One Day in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Seville is one of Spain's most captivating cities. The world's largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Moorish palace, a plaza so beautiful it's been in Star Wars and Game of Thrones, and tapas bars that stay open until midnight. One day isn't enough to see everything, but it's enough to fall in love.

We just spent a wonderful day in Seville with Jethro's parents, and it was an amazing experience. Just the cathedral makes Seville worth a detour, but what amazed me was how much there was to see around every corner.

This is the one-day itinerary I wish I had followed. It takes you to all the best attractions, and I've optimised it to minimise backtracking so your feet don't ache at the end like mine did.

One Day in Seville: The Overview

Here's how I would spend one day in Seville if I had to do it all over again. This itinerary covers the essential sights in a logical order.

Is One Day in Seville Enough?

Yes, but it's going to be full-on.

We tried to do Seville in one day.

And we did, but by the end, we were leaning against walls just to give our feet a break. One day gives you just enough time to visit the big landmarks, enjoy them for an hour or so each, and then move on.

The good news: Seville is walkable.

The Cathedral, Alcazar, and Barrio Santa Cruz are all within 10 minutes of each other. Plaza de Espana is a 20-minute walk south (or a quick tram ride). You can cover the essentials without needing a car or much public transport.

The challenge: Seville has more to offer than you can fit into one day. If you love history, art, or flamenco, consider staying overnight to explore properly.

What to See in Seville in One Day

Plaza de Espana & Maria Luisa Park

Opening hours: Plaza open 8am-midnight. Park always open. Entry: Free Time needed: 45-60 minutes

Start the day with one of the most spectacular plazas in Spain.

Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, Plaza de Espana is a sweeping semicircle of brick and ceramic tiles. 52 tiled alcoves line the plaza, each representing a different Spanish province with hand-painted scenes and maps.

The central fountain, ornamental bridges over the canal, and the sheer scale of the architecture make this one of Seville's most photographed spots. It's also appeared in Star Wars (Episode II) and Lawrence of Arabia.

Best time to visit: Early morning (before 10am) when the light is soft and the crowds haven't arrived. Avoid midday in summer when there's no shade.

Behind the plaza, Maria Luisa Park offers shaded paths, fountains, and gardens. It's worth a short stroll, especially in spring when the orange blossoms are in bloom.

Royal Alcazar of Seville

Opening hours: April-Sept 9:30am-7pm. Oct-March 9:30am-5pm. Entry: €14.50 (book timed-entry tickets online) Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

The Royal Alcazar is Seville's most extraordinary landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a 10th-century Moorish fort, it was rebuilt in the 14th century for King Peter I and remains a royal residence today.

The palace blends Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture with intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and peaceful courtyards. Don't miss the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) or the ornate Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors).

The gardens are equally impressive: shaded walkways, trickling fountains, and towering palms. Game of Thrones fans will recognise the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Seville Cathedral & La Giralda

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. Sunday 2:30pm-6pm. Entry: €12 (includes Giralda tower) Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church overall. The interior is overwhelming: soaring columns, gold-covered altars, and quiet side chapels in every corner.

Don't miss the tomb of Christopher Columbus, held aloft by four figures representing the kingdoms of Spain. The detailed choir stalls and massive organ are also impressive.

After exploring the interior, climb the Giralda tower.

This 104-metre former minaret has ramped walkways (no stairs) winding upward with increasingly sweeping views. From the top, you can see across the entire old town to the Sierra Morena hills.

Confession: Jethro forgot to book tickets, so we never got inside because they were sold out.

His parents were visiting from South Africa. Please don't make our mistake.

Tapas Lunch

After a busy morning, take a well-earned break with tapas in Seville's historic heart. You'll find countless spots within walking distance of the Cathedral.

Traditional options:

• El Rinconcillo - Spain's oldest tapas bar (founded 1670). Known for jamon iberico and spinach with chickpeas.
• Casa Roman - Classic spot near the Cathedral. Try the montaditos.
• Bodega Santa Cruz - No-frills, local favourite.

