walking tour map seville

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville: The Ultimate Seville Itinerary

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Seville. A unique and colorful city in the south of Spain, it is utterly captivating, with its diverse, breathtaking architecture, Mediterranean weather, and vibrant atmosphere. Want to explore its grounds? There’s no better way than through this self-guided walking tour of Seville.

But I might be biased because I love wandering around new cities on foot. Self-guided walking tours provide you with the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want to go. It also gives you the opportunity to find hidden gems and save money on transportation, so it’s great for budget travelers!

And Seville is truly an amazing city to explore on foot. There are so many things to see in Seville, and they are all within easy walking distance of each other. Plus, I had tons of fun meandering around the streets admiring the beautiful Moorish and Gothic architecture.

And with Seville’s warm Mediterranean climate, a self-guided walking tour is perfect year-round, whether you’re visiting Spain in winter or summer.

So today, I am going to outline the ultimate self-guided Seville walking tour, so you can wander around the lively streets yourself while visiting Seville’s top sights. Enjoy!

(And for those wanting a little sneak peak, here’s my Seville walking tour map).

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville

Before we get started on this self-guided walking tour of Seville, I just wanted to add that you can edit your own walking tour however you want. You can start in Maria Luisa Park like I do, or you can go backwards, or you can just pick and choose whichever attractions you want to stop by.

In my opinion, the best thing about walking around Seville is that there are stunning sights around every corner. No matter what, you’ll have an amazing time!

1. Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa)

• Cost : Free
• Hours : 8 am to 10 pm daily
• Time Estimate : 20 minutes
• Website : https://www.marialuisapark.com/

First, let’s start our self-guided walking tour Seville in Maria Luisa Park, or the Parque de María Luisa. A gorgeous park close to the Guadalquivir river, it is filled with lush, green trees, tiled benches, and delightful fountains.

Covering 34 hectares of land, this historic park was first opened in 1914. And, not only does it offer some of the best walks in Seville, but it is perfect for people-watching!

So, I definitely recommend starting your day off in Parque Maria Luisa. I found it to be absolutely enchanting and almost meditative to bask in the nature and charming architecture. It’s probably my favorite park in Seville, so it’s definitely a Seville must see!

2. Plaza de España

• Hours : Open 24 hours/day
• Time Estimate : 1 hour
• Website : https://www.visitasevilla.es/en/history/plaza-de-espana

Next on our walking tour of Seville, head towards the Plaza de España. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Seville, this square is an architectural masterpiece.

170 meters long, the Plaza de Espana was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. And as you wander around, you may notice some familiar sights… because it was also a filming location for Star Wars Episode II!

Combining elements of the Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles, it may seem over-the-top to some… but I found it to be utterly breathtaking. It’s also a great place to take some fabulous pictures, so I recommend bringing your nice camera.

As you wander around the plaza, I recommend observing the beautiful tiled alcoves, as they each represent a province in Spain. You can also rent a rowboat to float along the canal (there’s a reason why the plaza is commonly referred to as “the Venice of Seville”!).

Overall, whether you walk away thinking it’s marvelous or ostentatious, visiting the Plaza de España is a must do in Seville.

3. Royal Alcázar of Seville

• Cost : €13.50. It costs an additional €5.50 to visit the Royal Bedroom.
• Hours : From October 29 to March 31: 9:30 am to 6 pm daily. From April 1 to October 28: 9:30 am to 8 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 90 minutes to 2 hours.
• Website : https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/
• Ticket : Click here if you want to book in advance (and skip the line!).

Now, head over to the Royal Alcazar of Seville (also referred to as the Real Alcazar de Sevilla). Even if you only had one day in Seville, I would still recommend checking this lavish and stunning palace out.

Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, the Alcazar de Seville is a magnificent example of Mudéjar architecture, showcasing Islamic and Christian influences.

Additionally, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the Europe’s oldest palaces still in use. It combines a plethora of different cultural and stylistic influences, including Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque design.

I’m not an architecture aficionado, but I was still floored by how beautiful and intricate the palace was. Trust me, the architecture is truly outstanding, and it was one of my favorite sights in Seville. And, it’s also a Game of Thrones filming location!

