Seville in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary

In short: day 1, the Real Alcázar, the Santa Cruz quarter and the cathedral with the Giralda; day 2, Plaza de España, María Luisa Park and Triana; day 3, Las Setas, the centre and a flamenco show. Book the Alcázar and the cathedral, and visit early in summer.

Before you go: what to book

• The Real Alcázar: book a time slot in advance.
• The cathedral and the Giralda: book online.
• A flamenco show: book seats, especially at weekends.

Always check opening days and times on the official websites: they can change.

Day 1: the Alcázar, Santa Cruz and the cathedral

Morning: the Real Alcázar. Start with the Real Alcázar, a royal palace still in use: patios, Mudéjar halls and lush gardens.

Midday: Santa Cruz. Wander the white, flower-filled lanes of the Santa Cruz quarter, the old Jewish quarter.

Afternoon: the cathedral and the Giralda. Visit the cathedral, one of the largest in the world, and climb the Giralda by its ramps for the view.

Evening: tapas in Santa Cruz. Have tapas for dinner on a small square in the quarter.

Day 2: Plaza de España and Triana

Morning: Plaza de España. Discover Plaza de España, its great semicircle and tiled benches depicting Spain’s provinces.

Midday: María Luisa Park. Enjoy the shade of nearby María Luisa Park.

Afternoon: Triana. Cross the Guadalquivir to Triana, the district of potters and sailors, with its covered market.

Evening: sunset over the river. Watch the sun set over the Guadalquivir and the Torre del Oro, then have dinner in Triana.

Day 3: Las Setas, the centre and flamenco

Morning: Las Setas. Climb Las Setas (Metropol Parasol), a huge wooden structure, for a walk above the rooftops.

Midday: the shopping streets. Wander the shopping streets of the centre and have tapas for lunch.

Afternoon: flamenco. Learn about the history of flamenco in a museum devoted to it, or take a break in the shade.

Evening: a flamenco show. End with a flamenco show in a tablao.

A fourth day? Day trips

• Córdoba and its Mosque-Cathedral, by fast train.
• Granada and the Alhambra, to book well ahead.
• Cádiz, a city on the Atlantic.
• Andalusia’s white villages, by car.

Our tips to make the most of 3 days

1. Start early: the Alcázar and the cathedral are nicer in the morning, and summers are very hot.
2. Take a midday break in the shade or indoors during the hottest hours.
3. Walk: the historic centre is compact.
4. Holy Week and the April Fair: book accommodation very early.
5. Cover up for the cathedral.

Where to stay for these 3 days

Santa Cruz or the centre are ideal for this itinerary, Triana for a more local feel. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Seville. To go further, see Things to do in Seville.