Travel guide: a perfect weekend itinerary in Seville

Hola Sevilla! One of the most beautiful cities in Europe makes for the perfect sunny escape! With blue sky and year-round sunshine, this lively city is made for strolling and cycling around, and, most importantly, sitting outside a tiled bar sipping a tinto de verano and getting some tapas. Afterall, it is their birthplace! Keep reading for the best weekend itinerary in Sevilla that you’ll want to steal!

The capital of Andalucía is incredibly packed full of culture, history and artistic energy. Many civilizations have left their mark on Seville, now being a beautiful blend of Islamic, Gothic and Renaissance architectures. Aside from learning about the rich history of Seville, you will want to wander and explore around the maze of cobbled narrow streets. You’ll smell the strong scent of Sevillan oranges among the trees, hear the sound of flamenco dancing, discover traditional Andalusian courtyards hidden in colorful alleyways with gorgeous tilework and fountains.

Seville will take you on a journey through ages, from ancient palaces to more modern architectural gems. It is also the perfect start to your best Andalucian road trip. In this guide, apart for the perfect itinerary for a weekend in Seville, I will also tell you where to eat, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and of course my favorite photography spots!

Itinerary for a weekend in Seville

Day 1: Colorful Sevilla

• Start at Plaza de España 💃
• Have breakfast at Filo ☕️
• Stroll in Santa Cruz neighbourhood 🌈
• Have lunch at La Bartola 🥗
• Visit Casa de Pilatos 💙
• Go up Setas de Sevilla for sunset 🌇
• Have dinner at Espacio Eslava🍷
• Enjoy a flamenco show at La Carboneria 💃

1. Plaza de España

Start your day at the magnificent Plaza de España. It is one of the two top things to do in Sevilla and definitely a must to start your weekend itinerary in Seville. Located in Maria Luisa Park, this beautiful plaza was the most grandiose of the building projects completed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The gigantic semi-circular building is one of the main sights and showcases a mixture of neo-Renaissance and neo-Moorish architectural styles. Today, it houses government offices.

The impressive huge red bricks building mixed with fountains, mini-canals and Venetian-style bridges covered in yellow and blue ceramic details is quite picturesque. You will also find 48 tiled alcoves decorated with azulejos and representing maps and historical scenes from each Spanish province. This square really is the perfect photography spot, spectacular angles are all around the square! 

Tip: During the day it’s usually filled with people, but at sunrise you’ll have it all to yourself. It officially opens at 8am (often earlier) so it’s best to come at this time. Tourists groups start arriving between 8:30 and 9am.

2. Santa Cruz neighborhood

From the Plaza de España, a little stroll north will take you to the charming neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Back in the 13th century, it used to be the Jewish quarter of Seville. Today, it is filled with secret squares and narrow cobbled streets with colorful alleyways and doorways. It’s the perfect place to get lost in as you might just find the most beautiful typical Moorish inner courtyards with fountains, orange trees and mosaic tiles.

It’s also the perfect place to have a delicious breakfast or lunch in a traditional tapas bar. There’s a lot of tourist traps but I can recommend you Filo for a traditional Spanish breakfast with tostadas (tomato on bread) and La Bartola, a modern tapas bar with traditional vegetarian dishes.

3. Casa de Pilatos

Casa de Pilatos is Sevilla’s best hidden gem. This beautiful palace is located in the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood, quite quiet and less crowded, perfect to check out on an afternoon. Built in the 15th century, this Andalusian palace incorporates a wonderful mixture of Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance decor, with some beautiful tilework and artesonados (ceilings of interlaced beams with decorative insertions).

I couldn’t get enough of all the details- inspiration overload! From the mix of colors to the geometric shapes and intricate carvings, there is something to be noticed in just about every corner.

Today, Casa de Pilatos is considered to be the prototype of Andalusian palaces. Walking around, you will see 150 different azulejos (ceramic tiles) on the walls, one of the biggest azulejos collections in the world. The palace also has a gorgeous garden with different sculptures of Greek gods and Roman emperors. Note that the upper floor is only accessible for guided tours. I recommend spending 1-2 hours to explore the entire palace.

4. Metropol Parasol

The Metropol Parasol used to be a car park before being turned into a giant sunshade by German architect Jürgen Mayer H. This 28 meters high platform is said to be the world’s largest wooden structure. Also known as Las Setas (“Mushrooms”), if offers fantastic views of the city, especially at sunset. You can buy your tickets directly but as it can get quite busy, it is best to book it online on their website (10€ during the day, 15€ at night).