So, if you’re wondering what to see in Seville, Spain , the Alcazar is definitely it.

And if you’re interested in booking your ticket in advance (and skipping the interminable lines), click here.

4. Torre del Oro

• Cost : €3.00
• Hours : Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 6:45 pm. Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 am to 6:45 pm.
• Time Estimate : 30 minutes

Next on our Seville walking route, let’s head over to the Torre del Oro, otherwise known as the Golden Tower Seville.

Housed next to the Guadalquivir river, this 36-meter high defensive tower dates back to the 13th century. Originally covered in gold tiles, it has served as a fortress, prison, and chapel over the years.

While I personally didn’t enter the tower, I still loved admiring its medieval exterior from the riverside.

It’s currently home to a naval museum (and it offers spectacular views of Seville), so if you’re interested in Seville’s naval history, check it out!

5. Plaza de Toros de Sevilla

• Hours : 9:30 am to 7:30 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 30 to 60 minutes
• Website : https://realmaestranza.com/
• Tickets : Click here to book a tour with a professional guide and a skip-the-line ticket.

Walking along the shimmering Guadalquivir river, head over to the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (i.e., Seville’s most famous bullring).

This portion of my free Seville walking tour is one of my favorite Seville walks, as the stroll along the river is super serene and picturesque; so, I definitely recommend taking your time!

La Maestranza is Seville’s bullring, and is considered one of the most important bullrings in Spain . Built in 1733, it is the first bullring to have an oval shape.

Now, I am absolutely not endorsing bullfighting in any shape or form. I personally didn’t enter the building, but I still found it interesting to admire from the outside. So, I still think it’s a worthwhile stop on your Seville tour.

However, if you are interested in learning more about bullfighting’s long and significant history in Spain , you can also enter and tour the place.

6. General Archive of the Indies

• Hours : Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 1:45 pm.
• Time Estimate : 20 to 30 minutes

The next stop on our walking tour of Seville is the General Archive of the Indies, or the Archivo General de Indias.

Created in 1875, the General Archive of the Indies contains the documentation of the Council of the Indies, which was the governing body of Spain’s former empire in the Americas and the Philippines.

This makes this stop an absolute must for all history-lovers. But, if you’re in a rush or not too interested, I still recommend admiring the exterior architecture of this beautiful and grand building.

Enjoying this walking tour? Then check out my self-guided walking tour to Segovia, one of the best day trips from Madrid!

7. Seville Cathedral

• Cost : Around €10
• Hours : Monday to Saturday: 10:45 am to 5 pm. Sundays: 2:30 pm to 6 pm.
• Time Estimate : 60 to 90 minutes
• Website : https://www.catedraldesevilla.es/
• Ticket : Click here for a skip-the-line ticket.

Next stop is another must for city sightseeing Seville: the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower (Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda).

The most breathtaking Seville church, the Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built in the 16th century over a 12th century mosque, the Seville Cathedral still contains some Muslim influences. For instance, the Giralda Tower was initially used for the call to prayer. Renovations over the years have added even more influences, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-gothic styles.

The cathedral was my favorite church in Seville, with intricate architectural details and stunning stained glass windows. And don’t forget to climb up the Giralda Tower; it’ll provide a panoramic view of Seville that will surely take your breath away.

And if you want to book your tickets in advance and skip the long lines, click here.

8. (Optional) Barrio de Santa Cruz

Now, I’m going to list our next three stops as optional. This is because you might be out of time on my one day Seville itinerary, But, if not (and you have energy remaining), I definitely recommend continuing on this walking tour Seville.

So, next on my walking tour of Seville, it’s time to wander around the Barrio Santa Cruz (or the Santa Cruz District). This is the best area to stay in Seville, as it is the center for food, drinks, and shopping!

I absolutely loved perusing around this charming neighborhood, so I recommend taking some time to do so too.

With lovely Seville architecture and some of the best shops in Seville, it is easy to explore. Take your time, have a bite to eat, then continue on to our next destination: the Casa de Pilatos.

If you’re also visiting Barcelona, check out my 2-day Barcelona itinerary!

