When is the best time to visit Seville?

🌸 Spring – The climate is delightful at this time of year. The orange trees and the jacaranda trees are in bloom and in my opinion, this is the most perfect time to be in Seville due to the beauty that is these trees. If you enjoy processions and parties then spring is also a good time to visit as you’ll be able to experience the Semana Santa (holy week) parades. Seville’s Feria is also held in spring every year. In 2026 it will be held 21 – 26 April.

☀️ Summer – Truthfully, calling Seville hot is an understatement. During the summer it can feel as if you’re melting if you’re on the streets between 10 am – 10 pm. If you do come in summer, be prepared to take it slower and use my guide to Seville in the summer to help you make the most of your time. Many locals leave in summer with good reason.

🍁 Autumn – As the days cool down Seville starts to get lively again and you can have a great time exploring this beautiful city. Seville’s ‘Noche en Blanco’ is held in autumn, providing free evening activities spread across the city.

🧤 Winter – Winters in Seville are surprisingly damp and cold although if you’re out walking and exploring all day then this really won’t matter too much, Generally, there is very little rain and plenty of sunshine even in the winter. You can enjoy the Christmas markets, chestnut sellers, & even go ice skating next to the river during the Christmas period.

🏨 Where to stay in Sevilla

5 days in Seville – your perfect itinerary

Day 1 in Seville – Culture day

Morning – Begin your first day on the gorgeous Plaza de España

✅ All around the building are 48 tiled alcoves each representing a Spanish province (except for Seville which is featured elsewhere and one of the Canary Island provinces which didn’t exist in 1928). Each has a mural and a map of the province. Exploring these gorgeous alcoves is a perfect place to begin your first day in Seville.

✅ You will see four bridges in the courtyard; these represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain: Castile, Léon, Aragon, and Navarre. The bridges traverse a 500 m-long canal and it’s possible to rent small boats and row along here. Because of this canal it’s sometimes called the Venice of Seville. 

✅ Many of the buildings are government offices but the Military History Museum is housed there too. 

➕ The gorgeous Plaza de España is one of the many reasons people choose to visit Seville when deciding between Seville and Valencia for their vacation. 

🌳 From here head into Maria Luisa Park

Take a stroll through Parque Maria Luisa and if you’re into horse-drawn carriages, this is one place you pick them up (it costs around €50). The park is around 100 acres of paths, gardens, and patios. I love spending an hour or so just relaxing here especially when green parrots fly overhead. See if you can find Monté Gurugú (a small artificial hill) to climb.

➕ Bonus Activities: The delightful Museo de Artes y Costumbres is to be found here (as is the currently closed Archaeological Museum) and if you’re visiting with kids, the Seville Aquarium is nearby, as is the excellent Casa de la Ciencia.

Lunch : There aren’t many restaurants around the Plaza de España so, consider walking along the river towards the city center to find a tapas bar when you’re ready. Or, follow my super local top tip and head to the super low-key, very local and very friendly Bar Maclau for a €10 menu del día (just don’t tell everyone!).

Afternoon: Palacio or museum time

Depending on your interests, consider checking out either the Museo del Baile Flamenco, the Museo de Bellas Artes, Palacio de las Dueñas or Casa de Pilatos. All are beautiful palaces in Seville that will wow your senses.

Evening: Las Setas and drinks

Visit “Las Setas”, officially called the Metropol Parasol. This is Europe’s biggest wooden structure and it sits over the Plaza La Encarnación, a popular place for locals to meet for drinks and tapas in the evening.

Be sure to take the elevator up to the top of Las Setas after dark as the whole structure is lit up beautifully, and the views over Seville are wonderful.

→ Book your Las Setas tickets now

Day 2 in Seville – the big ‘wow’

Morning – Real Alcázar de Sevilla

Begin your second day with a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Real Alcázar of Seville and its beautiful gardens.

