How to Spend 2 Days in Seville: a Seville Itinerary
Only have 2 days in Seville? I’m here to give you everything you need to know before visiting to make the most out of your time. Seville, Spain is notably the most charming place I have ever been. The city of Seville is most famous for its streets lined with orange trees, culture, historic monuments, and traditions. One of, if not the most, favorite places I have ever been to.
Seville is the capital city of the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. Seville is a city that is full of life and energy. It is famous for its vibrant flamenco music and dance, which is an essential part of the city’s cultural heritage. Seville also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night. In this 2 day Seville itinerary, I’m going to share the best things to do in Seville, the best hotels, where to eat, and so much more!
Where is Seville Spain?
Seville is part of the Andalusia region which is in the southern region of Spain. You can either fly into the Seville airport or take the train into Sevilla Santa Justa. When visiting Seville from Barcelona it’s roughly a 5-hour train ride.
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Best Time to Visit Seville
The city’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for travelers all year round. Seville is a popular tourist destination, and it attracts millions of visitors each year from all over the world. We visited in January and it was a solid 60°F during the day and high 40°F at night. For the best months to visit plan your trip for January-May when the weather is mild and hotel rates are lower.
Things to Know Before Visiting Seville
- The city itself is extremely small therefore making it very walkable (you don’t need a car).
- Siestas are a real thing here meaning most stores close at 3 pm and open back up at 8 pm.
- The official language in Seville is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in high tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases before your trip to help you get around and communicate with locals.
- An early dinner in Seville is 8 pm.
- Tipping is not mandatory in Seville, but it’s customary to leave a small amount of change or round up the bill in restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Buy your Real Alcazar tickets in advance.
- The details of this city were my favorite part about visiting Seville – don’t forget to look up!
- The time of year can have an impact on your visit. When we visited in January the crowds were sparse however sunrise was at 8:30 am.
- Seville summers can get REALLY hot.
Best Places to Visit in Seville
Plaza de Espana
Since the beginning of my travel blogging journey (2017), I longed to visit the Plaza de Espana. Suffice it to say, I was elated when it finally happened! The Plaza de Espana is located inside Maria Luisi Park and was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exhibition.
The Plaza de España is a massive semi-circular building that covers an area of about 50,000 square meters. It is made up of a central building with two towers and a long curved colonnade that frames a large open square. The plaza is lined with benches, which are decorated with colorful ceramic tiles representing all of the provinces of Spain.
This park has lots to do including catching a famous Flamenco show, renting a rowboat, or just admiring the sheer beauty. Finally, we arrived at the Plaza at sunrise and had this magnificent masterpiece to ourselves for a good 40 minutes.
Alcazar Seville Spain
The Real Alcázar, commonly known as the Alcázar of Seville, is a Royal Palace constructed in the 1400s. There is a rich history behind the compound that was founded in the middle ages. The Castilians took over the grounds in the 1300s and used them for Royal Residences. It is still used today for the royal family which makes it the oldest European palace that is currently in use. Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed here, most notably Game of Thrones. The architecture and intricate details of the palace will leave you speechless. Finally, in 1987 it was named a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Here are some tips for visiting:
- GET THERE EARLY! It gets crowded during all hours of the day to ensure a quiet visit before 10 am (opens at 9:30 am)
- Book tickets in advance and plan to visit for at least 90 minutes to thoroughly enjoy all this beautiful piece of history has to offer
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the garden and keep your eyes peeled for cute wildlife
- Open from 9:30 am – 5 pm daily
- They offer free visits on Mondays but do note that’s the busiest day
Click here to book your guided tour in advance.
Seville Cathedral and Giralda
Another World Heritage site is the famous Seville Cathedral and Giralda. Constructed in 1507 it’s the largest gothic cathedral. The actual name is “Catedral de Santa María de la Sede” and is the final resting place for Christopher Columbus. When visiting make sure to climb the 35 floors to the top of the Giralda Tower (you walk up a ramp as opposed to stairs). This bell tower showcases a 360 view of Seville city. Furthermore, the courtyard is littered with orange trees, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity!
Important sites when visiting the cathedral:
- The Royal Chapel
- Tomb of Christoper Columbus
- Giralda Tower
- The Treasure Room
Casa de Pilatos
A hidden gem in Seville! Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusia palace built in the 16th Century. It was built in the 16th century by the Dukes of Medinaceli and is one of the most impressive examples of Mudejar architecture in the city. It’s a much smaller scale than Real Alcazar but just as intricately detailed.
The mansion is a fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudejar architectural styles, and it features beautiful courtyards, gardens, and intricate tilework. Today it is the residence of the 18th Duchess of Medinacelli and her family. It’s open to guided tours and visitors alike. Since it is less popular, the crowds are slim to none so you can enjoy it at your leisure. Finally, it is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm and costs 12€.
Visit the Royal Tobacco Factory
This 18th-century building used to be the Royal Tobacco Factory. The factory is famous for its association with the opera Carmen, written by Georges Bizet, which is set in a tobacco factory. The building also played a significant role in the social and economic development of Seville and was a major employer in the city for many years.