5. Dinner at Espacio Eslava

A bit further north is Espacio Eslava, which might just be the one restaurant you have to include in any weekend itinerary in Seville. It’s one of the most famous tapas restaurants in Seville for locals for a good reason: tapas there are very unique, quite cheap and delicious! You can make a reservation for the restaurant inside (but it’s usually fully booked more than one month in advance…), or just walk-in. If you do so, try to aim for an early dinner as it gets busy very quickly.

6. Enjoy some flamenco at La Carboneria

La Carboneria is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and get to watch some flamenco. There’s a 30min show everynight at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30pm. The show is free but you have to buy a drink (cheap). It gets busy very quickly but I always managed to find a seat.

Day 2: Historical Sevilla

• Start at the Real Alcázar ⛲️
• Have lunch at Taberna del Arenal 🥗
• Visit the Cathedral & la Giralda ⛪️
• Walk on the river banks & the Torre del Oro 💛
• Watch the sunset from Plaza de España 🌇
• Have dinner at El Rinconcillo 🍷

1. Real Alcázar

Real Alcázar Palace

Start your day at the Real Alcázar, the other top thing to do in Seville! This royal palace sets in the heart of Seville will take you back to the 14th century. Originally built as a fort in the 10th century, subsequent rulers as Moors and Spanish Christians left their indelibile mark on the palace. Today, it is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe and this masterpiece was registered in 1987 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While walking around the Alcázar, you will admire the magnificent Mudéjar architecture, this unique mix of Christian and Arabic architecture, blended with elements from Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque styles. The upper floors are the official residence of the Spanish royal family today.

One of the highlights of the Alcázar that you cant’ miss is the sublime Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens), at the heart of the palace. Surrounded by beautiful arches, carved wooden doorways and tiling, with a long pool in the center, it is my favorite part of the palace.

Real Alcázar gardens

The lush gardens are also stunning and worth having a stroll in. They were created in a Moroccan style with many different plants, flowers, mazes, arches and garden walls. You can even walk along the top of the garden, which will give you a fantastic view of the palace. And from the gardens, you can access the Banos de Maria de Padilla, an extraordinary underground vault with massive stone archways and a pool that was once used for bathing.

Right next to the Alcazar is Taberna del Arenal, the perfect tapas bar with an outdoor seating area, large portions, great prices and great service.

Top tip: There are two lines to enter the Alcázar: one for those buying tickets at the entrance (on the side) and one for those who already bought them online (big wooden door of the main entrance). The second one is always shorter. Book your tickets in advance, ideally for the opening slot at 9:30am. But make sure to arrive at least 30min before the opening hours because people start queuing at around 9am at the main entrance. I would recommend at least 2 hours to visit.

2. Catedral de Sevilla & Giralda

In front of the Alcázar and not far from Taberna del Arenal is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Seville’s immense cathedral is awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty. The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what was previously the city’s main mosque.

The Giralda, the mighty bell tower, was the original minaret of the mosque built in 1171. Its proportions (it tops out at 104m), delicate brick-pattern decoration and color, which changes with the light, make it perhaps Spain’s most perfect Islamic building. Unlike other bell towers you may have climbed before, this one doesn’t have stairs. Instead, 35 ramps will lead you to the top for unbeatable views of Seville.

If you prefer to visit the the Royal Alcázar and the Seville Cathedral with a guide to explain the history and significance of these ancient sights, I highly recommend this guided tour. It gives you fast entry and also takes you up the stunning Giralda. Otherwise, I recommend you to book your ticket online to skip the queue for the Cathedral and Giralda.

3. Stroll on the river banks & Torre del Oro

Not far from the Cathedral is Torrel del Oro, a 36m tower which was built next to the Guadalquivir River to protect shipping and control access to Seville via the river. From there you can cross the river and take a walk in the beautiful riverfront neighborhood of Triana.

Triana has a rich history as it used to be home to local artists, sailors and gypsies. It definitely feels like stepping back in time! There’s also the Mercado where you can get the best Andalusian dishes at super low prices, in a friendly and lively atmosphere! It is also the best neighborhood to catch some flamenco in the streets and for ceramics!

4. Watch the sunset from Plaza de España

The atmosphere at the end of the day is very different from the one you get in the early morning. But the golden hues of the end-of-afternoon sun are just stunning! You will also often see flamenco dance & Andalusian music performances in the center of the building in a really friendly and festive atmosphere.