9. (Optional) Casa de Pilatos

• Cost : €12 for the whole house, €10 for the ground floor only.
• Hours : From November to March: 9 am to 6 pm daily. From April to October: 9 am to 7 pm daily.
• Time Estimate : 45 minutes.
• Website : http://www.fundacionmedinaceli.org/
• Ticket : Click here for a ticket to the ground floor plus an audio guide.

Another Seville palace, the Casa de los Pilatos Seville is a fusion of Renaissance Italian and Mudéjar Spanish architecture, making for a unique and visually stunning experience.

While it’s not actually a royal palace, this 16th century building is a civil palace. It also has intricate details both inside and outside the building, from the beautiful gardens, remarkable center fountain, and ornately decorated rooms.

If you have the time, I definitely suggest checking out the gardens and admiring the ceramic tiles inside the Casa de Pilatos Seville. If not, it’s still worth walking by on your way over to our next and final destination: the Setas de Sevilla!

10. (Optional) Setas de Sevilla – The Final Stop on our Walking Tour of Seville!

• Cost : €10 to €15
• Hours : 9:30 am to 12:30 am (past midnight) daily.
• Time Estimate : 30 to 45 minutes
• Website : https://setasdesevilla.com/en/
• Guided Tour : Click here for a tour offering a skip-the-line ticket, knowledgeable guide, and a VR experience.

Last but not least, the final destination on our Seville walking tour is the Setas de Sevilla, or Las Setas. Known as the Seville mushroom, this structure showcases some of Seville’s more modern architecture.

It’s a really cool wooden structure to look up at and admire. While I personally did not go up to the top (due to the price of tickets), I hear that it offers some breathtaking, aerial views of Seville.

It’s a great way to end our day walking in Seville, so take some time to appreciate the charming views! I hope you enjoyed your day tour around Seville.

Other Things to Do in Seville

Now that you’re finished my self-guided walking tour of Seville, you may be wondering… what else should you do in Seville? Well, Seville is filled with fantastic sights and experiences! Even without my tour, Seville is definitely worth visiting .

I’ve split my top recommendations of things to do in Seville into three categories: the best tours in Seville, the best sights and museums, and the best day trips from Seville.

The Best Tours in Seville

First, Seville offers some of the most fantastic tours in Spain . Here are my recommendations for the best tours in Seville:

• Seville Food Tour : If you want to sample Seville’s best tapas and bars, this is the tour for you. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll taste traditional dishes and learn about Seville’s history and food culture.
• Seville Flamenco and Tapas Show : A trip to Spain would be incomplete without Flamenco! This tour offers a fantastic combination of delicious tapas and an authentic Flamenco show in the heart of Seville. And there’s also a cheaper flamenco show if you’re on a budget!
• Seville Paddle Surf Route and Class : One of my favorite spots in Seville was the sparkling Guadalquivir River. This tour will teach you how to paddle board on the Guadalquivir River while pointing out the gorgeous sights along the river!
• Seville Cooking Class and Triana Market Tour : On this essential experience in Seville, you’ll get to visit the bustling Triana Market, pick out fresh ingredients, then head to a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make a delicious 3-course Spanish lunch.
• Seville Bike Tour : Want to explore Seville’s medieval streets on something faster than your feet? Then you have to book this amazing Seville bike tour.

The Best Sights and Museums in Seville (Not Included on our Walking Tour of Seville)

Next, Seville offers some fabulous free and paid attractions and museums that I definitely recommend checking out. They include:

• The Walls of Seville (Murallas de Sevilla) : Surrounding the quarters of the Old Town of Seville, the Walls of Seville are the ancient, defensive walls surrounding the city. Initially built in Roman times, they are an absolute must-see in Seville!
• Museum of Illusions : For a fun-filled museum perfect for all ages, you have to check out the Museum of Illusions. It’s filled with optical illusions, puzzles, and interactive exhibits that will leave you amazed.
• Seville Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla) : If you’re an art enthusiast like me, then this museum should definitely be on your list. With marvelous Spanish art dating back to the medieval period, you can spend hours perusing this gallery!
• Archaeological Museum of Seville (Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla) [Currently Closed for Renovations] : With incredible Roman, medieval, and Islamic artifacts, this museum is perfect for those fascinated by history!
• Triana District of Seville : If you love the colors and vibrancy of Seville, then I definitely suggest checking out the Triana District of Seville. On the other side of the Guadalquivir River, it’s an enchanting area filled with marvelous photography spots.

