Seville Itinerary: Top Activities and Day Trips in 2-5 Days
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is located in the lower southwestern part of the Iberian peninsula. With a population of 1.5 million, it is the 4th largest city in Spain! It is a gateway to explore Andalusia, delicious food, and amazing culture. It is a must-visit city!
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Quick Preview:
Day 1: Arrive in Seville: Plaza España and Parque de María Luisa
Day 2: Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral
Day 3: Day Trip to Cordoba and Flamenco Show in Seville
Day 5: Choose your Own Adventure to Soak in Seville
Modifications - Learn how to create the perfect itinerary 2-5 days!
Day 1: Arrive in Seville: Plaza España and Maria Louisa Park
The Plaza de España (Spain Square)
This is the most famous plaza in Seville and one of the iconic images of Spain! The plaza was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American World Exposition. There are Andalusian tiled benches (aka azulejos) showcasing all the different provinces in Spain. Take your time exploring all 52 areas!
The views and the plaza are beautiful making for a beautiful photo drop and a common film set! Also, you will commonly find street performances including the very popular flamenco being performed here!
If you want a formal flamenco experience check out some of these options: Flamenco Show or Flamenco + Tapas
Tip: We suggest checking out the plaza and park during daylight to appreciate the beauty! At night the fountains do light up so you could consider coming back in the evening too!
Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park)
Right next to Plaza España is this beautiful park to complement the architecture. The park was first opened to the public in 1914 spanning over 84 acres. There are so many beautiful green spaces, structures, and sculptures here.
Tip: You can even rent a little row boat for a few euros and experience the plaza and park views via the water.
For a different way to tour Seville- check out this bike and tour option!
Day 2: Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral
The Royal Alcazar (Alcázar of Seville)
A beautiful royal palace filled with over 1000 years of history and culture. The palace used to be a site of Muslim Alcazar that was used by Castilian Christians in the 13th-16th century, and later by the Jewish.
For fans of Game of Thrones, this is a common filming location for this show!
Tips:
Start your day early to avoid crowds! Be sure to book your tickets in advance and check for updated hours and events as this is a POPULAR destination!
We recommend doing at minimum an audio tour to have an elevated experience! And be sure to check the official page for info!
If you prefer to take a guided tour- see the skip the line Alcázar of Seville Tour
Lunch
Now is a great time to break for lunch and tapas! See our favorite tapas post in Spain!
The area between the Royal Alcazar and your next stop-the Cathedral has tons of cafes, restaurants, and places to do take out (take away) to enjoy on the streets/courtyards.
Seville Cathedral
Located right in the area of the Alcazar Palace, makes for a perfect stop after lunch. The construction of the palace began in 1403 and it is one of the largest churches in the world. It has over 80 chapels, and is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
La Giralda
This is the remains from the mosque that was preserved in the construction of the cathedral. It is now a tower you can climb (about 104 meters high or about 35 ramps up) and take in the views of the city.
For those of you looking for a guided tour, check out the guided and skip-the-line combo of Alcazar and Cathedral!
Day 3: Day Trip to Cordoba and Flamenco Show in Seville
Train Logistics
Make sure to book your train trip in advance, and choose your times (round trip) for the best price (some as low as 10$ each way)! Pricing can be quite dynamic based on when you buy tickets.
Fast trains take about 40 minutes each way and slow trains take 1hr 25 minutes one way. Trains are usually offered fairly frequently, be sure to check the times you want online.
For a good highlights tour of this city, we suggest at least 6-8 hours in Cordoba and would recommend a morning train around 9 and then make the journey back around 5 pm to have dinner in Seville. Feel free to adapt to your day!
Of course, if you are looking for combo tours we love looking for tours here. You can see what works best for you!
Seville Justa Train Station
From your accommodations, you will likely need to take a ride share/taxi to the Justa Station to begin your journey.
The station has a few offerings for cafes- a fast food option and a morning coffee and breakfast place both with takeaway options. The station has several shops and clean bathrooms for use.
