There is something enchanting about Seville, Spain that makes people fall in love with the city. Talk to anyone who has traveled through the country and you’ll hear so many of them rave about the southern region of Spain known as Andalusia.
Andalusia’s pueblos blancosas well as its capital city, Seville, captivate visitors with sun-basked beauty and a relaxed Spanish vibe.
If you have 3 days in Seville, you’re in for a whirlwind of experiences – from touring the city’s famous landmarks to enjoying the tantalizing food scene.
This Seville itinerary and travel guide details everything you need to know to plan the perfect 3 days in Seville – including where to stay and what to do in Seville for three days.
BOOK GUIDED TOURS, EXCURSIONS, AND THE TOP RATED THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE HERE.
Exploring the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood is one of the must-do activities in Seville, Spain.
Although there are a lot of attractions and things to do in Seville, simply relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere is one of the best ways to spend your time in Andalusia’s capital city.
Seville is often visited as part of a larger southern Spain itinerary or even aSpain, Portugal and Morocco itinerary. So, many people who visit only have about 3 days in Seville.
No worries, if you have a limited amount of time, you can still see many of the top sites in Seville. Our Seville itinerary also fits in plenty of sangria and tapas – which you will definitely want to make time for even if you are only in Seville for 3 days.
Quick Facts about Seville
Also Known As: Sevilla, Espana
Population: 1.945 Million
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Famous Landmarks: Seville Cathedral, Real Alcazar, Plaza de Espana, Metropol Parasol
Important Things to Know about Seville, Spain
As with any place you visit, it’s important to know a little bit about Seville before you visit. It will not only help you appreciate the city more, but it will make your experience more memorable and more enriched.
Here are some important things to know before visiting Seville, Spain.
Seville is the capital of Andalusia
Seville is the largest city in Andalusia and the capital of the region. With nearly 2 million people living in the metropolitan area, it is the fourth largest city in Spain.
Despite the large population, we found Seville to be safe and surprisingly clean. Situated on the Guadalquivir River, the city offers fun river activities as well as historical and cultural experiences.
Weather inSeville
Seville is hot! At least in the summer. In fact, Seville is considered one of the warmest places in Europe. That’s great if you visit Seville in winter. Winters are mild and only partially wet.
If you are visiting Seville in summer, just be prepared for the heat. Seville’s summers can be very hot and dry.
You’ll want to carry a refillable water bottle in your daypack to stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing made from lightweight fabric.
History of Seville
Seville is known for flamenco dancing and delicious tapas, but the history is actually much deeper and more interesting than that.
The city of Seville was once considered the economic center of the Spanish Empire. It has seen its fair share of wars and has gone from a once Muslim-ruled city to a predominantly Catholic one.
During Moorish rule, Seville became a center of intellectual, architectural, and artistic innovation under the Caliphate of Córdoba.
Then came the Reconquista in the 13th century when Seville was transformed into a Christian city, ushering in a period of global exploration and colonization during the Age of Discovery.
Most everything is closed on Sundays in Seville
Because Seville residents are predominantly of the Catholic faith, Sundays are treated as a holy day in the city. In fact, you will find most stores, museums, and attractions closed on Sundays in Seville.
Despite much of the city shutting down on Sundays, it is one of my favorite days to visit. The streets will be quiet and empty, making them perfect for photos.
Find a park to relax in or an open restaurant in a plaza and enjoy some sangria and delicious tapas. There really is no better way to spend the day!
Afternoons are meant for “siestas” in Seville (a.k.a. naps)
Even popular tourist attractions in Seville are practically empty during the afternoon siesta hours. Picture courtesy: jackmac34 on Pixabay
Where we live in the United States, life always seems to move at a fast pace. People are always busy. We eat on the go and get our coffee to go.
It’s easy to see why people are stressed and constantly burned out in the United States. We don’t take time to slow down because the never-ending rat race is the way of life. But in Spain, particularly in Seville and the Andalusia region, I came to adore the slower pace at which life seems to move.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of life in Seville is the siesta! From about 2-5 p.m. stores and many businesses in Seville are closed.