5. Have dinner at El Rinconcillo

El Rinconcillo is the oldest bar in Seville. Established in 1670, it is very popular among both tourists and locals, and it’s an iconic place that absolutely lives up to its hype. The inside is very historic and will take you back in time with its delicious traditional andalusian cuisine! You can just walk-in for the tapas bar (first in first served) but make sure to arrive 15-20min before opening (at 8pm) or make a booking for the restaurant online (a few days ahead).

Other highlights

There’s a lot to do in Seville and what is included in this weekend itinerary is only the highlight. If you want to take your time, I would add a third day. But to be honest, there’s enough things to do in Seville to keep you busy for a week! Some of other must-dos are:

• Archivo de Indias: this museum provides fascinating insight into Spain’s colonial history.
• Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes: this museum, housed in a former hospice for ageing priests, is a gem.
• Museo de Bellas Artes: it provides an elegant showcase for a comprehensive collection of Spanish and Sevillan paintings and sculptures.
• San Luis de los Franceses: it is the finest example of baroque architecture in Seville.
• Museo del Baile Flamenco: to learn more about the history of flamencore through interactive exhibitions

General infos

Best time to visit

Seville is the perfect destination all year-round, outside of July-August (40°C-104°F). Spring is probably the best time to visit but it’s also the most festive time, with the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (Spring Fair). Thus it’s also one of the busiest & most expensive season.

September & October are also great months, with nice temperatures: hot days and warm nights, and plenty of sunshine. November, February & March have milder temperatures, sunny and warm during the day, chilly at night. There’s also less people and prices are usually lower.

December and January are cool, often with rain showers, but Seville is still very pretty in winter, with festive lights and seasonal markets.

How to get around

If you arrive at Seville airport, the easiest way to get to the city center is to take a uber for +/- 20€. You can also take a direct bus for 4€ that will take you to Paséo Colón (the closest stop to the old town) in 35-50min.

If you arrive from Malaga airport, the biggest international airport in Andalusia, you can either rent a van to go on an Andalusia road trip !!! LINK !!! or take a direct train from Malaga to Sevilla.

Once there, Seville is a relatively small city, so you can pretty much walk everywhere!

Where to stay

Every neighborhood in Seville has a different atmosphere. Triana is cheap and authentic, whereas the historical Old Town and Barrio Santa Cruz are close to the main sights. I got to stay at Hom Sevilla (⭐️ 9.0), a gorgeous apartment in the Old Town, and Petit Palace Canalejas (⭐️ 8.3) in Barrio Triana which was really nice. Other great accomodations in Seville would be Melia Sevilla (⭐️ 8.4), Hotel Ateneo (⭐️ 9.3), Hotel Casa 1800 (⭐️ 9.1) or Vincci La Rabida (⭐️ 8.7)

What to eat & drink

Andalusia is the birthplace of tapas so they are plenty of traditional dishes to try! Seville is also home to some of the best wines of Spain and they make the best chilly drinks out of it, perfect to cool down on a hot sunny day! Make sure to include several tapas & drinks stops in your weekend itinerary in Seville!

• Salmorejo, cold tomato soup
• Espinacas con garbanzo, spinach with chickpeas
• Corquetas, often ham&cheese but also veggie&cheese wrapped in a fried potato
• Serranito, Seville’s signature sandwich with Serrano ham
• Cazon de adobo, deep-fried marinated fish
• Tinto de verano, Seville’s local version of a sangria (and way better!)
• Manzanilla, a dry local sherry
• Rebujito, a mix of sherry & Sprite
• Orange wine, a dark and sweet wine and a symbol of Seville

Best tours & experiences

• Cathedral & Royal Alcazar guided tour
• The Best Tapas Tour
• Flamenco Show in Triana
• Skip-the-line ticket to Seville Cathedral & Giralda
• Skip-the-line tickets to Real Alcazar
• Don’t miss a panoramic boat ride on the Guadalquivir River

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This is my ultimate itinerary for a weekend in Seville! But if you can enjoy a slow travel and want to explore at a very leisurely pace, there is definitely enough to do in Seville to keep you inspired for a few more days, even a whole week!

I hope this weekend itinerary guide to Seville will be useful for you and if you need, feel free to reach out with any questions! And don’t forget to tag me in your stories and posts on Instagram if this article inspires you !

With love, 
Marina

P.S.: Are you looking for some weekend getaways ideas? Find out some of the best weekend itineraries here!

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