Things to Do in Seville in 2 or 3 Days, Must-See Places

Discover the essential things to do in Seville in two days, a place where the Andalusian culture is reflected in the streets.

Seville forms part of Andalusia’s golden triangle, along with the monumental cities of Cordoba and Granada, which are also well worth a visit.

The beautiful city of Seville attracts everyone who visits it, as has happened to us. In its historic centre, the Cathedral with the Giralda and the Real Alcázar, together with the historic Archivo de Indias, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

🔘 Check out the rest of the World Heritage Sites we have visited.

Crossing the Guadalquivir river you reach the Triana quarter with its typical Andalusian atmosphere. These are just some of the many sites that make Seville one of the most visited destinations in Spain.

At night Seville has a lot of activity in the bars and restaurants area with the classic tapas and the flamenco dance shows that take place in the famous tablaos, one of the activities that you have to do in Seville.

Let’s discover the places to see in Seville.

Map, things to do in Seville in two days

The following map summarises everything there is to do in Seville. It really is a big city with a lot to do, so we recommend that you spend at least 2 or 3 days there.

• Day 1 you can see the Alcazar, the Cathedral, Plaza de España and the Triana quarter.
• Day 2 the Macarena Basilica and the Seville Expo on the Isla de la Cartuja.

🔝 We have visited Seville on several occasions, it is one of the must-see places on a route through Andalusia.

1. Seville Cathedral and its Giralda 🔘

The imposing Cathedral of Seville is the largest of the Christian religion built in Gothic style, although other architectural styles such as Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical can also be seen, which have been incorporated over the centuries. Such is its magnitude that the main altarpiece houses more than 200 saints that you won’t be able to stop looking at.

It is worth taking a walk around the Cathedral before entering to discover the different access doors and to take a close look at the replica of the Giraldillo, the figure at the top of La Giralda.

The interior of the Cathedral, for its part, is not to be missed. In addition to the aforementioned main altarpiece, you should also take a look at the choir, the choir loft, the chapels and the resting place of Cristobal Colon, the discoverer of America (who is one of the many historical figures whose remains rest here).

There is a long queue to enter the Cathedral, so it is advisable to book a tour that includes admission or to take it out in advance.

– Climbing the roofs of the Cathedral

A visit to the Cathedral is not complete without a tour of its roofs. This allows you to appreciate the views of the great catholic temple from above, to get closer to the Giralda to take pictures and to see the historic centre of Seville in all its magnitude.

– Climb the Giralda Tower

A symbol and one of the main sights to see in Seville, the Giralda tower seems to touch the sky at 100 metres high.

It was originally the minaret of the old mosque, which was never finished. Today it is the bell tower of the Cathedral and you can climb up almost to the top to have a different view of the historic centre of Seville, and above all, to contemplate the Real Alcázar from the heights.

Next to the Cathedral in the Arenal neighbourhood is the Plaza del Cabildo and contrary to what it may seem from its location and style, it is a square from the last century built on the site of the former Colegio de San Miguel. It is a semicircular square with many details to observe, from its arches to its frescoes painted by the local artist José Palomar. It is usually quiet, with little movement of people, although on Sunday mornings there is a numismatic and philatelic flea market that is crazy for collectors.

2. Royal Alcazar of Seville 🔘

We can say that the Real Alcázar is one of the three essential places to do in Seville. Built during the 10th century, the Alcázar originally functioned as a palace during the Arab period.

Later enlarged during the Christian reconquest, it is now one of the most beautiful places in Spain. Throughout the grounds, the luxurious detailing extends from the floor to the elaborate domes of the ceiling, and we were truly impressed by the beauty that stands out before our eyes.

There are two areas that we believe deserve more time: one is the Maidens’ Courtyard where Moorish architecture is very present with the large arches and the central pool through which the water flows; the other is the gardens, where the main protagonist is the water contained in fountains and ponds.

📷 Book the tour of the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the Giralda with entrance tickets included here. You will tour the three most important monuments of Seville with an English speaking guide who will explain all the details. The best thing? Including tickets!

3. Spanish history in the Archive of the Indies 🔘

If you are a history lover, one of the activities we recommend you to do in Seville is to visit the Archivo de Indias, which is free of charge.

It is not only worth it for the architectural value of the building, but also because it hides ancient documents and letters written to the Catholic Monarchs. The visit is introduced by a video on the historical value of what is stored inside to introduce the theme. Then the tour of the exhibition rooms continues.

