The perfect weekend in Seville

Take it from us, any trip to Spain should include a stop in Seville. The Andalusian capital is home to Flamenco dancing, Mudéjar architecture, and an incredible tapas scene, not to mention the city has one of the most beautiful plaza’s we’ve ever seen.

The best part is that the majority of Seville’s top sights are located in its most central neighborhoods. Meaning, even if you only have two days to spend here, you can easily eat, drink, and dance your way through the city, taking in the best the city has to offer in just 48 hours.

This two-day guide brings together my expert knowledge and recommendations combined with plenty of insight from real Tripadvisor travelers.

Wake up and smell the jasmine-scented streets: You’ve arrived! Start your day with a traditional Sevillian breakfast of pan con tomate (bread with tomatoes and a splash of olive oil) at Bar Alfalfa. Then, wander about eight minutes south to the Catedral de Sevilla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s also the largest Gothic church in the world. Built on the site of a former mosque, it’s home to 80 chapels and 25 bells, some of which you’ll inevitably hear ringing as you’re exploring the city later on. Climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views of the city (it’s worth the 35-story climb) in the morning to avoid the crowds.

A five-minute walk away, you’ll find the Iglesia Colegial del Salvador, with its beautiful baroque facades, an ornate altarpiece, and tiled domes. Tip: You can use the same ticket as the cathedral if you visit both within 24 hours.

For lunch, stop by La Antigua Bodeguita and grab a table on the patio. In the summer, the restaurant sprays a fine mist outside to counteract the hot weather. If you want something small, try the montadito (mini open sandwich) with squid and aioli. For something larger, order the sirloin steak and wash it down with a cool cerveza.

You can easily walk to your next stop, the Royal Alcázar. This historic palace traces back to the 10th century, complete with Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Don’t miss the colorful gardens, home to peacocks and orange trees. Give yourself at least two hours to explore the palace and don’t rush after lunch—the grounds get less and less busy as it gets later in the afternoon.

The shaded, intricately-decorated gardens will guide you to your final stop: Plaza de España. One of Seville’s prettiest areas, this plaza is punctuated with paintings detailing every city in Spain. It is also surrounded by a moat, where you can rent paddle boats.

Walk back through the Alcázar to the Santa Cruz neighborhood, Seville’s former Jewish quarter, and one of the most charming and historic areas of the city. This maze of streets is perfect for a pre-dinner exploration, with tiny courtyards, fountains, and local boutiques.

Make sure to get to La Terraza de EME before sunset. Tucked down a side street by the cathedral, this rooftop bar has a great house white wine that you can enjoy at golden hour. With sweeping views of the city skyline and the cathedral front-and-center, you’ll also be able to hear the bells ring every hour.

There are plenty of tapas restaurants scattered around the cathedral, and most of them offer similar dishes. Look out for the fried dogfish, anything pork cheek-based (especially croquettes), oxtail stew, and tomato salads. Mateos Bar is one of the best because of its killer red wine spritzers. Got a sweet tooth? Buy a scoop of chocolate mousse ice cream at Heladería Bolas.

You’re on holiday, which means chocolate for breakfast is perfectly acceptable. Grab churros at La Esperanza as you meander through the city center on your way to Real Maestranza, the oldest bullring in Spain. Although bullfighting is a controversial topic in Spain, the Baroque architecture of the building itself is worth admiring, even if you don’t fancy the full tour.

You’ll spot the Mercado de la Encarnación before you’ve realized what it is, as it sits in the shadow of Metropol Parasol, locally referred to as Las Setas (the mushrooms). This recently-renovated market (closed on Sundays) is ideal for grabbing a to-go lunch. Pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, and cured meats, then eat it upstairs in the cool shade of the futuristic fungi structure. After, climb up to the observation deck, where you can take a virtual reality tour.

Next up: Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts, which is a treasure trove of Spanish art. The museum sits in a converted 17th-century convent and is considered the second most important gallery in the country, after the Prado in Madrid. On the weekends, you’ll find an art market just outside, where you can pick up paintings and sketches from local artists.

At sunset, stroll along the riverfront promenade for views of the iconic Torre del Oro. Then, cross the bridge to Triana—a haven of tapas, ceramics, Flamenco dancing, and live music. Explore Calle Betis, Seville’s scenic street, and stop wherever the music draws you in. This local neighborhood is buzzy at night as it has an endless amount of restaurants. Most of the bars here offer a free bite with a drink.

Check out the view from the terrace at La Primera del Puente, which has sat here since before the Spanish Civil War, or try the fried fish at El Mero. Many of the bars have seats overlooking the river although, the later the evening gets, the more filled up these become.

End your evening with a Flamenco show (they usually take place between 7 to 10 p.m.). If you don’t book it in advance, you’ll find countless bars offering flyers on the streets around Triana (and wider Seville). Tablao El Arenal has one of the most popular Flamenco shows or, if you’re staying in Santa Cruz, Los Gallos offers a lively production.