The siesta is intended to be a time of rest. It keeps work hours lower for businesses and prevents people from having to work or be out and about in the heat of the day.
Ideally, during the siesta hours people enjoy a long lunch, some family time, or take a nap. That is exactly what we did in Spain every day during the siesta.
It was so nice on a trip that is typically filled with a ton of activities, to allow ourselves to rest, and even sleep during the middle of the day.
Although many small businesses will close during the siesta hours in Seville, most of the shops in the tourist areas will remain open.
Spaniards eat late
As a family traveling with kids, we usually eat dinner early, sometimes as early as 5 or 5:30 p.m. Bedtime for our daughter is around 8:30-9 p.m.
If you also eat dinner early and turn in for the night early, you may want to adjust your schedule a bit when you are in Spain.
Spaniards eat late. In fact, during the siesta time, between 2-5 p.m. is when many people in Spain typically eat lunch. A late lunch also equals a late dinner. After the siesta is over, many restaurants will close for a few hours and not open back up until 8 p.m.
Transportation in Seville
Public transportation is convenient in Seville, but many of the attractions are also within walking distance.
Seville is an easy city to get around on foot, at least in the popular tourist areas. Many of the top things to see in Seville are within walking distance of each other.
If you like to familiarize yourself with Seville when you arrive, book a guided walking tour to discover the main monuments and charming corners of the city.
For those traveling to outlying areas, Seville also is connected by buses, metro rail, trains, and taxis. This makes Seville an ideal location to position yourself and take day trips to places like Cordoba, Granada, orRonda.
Where to stay in Seville for 3 days
Staying in the center of Seville, in the area surrounding the Cathedral of Seville, the Santa Cruz neighborhood, or close to Calle Sierpes, will help you maximize your 3 days in Seville.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Seville, here are a few recommended hotels that are conveniently and centrally located.
Now that we’ve covered the most important things to know about visiting Seville, Spain, here’s how to spend 3 days in Seville and make the most of your time.
Day 1 in Seville
Tour Seville Cathedral
Climb Giralda Tower
Visit Archivo de Indias
Tour Iglesia del Salvador
Take a stroll and window shop along Calle Sierpes
Watch the sunset at Setas de Sevilla
Day 2 in Seville
Explore Plaza de España
Relax in Maria Luisa Park
Cruise down the river to Isabel Bridge
Take a tapas food tour in Triana
Watch a flamenco show
Day 3 in Seville
Explore Real Alcazar
Wander the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz
Tour Torre del Oro
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Top Things to Do in Seville in 3 days
The itinerary above is basically the itinerary we followed for our 3 days in Seville. While it may seem like a lot each day, this itinerary actually allowed us plenty of time to sit and enjoy sangria, wine, and plenty of quaint tapas bars!
It also allowed us an afternoon nap during the siesta hour at least two of the 3 days in Seville.
Here is a brief description of each of the top things to do in Seville on our itinerary.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Seville
Your first day of your 3-day Seville itinerary should begin at one of Seville’s most popular attractions.
Each day, you’ll want to start your morning at one of the city’s top sites to see them before they become too crowded. For example, on Day 1 – you’ll start your morning at the Seville Cathedral.
Explore the Seville Cathedral
A beautiful view of the gothic architecture on the Seville Cathedral as you climb the Giralda Tower.
This incredible church is not only architecturally beautiful inside and out, but it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, an important historical figure that Americans learn about as children, and a man who is often credited with discovering the Americas.
The Catholic cathedral was completed in 1528 and replaced the original Grand Mosque that stood on the site during the Moorish rule of Spain.
Climb the Giralda Tower
The Giralda Tower is the only portion of the original Muslim mosque still standing.
The Giralda Tower is attached to the Seville Cathedral and is its most notable feature. The Bell Tower was once part of the original Muslim mosque, and is the only portion of the mosque that remains.