📌 Brief history of the Alcazar

The beautiful Alcazar of Seville was originally built by the Moorish rulers of Spain but was adapted and modified by the Catholic Monarchs when they conquered Seville (1248). Today it is considered one of the best examples of Mudéjar (blended Moorish and Christian) architecture in the world. Along with the cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, the Alcazar is part of the Seville UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first fortified building on this site has been dated to the early eighth century during the Caliphate of Córdoba. In 913, Abd al-Rahman III built a fort here, apparently over the remains of a Visigoth church (the Visigoths ruled over much of Spain from the decline of the Roman Empire in Spain to the time the Moors arrived). 

In the twelfth century, the Almohad rulers established their capital in Seville and built new palaces on this site. However, in 1248, Seville was taken by the Catholic Monarchs (los Reyes Catolicos) and the Alcazar became their primary residence. 

✅ As you tour the Alcazar you won’t want to miss:

• Patio de las Doncellas – The Maiden’s Courtyard. This is the main shebang in the Alcazar. Here you’ll find the main courtyard with the reflecting pool, sunken gardens and gorgeous arches. It’ll also likely be full of other people unless you take the early morning access tour.
• Patio de Leviés – fewer people find their way to this patio where there is a less grandiose pool than on the Patio de las Doncellas. I loved it here.
• Patio de las Muñecas – Dolls Courtyard. A private courtyard in the palace – see if you can find the dolls in the carvings. I’ve only ever found 2.
• Salon de Embajadores (Ambassadors’ Hall or the Throne Room) – this is the biggest and most impressive room in the whole palace. Don’t forget to look up and see the half-orange dome, referred to as the Mudejar version of the Sistine Chapel.
• Salon de los Tapices – Tapestry Room
• Tile Exhibition
• Baños de Doña Maria de Padilla – a striking underground crypt filled with water.
• The Gardens – for me, the gardens were more interesting than the palace but that’s entirely because I don’t adore intricate and fussy architecture but I do love trees and plants. But do leave yourself time to visit the gardens because they are beautiful. And if you can, climb the stairs up to the Galleria de Grutesco for gorgeous views over the gardens.

→ Grab your exclusive early access tickets now

Lunch: When you leave the Alcázar you’ll find yourself in the bustling heart of the old city of Seville. Take a stroll around, pick a tapas bar and enjoy lunch.

Afternoon – Wander Seville’s Jewish Quarter & Casco Antiguo

If you have the energy for more impressive buildings you could also visit the Seville Cathedral & la Giralda (Bell Tower) that are right by the Alcazar. The cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, along with the Alcazar, make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seville. A part of Christopher Columbus was buried within this cathedral.

➕ Just as it’s a good idea to pre-book to visit the Alcazar, it’s also a good idea to pre-book for the cathedral.

→ Book your skip the line cathedral and Giralda tickets

If you don’t feel like visiting the cathedral, use this time to explore the narrow streets of Seville’s ancient Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz).

Evening

Take a late afternoon stroll along the river, ensuring you see the Torre del Oro.

⭐️ If you’re looking for the perfect flamenco experience, then a Devour Tapas & Flamenco evening tour could be exactly what you’re looking for. The tour visits 2 tapas bars where you’ll try 8 different tapas plates (enough for a full meal) and drinks. You learn all about flamenco prior to watching a fabulous performance.

I was invited by Devour Tours to take this tour and I have to be honest and say that before I took it, I was fairly ambivalent about flamenco. Now, having witnessed a truly excellent show, and learned about the dance and the traditions within it, I can’t wait to go to more shows and learn more. I fell in love. You can read about my experience here.

→ ⭐️ Book your tapas & flamenco tour ⭐️

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to flamenco in Sevilla

Day 3 in Seville – See Seville’s quirky side

Your third day is a quirky walking day in Seville. You’re going to get away from the amazing yet touristy center of the city and see another side of Seville entirely.

Depending on where you’re staying, start your day from either Puente de la Barqueta or from Puente de Isabel II (in Triana).

📌 (If this doesn’t appeal, perhaps book a tour or a cooking class or find a nearby day-trip to replace it with. See below for day trip suggestions)

Morning

☕️ Begin your day with breakfast at either one of the many cafes in Triana or in the Mercado de Triana.

After breakfast, explore the ceramic shops of Triana and stroll towards the Torre Sevilla and the Torre Schindler.

