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Planning a trip to Seville and not sure how to make the most of your time? We’ve got you covered!
After multiple visits (and plenty of trial and error), we’ve crafted the ultimate 3-day Seville itinerary that covers all the must-sees and sneaks in a few hidden gems. From palaces and cathedrals to food tours, cooking classes, and sunset river cruises, this itinerary balances history, culture, and incredible local eats—without ever feeling rushed.
Whether it’s your first time in Andalusia or a return visit, this is the guide we wish we had when we first came. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Seville was this skip-the-line tour. It includes entry and a local guide to two must-see attractions: the Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. Tickets for these usually sell out, but this tour guarantees you’ll get in!
Day 1
Breakfast – Cafetería Catunambu
Kick off your first morning in Seville like a local with a quick stop at Cafetería Catunambu. This no-frills café is a popular neighborhood hangout and a great place to ease into your day with a classic Andalusian breakfast. It usually opens at 7:30 am (8 am on Saturdays), but note that it’s closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!
Since we’ve got a delicious lunch lined up soon, we recommend keeping things light: a café and tostada con tomate (Spanish tomato toast) should do the trick. You’ll be sipping alongside locals on your first morning, and we can’t think of a better way to start your Seville adventure!
Morning – Explore downtown Seville
After breakfast, take some time to wander through the heart of Seville and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city center. This is a great time to pick up a few souvenirs, browse some shops, or just enjoy getting lost in the buzz of downtown! Some popular spots I recommend visiting are:
Mercado de la Encarnación
Just a 5-minute walk from the breakfast spot, you’ll find the Mercado de la Encarnación, a fresh market tucked beneath the massive wooden structure known as Las Setas (“the mushrooms”). While the market itself is mainly focused on local produce, meats, and seafood, it’s still fun to explore—and if you’re up for it, head to the top of the structure for panoramic views over Seville. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings (and some epic photos!)
Calle Sierpes
Next, head over to Calle Sierpes, one of the city’s most popular pedestrian shopping streets. It’s always lively here, lined with a mix of trendy fashion boutiques, local stores, and Spanish and International brands. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s the perfect place for a stroll and a bit of people-watching under the classic Seville sunshades that drape across the street in summer.
Early lunch – Filo
By late morning, it’s time to fuel up for the rest of your day, and Filo is the perfect spot to do so. This cozy café is known for its excellent brunch options, and the sandwiches here are seriously next-level. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s plenty to choose from to satisfy your appetite!
It’s also conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from the meeting point for the next activity, so it’s a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal before the afternoon adventure kicks off. We recommend arriving around 11 to 11:30 am so that you have plenty of time to eat before your tour starts at 1 pm (more on that below!).
Afternoon – Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville Tour
You can’t come to Seville and not visit the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral—and this 4-hour skip-the-line tour is hands-down the best way to see both!
The experience starts at the jaw-dropping Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and home to the tomb of none other than Christopher Columbus. Our guide, Ishmael, was fantastic—full of fascinating stories and local insight that made the history come alive.
We especially loved climbing La Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower. Thankfully, it’s all ramps (not stairs!), so the climb is pretty manageable—and the panoramic views from the top are totally worth it!
Next up was the Royal Alcázar, a palace that blends Islamic and Christian architectural styles in the most stunning way. After exploring its grand halls and intricate courtyards, we got free time to wander the lush gardens, which you might recognize from Game of Thrones!
We recommend booking the 1:00 pm slot at the latest, so you’ll wrap up in time for the evening food tour. This tour made visiting Seville’s most iconic historic sites feel effortless and fun. We walked away with a real appreciation for the city’s rich heritage—and best of all, the skip-the-line tickets meant zero waiting around!
This tour frequently sells out, so make sure you reserve your spot in advance here!
Dinner/evening – Seville food tour
After an afternoon soaking up Seville’s history, it’s time to treat your taste buds—and this evening food tour is the perfect way to do it!
The meeting point is just a 10–12 minute walk from the end of the previous tour, taking you through some of the city’s most beautiful old streets. We recommend booking the 6:00 pm option so you’re not rushed after sightseeing, and yes, there’s more than enough food to count this as your dinner!
We met our amazing guide, Sasha, near the Metropol Parasol and kicked things off at a traditional bodega with classic tapas like chicharrones and montaíto, plus a glass of crisp Cruzcampo beer poured straight from the barrel—or a local wine, if that’s more your style.
From there, we wandered through different neighborhoods and along historic streets, stopping at open-air tapas joints and cozy bars to try local favorites like chicharrones, montaíto sandwiches, fried eggplant, and tender Iberian pork cheeks (our personal fave!).
The night wrapped up at a lively restaurant blending Andalusian tradition with modern flair. It was the perfect end to the day—delicious food, great company, fine wine, and lots of laughs!
Don’t miss this amazing food tour – book your spot here!
Related Read: Continue your Spain travels and visit Bilbao! We loved this city and picked out our 8 favorite things to do in Bilbao to make your planning easier.