Tip: You will see a board with destinations that will let you know which platform your train will come from. Oftentimes, platform reveal takes place about 20 minutes before departure.
Córdoba
A beautiful city filled with historical influence as it was once ruled by Romans in 206 BC then Muslims around 710, and followed by Christians in 1236. It is said that once Jewish, Muslims, and Christians lived in harmony here! What a treat to walk in this city filled with narrow streets and beautiful architecture preserved from the past. It is like walking in a storybook!
Things to do In Cordoba:
First Stop: La Mezquita (Great Mosque)
This is hands down the highlight and is often cited as an Islamic masterpiece visited by people worldwide!
Be sure to check out the audio guide at the very least for an elevated experience! Reserve early!
If you are looking for a guided tour consider picking from one of many lovely packages here!
Spend some time in the Patio de los Naranjos (The Courtyard of Orange Trees)!
Bell Tower
Don't forget to pair your visit with the bell tower (54 meters), which just so happens to be the tallest building in the city for a small fee to see the city from above. Tickets are timed so just plan around your Mezquita visit.
Just a short walk over (<5 minutes) and you will end up on the Roman Bridge!
Roman Bridge
This used to be the historic center of the city built in the 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir River and since then has undergone renovations.
As you make your way to the next stop to the Jewish Quarters (< 10 minute walk), enjoy some time for lunch/tapas along the way.
Judería (Old Jewish Quarter)
This is where the Jews lived in the 10th to 15th centuries and is also the historic center of Cordoba and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Synagogue and Museum of Sephardic Jews (Casa de Sefarad)
The synagogue is free to visit and the museum has a small fee (right across the synagogue entrance). This was restored to replicate what the quarters would have looked like when the Jews lived in the area before being expelled in the 15th century. It is devoted to the Sephardic (Iberian Peninsula Jewish) culture and represents the life of a prominent Jewish family.
About a 3-minute walk from this area, you can visit the Alcázar.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs)
This used to be one of many primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon located in the heart of the city center next to the Guadalquivir River.
Tip: Book your tickets early as they have limits and can be a popular activity! There is a small cost for ticket prices.
If you are looking for other things to do:
This one is a 20-minute walk from the city center so may require some planning.
Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana (Palace of Viana)
This palace is famous for its 12 patios (courtyards) and collection of art over half a century. It used to be a home in the 15th century, that over the years has become a palace named after the last family living there. Please check the hours and ticket prices on the website.
Did you know that Cordoba is famous for its flower-filled courtyards and patios and in fact they have a yearly competition The Courtyard Festival ( usually the first week of May)?!
Head back to Seville and check out Barrio Santa Cruz for dinner/tapas/drinks.
Flamenco Show
What better place to watch Flamenco than in Seville, which is thought to be the birthplace of this art form?? Flamenco is a form of art with elements of singing, dancing, music, and movement. You have to see it to understand the complexity and feel moved! There are many places in Seville to check out flamenco, pick your favorite!
If you are looking for a recommendation, Casa de la Memoria and Casa del Flamenco were highly suggested to us. If you want a formal flamenco experience check out some of these options: Flamenco Show or Flamenco + Tapas
Day 4: Day Trip to Cádiz
The minute we entered Seville Train station and saw all of the Andalusian destinations and the possibilities in Southern Spain, we knew we had to plan for another day trip! On our way back from Cordoba, we bought our tickets for Cádiz!
Cádiz is only 1 hour and 28 minutes on a fast train! If you have the time, we absolutely recommend planning to visit Cádiz! Plan for a full day!
Cádiz is a charming port city filled with picturesque plazas, narrow streets, beaches, colorful streets, castles, and great food. The city is so lively! It is often said to be the oldest inhabited city in Western Europe dating back to the 12th century BC. In the 18th century, it also served as the main place of trade for Spain that has resulted in architecture with historical significance everywhere and the numerous watchtowers spread across the city.
You can spend the whole day just walking and exploring the city. Whenever you get tired of walking, grab a seat and wave at the ocean, sit in the plaza, have tapas, or chill at the beach!