The Best Day Trips from Seville

Last but not least, why not leave Seville’s city limits? These are some of the most beautiful and thrilling day trips from Seville:

• Granada : Visit the enchanting city of Granada on an amazing and educational day trip to the Alhambra and Nazaries Palaces.
• Cordoba and Carmona : Explore more of Andalusia on this fabulous day tour to Cordoba and Carmona.
• Gibraltar : Want to spend the day surrounded by local monkeys on the Mediterranean coast? Then you have to book this exhilarating day trip to Gibraltar, which includes stops at St Michael’s Cave and the Rock of Gibraltar.
• Ronda : Spend the day in the fascinating and stunning city of Ronda, one of the most ancient towns in Spain.
• Tangier : If you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can also take a day trip to Morocco with this incredible tour to Tangier!

Where to Stay in Seville

Once you’ve completed my Seville self guided walking tour, you may need a cozy place to unwind. So, where’s the best place to stay in Seville?

Let me share my top recommendations!

Luxury Accommodations:

• Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón : If you’re searching for comfortable and luxurious accommodations in Seville, then look no further than the Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramon. With stunning interior design, an outdoor swimming pool, and a mouthwatering continental breakfast, it’s the perfect place to stay.
• Hotel Gravina 51 : Want to stay in a beautiful, historic, 18th-century manor house? Then I recommend booking the charming and elegant Hotel Gravina 51.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Hotel Giralda Center : Offering spacious rooms, picturesque terrace bars, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center, the Hotel Giralda Center is the perfect choice for travelers looking for luxury at a more affordable price.
• La Suite del Conde Luxury Suites : If you’re looking for a cozy and delightful homestay for an affordable price, then I highly recommend La Suite del Conde Luxury Suites.

Budget Hostels:

• room007 Salvador Hostel : Conveniently located in the center of Seville, room007 Salvador Hostel is a clean, comfortable, and modern hostel with great staff and a lovely terrace.
• Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Seville : A hostel perfect for backpackers and budget travelers, Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Seville has an upbeat, social atmosphere, clean rooms, and friendly staff.

And if you’re wondering where to go after Seville, I recommend Lagos, Portugal ! To learn more, read my article on the most stunning Lagos beaches.

And That’s It for our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seville!

I hope this self-guided Seville walking tour has inspired you to navigate Seville’s streets the best way possible: on foot! But, if you’re simply wondering what to see in Seville, then I hope this guide still helped you find the coolest places.

From the awe-inspiring architecture of the Seville Cathedral to the bustling streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville has it all. It’s one of my favorite cities in all of Spain, and I bet you’ll love it as much as I do, regardless of whether you’re spending 1 day in Seville, 2 days in Seville, or 3 days in Seville.

So go out and explore this beautiful city, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me – I’d love to hear all about your adventures in Seville. Happy travels!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more self-guided walking tours and travel itineraries, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on an incredible trip around Spain? Here are some of my relevant articles and favorite Spain destinations:

• The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary
• The Ultimate Segovia Free Walking Tour
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my travel itineraries
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Spain
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

Thank you for the walking suggestions for Seville we followed the route backwards finishing at the park to enjoy a well deserved rest in the beautiful gardens on a lovely sunny day.

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Do you have a pdf of your Seville tour?

Hi Stephanie – Unfortunately no, I don’t! However, you should be able to save the post as a PDF by trying to print the page.

Thank you – we actually did your tour by mistake having started our stroll my the river. We are her in October it is still hot in the late afternoon so I would add take your walking tour in the morning. I look forward to using you again in our next city. Over 55 NZ’s

Hi Lou – No problem, and thanks for that point! I’m glad you had a great time in Seville 🙂

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Explore seville on foot: the ultimate self-guided walking tour.

by Siobhan Williams

Seville is a beautiful city, full of history and incredible architecture around every corner. And, luckily for tourists it’s very accessible and easy to explore on foot (and with little ones too) due to the lack of hills and an abundance of pedestrian friendly streets. But where to start your exploration?