From the top of the 343-foot tall tower, you’ll get panoramic views of the city and neighboring Real Alcazar. It is roughly 25 floors up a spiraling series of ramps and worth the climb for the exceptional views.
You’ll also have a beautiful view of the gothic architecture on the Seville Cathedral as you climb the Giralda Tower.
Located near the Seville Cathedral, Archivo de Indias is one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Seville. The famous gothic cathedral and the Real Alcazar are the other two.
The Archivo building contains ancient documents related to the exploration and discovery of the New World, like the voyages of Christopher Columbus.
The primary purpose of the archive was to centralize and safeguard the colonial records, which include letters, maps, and trip reports spanning over three centuries.
Although not super exciting to tour, it’s an important historical site and admission is free. You also typically won’t find large crowds or queue lines to get into the building.
Tour Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador
Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador is one of the most important churches in Seville.
Your next stop on day 1 of your 3 days in Seville will be Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador, but you may want to stop for lunch somewhere along the way.
Other than the Seville Cathedral, Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador is perhaps the second most important church in Seville.
Also known as the Church of San Salvador, this Catholic cathedral once served as a mosque dating back to 830. It is believed to be one of the oldest former mosques in the region – second only to the Great Mosque of Cordoba – one of thetop things to see in Cordoba.
The church is worth visiting to see the elaborate altar of the former mosque turned Roman Catholic church. Admission is about 5 Euro per adult, and it is an easy detour if walking to Calle Sierpes from the Seville Cathedral.
Window shop along Calle Sierpes
Calle Sierpes in Seville is a beautiful and vibrant shopping street.
Calle Sierpes is the beautiful pedestrian-only street in Seville lined with shops and restaurants and covered with giant shades to shield shoppers from the scorching sun in Seville.
The thoroughfare is a long narrow street that weaves its way through the historic center, beckoning locals and visitors alike.
Lined with an array of shops, boutiques, and traditional establishments, you can discover treasures ranging from intricately designed ceramics to flamenco-inspired fashion.
Timeless buildings with traditional architecture line the busy shopping street, which is a great place to hang out in Seville when it is hot and you want to escape the direct sun.
Climb the Metropol Parasol
Metropol Parasol is known for its unique design.
Watching the sunset at Metropol Parasol is the perfect way to wrap up your first day in Seville.
The largest wooden structure in the world, Metropol Parasol, fondly known as “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms) by locals, is an architectural oddity. But its peculiar appearance is what makes it so popular.
Resembling giant mushroom caps, the structure provides shade below and boasts panoramic terraces atop the multifunctional gathering place.
It has not only become one of Seville’s most recognizable symbols, but it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Seville
Your second of 3 days in Seville is all about enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the Spanish city.
You want to begin your day at the most popular plaza in Seville. This will not only help you avoid the crowds but the afternoon heat, as well.
Explore Plaza de España
Plaza de Espana is one of the most popular plazas in Seville.
Plaza de Espana is an iconic landmark in Seville.
The large plaza is a great place to relax and spend an hour or so exploring. You can rent a paddle boat and take a boat ride through the canal or spend some time observing people as the crowds begin to make their way to the plaza.
Plaza de Espana is a popular place to find street performers working for tips, as well.
The plaza complex, which forms a huge half-circle, was built in 1928.
Around the plaza, you’ll find beautifully tiled alcoves that represent the different provinces of Spain. These colorful alcoves flanked by bookshelves, are popular photo spots for tourists and visitors to Seville who are coming from one of Spain’s other provinces.
Relax in Maria Luisa Park
Maria Luisa Park is a great place to relax in the shade.
Adjacent to Plaza de Espana, Maria Luisa Park is a wonderful public park filled with large shade trees that are great for having a picnic underneath.
This shady oasis was once a private garden, but was donated to the city in 1893 and transformed into the sprawling park it is today.
The park has walking paths that meander through lush greenery and beautiful flowers. It is a great place to sit and relax and just take in the view of the grand plaza for a few moments.
