3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
Have 3 days in Seville and wondering how to spend your time? You've come to the right place! This Seville itinerary details the best things to do, how to plan your time, where to find the best restaurants, top hotels, and more!
Seville is one of my favorite cities in the world. The mix of cultures, friendly locals, walkability, mouthwatering tapas, and affordability make Seville a gem.
Most people say you can see Seville in 2 days. I strongly suggest spending no less than 3 days in Seville, Spain. I could easily spend weeks in this city and still not want to leave. Hence why I've returned six times...perhaps I should consider moving here.
Seville is Spain’s fourth largest city and thrums with character and soul. If you're looking for a Spanish city with personality, this is it.
Out of all the places in Spain, this is where I would bake in extra time to linger and revisit your favorite spots.
Enough of the intro, let's get into how to spend 3 days in Seville, Spain. This itinerary makes sure you hit all the top sights in an order that makes sense.
Download this Seville 3 day Itinerary in PDF form. Save it on your phone or print it!
This map shows everything listed in this Seville 3 day itinerary. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Blue: day 1
- Red: day 2
- Purple: day 3
- Black: restaurants and coffee shops
3 days in Seville – A detailed itinerary and guide
Edificio de La Adriática - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
Seville Itinerary - Day 1
Get to know Seville with a Tour
I've always believed joining a tour is a great way to introduce yourself to a new city. You'll get the lay of the land, learn the history of the city, and have the opportunity to ask your guide for recommendations after the tour.
Seville is perfect for a bike tour as the city center is pedestrianized. You won't run into any crazy traffic...if any at all. The sights are close enough together that you’ll get to see pretty much everything. Jake and I did this 3-hour bike tour and loved it.
If you aren’t comfortable on a bike, book a walking tour. It's a fun way to learn about the history, traditions, and culture of Seville.
I highly recommend this 3-hour private tour as you'll see both the highlights and hidden gems. It's a private tour so you'll have flexibility on start time and can customize the tour to your preferences.
Joining a walking or bike tour is the perfect way to start your 3 days in Seville to get acquainted with the city.
Lunch Break
MERCADO LONJA DEL BARRANCO
After your tour, visit the recently renovated gourmet food hall. What used to be an old fish market is now a glamorous lunch and dinner spot for locals and tourists.
Grab a seat on the large front patio or the side patio by the river if the weather is nice. You'll find regional cuisines like paella and croquettes as well as international options like sushi and gelato.
Take a stroll along the river and make your way back to the center to get to the Catedral de Sevilla.
Tapas lunch
Mercado Lonja del Barranco has a fun atmosphere and is perfect for those short on time. It's also ideal for groups with all the options. The one downside, as often with food markets, is that it doesn't offer the highest food quality.
If you prefer (and have time) for a sit-down lunch, these are some of my favorite spots around the city center serving Spanish cuisine.
- Bar Sal Gorda
- Petra
- Mechela Arenal
- Vuela Tapas & Cocktail
- Mamarracha Tapas
- Jester Specialty Coffee & Açai - not Spanish, but great if you're craving something healthy (acai bowls, smoothies, etc.)
SEE ALSO:
BEST TAPAS IN SEVILLE | TOP 5
TOP 5 COFFEE SHOPS AND CAFES IN SEVILLE, SPAIN
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE, SPAIN | TOP 3 NEIGHBORHOODS
BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN SEVILLE FOR INCREDIBLE VIEWS | TOP 5
BEST TIME TO VISIT SEVILLE – IDEAL MONTHS & SEASONS
Giralda Bell Tower views - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary
Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower
The third largest church in Europe and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It’s a wonder to behold from the outside and one of the highlights of Spain.
Book tickets in advance to skip waiting in line.
Do a self-guided walking tour or pick up an audio guide. We used Rick Steve’s self-guided tour.
There are plenty of paid tours to choose from if you want an in-depth look at the Cathedral and its history. This 2-hour small group tour with fast-track entrance is a great option with a maximum of 8 people.
Don’t leave without climbing the Giralda Tower, a former Moorish minaret used to call Muslims to prayer.
The spiral ramp, once used to accommodate horseback riders five times a day to signal the call to prayer, takes you up 330 feet. The views of Seville below are stunning.
El Torno Pasteleria de Conventos
After exiting the Cathedral, Stop by El Torno Pasteleria de Conventos for nun-baked cookies…the best in the city.
Barrio Santa Cruz - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + Things to do
Barrio Santa Cruz - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + Things to do
Wander the Santa Cruz Barrio
Wander the charming barrio of Santa Cruz. This neighborhood was once Seville’s Jewish quarter and is a delight to get lost in.