Today it is home to the University of Seville and visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and architecture. It remains one of the largest and most architecturally distinguished industrial buildings ever built in Spain. It’s located near Maria Luisa Park so is easy to add that to your visit!
Setas de Sevilla
Setas de Sevilla, otherwise known as Metropol Parasol, is the largest wooden structure in the world that overlooks Seville City. The structure is composed of six parasols in the form of a mushroom. Because of this, the locals deemed it ‘The Mushroom’. It was completed by a German Architect, Jürgen Mayer in 2011.
Setas de Sevilla is also home to an archaeological museum, which showcases the Roman ruins that were uncovered during the construction of the parasols. The museum features a collection of artifacts from the Roman era, including mosaics, pottery, and other objects.
Furthermore, you can visit 9:30 am-12 am every day, but I recommend visiting in the evening as there is an incredible light-up show. Finally, there are 3 different prices tickets are sold at due to the time of day. Find out more here.
Walk Around the Colorful Barrio Santa Cruz
Barrio Santa Cruz is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of Seville’s historic city center. It is one of the most picturesque and romantic areas of the city, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful courtyards.
The neighborhood was once the Jewish quarter of Seville, and it is steeped in history and tradition. Visitors can explore the winding streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz and discover hidden squares, peaceful patios, and charming fountains. The neighborhood is home to several historic landmarks, including the Alcazar of Seville, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Archive of the Indies. Finally, Barrio Santa Cruz is a perfect place to explore on foot, and it’s an excellent way to discover the soul of Seville.
Attend a Flamenco Show
Seville is one of the best places in the world to experience traditional Flamenco dancing. Flamenco is an art form that originated in Andalusia, and Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco. This is one of the popular things to do in Seville. There are several places in Seville where you can watch a Flamenco show. Consider booking this Flamenco Show as it includes dinner and drinks.
here are a few more options:
- Casa de la Memoria: This intimate venue offers nightly Flamenco shows in a cozy atmosphere. The performers are some of the best in the city, and they showcase the traditional styles of Flamenco. The Casa de la Memoria is located in the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood.
- Los Gallos: This venue has been showcasing Flamenco for over 50 years and is one of the most famous Flamenco venues in Seville. Los Gallos is located in the heart of Seville’s historic city center.
- La Casa del Flamenco: This venue is located in a historic building that dates back to the 15th century. The performances take place in an intimate setting, and the performers showcase the different styles of Flamenco, including bulerias, tangos, and soleas.
- El Palacio Andaluz: This venue offers a grand Flamenco show, complete with colorful costumes, live music, and passionate dancing. The show takes place in a grand theater, and it’s a great way to experience the drama and intensity of Flamenco.
Palacio de Las Duenas
Another day, another Sevilla palace! Hey, I’m not complaining royalty has always been intriguing to me. Palacio de Las Duenas was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. And has been the residence of various aristocratic families over the years. It’s named after the “Duenas,” which means “ladies-in-waiting,” who used to live there.
The style is influenced by Gothic and Moorish styles. The gardens of the Palacio de Las Duenas are also worth a visit, with their winding paths, colorful flowers, and tranquil fountains. The gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they’re a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Finally, this is another lesser-known palace to visit so it’s typically tranquil.
Best Seville Hotels
Hotel Alfonso XIII: a luxury hotel located within walking distance from Maria Luisa Park and the Seville Cathedral. We personally stayed here and would highly recommend it. Not only was it in a prime location but the decor made you feel like you yourself were royalty. We managed to snag a room at less than $300 a night during the off-season. Book your stay here!
Hotel Palacio de Villapanes: an elegant 18th-century building this luxury hotel is another great option. Book your stay here!
BOUTIQUE/BUDGET HOTEL PICK
Hotel Las Casas de La Judería: Sleek Hotel is situated in a prime location. Book your stay here!
Best Restaurants in Seville
Cervecia Giralda: Classic tapas in a former Arab bath. The sidewalk tables have a view of the Giralda Tower. We personally ate here and while the service wasn’t the best, the food and view made up for it.
La Mala (brunch): If you’re looking for a healthy option, La Mala is it! We had brunch here and enjoyed fresh smoothies, salads, and more.
EME Rooftop Bar: A famous rooftop bar with views of the Giralda Tower.
Casa Moreno: Sevilles best kept secret. This is the oldest grocery store in Europe but there’s a catch. In the back, there is a hidden bar. The food is simple since there is no real kitchen but nonetheless, a fun spot to check out!
Sample Seville Itinerary
Day One
- Start at Plaza de Espana
- Walk past the Tobacco Factory
- Visit the Seville Cathedral and Giralda
- Walk Around the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood
- Visit Casa De Pilatos
- Cross the river and visit the Triana neighborhood
- Sunset at EME Rooftop Bar
Day Two
- Spend the morning at the Real Alcazar
- Visit Palacio de las Duenas
- Visit Setas de Seville at sunset or after dark
- Attend a Flamenco Show
- Dinner at Cervecia Giralda
- Drinks at Casa Moreno
In conclusion, Seville is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Spain. Thank you for reading my “2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary”! Have I convinced you to visit this incredible city? Click here to read more of my European guides!
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XO,
Courtney
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