Seville is a magical city. There’s so much to see and do and eat that 2 days may well not be enough for you, but here’s our guide to what to do in 2 days in Seville. Of course, you can pick and choose from this list. You don’t have to do it all. And these places are must-visits whether you’re in Seville for one day, one week or one year!
Table of Contents
Day 1: What to do
A traditional breakfast
If you’re going to spend the day sightseeing, then you need to fuel up! In Seville that’s easy because breakfast is one of the most important features of any Sevillians day. Breakfasts are brilliant and marvellously cheap. It’s unusual to pay much more than three or four euros for a traditional breakfast.
The city has more than four thousand bars so you’re spoilt for choice, but wherever you go (maybe somewhere on a little plaza), get a table outside if the sun is shining (and it almost certainly will be) and order a tostada con aceite y jamón or con tomate (toast with ham or tomato) and a café con leche or a cortado and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere – there can’t be many places where orange tress line the streets – and watch the world go by. Once you’ve finished breakfast and your batteries are fully charged, it’s time to start exploring.
Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa
You can obviously start where you like, but we think Plaza de España is a great place to begin exploring. It is one of the city’s absolute highlights. And, personally speaking, we think that the morning is a great time to see it, especially once the weather is warmer. Plaza de España was constructed for the 1929 Iberian Exposition, which was held here and in Parque de María Luisa, just across the road.
Constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, is an awe-inspiring plaza showcase for a blend of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles. The semi-circular complex spans an impressive 50,000 square meters and features a stunning central fountain, intricately tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces, and a 500-meter canal that gracefully embraces the plaza.
Plaza de España at the movies
As you stroll along the canal, you’ll be captivated by the intricately designed bridges, adorned with colourful ceramic tiles, symbolizing the ancient kingdoms of Spain. Curiously, Plaza de España has also been a popular filming location, appearing in movies such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.”
Both the Plaza and the park are fantastic places to enjoy a stroll and get some brilliant photos. If it is hot, the park is the perfect place to find some shade and maybe plan where you want to go next. As you wander through its lush gardens, you’ll discover fountains, ponds, and an array of exotic plants and trees.
Plaza de America
One of the main features of the park is Plaza de America, which is home to two great museums, both of which are in buildings that were constructed for the 1929 Exposition.
One of the local traditions in Plaza de America is feeding the pigeons. You can buy some corn from the small stand in the plaza to feed your feathered friends. If you’re lucky, one might even land on your hand!
Triana
Across the river lies Triana, a historic barrio, which is famous as the home to the city’s ceramics industry, so make sure you visit the Centro Cerámica Triana, where you can learn all about this ancient industry and see some of the amazing ceramics. The nearby Calle San Jacinto is a great place to stop for a coffee. This buzzing shopping street is car-free so you can sit outside one of the several cafés and take Triana in.
Triana oozes with authentic Andalusian charm. As you meander through the narrow streets, you’ll be greeted by colourful houses adorned with traditional azulejos (ceramic tiles), a testament to the neighbourhood’s rich pottery heritage. Triana’s welcoming atmosphere and lively spirit make it an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking a taste of the real Seville.
One of our favourite places in Triana is the Castillo de San Jorge, which was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition in the city and is now home to a fascinating and slightly scarifying museum. It’s right next to the Mercado de Triana.
Where to have lunch in Triana
Starting to feel hungry? Then make the Mercado de Triana (Triana Market) your next destination. It’s full of fantastic food stalls. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth a visit and you probably will be by the time you leave! Seeing all that delicious food and fresh produce is enough to give anyone an appetite.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then head for Casa Ruperto, which is just off the top of Calle San Jacinto on Avenida Santa Cecilia. You should be able to eat your fill here for less than ten euros a head.
This traditional bar is famous locally for its fried quails, delicious snails and montaditos de pringá, which are small open sandwiches with what’s basically what’s left over from a stew – it might not sound all that, but we promise you that it’s delicious! In a city full of tapas bars, this one really stands out.
Castillo de San Jorge, which was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition in the city and is now home to a fascinating museum. It’s right next to the Mercado de Triana.
Calle Betis
Just along from the Castillo de San Jorge is Calle Betis. This street takes its name from the Roman name for the Guadalquivir River. It’s another great place to stop and enjoy a drink and the fantastic views of the city across the river. You’re probably getting the idea now that Seville is full of places that are great to stop for a while! It’s a city where life is lived outside. So why not join in the fun?
Pabellon de la Navegación
Not too far from Calle Betis is the Pabellón de la Navegación, which tells the story of Spanish maritime exploration in an interactive and entertaining way. While you’re there, make you sure you take a trip up the viewing tower which stands high above the river. The views from the top are some of the very best in the city. Admission is included with all our hop-on hop-off bus tickets!
Just a stone’s throw away is CaixaForum, a modern exhibition centre, which always has something interesting going on, from exhibitions to concerts to fun activities for the kids.
Similarly, nearby is CAAC, the Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre, which is worth visiting just for its grounds alone as it’s housed in an old monastery, which later became a ceramics factory. Columbus used to stay when he was in the city and his remains were interred here before ending up in the final resting place in Seville Cathedral.