We’ve come up with a simple route for a self guided Seville walking tour (just over 4.5 km/approx 3 miles) to take in some of the best this city has to offer.

Table of Contents

Starting point: Plaza de España and Parque María Luisa

Let’s kick off our our Seville walking tour at the gorgeous Plaza de España. Get there early to make the most of the serenity of the plaza before the crowds arrive, and use it as the golden opportunity to take some fantastic shots of the magnificent surroundings.

It was originally built in the 1920s to host the Ibero-American Exposition World fair. Around the base are beautiful tiled alcoves, each representing a different Spanish province. From here, you can explore the park it’s situated in. There are lots of hidden places to explore, and is a popular spot for brides and those celebrating their first communion to take photographs, and upon visiting, you will see why. 

You may also recognise it from the silver screen. It features in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones as the exterior of the City of Theed on the planet Naboo, Lawrence of Arabia and it also features in the Netflix dark comedy series Kaos.

To get to stop one, head through the Prado de San Sebastián and cross over the road. Catch a glimpse of the Real Fabrica de Tabacos. Once a tobacco factory, made famous in the opera Carmen, it is now part of the University of Seville and it is available to visit.

Stop one: Jardines de Murillo

Named after the painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and constructed in the early 20th century, his small park runs next to the Real Alcazar and marks the beginning of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It is listed as a bien de interés cultural or an asset of cultural interest.

Dotted with benches, fountains and little corners to take a rest, it is the perfect way to skip some of the busier streets surrounding the Cathedral and enjoy some tranquillity in the city.

Stop two: Calle Santa Teresa

Head out of the gardens via Nicolas Antonio and make your way into the center party of city Santa Cruz which was formerly the Jewish quarter via Calle Santa Teresa. The narrow pedestrian streets are a hallmark of the old town and it is easy to get lost in the labyrinth of walkways.  Grab a coffee and toast from our friends at  Las Teresas or Placido and sit outside watch the streets fill up as the day begins.

Stop three: Roman columns

Leaving Placido and heading down Meson del Moro, take a right up Mateos Gago and pause at the top to see the cathedral peaking over the buildings (to get the Cathedral take a walk down Mateos Gago, and maybe stop for a coffee or a bite at one of the many bars and restaurants on this pedestrianised street), then left onto Fabiola, before slighting left onto Aire, follow this delightful Callejon until you reach the Roman Columns on your right. 

Local’s Tip: Try to sample some local cookies from the nearby Convento Madre de Dios, and see why many locals continue to buy from them to this day.

Stop four: Plaza Alfalfa

Head up Marmoles, take a right down Muñoz y Pabón. The street veers to the right before becoming Cabeza del Rey Don Pedro. Take an immediate left on to Candilejo, following the street until you hit a small plaza.

This is a well-shaded plaza in the centre of the old town with plenty of bars to choose from. The abundance of shade makes it a perfect spot to recharge and cool down in the warm spring and summer months.  For those with kids, The playground here might be your best friend. Food highlights in this area include Catalina La Barra , Bodega de la Alfalfa , Sal Gorda , and Casa Monolo .

Stop Five: Plaza del Salvador 

Leave Alfalfa via Alcaiceria de la Loza, turning left on Jesus de la Pasión, right on to Villegas, until you hit the plaza on your right. Home to not only the impressive Salvador church, (which was in fact one of Muslim Spain’s oldest and most important mosques after Cordoba  and the interior still contains some of the elements from that original mosque) but also several local bars to grab another drink from and people watch.

Stop six: Metropol Parasol

Exit the plaza by heading down Calle Cuna, and do a bit of window shopping in this street known for its tailoring and sneak a look at the latest fashions in the world of brides, suiting, and flamenco dresses.

Bonus stop: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Towards the end of this street you’ll find the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija. This 16th Century palace is decorated with Roman mosaics and is a must see for any history buff with an interest in the classics. 

At the end of the street take a right and walk up towards the Metropol Parasol, colloquially known to locals as Las Setas (the mushrooms). Designed by a German architect and now home to the central Mercado de la Encarnacion and designed to provide some much needed shade in the sunny months. Head upwards to take advantage of incredible panoramic views of the city, or head down the antiquarium below to see the ruins of Roman and muslim Seville.