Take a cruise on the Guadalquivir River
Kayaking or a cruise along the Guadalquivir River gives you a different perspective of Seville. | Image by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay
The Guadalquivir River runs through the center of Seville. There are walking and cycling paths next to the river that are great for a leisurely stroll.
Enjoying the river from the water is perhaps the most popular way to see Seville’s riverfront. Take a river cruise or rent a paddle board or a kayak and enjoy the sites of Seville from a unique perspective. You’ll cruise or paddle beneath historic bridges and see some of the city’s most famous monuments from the water.
One of the great things about a river cruise in Seville is that the guides share a brief history about Seville and the various sites you’ll see as you navigate the river.
The added knowledge will give you a better appreciation of your three days in Seville.
Whether you are spending 3 days in Seville or 3 weeks, make sure to try a variety of tapas or take a tapas food tour.
If you love food, you are planning a trip to the right place! Seville is known for its incredible Spanish tapas. Tapas are “small bites”.
What is so great about tapas, besides the fact that all of them that we tried were delicious, is that you do not have to commit to just one dish. Order 3-4 tapas to make a meal or take a tapas food tour where you will hit up several tapas restaurants or bars and enjoy a variety of tapas at each.
The Triana neighborhood, located across the river from Seville’s historical center, is one of the best places to enjoy tapas. Known as one of the birthplaces of flamenco, this historic neighborhood has a maze of bars and small restaurants that are great for discovering traditional flavors.
I swear, you will want to spend your entire time in Seville eating all the food. And if you do, don’t worry. How much weight can you really gain in just 3 days in Seville?! So go ahead, eat all the food and don’t feel guilty! 😉
Whether you are spending 3 days in Seville or 3 weeks, make sure to try a variety of tapas or take a tapas food tour.
Seville is a city that dances to its own rhythm – and its rhythm is infused with the enthralling beat of Flamenco.
Flamencois as equally famous in Seville as tapas. The region of Andalusia is known as the birthplace for this type of performance art. While many consider flamenco a type of dance, a flamenco performance actually consists of three parts, guitar playing, singing, and dancing.
Watching one of these elegant Spanish performances is a must in Seville. You can take in a show and learn the history of the artistic dance and music at the Flamenco Museum or if you’re lucky, you can find free performance at a local bar, restaurant, or even on the street.
However, it is best to book tickets to alive flamenco show to ensure you have the best experience.
Your third day in Seville leaves you plenty of time to explore the top attraction in the city – the ancient Real Alcazar. You’ll want to give yourself a full morning at this expansive palace.
Wander through the Real Alcazar
In one of the inner courtyards in the Real Alcazar of Seville.
The Real Alcazar was our favorite place to explore in Seville. The royal palace was built for Spain’s Christian king after the Christian conquest of Seville in 1248. The city was previously under Muslim rule.
The palace was built on the site of the former Muslim ruler’s residential fortress and is the oldest royal residence in Europe.
The well-preserved and restored interior of the Alcazar is jaw-dropping while the gardens and fountains are equally breathtaking.
Give yourself several hours to explore the Real Alcazar of Seville. It is much larger than it looks from the outside. There are so many photo-perfect spots that will make you want to wander around awestruck.
Booking a guided tour is a great way to discover parts of the palace you may otherwise miss and learn about the history of the
The castle, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was also a filming location in Game of Thrones, so fans of the show will enjoy finding the sights that were used as backdrops in the series.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE SEVILLE ALCAZAR AND SKIP THE LINE HERE.
Explore the lovely Santa Cruz neighborhood
The Santa Cruz barrio is one of the most historic and loveliest neighborhoods in Seville.
After exploring the Real Alcazar for a while, have a leisure lunch and then spend some time wandering around the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Santa Cruz is the tourist heart of the city. It can be crowded, but for good reason.
The neighborhood, which surrounds the Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, is beautiful and is a great place to let yourself get lost.
Once the Jewish quarter of medieval Seville, Santa Cruz is notable for its winding alleys that lead to hidden squares adorned with fountains and orange trees.
The neighborhood’s historical significance is obvious as you walk along the cobblestone streets.
