Seville is perfect for a weekend: the old town is walkable, flights are frequent and the city comes alive at night. Here is a two-day itinerary, with an optional third day. For full information see our Seville guide.
Day one: the monumental heart
- Morning: the cathedral and the climb up the Giralda, for views over the rooftops; then coffee and toast with tomato.
- Midday: the Real Alcázar, with its Mudéjar halls and gardens; book online to avoid queues.
- Lunch: tapas in the Barrio de Santa Cruz or around calle Mateos Gago.
- Afternoon: wander the lanes and squares of Santa Cruz, Plaza de Doña Elvira and the Murillo gardens; the Archive of the Indies.
- Evening: a flamenco show in a tablao or at the Casa de la Memoria, then dinner in the centre.
Day two: squares, river and Triana
- Morning: Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, where you can hire a rowing boat on the canal.
- Midday: the Torre del Oro and the riverside; a visit to the Maestranza bullring.
- Lunch: across the Isabel II bridge, the market and bars of Triana, with fried fish and prawns.
- Afternoon: Triana's ceramic workshops and Ceramics Centre; calle Betis along the river.
- Evening: sunset over the Guadalquivir and a night on the Alameda de Hércules.
Day three, if you can
Climb the Metropol Parasol for the views, visit the Casa de Pilatos and the Museo de Bellas Artes, and the Macarena basilica. Alternatively, take a trip to the Roman ruins of Itálica, 20 minutes away, or by fast train to Córdoba, 45 minutes.
Tips
- When: spring is best, but during Holy Week and the Feria the city is packed and hotels very expensive. Avoid July and August, which are too hot.
- Where to stay: the centre between the cathedral and Plaza Nueva, Santa Cruz for atmosphere, Triana or the Alameda for a more local feel (see hotels in Spain).
- What to eat: salmorejo, espinacas con garbanzos, pringá, carrillada, montaditos and a chilled manzanilla (see tapas).
- Getting around: on foot; a bus links the airport with the centre.