📷 Book the Mysteries and Legends Tour here and make a reservation. A night tour of Seville to discover the history and heritage of the city.

4. Santa Cruz neighbourhood, an ideal place to see in Seville at night.

The Santa Cruz neighbourhood has a long history in Seville, being one of the oldest in the city and the site of the Jewish quarter. Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets is like going back in time and finding buildings from the 13th century, such as the old synagogue.

In the afternoons and evenings, it is one of the perfect places in Seville to sit in a bar or restaurant. Not to be missed, enjoy the local tapas with a glass of beer.

Inside the Barrio Santa Cruz it is worthwhile to visit the Patio de Banderas. It is located within the walls of the Alcázar of Seville (although it is almost an obligatory stop) and has a fountain in the centre with orange trees planted in the mid-19th century. From its cobbled streets there is a beautiful view of the Giralda towering on the horizon.

5. Plaza de España, an icon to see in Seville

If there’s one thing you can’t miss when visiting Seville, it’s the Plaza de España. Built at the beginning of the 20th century in a semicircular shape, it has murals on its walls representing each of the Spanish provinces.

The beauty of the Plaza de España itself lies not only in this building, but also in the small canal next to it. There you can rent a boat for a family trip or a romantic one with your partner.

📷 Book one of the free tours in Seville and get to know the history and the most important places of the city with an expert guide. A stroll through the Jewish quarter, a walk through the charm of Triana, a tour of the main monuments, even a tour of the city’s legends. Don’t miss it!

6. María Luisa Park, to enjoy the open air.

Amidst so much concrete and historic buildings, there is an oasis of tranquillity to have a good time. Maria Luisa Park is located right between the Plaza de España and the Guadalquivir River and is the great green lung to see in Seville.

At all hours you’ll see people lounging on the grass, playing sports or chatting. It is an ideal refuge for hot summer days, when the temperature is over 40 degrees and you can stay under the shade of trees or by the fountains and waterfalls.

📷 Book here the guided tour of the Maria Luisa Park. Get to know the history behind María Luisa and enjoy a green space in the city centre.

7. The Gold Tower

One of the buildings that is already a symbol of Seville is the Torre del Oro, which is located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River. It is cylindrical in shape and was built for defensive purposes in the 13th century. There are many legends surrounding this tower related to the construction materials, the use it has been put to (it was said that a king kept his treasures here) and the name it bears.

Today it houses the Maritime Museum, which has been here since 1936 and you can climb to the top for views of the river.

If you continue walking along the banks of the Guadalquivir to cross the Triana Bridge into this neighbourhood, three places will catch your eye:

• Maestranza Theatre, inaugurated in 1991 for opera performances, classical music concerts, flamenco recitals, ballet and zarzuelas.
• Bullring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería, is a historic building from the 18th century where there is a bullfighting museum It is a culture and tradition still deeply rooted in the Andalusian people.
• The Lonja del Barranco market, next to the Triana Bridge, is the traditional local market converted into something a little more modern, but maintaining its essence. Perfect for a break on the walk as they sell beers and snacks.

8. The Triana quarter, an Andalusian tradition to see in Seville

If you cross the Guadalquivir river from the historic centre you will find a very picturesque neighbourhood, where you can breathe the atmosphere of Seville. This is the old seafaring quarter of Triana, one of the places to see in Seville. It is well known because it has seen the birth of many Spanish stars, especially in the field of artists and bullfighters.

A visit to the church of La O or the castle of San Jorge is a must on a tour of the Triana quarter. It is also worth a visit to the Triana market to try some tapas or Andalusian dishes. I recommend it!

Finally, one of the most renowned activities in the Triana neighbourhood are the Sevillian tiles. There are many shops and workshops to appreciate the manufacturing technique that has been handed down from generation to generation.

📷 Book your guided tour of Triana here. Get to know the Andalusian culture by exploring this neighbourhood with a guide.

The neighbourhood is accessed by the beautiful Puente de Triana (officially the bridge of Isabel II, under whose reign it was completed) and is the oldest preserved iron bridge in Spain. Its design was inspired by the now disappeared Carrousel Bridge in Paris.

9. Sailing on the Guadalquivir River

The attractions to do in Seville can be seen from a different perspective and this is achieved by taking a boat trip on the Guadalquivir River.

