Seville.

This city presents a perfect mix of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes, creating an unparalleled experience in Southern Spain.

Its close proximity to Seville enables first-time visitors to comfortably immerse themselves in its rich heritage and return within a day.

Conclusion

Exploring Seville over two days offers first-time visitors a wonderful glimpse into the heart of Southern Spain’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.

From the intricate beauty of the Dueñas Palace to the modern marvel of Setas de Sevilla, and the immersive day trips to Ronda, Cordoba, and Grenada, the itinerary is designed to showcase the diversity and charm of the region.

Each location has been carefully selected to ensure visitors experience a blend of historical marvels, awe-inspiring nature, and artistic masterpieces, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of Seville.

The region’s direct flights to Barcelona and Lisbon or Porto in Portugal make it convenient to extend your adventure further in Spain or Europe. 

Whether you’re marveling at the ancient ruins beneath Setas de Sevilla or gazing upon the grandeur of the Alhambra, these two days promise an unforgettable adventure into the essence of Andalusian splendor.

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Alyssa

As a full time employee who loves her job, learn how I honor my wanderlust while working a 9:00-5:00 (because I want to!) This blog welcomes all, and specifically provides resources for those seeking travel intertwined into a busy schedule (3 days to 5 weeks).