Dylan and Maddy
How to Spend 3 Days in Seville, Spain: Complete Itinerary
Seville was the third and final stop on our Spain trip, and honestly, it was the perfect way to end our time in the country. From grand plazas and historic architecture to flamenco dancing, beautiful gardens, and one of the coolest structures we’ve ever seen, Seville completely exceeded our expectations.
We spent three days in Seville, Spain, and while we definitely could have used more time, we were able to see many of the city’s biggest attractions and experience some things that made the trip especially memorable.
We visited during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, which was a really cool and unique experience. Before arriving, we were a little worried that visiting during such a major event would mean attractions would be unbearably crowded or difficult to visit. Thankfully, that wasn’t really the case for us. While there was definitely a lively atmosphere throughout the city, we were still able to visit the major sights without feeling overwhelmed.
We also visited Seville in the spring, which we highly recommend. The temperatures were in the 80s during the day, making it warm and sunny without being unbearably hot, while the evenings cooled down nicely. For us, it was pretty much perfect weather for exploring the city on foot.
If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia, Seville should absolutely be on your list. Here’s exactly how we spent three days in Seville and what we’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
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How to Get to Seville
We arrived in Seville by train from Madrid, which was incredibly easy and convenient.
The train ride took us just under three hours, and we loved being able to sit back and enjoy the scenery rather than dealing with an airport. If you’re visiting Seville as part of a larger Spain itinerary, traveling by train is a great option.
If you’re flying into Seville, the city’s main airport is Seville Airport (SVQ), also known as San Pablo Airport. It is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) northeast of the city center and offers flights to destinations throughout Spain and across Europe.
We had already spent 48 hours in Madrid before heading south, so taking the train to Seville–Santa Justa Train Station allowed us to easily connect the two cities. Seville is also well connected by train to other major Spanish destinations, making it relatively easy to include in a multi-city Spain trip.
Day 1: Plaza de España & Flamenco Dancing
Plaza de España
We started our first day at the place we were most excited to see in all of Seville: Plaza de España.
And wow, it did not disappoint! In fact, Plaza de España quickly became one of our top three favorite landmarks we’ve ever visited.
There is something about this place that is just hard to put into words until you’re standing there in person. The sheer size of the complex is incredible, and every detail seems to have been designed to impress.
The colorful tilework, massive curved building, intricate bridges, canal, fountains, and beautiful architecture all come together to create something that feels almost unreal.
The plaza was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seville. It’s also one of those places where photos really don’t do it justice. We had seen pictures before visiting, but standing in the middle of the plaza and seeing the scale of everything in person was completely different.
One of our favorite details is the colorful ceramic tilework throughout the plaza. But there’s actually a really cool story behind it. Along the walls of the plaza, you’ll find 48 alcoves dedicated to different provinces of Spain, with each section featuring its own unique tiled design, coat of arms, and historical scenes representing that particular area. It’s almost like taking a mini tour through Spain without ever leaving the plaza. Each section is different and tells its own story, making it really fun to walk around and see how the designs change from one province to the next.
And then there are the four beautiful bridges crossing the small canal that runs through the plaza. The bridges represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain, adding even more history and symbolism to an already incredible setting. The entire place feels incredibly grand while somehow still being peaceful and inviting.
If you only have a short amount of time in Seville, do not skip Plaza de España. This was easily one of our favorite places we visited during our entire Spain trip, and it’s a landmark we can spend hours exploring.
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
After Plaza de España, we made our way to Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower.
The cathedral is absolutely massive and is one of the most impressive religious buildings we’ve ever stepped inside.
One of the most interesting things about visiting the cathedral was learning that Christopher Columbus is buried here. Seeing his tomb in person was something we definitely didn’t expect to be as interesting as it was.
The sheer scale of the cathedral is what stood out to us most. There’s so much history and detail packed into the building, and you could easily spend quite a bit of time walking around and taking everything in.
The cathedral also includes the famous Giralda Tower, which was originally constructed as a minaret before becoming the bell tower of the cathedral.
Even if you’re not normally someone who visits churches or cathedrals while traveling, we would still recommend making time for Seville Cathedral. It’s one of those attractions that feels like a major part of understanding the city’s history and architecture.
Tip: We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time when possible, especially if you’re visiting during a busy period like Semana Santa.
Take a Flamenco Dance Class
Later that afternoon, we did something completely different: we took a flamenco dance class! This ended up being one of the most fun experiences we had in Seville.
Flamenco is such an important part of Andalusian culture, so rather than just watching a performance, we thought it would be fun to actually learn some of the dance ourselves. And yes, we definitely learned that flamenco dancing is harder than it looks!
Our instructor was fantastic and did a great job teaching us the basic movements while also explaining some of the cultural background behind the dance. We had such a great time laughing, learning, and attempting to keep up with the choreography.
