Things to do in Seville: the Alcázar, the Cathedral and Santa Cruz
Seville is small, hot and best seen early and late. Two days cover the Cathedral, the Real Alcázar, the Plaza de España and the lanes of Santa Cruz, with the middle of the day spent in the shade. Book the Alcázar and the Cathedral ahead, and save the evening for tapas and flamenco.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in Santa Cruz or the old center, give it two or three days, and book the Alcázar and the Cathedral.
- Where to stay
- Santa Cruz for atmosphere, the Alfalfa area for a lively base, Triana for a local feel.
- How many days
- Two days covers the main sights. Three adds Córdoba or Jerez.
- Best time to go
- March to May and October to November. July and August often pass 40 degrees.
- Book ahead
- The Real Alcázar, the Cathedral and the Giralda. Easter week and the April Fair fill hotels months ahead.
- From the airport
- San Pablo airport has an EA bus to Plaza de Armas in about 35 minutes, and taxis have a fixed fare.
Where to stay in Seville, in brief
Santa Cruz
atmosphere and walking to the sights
Narrow white lanes next to the Alcázar and the Cathedral. It is beautiful but crowded, and rooms can be small.
Alfalfa and the center
bars, shops and nightlife
A lively area with squares and tapas bars. Noise is common on weekends.
Triana
a local feel and flamenco
Across the river, with ceramics, tapas and a village atmosphere. It is a 15-minute walk to the Cathedral.
Macarena
quieter streets and a local market
A residential area north of the center, with churches and cheaper rooms.
Things to do in Seville
Real Alcázar
A royal palace in Mudéjar style, with water gardens. Go at opening, and book a timed slot.
2 to 4 weeks ahead
Cathedral and the Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Climb the Giralda tower by ramp for the view.
1 to 2 weeks ahead
Plaza de España
A grand semicircular plaza built in 1929, with tiled alcoves for each province. Free and best in the morning.
Santa Cruz walk
Wander the lanes and small squares in the old Jewish quarter.
Flamenco show
A small venue in Triana or the old center gives the best experience. Choose a tablao with a small room.
a few days ahead
Metropol Parasol
A modern wooden structure with a walkway and views.
Parque de María Luisa
A shaded park beside the Plaza de España.
Triana and its ceramics
Cross the bridge and visit the market and the pottery shops.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Seville can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Seville, and which to pick- Real Alcázar2 to 4 weeks ahead
Timed slots, and queues are long at midday.
- Cathedral and the Giralda1 to 2 weeks ahead
Timed entry in busy months.
- Flamenco showa few days ahead
The best small venues sell out.
What to skip in Seville
- Restaurants on the cathedral square
They are priced for the view. Walk a few streets for better tapas.
- Midday sightseeing in summer
It is too hot. Go early, rest and go out again in the evening.
Best time to visit Seville
March to May and October to November are the best, with warm days and mild evenings. Spring is orange blossom season, and the April Fair and Easter week are the big events.
July and August are very hot, often above 40 degrees. Winter is mild, and the city is quiet.
- From San Pablo airportThe EA bus runs to Plaza de Armas and the center in about 35 minutes. A taxi has a fixed fare.
- On footThe old center is small, and most sights are within 20 minutes of each other.
- Tram and busA short tram runs through the center, and buses cover the rest.
- High-speed trainTrains run to Córdoba in about 45 minutes and Madrid in about 2.5 hours.
Seville in three days
- Day 1
The Real Alcázar at opening, the Cathedral and the Giralda, then Santa Cruz. Tapas in the evening.
- Day 2
The Plaza de España and the park in the morning, Triana after lunch and a flamenco show at night.
Day trips from Seville
- CórdobaAbout 45 minutes by train. The Mezquita and the old Jewish quarter.
- Jerez de la FronteraAbout an hour by train. Sherry bodegas and a horse show.
- RondaAbout 2.5 hours by car or train. A town on a gorge with a famous bridge.
Seville: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Seville?
Two days is enough for the main sights. Three adds Córdoba or Jerez.
Where should I stay in Seville?
Santa Cruz for atmosphere or Triana for a more local feel.
What is the best time to visit Seville?
March to May and October to November. Summer is very hot.
Do I need to book the Alcázar?
Yes. Timed slots sell out, and queues are long at midday.
Is Seville good for flamenco?
Yes, it is one of its birthplaces. Choose a small venue with a good reputation.
How do I get from Seville airport to the center?
The EA bus runs to Plaza de Armas in about 35 minutes. Taxis have a fixed fare.