7 Unique Things To Do In Seville On A Weekend Visit

If you are planning a visit and looking for things to do in Seville on a short trip, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re there for a weekend or slightly longer, you may be wondering what are the best things to do in Seville?

With so much to see, a weekend itinerary with a list of Things to Do will guide you to making the most of your time in this stunning city and ensure you don’t miss anything out!

Once the capital of Andalusia, Seville has centuries of history and is often called the jewel of southern Spain. With the royal palace of Alcazar to explore, the Giralda Tower to climb for spectacular views, fabulous squares and courtyards to wander through and the beautiful Plaza de Espana, you’re spoilt for choice.

And in the evenings, you can pop into the tapas bars, cafes and restaurants for fantastic food. Let’s not forget the famous flamenco dancing – going to a show is great fun! Ready to get planning?

This post will help you plan a perfect 2-3 day itinerary. We share top Seville activities, places to stay, eat and honest tips to help you get the most from your time in this beautiful Spanish city.

Getting to Seville

Seville is in Southern Spain in a region known as Andalusia.  Flights to here from London take around three hours.   Other European carriers offer routes from a range of accessible airports around the continent.  

If you are flying from east coast USA or Canada, there are no direct flights but you can route via Madrid or Lisbon and then connect through to Seville.

Seville’s airport is only 20 minutes from the city so transfers are quick and easy. Check our travel resources at the bottom of this post for options and quotes. 

Top Things to Do in Seville

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Things to Do in Seville. For some activities, you’ll want to plan half a day but others may just be an hour.  

Our absolute favourite highlights and landmarks which need that extra time include the royal palace Real Alcazar,  Seville Cathedral with its Giralda tower, and the world-famous Plaza de España.

These top attractions are popular and ‘must-see’, so let’s start exploring what to do at these places.

2 Day Seville Itinerary Quick Overview

If you only have two days we suggest:

• Day 1: Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower
• Day 2 : Plaza De Espana, Maria Luisa Park, Flamenco Show
• If you have longer, spread Day 1 activities over 2 days.

1. Explore Real Alcazar Palace and Gardens

If you only have time to fit in one attraction in Seville, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, also known as the Royal Palace of Seville, is it. This UNESCO site, is centuries old and possibly the oldest palace still in use in Europe.

When the Spanish royal family visit Seville, this is where they stay. Luckily for tourists, it is also open to the public as a museum to explore stunning architecture and wander through the fabulous lush gardens.

Originally built as a Moorish fort in the 10th century, it has been expanded and modified by Christian monarchs over the centuries. As a result, you’ll see a stunning mix of architectural styles. Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque blend seamlessly into one another.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Advance Tickets

Walking through the huge panelled doorways and hallways is like stepping back in time. The richness of the tapestry room is incredible and paintings on display share so much of Seville’s history.

As you wander, take in the ornate tiled walls and impressive ceilings. They reflect how palace life has adapted as a result of changing presiding cultures over the centuries.

The Palace Gardens

You will naturally visit the gardens as part of your visit to the palace.  Like the palace, the gardens adjoining the Alcázar of Seville have undergone many changes. The gardens have been used as a film setting for ‘Game of Thrones’ so if you’re a fan, you might recognise this area!

Back in the 17th century, an Italian designer Resta, transformed the old Muslim wall into a loggia from which to admire the view of the palace gardens. And today, there is still so much to admire!

I absolutely loved wandering around – it felt like I was in some secret garden unsure of what I would see at the next turn. Brimming with fountains, ponds and fruit trees, you’ll quickly find yourself in avenues of greenery with lots of palm trees.

This really is a wonderful area to explore. Once you’re done walking, head to the coffee shops, enjoy some refreshments and soak up your surroundings.  

2. Visit Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

The official name of Seville Cathedral is “Catedral de Santa María de la Sede” Located next to Alcazar Palace, this magnificent gothic complex includes the Giralda Tower, the Orange Tree Courtyard, and the Royal Chapel.

Once a mosque, construction of the cathedral began in 1403 and was finally completed in 1507. Since 1987, it has been listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As Gothic cathedrals go, it’s huge and the largest in the world! If you want the statistics – it’s 127 metres long, 83 meters wide and 43 meters high, you won’t miss it! It houses around 80 chapels!

And compared with other churches, only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London are bigger.

Highlights Inside Seville Cathedral 

• Christopher Columbus’ tomb: The tomb of this Italian explorer is a must-see. It’s guarded by the statues of four kings.
• The Retablo Mayor: The world’s largest Gothic altarpiece, this gold-leafed structure features over 40 different biblical scenes.
• The Treasury : Marvel at a dazzling collection of religious artifacts, including relics displayed in lavish rooms.
• Paintings : Admire the work of artists such as Goya.
• The Royal Chapel : Dedicated to Spanish kings.

Climb Giralda Tower

Giralda Tower, which you access from inside the Cathedral, was built to resemble the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque of Marrakesh, Morocco.

It is an easier climb than many other towers because it has no stairs, only ramps. The reason behind this ? Well, apparently it was so the Sultan of the mosque could ride his horse to the top and enjoy the view.

The tower, 342 feet high, is still one of the most memorable symbols of old Seville.  Walking up the ramps is fairly easy and after 34 levels you reach the final one. 

From here, there are spectacular views across the city and if you go in the evening, it’s a perfect spot for sunsets.

🔍 Check Ticket Prices and Availability (Cathedral, Giralda Tower with audio guide and skip the line).

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Combined Tickets (Alcazar Palace & Gardens , Cathedral and Giralda Tower).

3. Explore Plaza de Espana

WOW, WOW, WOW, – we could not quite believe the splendour nor size of this square when we first saw it. 