Modern tapas:

• La Brunilda - Creative dishes, always busy. No reservations.
• Ovejas Negras - Modern tapas in a lively setting.
• Vuela Tapas & Cocktails - Upmarket tapas with a great wine list.

Where we ate: SedeMexico for high-end Mexican with Andalusian flair. Different, but delicious.

Budget: €15-25 per person for a full tapas lunch with drinks.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Time needed: 45-60 minutes

After lunch, wander through the tangled lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's old Jewish quarter. This is all about getting lost on purpose.

Narrow, winding streets open onto quiet plazas filled with orange trees, wrought-iron balconies, and hidden corners. Look for Plaza de Dona Elvira, one of the prettiest squares in the barrio, and Calle Agua, which runs alongside the Alcazar wall.

Shops here sell ceramics, fans, and classic Sevillano souvenirs. The atmosphere feels centuries removed from the busy tourist areas.

Hidden gem nearby: Plaza del Cabildo is a tucked-away circular plaza with coin and stamp shops under arched galleries. Most tourists miss it.

Casa de Pilatos

Opening hours: 9am-6pm (last entry 5:15pm) Entry: €10 (ground floor) or €12 (including upper floor) Time needed: 45 minutes

If you have energy, Casa de Pilatos is one of Seville's best-kept secrets. This 16th-century mansion blends Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance design with a graceful main courtyard, marble columns, and intricate tilework.

It's less crowded than the Alcazar but equally beautiful. The upstairs rooms are filled with period furniture and family portraits.

Alternative: If your feet need a break, skip the palace and settle into a shady terrace instead.

Virgin Coffee and Filo are good local picks. For ice cream, try Bolas.

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Opening hours: 9:30am-11pm (until midnight Fri-Sat) Entry: €5 (includes drink voucher) Time needed: 30-45 minutes

Head north toward Metropol Parasol, better known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms). This giant wooden structure rises over Plaza de la Encarnacion, a striking modern contrast to Seville's historic core.

Take the elevator to the rooftop walkway for 360-degree views across the city. The honeycomb patterns and flowing curves make it one of Seville's most recognisable contemporary landmarks.

Underneath, there's a small archaeological museum (Roman ruins discovered during construction) and shaded benches if you need a rest.

Best time to visit: Late afternoon for golden light or just before sunset.

Torre del Oro & The River

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6:45pm. Sat-Sun 10:30am-6:45pm. Entry: €3 (free on Mondays) Time needed: 30 minutes

As the sun dips, walk to Torre del Oro on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

This 13th-century watchtower (Tower of Gold) has a small maritime museum inside. Climb to the top for river views.

From here, you can take a sunset river cruise. Boats depart just below the tower and offer a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle: Triana Bridge, Plaza de Toros, and parts of the Expo '92 site downstream.

Evening: Flamenco or Tapas Crawl

For something unforgettable, book a flamenco show. Seville is the heartland of flamenco, and seeing a performance here is special.

Best venues:

• Casa de la Memoria - Intimate, authentic, book ahead
• La Casa del Flamenco - Small venue in Santa Cruz
• Tablao El Arenal - Larger venue, professional dancers

Expect to pay: €20-35 for a show, €40-60 with dinner.

If you'd rather wander and snack, join locals for a tapeo (tapas crawl).

Start near Calle Mateos Gago or head to Alameda de Hercules, and follow the crowds from bar to bar. Classic orders: gambas al ajillo, carrillada de cerdo (braised pork cheeks), and a glass of fino sherry.

Hidden Gems in Seville

If you've ticked off the big landmarks and have extra time:

• Plaza del Cabildo - Hidden circular plaza with antique and coin shops. Enter through a narrow passageway near the Cathedral.

• Convento de San Leandro - Buy sweets made by cloistered nuns through a revolving wooden drum. The yemas de San Leandro (candied egg yolks) are famous.

• Palacio de Las Duenas - Former home of the Duke of Alba, filled with art, antiques, and family memorabilia. Less crowded than Casa de Pilatos.

• Hospital de los Venerables - 17th-century building with a stunning Baroque chapel and the Velazquez Centre art collection.

• Museo de Bellas Artes - Spain's second-most important art museum after the Prado. Works by Murillo, Zurbaran, and Velazquez.

