Seville 3 Day Itinerary: Top Sights, Tapas, & Day Trips

Trying to plan the ultimate Seville 3 day itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! 

I live in Spain and recently spent several days in Seville enjoying its top attractions, incredible food, and authentic cultural experiences. 

It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve explored here, and three days will give you the perfect mix of must-see sights and time to venture beyond the city. 

In this Seville 3 day itinerary, I’ll walk you through how to spend your time, from flamenco shows and palace tours to famous landmarks and some easy day trips. 

Here’s how to make the most of 3 days in Seville, Spain.

Your first day is all about Seville’s most famous landmarks, a visit across the river to Triana, and ending with a flamenco performance paired with tapas.

Seville Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance:

• Visit Plaza de España
• Walk through Parque María Luisa
• Visit Seville Cathedral and climb La Giralda
• Lunch at Cervecería Giralda
• Stroll along the Guadalquivir River
• Stop at Mercado de Triana
• Shop for ceramics in Triana
• Have a drink at Mercado del Barranco
• End with a tapas and flamenco show

Start your morning at Plaza de España, a huge semi-circular plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. 

Each Spanish province is represented in detailed ceramic alcoves, and you’ll also see ornate bridges, a central fountain, and even a small canal. 

You can rent a rowboat, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or simply explore on foot while taking photos. 

This is one of the most photographed spots in Seville, so arriving early will give you the best chance at enjoying it before larger tour groups arrive.

Just next door is Parque María Luisa, which is a large green space and one of the top places to see in Seville. 

The park has wide paths, shaded seating areas, and decorative fountains surrounded by tall palms and flowering plants. 

Inside, Plaza de América is worth a stop for its beautiful architecture and small museums. 

It’s also a good spot to slow down and cool off if you’re visiting in the warmer months.

Next, head to Seville Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. 

The interior is filled with ornate chapels, impressive stained glass, and the tomb that is believed to hold Christopher Columbus’s remains. 

La Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower, is accessed via a series of ramps rather than stairs, making the climb easier. 

From the top, you’ll have an amazing view over Seville’s rooftops and surrounding landmarks. 

Tickets should be booked in advance online on the official website, or you can book a guided tour for a deeper look into the cathedral’s history.

Tip: Make sure to dress appropriately for the cathedral visit.  Shoulders and knees must be covered and this is strictly enforced.  If your shoulders aren’t covered, they sell small scarves at the entrance for €3.

After touring the cathedral, head to Cervecería Giralda for lunch. 

This restaurant was built around ancient Arab baths, with some of the original walls still visible inside. 

The menu features local specialties, and the solomillo al whisky is a must-try for its tender pork and flavorful whisky sauce. 

Pair it with a tinto de verano for a refreshing midday break. 

After lunch, make your way to the riverfront for a leisurely walk along the Guadalquivir River. 

This river once played a key role in Seville’s trade and exploration history, and you’ll pass by Torre del Oro (“Gold Tower”), a watchtower that once protected the port. 

Next, cross over to the Triana neighborhood via the Isabel II Bridge and head to Mercado de Triana before it closes in the afternoon. 

This market has colorful stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat tapas. 

You can browse or grab a small snack paired with a glass of sherry. 

The market also sits on the site of the former San Jorge Castle, and some remains are still preserved below.

From the market, explore Calle Alfarería, which is famous for its ceramic workshops and one of the best things to do in Seville. 

Triana’s pottery tradition dates back centuries, and you can find hand-painted tiles, dishes, and decorative pieces here that are far higher quality than those in most tourist shops. 

Some stores let you watch artisans at work or explain the process. 

It’s one of the best places to shop for authentic souvenirs in Seville.

When I visited, I bought a really beautiful hand-painted jewelry dish and ceramic wine stopper from Ceramica Santa Ana.

Before heading back to your hotel, stop for a drink at Mercado del Barranco. 

This modern food hall on the riverbank has several bars and tapas counters with both indoor and outdoor seating. 

It’s a relaxed place to unwind, and if you’re still hungry, there’s no shortage of food and drink options to try.

End your first day with a flamenco show paired with tapas. 

I highly recommend this Tapas and Flamenco Tour that I took, which included two tapas stops and a live performance in a small, intimate venue. 

The energy and emotion of the performance made it one of my favorite experiences in Seville. 

Plus, having a guide handle all the arrangements means you can simply enjoy the night.

Your second day is about exploring palaces, hidden corners of the city, and ending with panoramic views at night.

Seville Day 2 Itinerary at a Glance:

• Visit the Royal Alcazar
• Walk through Barrio Santa Cruz
• See Plaza del Cabildo
• Go shopping along Calle Sierpes
• Lunch at Bar Sal Gorda
• Visit Casa de Pilatos
• Drinks at a rooftop bar
• Dinner at a tapas bar
• Nighttime views from Setas de Sevilla

Begin with the Royal Alcazar, a palace complex still used by the Spanish royal family. 

Inside, you’ll find intricate tilework, beautifully landscaped gardens, and courtyards that feel a world away from the busy streets outside. 

