10 Things to Do in Seville – Ultimate Short‑Trip Guide

Planning our trip to Seville felt a little overwhelming at first. There’s just so much to see, taste, and experience in this city — from royal palaces and flamenco shows to tapas bars and orange tree-lined plazas. While mapping out our Spain roundtrip, we kept reading about one must-see sight after another until we weren’t sure where to start.

But after spending several days in Seville, we created this itinerary that captures everything we loved most. If we had to do it again with just one or two days in the city, this is exactly what we wouldn’t miss.

Whether it’s your first time in Seville or you’re simply passing through and need a solid, stress-free itinerary, this guide covers the essentials — the perfect mix of iconic sights, great food, and local atmosphere.

And honestly? Seville is the ultimate autumn destination. If you’re looking to extend your summer just a little longer, the warm weather, golden light, and relaxed pace of life here in fall are absolutely dreamy.

Top 5 Things To See in Sevilla in a Day

If you only have one day in Seville, these are the five experiences we wouldn’t miss. From royal palaces and Gothic cathedrals to iconic plazas, lush gardens, and modern landmarks, this list combines history, culture, and atmosphere in the best way. It’s the perfect itinerary for first-timers who want to see the essentials without rushing — and still have time to enjoy the city’s vibrant energy.

Overview of the Top 5:

1. Explore the Real Alcázar of Seville and its gardens
2. Visit the Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower for sweeping city views
3. Stroll around the stunning Plaza de España
4. Take a break in María Luisa Park
5. End your evening at the modern Las Setas de Sevilla

And if you’re lucky enough to have two days in the city — keep reading. We’ve put together a list of even more must-do experiences for 2 days in Seville.

Now, let’s dive into the 5 must-do sights in Sevilla!

1. Real Alcázar of Seville (Royal Palace)

This is the crown jewel of Seville — a sprawling palace complex with lush gardens, intricate Moorish architecture, and centuries of history. It’s absolutely worth your time, but be prepared: it’s bigger than expected and can easily take 2–3 hours to explore.

We did a private guided tour with a local historian, and it was 100% the best decision. In places like this, a guide makes all the difference — otherwise, you’re just walking through beautiful rooms without understanding what you’re seeing. If you’re short on time, a guide is even more valuable because they can focus on the highlights and keep it to 1,5-2 hours.

👇 This is the tour we did with Barbara, a local historian. It is a small group of max. 10 people (even less when we did it), and you skip the ticket line. We highly recommend it!

Honestly, it was also more beautiful than we imagined. Every room and courtyard feels like stepping into a different story — and speaking of stories, the Alcázar was actually a filming location for Game of Thrones (the stunning Golden Room scenes in Dorne were shot here).

The gardens are an absolute highlight — a peaceful oasis under the scorching Seville sun, with fountains, tiled benches, and shady walkways. Beyond the formal gardens, there’s also a park area where you can find a small spot for refreshments, perfect for a quick break.

A fascinating historical note: this is where Christopher Columbus came to ask for funding for his voyage to the Americas — so yes, history was literally made here.

2. Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower

Right next to the Alcázar is Seville Cathedral — the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. From the outside, it’s absolutely massive, but it’s once you step inside that the scale and detail really hit you. The soaring ceilings, intricate altars, and sheer grandeur are unforgettable.

If you want to see the Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Alcázar in one go without losing time in ticket lines, the best way is to join a Priority Access Tour that covers all three sights in 2–3 hours. You’ll get skip-the-line entry, plus the insights of a local guide who brings the history to life.

One of the highlights here is climbing La Giralda, the former minaret-turned-bell tower. Unlike most towers, there are no endless stairs — instead, it’s a gentle climb up a series of ramps, originally designed so horses could carry people to the top.

The reward? Breathtaking panoramic views over Seville’s rooftops.

3. Plaza de España

From the Cathedral, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Plaza de España, passing through charming streets. By the time you step into the plaza, you’ll understand why this spot completely stole our hearts.

Even though we’ve been lucky enough to see places like Rome and Paris, this might be one of the most beautiful architectural sights we’ve ever laid eyes on.

💫 Here’s the twist — it looks like something centuries old, but in reality, it was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition (basically a huge world fair to showcase Spain’s influence and culture).

The architecture is an incredible blend of Renaissance Revival and Moorish styles, with soaring towers, arched bridges, tiled alcoves, and a canal that sweeps around its semicircle.

🎬 Fun for fellow Star Wars fans: parts of Attack of the Clones were filmed here — the Naboo palace scenes. Walking across the bridges, we couldn’t help but imagine Padmé and Anakin strolling right where we were.

What to do at Plaza de España?

1. Rent a little rowboat and paddle along the canal for a romantic or just plain fun moment.
2. Hop in a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the surroundings like visitors did a century ago.
3. Admire the ceramic benches — there are 48 in total, each one representing a different province of Spain with beautifully painted tiles.
4. Take a thousand photos — the patterns, colors, and shapes are absolutely mesmerizing. Every angle feels like an Instagram shot waiting to happen.

Right next to the plaza is María Luisa Park, the perfect place to escape into the shade under orange trees and palm fronds after you’ve soaked up the sun here.

4. María Luisa Park

Right next to the Plaza de España is Parque de María Luisa, a peaceful, shaded retreat filled with fountains, exotic plants, and the sound of birds. It’s the kind of place where locals actually come to sit, talk, and escape the heat — and after walking around the plaza, you’ll appreciate that shade.