Torre Sevilla – here you’ll find a small outdoor mall. I highly recommend heading to the mirador on the 37th floor for great views over the city (tower on the left)

Torre Schindler – this is an observation deck (open ever day except Mondays) that offers great views over the city too (smaller tower in centre of photo)

Parque Fernando Magallanes – this gentle riverside park is popular with locals who enjoy a spot of fishing. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, bring a picnic or simply walk through the park, past the Pabellon de Navegacion (check the website to see what exhibitions are hosted while you’re in town)

Isla de la Cartuja

This small area along the banks of the Guadalquivir River barely registers with non-locals but it’s a gorgeous spot to spend the day. There are no food options so I recommend stopping in at the supermarket by the Torre Sevilla for snacks and water to get you through to the next meal opportunity if you are worried about your food intake.

From here we enter abandoned Expo ’92 territory. If you enjoy seeing only the very best a city has to offer then maybe this next section isn’t for you. If, however, you are interested in seeing a different, quirky side of Seville, you will find this a joy.

Pabellon de la Naturaleza

Along the river, the park and paths continue but at this point they stop being quite so manicured. First stop is the abandoned wooden structure that offers shade to a selection of plants, and some concrete waterfalls. It’s very peaceful but you have to be willing to look for the beauty here.

Carry on into the Jardín Americano and onto the Pasarela for views across the area. This park turns into the Jardines del Guadalquivir, which follow the river all the way to Seville’s theme park, Isla Magica.

Jardines del Guadalquivir

The gardens, along with everything else in this area, were created for Expo ’92. Take your time to explore this (admittedly) fairly run down park. There’s an abandoned maze in the center, and you can see the Ariane 4 rocket and a satellite that are on display here.

It’s possible, with a reservation, to visit the General Archives to learn more about the Expo. And don’t miss the now abandoned Torre ABC, looking forlorn and unloved but still gorgeous.

This is a completely different side of the city and one I was personally extremely excited to find.

Hot air balloon ride  – Nao Vigía

Don’t miss checking out the Pabellón de Hungría while you’re here. It, too, is left over from the Expo but has recently been restored and looks absolutely fabulous.

From here, I recommend calling an uber or a taxi and heading back into central Sevilla as you’ll probably be hungry and tired.

Day 4 in Seville – Take a day trip

It’s time for a day trip so depending on your preferences and transport options, let’s consider the most popular destinations.

You can use public transport, rent a car, or book a guided tour for your day trips from Seville. If you choose to use public transport I highly recommend booking in advance as trains particularly can book up quickly.

Cordoba

Cádiz

Granada

Malaga

If you’re wondering about whether to visit Seville or Malaga, consider what you’re expecting from your vacation. Malaga is home to a surprising amount of history and some wonderful museums but it’s also often extremely crowded. Its primary draw is its beaches and proximity to the famous pueblos blancos. Seville is primarily known for its rich history, but it’s also a fabulous base for exploring the region. Both are excellent foodie cities.

Ronda

Roman ruins at Italica

Alcalá de Guadaíra

Other excellent day trip options from Seville

Aracena – visit the castle, the famous cave, Gruta de las Maravillas and enjoy the gorgeous small town

Antequera – go hiking in the Torcal de Antequera or visit the dolmens and their excellent visitors’ centre

Huelva City – visit the excellent museum, walk on the Muelle de Rio Tinto, see replicas of Columbus’ ships

Gibraltar – climb to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar, see the Barbary Apes, and look over to Africa

Day 5 in Seville – Tying up loose ends

If you have a full day on day 5 in Seville, why not visit whichever of the tourist sites you didn’t manage to visit on days one and two. If your final day in Seville is just a short one, use the time to wander the streets, feast on more tapas and pick up the much needed souvenirs to take home.

Tips: If you haven’t yet visited the India Archives you could do so today (it’s free), or if you didn’t visit the cathedral on day 2, then take a few hours from your final day to visit this gorgeous Gothic cathedral and to climb La Giralda for incredible views over the city.

🍽 If you’ve enjoyed the food in Seville, why not take a cooking class to learn how to replicate your favourite dishes at home.

✈️ On your way to Seville airport you could also stop at the gorgeous city of Carmona for a walk and lunch.