The palace blends multiple architectural styles, giving it a unique look compared to other European palaces. 

For the best experience, book the early morning Alone in the Alcazar tour to enjoy the palace before it opens to the general public.

After your palace visit, head into Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter. 

Its maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and small plazas make it a great place to wander without a strict plan. 

The area has a deep history, and you’ll see details like flower-filled balconies and decorative tiles that give it a distinctive character. 

It’s also home to many cafes and shops if you want a short break.

Near the Cathedral, look for the archway that leads to Plaza del Cabildo. 

This semi-circular plaza is hidden from the main streets and features arched walkways and a small fountain. 

It’s a quick stop with a few shops surrounding the plaza, but the architecture makes it worth seeing. 

Next, walk to Calle Sierpes, one of Seville’s main pedestrian shopping streets. 

Here you’ll find a mix of international brands, local boutiques, and traditional shops selling items like flamenco fans and embroidered shawls. 

In summer, large canopies stretch over the street, providing shade and making it more comfortable to browse. 

It’s a great place to pick up quality souvenirs or see more of Seville’s local style.

For lunch, head to Bar Sal Gorda, which is located not far from Calle Sierpes. 

This spot has a more modern menu that blends traditional Andalusian dishes with creative touches. 

Try the tartare or the oxtail donut if they’re available. 

The service is friendly, and the prices are fair for the quality of the food. 

After lunch, visit Casa de Pilatos, a gorgeous 16th-century palace that’s a bit of a hidden gem in Seville.

The tiled courtyards are especially beautiful, and the gardens offer a quiet escape from the city streets. 

When I visited, there were only a few other people, so I pretty much had the place to myself.

Casa de Pilatos entrance tickets also include an audioguide so you can learn more about its history.

Tip: Other than Casa de Pilatos, some other famous palaces in Seville to visit are Palacio de Las Dueñas and the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija.

In the early evening, make your way to one of Seville’s rooftop bars. 

One of my favorites is at Querencia de Sevilla Hotel, which has panoramic views over the Cathedral and La Giralda. 

If you want a true taste of Seville, order a tinto de verano, sherry, or Cruzcampo beer. 

For dinner, head out for tapas at one of Seville’s many tapas bars around the city center. 

Some of the best tapas restaurants to try are El Rinconcillo, Casa Morales, and Ovejas Negras. 

Popular local dishes include espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), salmorejo (a cold tomato soup), and solomillo al whisky (pork with whisky sauce).

And if you’d rather not worry about what to order or where to go, booking a food tour is a fun and stress-free option. 

It’s one of the easiest ways to try the best of Seville’s local flavors in just one night.

End your second day in Seville at the Setas de Sevilla, also known as the Metropol Parasol. 

This massive mushroom-shaped wooden structure has a raised walkway at the top that gives you panoramic views of the city. 

I went during the day and didn’t think the views were all that impressive, but I’ve heard it’s much better at night when they do the light show.

You’ll need to buy an entrance ticket if you want to go up to the top, or you can simply admire it from below.

Your third day is the perfect chance to see more of the Andalusia region. 

Seville Day 3 Itinerary at a Glance:

• Take a Day Trip to Nearby Towns

Your third day is a great time to take a day trip from Seville, and my top choice is Córdoba. 

It’s about 1.5 hours away by car (or less than an hour by high-speed train) and is home to the incredible Mezquita-Catedral, which is one of the most famous monuments in Spain. 

I recommend booking a guided day tour from Seville so you can see the highlights without worrying about transportation.

If you’d prefer somewhere different, Ronda offers dramatic views over its gorge and stone bridges, while Granada is home to the famous Alhambra palace. 

Both are farther than Córdoba, but you can also visit them on an organized day tour for a hassle-free experience.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your 3 days in Seville Spain:

• Be prepared for the heat: Summer temperatures in Seville often exceed 100°F (37°C), so make sure to pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, an electronic hand fan, and even a small umbrella for shade.

• Book your tickets online in advance: The Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral/La Giralda regularly sell out. Make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time or book a tour to guarantee entry.

• Be ready for lots of walking: Most attractions in this Seville itinerary can be reached on foot, though Plaza de España is a bit farther from the city center.

• Plan around siesta hours: Many local businesses close from 2 to 5PM, so schedule shopping or visits accordingly.

• Try local drinks: Tinto de verano, sherry, and Cruzcampo beer are all popular choices in Seville.

I hope this 3 day Seville itinerary helps you plan an amazing trip!

The top sights to prioritize are Plaza de España, the Royal Alcazar, and Seville Cathedral with La Giralda, along with experiencing flamenco. 

For your third day, I recommend a day trip to Córdoba to see the Mezquita and its historic streets. 

Just make sure to book tickets in advance for major attractions, especially the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar.

Seville is definitely a city you’ll want to return to again and again.

READ NEXT:

• 25 Fun Things to Do in Seville for First-Timers
• How to Visit Seville Cathedral
• How to Visit the Royal Alcazar