The park used to be the private gardens of the San Telmo Palace before being gifted to the city in the late 19th century. Today, it’s one of Seville’s most beautiful public spaces. We grabbed cold drinks from a kiosk and just sat on a bench watching people go by — families, joggers, and the occasional guitarist playing softly under the trees.

If you have time, wander off the main paths — you’ll find quiet corners, hidden fountains, and tiled benches that make this park more than just a pass-through spot.

5. Las Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Finish your day at Las Setas, the iconic wooden structure also known as the “Mushrooms of Seville.” Rising above Plaza de la Encarnación in the heart of the old town, it’s a striking contrast to the city’s centuries-old buildings. At night the area comes alive with bars, cafés, and buzzing nightlife.

Las Setas is a bit controversial with locals — some love its bold design, others think it doesn’t belong in Seville’s historic center. But either way, it’s a total eye-catcher and absolutely worth visiting. From the top, you can walk along the panoramic walkway with sweeping views across the city — especially magical at sunset.

The structure was only completed in 2011 and is recognized as the world’s largest wooden structure, making it both an architectural feat and a modern city landmark.

We finished our own evening here, strolling around and exploring the nearby bars, and we absolutely loved the vibe. It felt like a different side of Seville — younger, vibrant, and full of energy.

5 Amazing Things To Do in Seville in 2 Days

If you’re lucky enough to have a second day in Seville, you can slow down a little and dive deeper into the city’s character. This is when you can explore neighborhoods that show the authentic, everyday life of Sevillanos, wander markets where locals shop, and enjoy the rhythm of the city away from the main tourist sights.

Crossing the river into the lively Triana neighborhood, for example, offers a different perspective — colorful streets, artisan shops, and a strong flamenco tradition. With two days, you can balance sightseeing with these more relaxed, immersive experiences, making your trip feel complete without feeling rushed.

6. Triana Neighbourhood

Begin your morning by crossing the Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge) into Triana, one of Seville’s most character-filled neighborhoods. Historically, this was a working-class district and home to sailors, gypsies, and artisans. Today, it still holds onto its unique identity and is considered the spiritual home of flamenco.

Wandering its narrow streets, you’ll spot ceramic-tiled facades, small flamenco bars, and hidden courtyards. We loved the atmosphere here — less touristy than the old town, with a more local, everyday feel. It’s the kind of place where you just let yourself get lost, stopping for a coffee at a sidewalk café or browsing through traditional azulejos (ceramic) shops.

7. Mercado de Triana

Once you’ve soaked in the neighborhood, head to the Mercado de Triana, located right at the end of the bridge. This covered market is buzzing with life, full of stalls selling jamón ibérico, seafood, fresh produce, cheeses, and local pastries.

We enjoyed sampling our way through the market — grabbing a plate of olives here, some cured ham there, and finishing with something sweet. If you’re into food experiences, you can even join a Triana food tour or cooking class, which takes you behind the scenes of what makes Andalusian cuisine so special.

The coolest part? The market sits on the site of the former Castillo de San Jorge, once the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. You can still see parts of the old ruins underneath the market.

8. Do a Tapas Tour

No trip to Seville is complete without diving into its tapas culture. While you can absolutely hop from bar to bar on your own, we joined a guided tapas tour and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Not only did we get to taste authentic Andalusian dishes — from classic warm sandwiches with pork to hearty Moorish stews and local wines — but we also learned the stories behind each dish and visited places we would have never found on our own.

A tour is also the easiest way to understand how locals actually enjoy tapas: slowly, with good company, and paired with the perfect drink.

9. Torre del Oro (Gold Tower)

After exploring Triana, walk back along the river toward the Torre del Oro, a 13th-century watchtower that once protected Seville’s port and stored treasures brought back from the Americas. Today, it’s a small naval museum, but most people come for the views.

Entry is technically free, but there’s usually a lady at the front who collects donations — around €3 per person — if you want to climb to the top. It’s a short stair climb, and the panoramic views over the river and city are worth it.

That said, it’s a quick stop and not a must-see if your schedule is tight. But if you have the time, it’s a nice way to enjoy a different perspective of the city.

10. Flamenco Show in the Evening

There’s no better way to end your time in Seville than with an authentic flamenco performance. While Triana is often called the birthplace of flamenco, you don’t have to cross the river to experience it. There are many places, both in Triana and right in the historic center, that offer some of the most intimate and unforgettable shows.

We recommend booking a performance at Casa de la Memoria – a small venue where the focus is entirely on the art form. The setting is simple, the music is live, and the dancing is so powerful that you can feel every emotion in the room.

Be sure to book in advance — the best shows sell out fast!

Wrap-Up

Seville had been on our travel list for a long time, and we’re so glad we finally made it. It’s one of those cities that feels impossible to leave behind. With its stunning mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture, lively plazas, orange-tree-lined streets, and warm, welcoming people, Seville truly captures the essence of southern Spain.

What we loved most was the city’s balance — grand monuments like the Alcázar and Cathedral, paired with everyday moments in Triana’s tapas bars or shaded corners of María Luisa Park. It’s a place where history, culture, and that unmistakable laidback Spanish lifestyle blend together seamlessly.

For us, Seville was more than just a stop on our Spain round trip — it was a highlight. We can’t wait to return and spend more time soaking in the rhythm of flamenco, the beauty of the streets, and the slow pace of life that makes Seville so unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to spend 1 or 2 days in Seville, this itinerary covers the essentials without missing the soul of the city.

FAQ – Things To Do in Seville