Plaza de Espana was designed by the architect, Anibal Gonzales. Surprisingly, it isn’t that old compared to some of Seville’s other architecture as was only was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exhibition.

He used styles of Art Deco and Spanish Renaissance creating a square of 200 metres in diameter. Spain’s goal with the exhibition was to make symbolic peace with its former American colonies. Looking at it, I am sure they succeeded!

Four beautiful bridges stretch over the moat or you can enter the square from the side.  These four bridges represent Castile, Leon, Aragon, and Navarre, the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.

Around the edges of the plaza are 52 incredible alcoves with colourful azulejo tiles. These really are fascinating and each depict a province of Spain so they’re all different.

It will take a little time if you choose to look at each one but it’s hard to pass by them. It’s especially interesting if you’ve been to other parts of Spain to look at that district alcove.

Plaza de España has served as a backdrop for numerous films, most notably appearing in the Star Wars saga.

Musicians and dancers appeared whilst we were there, so we also were lucky enough to hear some great music and get a taste of the flamenco dancing. 

Hire a Small Boat

It’s fun to hire a boat and view the square from the water. The bridges crossing the canal are reminiscent of Venice’s iconic waterways.

4. Relax in Maria Luisa Park

Maria Luisa Park, is Seville’s largest green area and literally next to Plaza de Espana so relaxing after exploring the Plaza area.

It’s named after Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon, who gifted the park to the city back in 1893. The design has a unique blend of Moorish, Renaissance and Romantic era influences.

Don’t miss the Fountain of the Lions, Monument to Bequer and the Plaza de America.

On a hot day, this area offers some relief thanks to the shady footpaths, fountains, beautiful Mediterranean trees and colourful flowers.   You can even rent a four-wheeler bike or a carriage in the park.  It’s also a lovely spot to have a picnic.

If you prefer something more organised, book a guided tour that covers the park and the plaza.

🔍 Check Prices & Availability for Combined Guided Tour

5. Stroll Along The Guadalquivir River

Like any city, there’s much to see just strolling around Seville at your own pace.

From Plaza de Espana, we suggest you make your way back to the main square area by walking along side the Guadalquivir River.

See artists at work, and the stunning Torre del Oro known as the “Tower of Gold” in Seville. The 36-meter-high tower was built as a military watchtower.

Constructed by the Almohads in the 12th century, it was part of the Moorish city wall, which ran between the Alcazar Palace and the rest of Seville.  The tower is open daily and If you want to go inside, there is small charge of €3.

From here, you can also book a boat trip and cruise up the river seeing sights from the water. Choose from one hour cruises to tapas or evening sunset trips.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for River Trips

6. Explore Seville by Bike or on a Walking Tour

Cycling around the city is a popular way to see the main attractions quickly and gain some orientation about where everything is.

Booking a bike tour with a local guides will also help you navigate the streets safely.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Bike Tour

If cycling is not your thing, try a walking tour. They’re also a great way to learn more about a city from a local.

Guides are knowledgeable sharing history, lots of useful information and usually some hidden gems along the way. Many are free although usually you pay a donation at the end.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Walking Tours

7. Go to a Flamenco Show In Seville

What a fun thing to do and of course very Spanish!  Flamenco shows are on offer throughout the city with the traditional show lasting about an hour.  You will hear a mixture of guitar playing, traditional singing and of course the flamenco dancing. 

Many of Seville’s theatres are small and intimate so you are really be close to stage & performers.  Often they are happy to chat after the show too!

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Flamenco Shows

Seville is beautiful lit up at night. Take time to walk around the old town and the river bank. 

Places to Eat in Seville

Spanish Tapas – what a wonderful way to enjoy food!  All around the central square in the old town, you will find cafes offering mini-plates to sample. 

It’s such a difficult choice to decide what to have!  We enjoyed Spanish ham,  fish goujons, prawns and sardines perfectly complemented with a glass of Spanish Rioja. 

Two restaurant recommendations for tapas are Bar Paranchon and Cerverceria Cathedral.

For breakfast, Casa Funes serves fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, simple bread rolls with jam, and their traditional bread with tomato.  Go to places where you can enjoy eating outside; food always seems to taste better this way!

Our favourite evening haunts were a strip of restaurants by the cathedral which included Anitgue Dades Bar and Dona Francisquita. Always busy they serve a variety of Spanish traditional dishes including delicious paella. 

We tried to recreate the paella back home – have you ever tried to do that when you’ve been away?  Let me tell you it just wasn’t the same! 

To be honest, all the food was wonderful. October is classed as low season so we didn’t have a problem getting a table . Maybe a five-minute wait for some restaurants if you want to sit outside. At busier times, consider making reservations in advance.

There are also lots of rooftop bars in Seville. La Terraza de EME, Pura Vida Terrace, Hotel Doña María Rooftop are all popular spots.

🛏️ Where to Stay In Seville

Our picks are based on location, links to transport hubs and value for money.

We stayed at the Cervantes Hotel which was only a 10-minute walk into the heart of the old city. 

As a hotel, it had a lovely traditional courtyard to relax in and a pleasant entrance reception area. Staff are friendly and rooms are equipped with the usual facilities.

FAQ

Seville – Making It Happen!

If it’s helpful to planning your adventure in Seville, here’s our recommended travel resources. We use these ourselves, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

For more great travel planning essentials check out our Travel Resources full of ways to help you plan great trips!

How About Portugal or Gibraltar?

Seville will not disappoint. It’s a wonderful destination whether it is a weekend break or part of a longer European tour.  We plan to return soon for more of those tapas! 

And, if you love Southern Europe, check out Lisbon and Porto 7 Day Adventure Itinerary.

Or from Seville, it’s a short hop to Gibraltar and its famous Rock! Read more in our Is Gibraltar worth visiting post.