Two streets to note are Calle Agua and Calle Mateos Gago. Following along these main streets should get you started in the right direction to lose yourself in the maze of shops, tapas bars, and colorful pathways.
Casa de Pilatos
This 16th-century Renaissance mansion is one of the best examples of a civil, as opposed to royal, palace in Seville. Part of the palace is open to the public, while a separate wing still serves as the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli.
Casa de Pilatos is not widely known among tourists, so it’s not typically crowded.
It's well worth a visit even on the quickest of trips. The palace closes at 6:00 pm in the winter and 7:00 pm in the summer.
If you have time to tour Casa de Pilatos, squeeze it in while wandering the Santa Cruz area. Otherwise, save it for day 2 or 3.
You can buy tickets for the ground floor only or both the lower and upper levels. The lower level is the most stunning. The upper level focuses more on décor and furnishing.
Tapas Crawl
The Santa Cruz barrio is filled with plenty of options. Pick a lively area or street and stop at whatever tapas bar grabs your interest.
Have a glass of sangria and a tapas or two before moving on to the next spot.
If you want to do as the locals do, start later in the evening around 9:00 pm.
Some of my favorites are La Bartola, Vineria San Telmo, and Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas. Las Columnas doesn’t have the most memorable food, but the atmosphere and prices are worth the trip.
Read more about my favorite tapas restaurants in Seville.
Flamenco show
Finish the first day of your 3 days in Seville itinerary in true Spanish style with a Flamenco show. La Casa del Flamenco is a great option for a formal show.
If you want something a little more authentic and casual, try La Carboneria Bar. Admission is free, there’s always a crowd, guitarists strum while impromptu singing and Flamenco dancing ensues.
Bar El Comercio - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary
Bar El Comercio - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary
Seville Itinerary - Day 2
Churros con Chocolate at Bar el Comercio
Start your morning in true Seville style with some of the best churros con chocolate. Contrary to what you may think, churros and chocolate are not a dessert in Spain. They are typically eaten for breakfast or as an early afternoon snack.
Setas de Seville - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
Plaza de la Encarnacion
Walk 4 minutes to the Plaza de la Encarnacion to see the iconic Setas de Seville. This once empty square is now home to an eye-catching waffle-patterned wooden structure forming a mushroom-shaped canopy.
Below you will find vendors selling everything from trinkets and jewelry to baklava and candies.
Feria Barrio
Walk down Calle Regina as you leave the mushroom canopy.
This street and area has some of my favorite coffee spots, including Virgin Coffee, East Crema Coffee, MUY Coffee, and La Cacharreria de Sevilla. La Cacharreria has wonderful homemade cakes, salads, and acai bowls.
Continue walking straight until you hit Feria Street. This street will take you through the heart of the Feria Barrio, the hipster/artsy neighborhood.
Calle Feria also hosts Seville’s best flea market on Thursdays.
Plaza Nueva
Work your way back to the city center to arrive at Plaza Nueva.
This is the perfect place to start an afternoon shopping tour. Some good streets to start at are Calle Tetuan, Calle Sierpes, and Calle Velázquez.
Alcazar Palace - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
Alcazar Palace and Gardens
The Alcazar Palace will be a highlight of your 3 days in Seville.
Reserve your spot in advance. It’s not uncommon for tickets to sell out, and the line for non-ticket holders can be daunting.
Choose your ticket time for later in the day. Tour groups crowd Alcazar Palace in the mornings.
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, this Islamic-styled palace might look familiar. It stood in for Dorne.
Plan to spend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace. This is one of my favorite Seville attractions and should be included on every Seville itinerary.
Tapas
End day 2 of your Seville itinerary with another tapas crawl.
Revisit the Santa Cruz barrio for any spots you didn’t try the first night or go back to the Feria barrio. Duo Tapas, Antojo, and Eslava (my favorite) are some popular options in Feria.
Plaza de Espana - 3 Days in Seville
Seville Itinerary - Day 3
I’ve left the last day of your 3 days in Seville a bit more flexible and will give you a few options.
Option #1 for Day 3
Maria Louisa Park and Plaza de Espana
First stop on the morning agenda for day 3 of your Seville itinerary is to visit the breathtaking Maria Louisa Park. I happened upon the majestic Plaza de España by accident during a morning jog on my first trip to Seville.
Can you imagine my surprise when I found it?! The Spanish pavilion showcases maps and historic scenes from each province of Spain in colorful tilework.
Visit at sunrise, or close to it, while the plaza is empty. It gets extremely crowded with tourists during the day and in the evening.
Early morning is my favorite time to come here. You'll have it all to yourself.
Triana neighborhood
Walk north along the river from Maria Louisa Park until you arrive at the Puente de Triana bridge. Cross the bridge to enter the Triana neighborhood. This is a popular spot for an evening paseo or walk.