The Alameda de Hercules
Looking for somewhere to head in the evening. Look no further than the Alameda de Hercules. de Hercules. The Alameda is now a thriving area of fashionable bars and restaurants. If you haven’t already eaten, here’s the place to do it. For a special treat, head for Casa Ricardo, which is on Calle Hernán Cortés, just off the Alameda and try the croquetas, which are very possibly the best in the city. These fried balls of bechamel delight really must be tried to be believed!
Close to the Alameda is Calle Fería, which is a lively street of interesting shops. It’s definitely a great place to explore. It’s also another great place to grab a bite to eat.
Day 2: What to do
After another delicious breakfast, you’ll be ready to start day 2.
The Setas
If you walk to its city-centre end, another, shorter, shopping street, Calle Regina, will take you up to Plaza de la Encarnación, which is home to the Metropol Parasol, better known locally as Las Setas (the Mushrooms). The Setas are an enormous wooden viewing platform built over one of the city’s central squares. And when we say enormous, we mean enormous. They are, in fact, the world’s biggest wooden structure. Little more than a decade old, they were controversial when first built but are now one of the city’s defining sights. Make sure you visit the basement archaeological museum too, which preserves the Roman ruins that were found during the construction of the Setas.
The Alcázar
Seville is full of unmissable sights, some, like the Cathedral, literally so. Seville’s cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world and the fourth largest church of any kind, so it is indeed very hard to miss. What you might miss though is the building that sits next to it, the Alcázar, which you could walk past without batting an eye. It might not look like much from the outside, but inside it really is one of the true treasures of Spain.
Built in the 14th century for the delightfully named Peter the Cruel, the palace is one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture. It really is a magical place.
Equally delightful are the spectacular gardens, which are the perfect place to escape the heat of the day in summer. It’s good to book ahead for the Alcázar as it can sell out. In winter, last entrance is at five so make sure you visit before then.
Where to have lunch in the centre of Seville
If you’re looking for some delicious and
affordable eats near the Alcázar, you’re in luck! Just a stone’s throw away,
you’ll find two fantastic options that won’t break the bank. First up is La
Bartola, a cozy tapas bar with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can
sample a variety of mouthwatering tapas, such as salmorejo, patatas bravas, and
croquetas, all at wallet-friendly prices. The friendly staff and lively
ambience make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Another great option is El Pimentón, a
hidden gem tucked away in a charming side street. This family-run eatery offers
a daily menu of traditional Andalusian dishes, made with fresh, local
ingredients. Their generous portions and budget-friendly prices will leave both
your stomach and your wallet satisfied. So, be sure to check out these
fantastic spots and treat yourself to some authentic Sevillian cuisine without
breaking the bank!
The Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, more commonly known as Seville Cathedral, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church overall. It is a magnificent display of architectural prowess, with its soaring ceilings, intricate carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows. As you explore the cathedral, you’ll be captivated by its history and the numerous works of art that adorn its walls, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Murillo and Zurbarán.
During your visit, be sure to climb the Giralda, the cathedral’s iconic bell tower. Originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque that once stood on the site, the Giralda now offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seville. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful Patio de los Naranjos, a serene courtyard filled with fragrant orange trees, where people once washed their feet before entering the mosque. The cathedral is also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, whose tomb is held aloft by four statues representing the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon, and Navarre. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and awe-inspiring art, Seville Cathedral is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your two-day visit.
Time To Relax
A great Spanish tradition is the siesta, and we think you’ll deserve one after all this sightseeing. We wouldn’t bet against you dreaming about some of the things you’ve seen! So, head back to wherever you’re staying and start thinking about where to eat.
We’re not going to recommend anywhere specific to have dinner as we’re sure that you’ll have seen a whole load of tempting places to eat on your travels around this brilliant city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco, and you’ll find numerous venues offering live performances. Be sure to catch a show at one of the city’s many tablaos or bars for an unforgettable evening of passionate dancing, singing, and guitar playing.
In Seville, as in most of Spain, meal times tend to be later than what you might be accustomed to in other countries. Breakfast (desayuno) is usually light and typically enjoyed between 7:30 and 10:00. Lunch (almuerzo), which is the main meal of the day, is generally served between 14:00 and 16:00. You might notice locals enjoying a late afternoon snack called merienda, often consisting of a small sandwich or pastry, between 17:00 and 19:00. Dinner (cena) is a lighter meal compared to lunch and is typically eaten between 21:00 and 23:00. Keep in mind that many restaurants and tapas bars in Seville adhere to these timings, so plan your meals accordingly to make the most of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
The weather in Seville is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot summers and mild winters. Here’s a general overview of what to expect throughout the year:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a pleasant time to visit Seville, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The city comes alive with blooming flowers and numerous festivals, such as Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.
- Summer (June to August): Summers in Seville are hot and dry, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C (95°F) and occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared for the heat and plan your outdoor activities during the cooler morning and evening hours.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees a gradual drop in temperatures, with averages ranging between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). This is a great time to visit, as the weather is still warm but more comfortable than the summer months.
- Winter (December to February): Winters in Seville are mild and relatively rainy compared to the rest of the year. Temperatures typically range from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). While it’s not the warmest time to visit, Seville’s winter weather is still more pleasant than many other European cities.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and weather conditions can vary from year to year. Be sure to check the forecast before your trip to pack appropriate clothing and plan your activities accordingly.