If you prefer guided tours/experiences we recommend searching for tours here.
Here are our must-do highlights:
Plaza de San Juan de Dios
This plaza is where you will most likely walk through to go about the city. Dates back to the 16th century and was a historic center of the city next to the port. Be sure to see the Town Hall and the Church of San Juan de Dios. You will also find a visitor booth here if you want more info or directions!
The Roman Theatre Of Cádiz
A free museum to learn about the history and culture behind the city with architecture dating back to the 1st century BC. The history behind this is amazing! Come experience it and take it in!
Mercado Central (The Central Market of Cádiz)
A great lunch stop filled with fresh seafood cooked to order, fruits, vegetables, beer, drinks, and vegetarian options with a mix of international and local cuisine. Check the hours of the market (usually open from 9am to 1pm most days).
Cadiz Cathedral + Tower of Poniente
Cadiz has over 50 watchtowers! This one is our favorite and we highly recommend it! Construction of this tower took over 100 years and was completed in 1838.
The Cathedral has a small fee to enter and includes the tower!
San Sebastian Castle
About a 15 minute walk from the city center, it’s very easy to get to. While this 18th-century castle is actually closed to visitors, it is a wonderful walk to the gate on a paved cobbled bridge with the water and beach (La Caleta) creating a gorgeous backdrop.
La Caleta Beach
A beautiful white sand beach located around a caleta (small bay) makes for wonderful relaxation time and sunsets.
Santa Catalina Castle
Across from the San Sebastian Castle, this 17th-century fortress is the oldest in Cadiz. It’s free to enter and explore. There are occasional concerts and art exhibits that take place here.
If you are looking for more to do:
Park Genoves
It is a great stop along your seaside walk and very walkable from the historical center. Green space and greenery make the park a nice quiet place to hear yourself think.
Alameda Apodaca Park
Another beautiful stop along your seaside walk, with fountains, green space, and tile work.
Iglesia de Santa Maria (Santa Maria Church)
Built from the 13th to 17th centuries, there is lovely architecture to admire from the outside on your walk through the city or go check out inside.
Plaza de las Flores (Flower Square)
This plaza/square is the most colorful square located in the city center of Cadiz surrounded by main shopping areas.
Cadiz Plaza de España
In another open public space, here you can admire monuments and architecture. The famous one is the white monument that was built to celebrate the 1812 constitution of Spain.
Cadiz to Seville Train
Day 5: Choose your own adventure to Soak in Seville
Explore the local neighborhoods, go to your favorite areas, and chill and eat!
If you are looking for more to do:
Bull Museum, Riverwalk, and Watch Tower
Start with the Real Maestranza tour of the bullfighting museum with a small entrance fee. Then walk along the Guadalquivir Riverfront or take a mini boat ride. Head to the Toro del Oro (watch tower, has a navy museum in it or climb stairs for rooftop views) for a small fee.
Las Setas (The Mushrooms)
The official name is Metropol Parasol offers day/night opportunities to see the city from atop.
Modifications:
If you know us, you know that we love to soak in a city and DO as much as possible in one day! We enjoy walking over 10 miles a day to find the pulse of a place. However, we know that everyone has different travel styles so we gave you a more relaxed itinerary above, and here are modifications to consider for various trip lengths:
If you have only 2 days, spend both in Seville –look at Day 1 and 2 to plan your trip.
If you have 3 days, you can choose to stay in Seville or consider adding a daytrip (Cordoba for historical sightseeing or Cadiz for port city vibes + history).
If you have 4 days, spend 2-3 days in Seville + you will have time for 1 day trip
If you have 5 days, you can add on more day trips( recommend limiting to 2)!
If you have the luxury of time, feel free to choose your favorites above and spend more time relaxing and eating!
For even more inspiration to Andalusia and use Seville as your home base check out all the wonderful guided trips here!
Check out Q and A Spain!
Gracias (Thank you) for reading and spending time with us!
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