Once you cross the bridge, you'll walk right by Mercado de Triana. A small indoor market filled with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. This is a good option for a cheap lunch or to buy picnic supplies.
Stroll through the Triana neighborhood to experience a different side of Seville. This barrio has a quiet and residential feel.
Spend the rest of your day revisiting some of your favorite spots, getting a last bit of shopping in, enjoying a long lunch under the fragrant orange trees, and wandering the streets. Or...squeeze in Cordoba with option #2.
Option #2 - Half or Full Day in Cordoba
Another option to end your 3 days in Seville is to add a half-day or full-day trip to Cordoba.
Visit Maria Louisa Park and Plaza de España first thing in the morning, then head to Cordoba.
There are plenty of tours you could join, but in all honesty, a day trip to Cordoba is an easy one to do on your own since you can get there by train.
Cordoba - 3 Days in Seville
Mezquita - 3 Days in Seville
The high-speed Renfe train will take you to the charming town of Cordoba in less than 45 minutes.
The Mezquita, aka the Great Mosque of Cordoba, is why most people visit.
Buy your tickets in advance.
If you just want to see the Mezquita, plan on 2 hours. You could spend more time exploring the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, but personally, I prefer Seville for exploring.
If you have the extra time and want to experience Cordoba, I recommend 6 hours.
Trains are frequent, typically 2 or 3 each hour, so you'll have plenty of options for departure times.
Alhambra Palace in the background - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
Option #3 - day trip to Granada
Granada is a stunning city and a joy to visit. The history is fascinating as it was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain.
I recommend spending at least 1 to 2 days in Granada. But if that's not in the cards, you may want to consider a day trip.
It will be a very long but worthwhile day.
My recommendation is to book a private tour to Granada. It's nice to have private transportation to and from Granada and a guide while you are there to ensure you see the priorities.
If that's not in the budget, you can piece together your own day trip and take the train or bus (about 2.5-3 hours each way).
A visit to the Alhambra will be the highlight of your trip. It's an enchanting hilltop complex of palaces, castles, and gardens.
What about the White Villages, Ronda, Cadiz, and Jerez?
Two other popular day trips from Seville are the White Villages paired with Ronda and Cadiz and Jerez. Personally, I would rather spend a little longer in the car/bus/train and experience Granada.
Giralda Tower - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + Things to do
Barrio Santa Cruz - 3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + Things to do
IN SUMMARY
Seville in 3 days is absolutely manageable with this Seville itinerary. You'll have plenty of time to see the top sights without feeling rushed.
Spend your time enjoying the parks, slowly wandering the streets, making a few shopping stops, and lingering over a meal of tapas and sangria. If you're like me, this city will find a special place in your heart and you'll be itching to return soon.
Enjoy your 3 days in Seville!
Seville Hotel Recommendations
Luxury:
- Hotel Casa del Poeta
- Gran Melia Colón
- Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Marriott)
- Palacio Villapanés - a bit further from the city center than my other recommendations, but in exchange the rooms are spacious and it's a beautiful property with an excellent spa
Midrange
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3 Days in Seville | Itinerary + TOP Things to do
What a wonderful post, love the PDF download. The PDF went to my phone right away for reference in the streets.
Loved all the river sports here, what a surprise top me. Kayaking, canoeing, and sculling.
The food and the student culture were great here too.
I’m so glad you found the PDF helpful! Isn’t Seville just amazing? One of my favorite cities.
Your posts are so helpful — thorough yet flexible — really thoughtful. Thank you! Somewhere you mentioned that, because the Seville-to-Granada train was not yet fully operational and thus necessitated switching to a bus, it was better to simply take the bus from city to city. As of November 2023, is that still your recommendation? I’ve looked but don’t see reference to issues with the train but I doubt that they’d advertise that. How can we confirm which is the better way to go?
Thanks!
Thank you! I’m so glad my posts have helped…comments like this always make my day! I just looked on trainline.com and it looks like there is a direct train now. In the past when I would search, it would not show this. You could still go either way. The bus will take 3 hours and the train will take 2:40 to 3 hours.
Hello, am traveling in Spain, to Seville for 3 nights in June, & you mention a morning jog which caught my attention. I am a runner & although I don’t need to run every day while on a trip, I do want to get some runs in. Can you suggest a good running route in Seville (something like 5K), we are staying near the cathedral. Thank you!
Hi Vicki! When I stay in the vicinity of the cathedral, I’ll usually run to the river and then continue along the river to Plaza de Espana/Maria Louisa Park. That park is pretty big. So I’ll usually just zig zag around the park for however long I want to jog for. It’s beautiful and many of the paths are packed dirt, so easy on the joints.