These one-hour tours allow you to see all the places along the river, such as the Triana district, La Giralda and the Cathedral, María Luisa Park, the Cartuja Island, the bullring and many more.

📷 Book your boat trip in Seville here. From the river you will discover historic buildings of Seville such as the Torre del Oro or the Triana Bridge.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the explanations, the boat has a loudspeaker system that describes the history of the places as you go along the river.

---

10. Velazquez’s Birthplace

Whether you are an art lover or not, you should know that one of the places to see in Seville is the childhood home of Diego Velázquez, one of the greatest exponents of Spanish Baroque painting and a master of universal painting. If you are travel to Madrid, don’t miss his works in the famous Prado Museum.

Although it is not possible to enter the interior as it is not a “house museum”, the good news is that renovations have begun and the idea is that it will be open to the public. This house is of great historical value, not only because this genius painter lived there, but also because it is one of the few houses still standing from the 16th century. If you want to pass by its front, it is located at 4 Padre Luis María Llop Street.

11. The curious Setas of Seville

If there is one thing that struck us as extremely curious, it is the work known as Metropol Parasol, but known throughout the world as the Seville Mushrooms because of its shape.

With its structure towering over the Encarnación Square, there are multiple things to do in the area, from strolling through the shops at the bottom to walking along the walkways and sitting at the bar table at the top of the bar for a drink and a view of the city.

12. The Alameda de Hércules, bar square

Another place to eat or have tapas in Seville is the Alameda de Hércules, a large square and one of the oldest in Europe, where the coming and going of people is constant both day and night.

Ideal for outings if you go to Seville with friends or as a couple, the Alameda de Hércules still preserves the Roman columns with the figures of Hercules and Julius Caesar.

13. Basilica of the Macarena

After having visited the majestic Cathedral of Seville, you may think that nothing else can surprise you. But don’t miss the Basilica of María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena which, although it looks quite old with its neo-baroque style, was built in the middle of the last century and is also one of the important places to see in Seville.

This basilica takes on special importance during Holy Week, as the procession of the image of the Macarena in the early hours of Good Friday morning is one of the most eagerly awaited moments in Seville during this festivity.

Admission is free and among the things to see inside the basilica, don’t miss the Altar de la Hispanidad, with paintings of Latin American patron saints, in gratitude to the South American believers who donated to the construction of the church. It also houses a museum displaying artefacts from the Easter Week processions.

Before reaching the Basilica you will come across the Macarena Arch, which is a very characteristic yellow to mustard colour. This is one of the three gates of the walled city that still remain (the others are the Postigo del Aceite and the Puerta de Córdoba). But it is not just any arch, as this is where the kings used to enter when they first visited the city.

14. Isla de la Cartuja, a place for children

In the middle of the Guadalquivir river and connected to the centre of Seville by several bridges, the island of La Cartuja became famous in 1992, when several countries of the world showed their attractions and tourist sites to the world at the Expo Seville.

Although this is now forgotten, some of the pavilions used were converted into government buildings. In addition, the island was modernised with avant-garde buildings, skyscrapers and hotels. One of the buildings that stands out on the skyline is the Sevilla Tower which is the tallest in Andalusia and was designed by the Argentinian architect César Pelli.

Nowadays, the Isla de la Cartuja is a perfect place for children, as it is home to the Isla Mágica amusement park, a place where they can play all day long without getting bored at all.

📷 Book your ticket to Isla Mágica park here and enjoy with your children..

---

Experiences to live in Seville

– Flamenco show, live the Andalusian culture

Last but not least, you can’t leave Seville without seeing one of the best dance and singing shows in Spain, with a great gypsy tradition.

The dancers in their colourful polka-dotted dresses, accompanied by guitars and Andalusian singing, express all the feeling of Andalusian culture on stage.

To see the show you have to go to a tablao. Most are located near the Cathedral or in the Triana neighbourhood. If you want to enjoy this sample of culture, music and dance you can book here the flamenco show in the Triana neighbourhood to leave amazed. Undoubtedly one of the shows you have to see in Seville to complete your experience in the city.

– Visiting Seville at Easter

One of the places in Andalusia to experience an authentic Easter is clearly Seville. Newscasts around the country are trying to elucidate well in advance what the weather will be like on that date and pass images of what the processions are like, with the nazarenes (in a very flashy costume with their pointed masks), the costaleros (who carry on their shoulders the images or figures that go out in the procession) and much more.

