The plan at a glance
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Real Alcázar, Santa Cruz | Cathedral and Giralda | Setas at sunset, tapas in Alfalfa |
| Day 2 | Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa | Torre del Oro, Triana | Flamenco show, dinner |
Book before you go: the Alcázar (first slot on day 1), the cathedral, and the flamenco show on day 2.
Day 1: the monuments
9:30: Real Alcázar. Take the first slot of the day, before the groups arrive. See the palaces first, then the gardens. Allow 2.5 hours. See the Alcázar guide.
12:00: Santa Cruz. Leave through the Patio de Banderas and wander the old Jewish quarter: the Callejón del Agua, Plaza de Santa Cruz, Plaza de Doña Elvira. See Santa Cruz.
13:30: Lunch. Tapas around Santa Cruz or the Arenal. Lunch in Spain starts around 14:00.
15:30: Cathedral and Giralda. Climb the Giralda first, then see Columbus’s tomb and the golden altarpiece. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. See the cathedral guide.
18:00: Rest. In summer this is essential. The city comes back to life after 20:00.
20:00: Setas de Sevilla. Walk the rooftop at sunset. See Setas de Sevilla.
21:30: Tapas in Alfalfa. A crawl through the bars around Plaza de la Alfalfa and Calle Pérez Galdós: one or two tapas per bar, then move on.
Day 2: Plaza de España, Triana and flamenco
9:30: Plaza de España. Arrive early for photos without crowds, then walk the Parque de María Luisa. Rent a rowing boat if you like. See Plaza de España.
12:00: Along the river. Walk to the Torre del Oro and the Maestranza bullring (the guided tour takes 45 minutes).
13:30: Triana. Cross the Isabel II bridge. Lunch at the Mercado de Triana or on Calle Betis, then the ceramics shops of Calle Alfarería and the Castillo de San Jorge. See Triana.
17:00: Back in the centre. Coffee in Plaza del Salvador, shopping on Calle Sierpes and Tetuán, or a palace: Casa de Pilatos or the Palacio de las Dueñas.
19:00 or 20:30: Flamenco show. An intimate venue in Santa Cruz or the Centro. See flamenco shows in Seville.
21:30: Dinner. Stay in Santa Cruz, or cross back to Triana for fried fish by the river.
Where to stay
For a two-day trip, stay in Santa Cruz or the Centro so you can walk everywhere and rest at the hotel in the afternoon. See where to stay in Seville.
Variations
- In summer (June to September): do all outdoor sightseeing before 12:00 and after 19:00, and book a hotel with a pool. Swap the afternoon walk for a museum.
- If it rains: the Alcázar, the cathedral, the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Casa de Pilatos are mostly indoors.
- With kids: replace the cathedral visit with the Alcázar gardens’ maze, boats at Plaza de España and a river cruise. See Seville with kids.
- On a Monday: some museums close, but the Alcázar and the cathedral are open.
- A third day? See our 3-day itinerary.
FAQ
Is 2 days in Seville enough?
Yes, for the highlights. You will see the Alcázar, the cathedral, Plaza de España, Santa Cruz and Triana, and have time for a flamenco show.
What should I skip if I only have 2 days?
Skip the smaller museums and a second palace. Keep the Alcázar, the cathedral and Plaza de España.
Can I do a day trip with 2 days in Seville?
Not without losing most of the city. Add a third day for Córdoba or Cádiz.