Are you planning a 3 day Seville itinerary? This is an excellent way to spend a Spain vacation, and our detailed itinerary has got you covered!
This 3-day Seville itinerary covers the top spots featuring tips from first-hand experiences. As a teacher, I’ll walk you through 3 days in Seville with a unique lens.
Some of the best things to do on any Seville itinerary include visiting the Royal Palace, Seville Cathedral, and panoramic Plaza de Espana.
3 days also includes enough time for a day trip to a neighboring town in Southern Spain.
Whether you are a solo traveler or with a group, your Spanish vacation awaits!
Day 1: Architecture
Plaza del Triunfo
Begin your day at Plaza del Triunfo bright and early. This was my favorite plaza in Seville!
You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during the early morning hours before the crowds swoop in (and they will!)
The entrance point to both the Royal Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral are both here, so you really can’t miss it.
Time: 15 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Royal Alcazar
One of the top reasons people visit Seville or take a day trip here is for the Alcazar.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Its unique immersion of Moorish and Christian architectural styles is common in Southern Spain, but not in many other regions of the world.
My favorite part of the Alcazar is the immaculate courtyards!
I recommend allocating 2-3 hours to explore the Royal Alcazar fully. A
nd honestly, that won’t even be enough time to explore every nook and cranny! But I get it, it will eventually be time to move on.
Time: 2 Hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:30am-5:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €13 ⏐
Lunch
I recommend separating your visit between Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral with lunch.. especially if you are visiting during the hot, summer months.
An air conditioning break can make all the difference, and sitting down and relaxing might allow you to appreciate the next architectural wonder even more.
Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower
Seville Cathedral is also located within the Plaza del Triunfo, just footsteps away from Royal Alcazar.
It is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the WORLD! And it’s not just big, but also stunning.
It was built back when Seville was a major port for goods flowing between Europe and the Americas.
Giralda Tower is Seville Cathedral’s Bell Tower and you can see the landmark from almost anywhere in the city.
It was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and features both Moorish and Christian architecture (much like the Royal Alcazar).
Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm. Sunday 2:30-6:30pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €12 ⏐
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
Barrio Santa Cruz is the neighborhood that all of the items you have experienced on this itinerary so far are located in.
It is one of the old quarters in Seville and is also known as the Jewish Quarter. Colorful buildings fill narrow, cobblestone streets. It is one of the most charming places in the city!
Consider a drink or tapas (snack or dinner!) at an outdoor patio in Barrio Santa Cruz.
Honestly, sometimes I forget to sit down and take in the beauty and culture that is all around me. I think Barrio Santa Cruz is the perfect place to stop and sit for a while, especially after a packed first day in Seville.
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Dinner: Tapas
Tapas are an excellent dinner choice that I recommend to everyone in Spain, but specifically Seville and other towns of Southern Spain like Grenada, because Southern Spain is the birthplace of Tapas.
Tapas are small bites of food that you can share with your company, or keep all to yourself. It works great for groups and solo travelers alike.
Some traditional tapas dishes include:
- Croquetas: Deep-fried bites filled with fillings like cheese and spinach.
- Tortilla de Patatas: A Spanish omelet made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. It’s not like a breakfast omelet though!
Spaniards tend to eat this as a starter dish or something light to snack on while drinking. (Don’t mistake it for a sweet omelet, this is savory.)
Note: Tapas can vary by region in Spain, so don’t be surprised if the offerings aren’t exactly what I listed here.
Day 2: Classic Seville
Plaza de España
Begin your second day bright and early (once again) to enjoy Plaza de España without the crowds. I loved exploring here before the crowds swooped in and basking in the tranquil atmosphere.
The azueljo tiles detailing this half-circular plaza with a giant fountain in the middle makes for a so very beautiful experience.
So many people (myself included) love this spot for taking photos, and you’ll see why!
The charm of Plaza de España extends beyond its stunning azulejos and architecture; its historical significance only adds to its beauty.
This landmark was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, showcasing Spain’s industry and technology advancements. The bridges represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain, adding a layer of symbolism and history to your visit.
Entrance to the plaza is entirely free.
Tip: Be sure to take a walk along the canal that surrounds the plaza – renting a small rowboat offers a unique perspective of this magnificent site.
Time: 20 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐
Maria Luisa Park
Only a 5-minute walk away from Plaza de España is Maria Luisa Park. The beautiful, hidden architecture among the vibrant botanic gardens makes for a truly serene experience.