FIND A WALKING TOUR OF THE SANTA CRUZ BARRIO HERE.
Take a self-guided tour of Torre del Oro
Torre del Oro now houses a naval museum. | Photo by Jaime PF from Pixabay
Torre del Oro is a 13th century military watchtower right on the river and only about a block away from the Seville Cathedral.
Known as the Tower of Gold in English, this magnificent historical monument is notable for its distinct golden tiles that once shone in the sun.
Its purpose and use has evolved over the centuries – from serving as a defensive watchtower to a prison, and eventually housing a naval museum that now showcases Seville’s maritime past.
A prominent landmark in Seville, Torre del Oro offers breathtaking views of the river, the city’s skyline, and the iconic Giralda Tower in the distance for those who choose to climb to the top.
The tower is free to visit on Mondays, so if any part of your 3 days in Seville happens to fall on a Monday, go ahead and plan your Seville itinerary to take the self-guided tour and climb the watchtower on that day.
Best things to do in Seville for kids
Exploring the Real Alcazar is one of the best things to do in Seville with kids.
While all of the things on this 3-day Seville itinerary can be done with children in tow. There are a few things that will be more memorable for kids than others on this list.
Children will enjoy climbing the Giralda Tower. Although I did have to carry my 4-year-old up part of it. (It was a workout, thank God for a travel child carrier!) Once we got down my daughter immediately wanted to do it again. (But we didn’t; once was enough.)
There is something about climbing an old bell tower that will always intrigue kids. So if you are wondering if your kids will be up for the challenge, give it a go, make it a race to the top, and have a blast together!
Little ones will also love exploring the alcazar and its gardens. There are plenty of maze-like places at the alcazar to explore as well as fountains with fish and ducks that will keep your kids attention.
Of course Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park are both great places for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The plaza can be quite hot during summer, so duck into the park for some shaded areas for little ones to run free.
Our little one was also fascinated by the flamenco dancers and was completely entertained and quiet during the entire show watching the fancy footwork, despite being at least an hour after her bedtime.
More time in Seville? Consider adding some of these things to do to your Seville Itinerary
Three days in Seville gives you enough time to see the highlights of the city, but if you have more and prefer a slow travel style, there are plenty of fun things to do in the city to keep your family entertained.
Museums in Seville
Because we were visiting Seville with kids, we decided to pass on most of the museums in Seville. Although if museums are more your speed, here are some of the top museum choices in Seville.
Have additional questions about how to spend 3 days in Seville? We did, too. Here are a couple of the more frequently asked questions about Seville, Spain.
Is 3 days in Seville enough?
A quiet street in Seville, Spain.
There are plenty of things to do in Seville for three days, whether you prefer to stay busy or take things slow and enjoy the city at a slower pace.
We visited Spain as part of a 2 week itinerary that took us from Lisbon, Portugal, to southern Spain, and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.
After 3 days in Seville, we moved on toCordoba for 2 days, and Ronda for a day, then other parts of southern Spain, but the city was one of the highlights of our trip.
If you are planning a trip to southern Spain and you’re wondering if 3 days in Seville is enough, it’s hard to say.
I felt like I could have spent weeks in Seville and not been tired of it. But if you are more interested in just seeing the sites, you can see most if not all of the top attractions in Seville in three days.
Is Seville good for kids?
Parents in Spain seem to have a more laid back approach to raising kids. Children are generally welcome in most places and establishments, but things aren’t necessarily catered to them.
Dinner is eaten late and shows and performances don’t start until later at night. But they counter the later bedtime by allotting for a siesta hour (or two) during the day.
Additionally, food in Seville is very kid-friendly. From bite sized tapas to Spanish tortilla, there is always something on the menu that children will enjoy.
Have a suggestion or a question about things to do in Seville, Spain or how to spend 3 days in Seville? We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below and let us know how you would spend 3 days in Seville.
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This three day Seville itinerary was originally published in October 2019 and was most recently updated in August 2023 for accuracy and current travel information.
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