If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your Seville itinerary, we highly recommend taking a flamenco dance class. It’s one thing to watch a performance, but actually participating in the dance gives you a completely different appreciation for the tradition.
Day 2: Royal Alcázar & Flamenco Show
Royal Alcázar of Seville
On our second day, we got up bright and early and headed to the Royal Alcázar of Seville. Getting there early was a great decision.
The Royal Alcázar is one of the city’s most famous attractions, and we loved being able to experience it before the crowds really picked up.
The architecture throughout the palace was incredible, with intricate details seemingly everywhere you look. But our favorite part may have been the gardens. They were beautiful, peaceful, and surprisingly serene considering how popular the attraction is.
Walking through the gardens gave us a nice break from the busier parts of the city, and we could have easily spent much longer wandering around.
The architecture throughout Seville was one of the things that impressed us most about the city, and the Royal Alcázar is a perfect example of why the combination of different architectural influences, ornate details, courtyards, gardens, and history makes the palace feel completely unique.
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza
After leaving the Royal Alcázar, we walked over to the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville’s famous bullfighting stadium. Even from the outside, the stadium was really cool to see.
The architecture and history of the building make it an important part of Seville, even if bullfighting itself isn’t something you’re interested in. For us personally, we decided not to attend a bullfight. We knew that it wasn’t something we’d enjoy watching because we found the idea of it too gruesome.
However, seeing the stadium itself was still really interesting, and it’s worth walking by while exploring the city.
Torre del Oro & the Guadalquivir River
From the bullfighting stadium, we continued walking toward the Torre del Oro, or Golden Tower. The tower sits along the Guadalquivir River and is one of the recognizable landmarks in Seville.
We really enjoyed this part of the day because it gave us the opportunity to simply walk along the water and take in the city. Not every part of a travel itinerary needs to involve rushing from one attraction to another. Some of our favorite travel memories come from simply walking around, seeing what we stumble upon, and taking in the atmosphere of a city.
The area around the river is a great place to do exactly that.
See a Flamenco Show
We had already taken a flamenco dance class on our first day, but we also wanted to experience flamenco the traditional way: by watching a live performance.
At night, we went to a flamenco show, and it was really cool to see the difference between participating in the dance ourselves and watching professional performers. The energy, music, dancing, and emotion that go into flamenco are incredible.
If you only have time for one flamenco experience, you could absolutely choose either a class or a show. But if you have three days in Seville, we’d recommend doing both. The dance class gives you a fun, hands-on experience, while the show allows you to sit back and appreciate what professional performers can actually do.
And after attempting flamenco ourselves the day before, we had an even greater appreciation for the talent!
Day 3: Plaza de España Photoshoot & Setas de Sevilla
Have a Photoshoot at Plaza de España
Since we loved Plaza de España so much on our first day, we decided to go back on our third day for something special: a travel photoshoot. We absolutely love getting professional photos when we travel, and this was easily one of our favorite travel photoshoots we’ve ever done.
We booked our photoshoot through Sunlit by Ellie España, and she was fantastic to work with. She knew the area really well, helped us find some of the best spots around Plaza de España, and captured some absolutely breathtaking photos.
If you’re traveling as a couple, celebrating something special, or simply want some amazing photos from your trip, we highly recommend considering a photoshoot in Seville. And honestly, Plaza de España is pretty much the perfect backdrop.
Between the colorful tiles, grand architecture, bridges, fountains, and open space, there are so many different photo opportunities. We were thrilled with how our photos turned out, and having professional pictures from such a beautiful place makes the memories even better.
Optional: Visit Italica
If you have extra time during your trip, another option is to take a short ride outside Seville to Italica, an ancient Roman city located just outside the city.
Italica is particularly famous for its Roman amphitheater, which is incredibly well preserved and offers a fascinating look into the area’s Roman history.
We didn’t have enough time to fit Italica into our three-day itinerary, but it’s definitely something we’d consider adding if we return to Seville. If you’re a history buff, this could be an especially worthwhile addition to your trip.
Setas de Sevilla
One place we absolutely recommend adding to your Seville itinerary is Setas de Sevilla. And trust us — you’ll know it when you see it.
This enormous wooden structure is one of the most unique pieces of architecture in the city. We visited around dusk, and we think that was the perfect time to go.
We arrived while there was still daylight, which allowed us to see the structure and take pictures while the sun was still up. Then, as the sun went down, we got to experience Setas de Sevilla at night. And this is where it gets really cool.
When the lights turn on, the entire structure transforms. The illuminated design makes it feel completely different from what you see during the day, and we absolutely loved being there at night.
