3 Days in Seville Itinerary

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Enter the world's largest Gothic cathedral, built on the site of a mosque. Columbus's tomb (probably) lies here, and the interior is overwhelmingly ornate. Climb the Giralda tower via 35 ramps - originally built so guards could ride horses to the top - for spectacular city views.

Real Alcazar

This working royal palace is a stunning fusion of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture spanning 1,000 years. The intricate tilework and stucco of the Palacio de Don Pedro rivals the Alhambra. The gardens are equally magnificent - perfect for cooling down.

Tapas Lunch in Santa Cruz

Navigate the narrow whitewashed lanes of the former Jewish quarter to reach local favourites like Bodega Santa Cruz or Las Teresas. Order a mix of traditional tapas - jamón ibérico, salmorejo (creamy tomato soup), spinach with chickpeas, fried fish.

Siesta Time

Do as Sevillanos do - rest during the hottest hours. Seville can exceed 40°C in summer. Return to your hotel, nap, read, or sit with a drink in a shaded plaza. The city genuinely shuts down 14:00-17:00.

Wander Santa Cruz & Judería

As temperatures cool, return to the maze of Santa Cruz. Find Plaza de los Venerables, peek into hidden patios, and discover tiny squares with orange trees. The Jewish history panels throughout the neighbourhood add context.

Guadalquivir River Walk

Stroll along the river to the golden Torre del Oro, a 13th-century Moorish watchtower. The riverside paseo is Seville's living room at sunset - families, cyclists, joggers, and couples enjoying the cooler evening air.

Dinner at El Rinconcillo

Founded in 1670, this is Seville's oldest bar. They still chalk your bill on the wooden counter. The tapas are traditional and excellent - try carrillada (slow-cooked pork cheeks) and espinacas con garbanzos. Arrive early by Spanish standards.

Breakfast at Mercado de Triana

Cross the Puente de Isabel II to Triana, historically the potters', sailors', and flamenco artists' quarter. Start at the market for coffee, fresh orange juice, and perhaps a montadito (mini sandwich) from the bars inside.

Triana Neighbourhood Walk

Explore the narrow streets where flamenco was born. Visit ceramic workshops on Calle San Jorge and Calle Alfareria - some have been making tiles since the 15th century. The neighbourhood feels authentically Sevillano without tourist crowds.

Centro Ceramica Triana

This excellent museum in a former tile factory explains Triana's ceramic heritage. You can watch artisans at work and see stunning examples from across the centuries. It provides context for the tiles you'll notice throughout Seville.

Tapas in Triana

Lunch at Casa Cuesta or Sol y Sombra - local institutions serving Triana regulars. Try pescaíto frito (fried fish), huevos rotos (broken eggs with ham), and whatever the bartender recommends.

Siesta/Pool Time

Another essential rest period. Use your hotel pool if available, or retreat to air conditioning. Seville's afternoon heat is intense from May through September.

Plaza de Espana

This extraordinary semi-circular plaza was built for the 1929 Exposition. Forty-eight tiled alcoves represent Spanish provinces, a canal allows rowing boats, and the central fountain reflects the ornate buildings. It's extravagantly beautiful.

Maria Luisa Park

Adjacent to the plaza, this park offers shaded paths, duck ponds, and gorgeous gardens. It was the grounds of the 1929 Exposition and remains Seville's green heart. Perfect for letting kids run after city walking.

Early Dinner at Eslava

Arrive when doors open at this award-winning tapas bar near Alameda de Hercules. Creative modern tapas that have won national awards, yet prices remain reasonable. Their slow-cooked egg with mushrooms is legendary.

Flamenco at Casa de la Memoria

This intimate venue in a historic house offers authentic flamenco without tourist-show cheese. Sixty seats, genuine artists, raw emotion. Book several days ahead. Shows are typically 75-90 minutes without interval.

Breakfast at Feria Market Area

Start in the northern Feria/Macarena neighbourhood at a local cafe. This working-class area has fewer tourists and more authentic atmosphere. La Viuda on Calle Feria does excellent tostadas.

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

This wooden structure - nicknamed 'The Mushrooms' - is the world's largest wooden structure. The rooftop walkway offers unique views over Seville's rooftops. Below, Roman ruins have been preserved in the Antiquarium.

Casa de Pilatos

This lesser-known palace combines Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles beautifully. Less crowded than the Alcazar, the tilework is equally stunning and the peaceful gardens offer respite from summer heat.

Epic Tapas Crawl Begins

Start your tapas adventure at El Tremendo on Calle del Codo - standing room only, exceptional ham. Move to Bodeguita Romero for their famous pringa sandwich. Continue to La Giganta for seafood. Pace yourself with one or two tapas per bar.

Siesta

Your final siesta before afternoon explorations.

Alameda de Hercules

This tree-lined promenade is Seville's most vibrant neighbourhood. Once dodgy, now hip, it's full of indie bars, vintage shops, and local families enjoying the evening. The Roman columns at each end date from the 2nd century.

More Tapas on Alameda

Continue your tapas journey with ConTenedor for modern creative bites, or Bar Pepe Hillo for bullfighting memorabilia and traditional fare. The bars along Alameda stay open late and attract a mixed crowd of all ages.

Final Evening Stroll

Walk back through illuminated Seville - perhaps via the cathedral and Alcazar, now dramatically lit against the night sky. The city is beautiful at night and safe for evening wandering.