Day 2
Breakfast – COFFEE UP
Start your second day in Seville with a quick caffeine fix at COFFEE UP, a cute little spot that opens at 9:00 am and serves up some seriously good coffee. This is more of a grab-and-go kind of place, perfect for a light start to the day.
You’ll want to keep things simple here—maybe a toasted croissant with your drink—since we’ve got a cooking class coming up that’s going to be very filling (trust me!). So sip your espresso, enjoy the chill vibes, and get ready for a delicious day ahead!
Morning/lunch – Spanish cooking class
After a relaxing breakfast, take a short stroll along the river to soak in the morning views. COFFEE UP is just a 2-minute walk from the meeting point for this amazing Spanish cooking class and Triana Market tour, so you’ll have time to enjoy the area before the fun begins. We recommend booking the 10:30 am option, which wraps up around 2:00 pm, giving you some more time to explore in the afternoon.
This isn’t just a cooking class—it’s a full-on foodie experience! Things kick off with a guided tour of the historic Triana Market, where our guide introduced us to local vendors and we bought ingredients to use later on. Getting that behind-the-scenes look at the market made the whole experience feel super authentic.
Then it was off to the kitchen! We sipped sangria, munched on olives, and cooked up a delicious three-course Spanish meal: spinach and chickpea tapas, a refreshing tomato chilled cream, a mouthwatering Andalusian paella, and a dreamy lemon sorbet and cava dessert.
Once everything was ready, we all sat down together to feast. Between the laughs, the wine, and the incredible food we made ourselves, this was easily one of our favorite experiences in Seville!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Late afternoon – Explore Seville’s beautiful parks
After your delicious cooking class, it’s time to walk off that paella and enjoy some of Seville’s most beautiful green spaces. You can catch a bus from the Triana area (it’s only about a 7-minute ride), or enjoy a scenic 30-minute stroll along the river to reach the parks.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is a grand, semi-circular plaza and one of Seville’s most iconic sights—and for good reason. Surrounded by a canal and tiled bridges, it’s a masterpiece of Spanish architecture. Walk along the beautifully painted alcoves representing each Spanish province, or even hop in a rowboat for a quick paddle through the canal!
Parque de María Luisa
Right next to the Plaza, Parque de María Luisa is the perfect place to relax. It’s full of fountains, tiled benches, shady paths, and exotic trees. Bring a cold drink and enjoy a slow wander or a shady break under the palm trees—this place is seriously peaceful.
Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
Tucked inside the park, the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions showcases Andalusian culture through traditional clothing, ceramics, and crafts. It’s a great way to get a taste of local life from the past century.
Sevilla Aquarium
Traveling with kids—or just love sea life? The Sevilla Aquarium is a fun spot just a 5-minute walk from Plaza de España. It’s home to hundreds of marine species and provides a cool (literally!) break from the sun. You can reserve your tickets in advance here!
Dinner – Río Grande Sevilla
Río Grande Sevilla is a dreamy dinner spot with unbeatable views over the Guadalquivir River and the iconic Torre del Oro. After a full afternoon exploring the parks, you can enjoy a scenic 15-minute riverside stroll to the restaurant, or take a quick 5-minute bus ride if your feet need a break.
The setting here is seriously special, so grab a seat on the terrace if you can! This place is known for its fresh seafood, beautifully presented Andalusian dishes, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sip some wine and soak in the stunning views!
Evening – River boat cruise
After dinner, it’s time to wind down with one of our favorite ways to see Seville—a cruise along the Guadalquivir River!
We recommend booking the 7:45 pm departure, which is the perfect time to catch golden hour lighting up the city (trust us, the views are unreal!). It’s only a 6-minute walk from Río Grande Sevilla, so you’ll have plenty of time to digest and stroll over.
During the 1.5-hour cruise, you’ll glide past some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems only seen from the water, all while your guide shares fun facts and hidden stories along the way. The boat is comfortable, and it’s a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 people on board, which makes it feel super intimate and relaxed.
We loved how relaxed and scenic this experience was—no walking, no crowds, just a chance to soak in the city with a drink in hand and see Seville from a totally different perspective. This is a super popular activity, so we definitely recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season!
Check availability and secure your spot on this river cruise here!
Related Read: If you enjoyed this itinerary, be sure to check out our guide on How to Spend THREE DAYS in Lisbon—perfect for adding even more adventures to your Europe trip!
Day 3
Breakfast – On the go!
Day three kicks off with an exciting adventure outside the city, so today’s breakfast is all about convenience. The next tour includes pickup from several spots around Seville’s city center, so we recommend choosing the one closest to your hotel and grabbing something quick nearby.
Whether it’s a pastry from a local café or breakfast at your hotel, just make sure you fuel up—you’ll be heading out for most of the day, and trust us, you’ll want a little something in your stomach before the fun begins!