It’s one of those attractions that is difficult to compare to anything else we’ve seen while traveling. Seville has plenty of historic architecture, but Setas de Sevilla provides something completely different and modern.
We highly recommend timing your visit around sunset so you can experience both sides of it. Make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time! For us, this was another must-do in Seville.
Day Trips From Seville
Ronda
If you have an extra day available, consider taking a day trip from Seville to Ronda.
We unfortunately didn’t have enough time to make it there during this trip, but it was very high on our list. Ronda is famous for its dramatic location above the El Tajo Gorge and, most notably, the Puente Nuevo, or New Bridge.
You’ve probably seen pictures of it before — we actually see the famous bridge all the time because it’s one of the screensavers on our Fire TV! If we had one more day in Seville, Ronda is absolutely where we would have gone.
It’s a little further away than some of the other day-trip options, but if you’re able to fit it into your itinerary, it looks like an incredible place to explore. We figured this was worthwhile to add in here, so you could decide if you have the time to go during your time in Seville or as a part of a broader Spain itinerary!
Córdoba
Another great day trip option from Seville is Córdoba, a historic city known for its incredible architecture and fascinating mix of Spanish, Roman, Jewish, and Islamic influences.
The biggest attraction is the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, one of the most unique religious buildings in Spain. Its famous red-and-white striped arches are instantly recognizable and make the mosque-cathedral unlike anything else you’ll see during a trip through Andalusia.
Beyond the Mezquita, Córdoba is worth exploring for its charming historic streets, beautiful courtyards, Roman Bridge, and Jewish Quarter. The city has a completely different feel from Seville, making it a great addition if you have an extra day.
Córdoba can be reached relatively easily from Seville by train, making it a convenient day trip without having to change hotels. If you have four or more days in Seville, adding Córdoba to your itinerary is definitely worth considering.
Best Time to Visit Seville
We visited Seville in the spring, and we thought the weather was nearly perfect. During our visit, temperatures were in the 80s during the day, which was warm enough to feel like we were truly enjoying spring in Spain without being completely overwhelmed by the heat. We’ve heard in summertime the heat can sometimes be unbearable, so spring and fall are typically referred to as the best times to go!
The evenings were cooler, which made walking around the city at night much more comfortable. Spring is also a beautiful time to visit because the city feels lively and the weather is ideal for spending long days outdoors.
One thing to keep in mind is Semana Santa. We specifically visited during Holy Week, and we weren’t sure what to expect. We were a little nervous that the city would be so busy that we’d have trouble visiting the major attractions.
Fortunately, that wasn’t our experience. Yes, there were definitely more people around, and there was a unique energy throughout the city, but we were still able to visit the attractions we wanted to see.
Plus, experiencing Seville during Semana Santa added something really special to the trip. Even if you’re not specifically planning your trip around Holy Week, seeing the city during such an important cultural and religious celebration was a really memorable experience for us.
How Many Days Do You Need in Seville?
We think three days in Seville is a great amount of time for a first visit. Three days gave us enough time to see the city’s biggest attractions while also leaving room for some unique experiences like our flamenco dance class and photoshoot.
That said, we definitely could have stayed longer. If you have four days, we’d recommend using the extra time for a day trip to Ronda or Córdoba, depending on your interests.
You could also simply slow down and spend more time enjoying Seville itself. That’s one thing we wish we could have done more of. Seville is a city where the architecture and atmosphere are a huge part of the experience, so having an extra day to wander without an itinerary would be pretty amazing.
Final Thoughts: Is Seville Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Seville ended up being our favorite place in Spain, and we honestly weren’t expecting it to leave quite the impression that it did.
The architecture alone is incredible. From the massive Plaza de España to the Royal Alcázar, Seville is filled with beautiful buildings, colorful tiles, historic landmarks, and unique details around practically every corner. But what really made the city special for us was the combination of sightseeing and experiences.
We got to see the incredible Plaza de España, visit Seville Cathedral and the tomb of Christopher Columbus, explore the Royal Alcázar, walk along the Guadalquivir River, take a flamenco dance class, attend a flamenco show, and finish our trip with a photoshoot and an evening at Setas de Sevilla.
And that’s really what we love about traveling. It’s not just about checking attractions off a list. It’s about finding experiences that make a destination feel different from anywhere else you’ve been. Seville definitely has that.
If you’re planning a Spain trip, don’t overlook Seville. Whether you have three days like we did or can stay a little longer, there’s plenty to see and do. And if you can visit during the spring, we’d highly recommend it. The warm days, cooler evenings, beautiful scenery, and unique atmosphere made it an incredible time for us to experience the city.
Three days wasn’t nearly enough to see everything Seville has to offer, but it was enough to make us want to come back. And honestly, that’s probably the best sign of a great destination.
As always, thank you for supporting our blog, and safe travels!
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