Its vast greenery includes impressive avenues lined with orange trees, palm trees, and exotic plants, inviting visitors for leisurely walks or peaceful relaxation.
Additionally, the park’s close proximity to the Guadalquivir River offers a refreshing breeze, making it an idyllic spot for picnics.
Park entrance is free- just stroll on in!
Summer Tip: A huge bonus during the summer months- this is one of the only parts of the city with natural shade everywhere!
The incredible botanic gardens feature canopied trees high above you, bringing at least a bit of coolness to the morning.
Tip: If you have time, swing by Plaza de America after.
Time: 15 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐
Triana
Cross the Triana Bridge over the Guadalquivir River into Seville’s Triana neighborhood.
It’s much smaller than the heart of the city and provides a different perspective of Seville. While the city center bustles, Triana allows you to experience Seville at a slower pace.
Visitors recommend the infamous Triana Market. I visited on a Sunday and most of the vendor stands were closed (Also, not much a spot for vegetarians).
My favorite part of Triana was the small Paseo de Arte. This tiny neighborhood staple featured about 6 artist stands with paintings, jewelry, and more.
It was quaint and not touristy. It is also located down a ramp making it accessible.
Time: 1.5 hours minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ 💲Price: Free ⏐
Dueñas Palace
If you want to add Dueñas Palace to your itinerary, this is the time to do it. It’s located on the way back to Seville’s historical center in the Encarnación-Regina district.
One of the highlights here is it’s walkable garden. The palace itself was quite small with only a few rooms open to the public.
Some visitors say it’s not worth the entrance fee, but I didn’t visit myself so I can’t say for certain.
Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €12 or free on Monday afternoons (as of March 2024) ⏐
Setas de Sevilla
A 5-minute walk from Duenas Palace will lead you to Setas de Sevilla.
This honeycomb structure is a classic tourist stop, but you don’t need to spend longer than a couple of minutes admiring the architecture at the outdoor terrace. That is unless you want to take the elevator to the top for views over Seville.
In addition, Setas de Sevilla also has an underground museum showcasing ancient ruins discovered during its construction.
(I skipped the viewpoint and museum during my trip).
Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Viewing platform 9:30am – 12:30am. Plaza 24 hours ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: Free for plaza or €15 or for viewing platform⏐
Evening: Flamenco
Flamenco is one of the most traditional things you can do during any Seville itinerary, from 24 hours to 3 days!
Experiencing Flamenco in Seville is unique because the city is considered the birthplace of Flamenco, providing an authentic atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.
Flamenco is not just a dance; it’s an emotional journey expressed through movement and music, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Southern Spain, particularly in Seville.
This captivating art form, involving passionate guitar playing, soulful singing, and dynamic dance, offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse history and traditions.
Tip: If you don’t have time to include it in your Seville itinerary, it’s OK! Flamenco is now famous all around Spain. It’s one of the best things to do at night in Barcelona and Madrid as well.
Day 3: Day Trip
You are in one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, after all! Not only is Andalucia famous for the creation of Flamenco and Tapas, but it is home to SEVEN UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From beautiful pueblos blancos such as Ronda to iconic towns like Grenada and Cordoba, there are tons of day trips from Seville by train or bus making it convenient to explore the region.
Cordoba
Cordoba is one of the most underrated cities in Southern Spain, in my opinion!
Taking a day trip to Cordoba features La Mezquita and tons of Roman architecture. It is one of my favorite cities in the region and I highly recommend it.
Grenada
Grenada, with its stunning Alhambra Palace, stands as a testament to Moorish art and architecture, making it a captivating day trip from Seville.
The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes that are unparalleled in Southern Spain.
Its proximity to Seville allows travelers to comfortably explore its rich heritage and return within the same day.
Ronda
Going to Ronda for a day is one of the best things you can do in Southern Spain.
The mountainous Pueblo Blanco features tons of historic architecture, amazing views, and a famous gorge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this 3-day itinerary in Seville offers a comprehensive glimpse into the heart and soul of Andalucia, blending historic exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic day trips.
Starting with the majestic Real Alcazar and Plaza de España, to the spiritual experience of Flamenco dancing, and winding down with excursions to surrounding UNESCO sites like Ronda, Grenada, and Cordoba, visitors are treated to the very best of Seville.
Each activity and destination provides a unique window into the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that make Seville a must-visit city!