Morning/afternoon – Ronda day tour from Seville
One of the great things about visiting Seville is that you’re perfectly placed for a day trip into the stunning Andalusian countryside. And this White Villages and Ronda tour is our top pick for seeing some of southern Spain’s most beautiful spots—all without the hassle of planning a thing!
Pickup is around 9:00 am (depending on your selected meeting point), and after a scenic drive through rolling hills and olive groves, you’ll arrive at your first stop: Las Aguzaderas, an 11th-century fortress that gives you a peek into the region’s medieval roots.
From there, it’s on to Zahara de la Sierra, a postcard-worthy white village perched on a lush mountaintop. We had free time to grab a coffee, snap about a hundred photos, and soak up the peaceful vibes before continuing to an olive oil tasting at a local mill.
Next up was Puerto de las Palomas, where we got sweeping views over the mountains and even spotted vultures gliding overhead! After a relaxing lunch break in Grazalema, the final stop is Ronda, where the epic Puente Nuevo Bridge and jaw-dropping El Tajo Gorge totally blew us away.
The tour wraps up around 7:00 pm, and honestly, it’s the perfect way to explore the magic of rural Andalusia in just one day. We think it’s a must when you’re in Seville!
Secure your spot here before it sells out!
Dinner – Bar Postiguillo Tapas
After a full day exploring Andalusia’s whitewashed villages and dramatic cliffside towns, there’s no better way to wind down than with a relaxed tapas dinner back in Seville. Bar Postiguillo Tapas is one of our favorite spots in the city—rustic, cozy, and always buzzing with happy locals and travelers.
Located just a short stroll from the city center, this popular restaurant serves up traditional Andalusian tapas with a modern twist. Think perfectly grilled meats, creamy croquetas, and melt-in-your-mouth Iberian ham, all in a charming space that feels like a hidden gem.
It’s the perfect spot to celebrate your final night in Seville—grab a glass of local wine, toast to an incredible trip, and soak up the warm Andalusian vibes one last time. Bonus: it’s open until late, so you can linger as long as you like!
Related Read: If Barcelona is on your Spain itinerary, check out our guide on where to stay in Barcelona to find the best hotel!
Where to Stay in Seville, Spain
Now that you’ve mapped out your Seville itinerary, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious hotel in the historic center or something modern with a rooftop pool, picking the right base will make your trip even better.
To help you out, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Seville for every budget—all in great locations close to the city’s top sights and tapas bars!
Luxury – $$$
Set in the former Pickman Palace, the Hotel Lobby Room Sevilla is a 5-star boutique hotel that perfectly blends historic charm with modern luxury! The hotel features a range of uniquely designed suites, an outdoor swimming pool, and a prime location just steps from the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar. With exceptional service and elegant touches throughout, it’s an unforgettable base for exploring the city in style.
Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select, but usually range from €250 – €400 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Abba Sevilla Hotel is a fantastic mid-range option in the heart of Seville, offering a modern and stylish stay. Located near just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, it’s a perfect base for exploring. The hotel features spacious, well-equipped rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and even an on-site restaurant serving delicious Spanish cuisine!
Prices range from around €100 – €200 per night, and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in Seville, the Nomad Hostel is a great pick! Located in the city center, this vibrant hostel offers both dormitory beds and comfy private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the social atmosphere in the shared lounge or rooftop terrace while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It’s a perfect choice for travelers looking to save without sacrificing convenience or comfort!
Private rooms start at around €60 per night, while a dorm bed is about €20. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Seville’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is the perfect way to explore beyond the cities—think small villages, coastal towns, and hidden gems impossible to reach by public transit! The roads are well-maintained, and driving here is generally pretty relaxed, making it ideal for a road trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Spain
- Drive on the right: Like most of Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side in Spain. And make sure you stick to the speed limit, speed cameras are common here!
- Pick the right car: Some of Spain’s smaller towns and villages have narrow streets and tight parking, so I recommend going for a compact car. Also, most rentals here are manual, so if you need an automatic (like me!), be sure to filter for it on Discover Cars when booking.
- Insurance is a must: I always add full coverage insurance, whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
- Toll roads: Spain has both toll and toll-free roads. Toll roads are usually marked with “AP” and can be paid using cash, credit card, or electronic devices like VIA-T. Plan your route accordingly and have a payment method ready.
- Parking tips: In urban areas, parking can be challenging. Look for designated parking zones and be aware of local regulations to avoid fines. Some areas may have restricted parking zones or require a resident permit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Spain
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days might fly by in a city as vibrant as Seville, but with this itinerary, you’ll leave feeling like you truly experienced it. From royal palaces and historic cathedrals to hidden tapas bars and stunning sunset cruises, we’ve packed in the perfect mix of highlights and local gems to help you fall in love with Andalusia’s capital, just like we did.
If Seville is just one stop on your Spanish adventure, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty more inspiration coming your way. Scroll down to check out our other Spain travel guides and start planning where to go next!
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