There are about 60 hermandades so you would think that meeting a procession would be easy. It is not quite like that. First of all because of the large number of people there and then because there are places where you can’t get through, as chairs and boxes are set up (you can only get in if you pay a ticket). That’s why we recommend a super excursion to make sure you don’t miss out on anything, including a chair to watch the processions next door (but book in advance!).

📷 Take a look at this Easter tour in Seville, with which, in a full day, you will visit different churches and a workshop of imagery while learning about this traditional festivity. After a delicious meal in the Restaurant El Cabildo (also included) you will have a reserved seat in the Carrera Oficial in the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes to watch the processions from close by.

So you can imagine that if you want to visit Seville at Easter, you will have to book accommodation well in advance and be prepared for high prices.

However, if you are visiting Seville at this time of the year but are travelling outside of Seville, you should also soak up some of this tradition with some of the tours available.

📷 Check here the Easter in Seville tour to know more about this festivity and all its curiosities.. Reserve your place!

– April Fair

It is one of the most famous Spanish festivities and one that nobody wants to miss, which is why it is one of the things to do in Seville. Not only the Sevillians themselves, but anyone who has the opportunity to get close. It takes place one or two weeks after Easter and lasts one week.

The area where the festivities take place is called the Real de la Feria and this is where the streets are laid out and the stalls are set up every year, decorated mainly in red, green and white. In those days you will not stop seeing the flamenco dresses of the women with a giant flower on their heads, the horsemen and the horse-drawn carriages.

The “casetas” are private, that is, they belong to traditional local families to which you can gain access with an invitation, but there are also public “casetas” for those who are visiting Seville, which are those belonging to the Town Hall or to a political party. Then there is another space called Calle del Infierno dedicated to amusement parks or amusement rides.

Seville with kids

There are plenty of activities to do with kids in Seville, including water parks and interactive museums. Let’s discover them!

• Discoveries Park: a space with a children’s play area and even a small miniature boat.
• Isla Mágica: one of the best places in Seville to go with kids, a great amusement and water park to spend the whole day with the family.
• Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium Tour: the history of Sevilla Futbol Club through the museum and a visit to the pitch and changing rooms.
• Caixa Forum: museum with workshops and many activities to do with children.
• Navigation Pavilion: you will love this interactive museum focused on the world of ships and pirates.

Where to stay in Seville

There is a wide range of options for sleep in Seville. The best area to stay in is the area near the Cathedral and the Alcázar, the Santa Cruz quarter.

– Hotels in Seville

Our recommendations for hotels in Seville are as follows:

• Las Casas de los Mercaderes: occupies an 18th century house a few metres from the Cathedral and the Alcázar. Charming hotel with a beautiful inner courtyard.
• Hotel Zaida: is housed in a former Andalusian palace in the neo-Mudejar style. Spacious and very comfortable rooms.
• Hotel Doña Maria: metres from the Cathedral, it is an excellently decorated accommodation with a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and views of the city.

🏨 Do you want to look for other options? Find here the best hotels in Seville.

How to get to Seville

One of the alternatives for getting to Seville is by plane. Seville airport has regular flights to many domestic and European destinations.

As it is located 10 kilometres from the city, it is a good idea to hire a transfer from Seville airport to the centre and not worry about it. The other option is to take the EA bus, which stops at the most important points in the city centre.

✈️ Search here for cheap flights to Seville.

Another alternative is to reach Seville by train. Thanks to the high-speed line, the city can be reached quickly from Cordoba, Madrid, Zaragoza and even Barcelona. The AVE station in Seville is Santa Justa.

By car, if you are coming from Madrid the access road is the A-4, from the north of Spain you can take the A-66.

Although Seville has several bus stations, the bus station Plaza de Armas, located in the centre of the city, is the bus station with the most movement and links to destinations within Andalusia and Madrid.

🚗 Buy here your bus tickets to travel to Seville.

Finally, Seville can be reached by boat. Yes, this is possible because the Guadalquivir River connects with the Atlantic Ocean. It is a very beautiful walk that even goes part of the way through the Doñana Park. Increasingly used by foreign cruise tourists.

---

Enjoy all things to do in Seville! Leave us a comment with what you want to know or add.