• Triana - Cross the river to this neighbourhood known for flamenco roots, ceramic workshops, and riverside tapas bars.

Book These Tickets in Advance

Seville gets busy. Don't make our mistake (we missed the Cathedral because it was sold out).

• Royal Alcazar - Book timed-entry tickets at least a few days ahead
• Seville Cathedral - Same-day tickets often sell out
• Flamenco shows - Popular venues book up, especially weekends
• Restaurant reservations - La Brunilda and other trendy spots don't take bookings; arrive early

Best Time to Visit Seville

Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe. Timing matters.

Spring (March-May): The best time to visit.

Temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C, orange blossoms in bloom, and the city at its most beautiful. April brings Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Summer (June-August): Brutally hot.

Average highs around 36°C (97°F), often pushing past 40°C (104°F). Streets empty during siesta. Only visit if you can handle extreme heat and plan activities for early morning or evening.

Autumn (September-November): Still warm in September (high 20s), cooling to the low 20s by November.

Fewer crowds, lower prices. Excellent time to visit.

Winter (December-February): Mild but the rainiest season.

Highs around 17°C (62°F). No crowds, but pack a waterproof jacket.

Festival Dates in Seville

• Semana Santa (Holy Week) - Late March/April. Spectacular religious processions leading up to Easter. Incredibly atmospheric but very crowded.
• Feria de Abril - Two weeks after Easter.Flamenco dresses, horse parades, casetas (party tents), and dancing until dawn. Pure Andalusian celebration.
• Corpus Christi - June. Ornate processions through the historic centre.
• Vela de Santa Ana - Late July. Local summer festival in Triana with music, food, and riverfront celebrations.
• Bienal de Flamenco - September (every two years). The world's most prestigious flamenco festival.

Getting to Seville

From Malaga

By car: 2.5 hours via the A-92 motorway.

Free road, good condition. Parking in Seville is challenging; use underground car parks.

By train: AVE high-speed train takes about 2 hours from Malaga Maria Zambrano station. Tickets from €25-50 each way.

By bus: Alsa buses take 2.5-3 hours. Cheaper but slower.

From Other Cities

From Madrid: AVE train takes 2.5 hours. Frequent departures.

From Cordoba: 45 minutes by train. Easy day trip combination.

From Seville Airport: 25 minutes to city centre by taxi (€25-30) or bus.

Getting Around Seville

The good news: you can walk to almost everything. The historic centre is compact and mostly flat.

On foot: The Cathedral, Alcazar, and Barrio Santa Cruz are within 5-10 minutes of each other. Plaza de Espana is a 20-minute walk south.

Tram: Line T1 runs through the centre. Useful for getting to Plaza de Espana if your feet are tired.

Hop-on-hop-off bus: Surprisingly useful if you're short on time or have mobility issues. Jethro's parents swore by it.

Taxis/Uber/Bolt: Readily available. Useful for early mornings, late nights, or getting to Plaza de Espana.

Metro: Limited coverage in the centre. Not usually necessary for one day.

Where to Stay in Seville

If you're staying overnight:

Luxury:

• Hotel Alfonso XIII - Grand Moorish-style hotel, one of Spain's most famous
• Hotel Casa 1800 - Boutique hotel in the old town with rooftop terrace and Giralda views

Mid-range:

• Hotel Amadeus & La Musica - Music-themed boutique with courtyards and rooftop hot tub
• Puerta Catedral Suites - Apartments near the Cathedral

Budget:

• La Banda Rooftop Hostel - Stylish hostel with rooftop terrace
• Guesthouses in Alfalfa or Santa Catalina neighbourhoods

Best areas: Stay in Barrio Santa Cruz, El Arenal, or near the Cathedral to walk everywhere.

Day Trips from Seville

If you have extra time:

• Cordoba - 45 minutes by train. The Mezquita alone is worth the trip.
• Carmona - 30 minutes by car. Roman ruins, castle views, almost no tourists.
• Italica - 15 minutes. Roman amphitheatre, Game of Thrones filming location.
• Ronda - 2 hours. Dramatic gorge and historic bullring.