Local’s Tip: Come back here about an hour before sunset, and take in the walkway as the sun sets on this truly magnificent city, and watch the buildings glow. We promise, these views are worth extending your Seville walking tour.

Stop seven: Iglesia Santa Catalina

Continue past The Setas along Imagen. Keep on the left hand side as the road snakes its way through the historic centre. Located on the former site of a Roman temple, Visigoth church, and then a mosque, the Iglesia Santa Catalina is one of Seville’s archdiocese’s jewels, known for its impressive mix of both gothic and mudejar architecture, perfectly encapsulated in its main doorway when opened.

Though home to hundreds of beautiful churches, trust us when we say you won’t regret going into Santa Catalina for some quiet reflection during your stay here. Take the opportunity to sit and relax in this area by visiting the folks at Los Claveles, home to some of the best cask wines and cold tapas in the city, with a history going back over a century. 

Stop eight: Plaza San Marcos

Now hopefully refuelled, take a left out of Clavales and head towards Bustos Tavera, a winding one way street that takes you a little off the beaten track, and very much into a more local, authentic neighbourhood within Seville’s old town. As the street opens up, the impressive tower of San Marcos greets the plaza which bears its name. Another example of gothic and mudejar architecture, San Marcos’ interior is known for its simplicity when compared to some of its contemporaries in the city.

Those keen on history will be interested to know that you are now walking on one of the most historically significant streets, with this area being a main point of entry to the town during both Roman and Islamic rule. 

Final stop: Macarena

We reach the end of our Seville walking tour by continuing up San Luís until you hit the ancient doorway and old town wall that is also known as the Arco de la Macarena, which sits in the shadow of the Basilica itself. Home to one of the city’s most worshipped Virgins, known locally as La Macarena, there is simply no better way than to end your walking tour by visiting La Guapa (the beautiful one), and also learning more about one of Seville’s most revered festivals, Semana Santa .

Next to the arch, you will find the old city walls, which you last saw in the Jardines de Murillo. Opposite this arch is an impressive building. Formerly the Hospital de las cinco Llagas ( or Hospital of the Five Wounds), this is now home to the Andalusian Parliament.

Unsure on how to find your way back? Take the C1 bus from the stop just in front of the archway back to Prado de San Sebastian, effectively bringing you back to where our tour began. Or alternatively, continue your exploration by heading to Calle Feria and Feria market via Bécquer.

And that concludes our Seville walking tour!

Enjoy sightseeing but prefer to be shown the sights with expert local guides? You’re in the right place. Here at Walks & Devour we take pride in being a tour company that offers award-winning tours in many destinations, including Seville. Join us for comprehensive tours like:

• The Best of Seville
• A marvelous evening of Tapas & Flamenco
• A delicious food tour covering the Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville
• An extra special VIP experience like the Alone in the Alcazar: Exclusive Early Access Tour

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About the author

Siobhan moved to Seville from the UK over 10 years ago, and instantly fell in love with the city. So much so she decided to settle down. Now married and a mum to a young son, she continues to love travelling around Andalusia, reading a good book, and getting stuck into arts and crafts like knitting and oil painting.

More by Siobhan Williams

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One Day in Seville: Itinerary for First Visit (+Walking Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 8, 2024

Visiting Seville for just a day and wondering how to see the best of the city in a short time? In this guide, we share a recommended one-day Seville itinerary that covers the main sights and gives you a good introduction to this beautiful city in Andalusia in southern Spain.

This itinerary takes into account the opening times and the time that it takes to actually visit the main attractions or walk between different places. We also share our experience-based suggestions and tips on how to avoid the long queues and make the most out of your day in Seville.

To help you plan your sightseeing itinerary, we also created a map indicating a scenic walking route that connects all the top places (you can see it below). Please note that the walking route doesn’t indicate the evening part of the itinerary – that is because we have three different suggestions for you to choose from, and so where exactly to walk will depend on that.

Also, remember that the best way to explore any European city is by simply wandering around – you may discover some beautiful hidden gems that way. So simply use this 1-day Seville itinerary as a guide to the best experiences that are worth your time the most, and adjust it based on your personal interests, ticket availability, etc.

READ ALSO: Spain Bucket List

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

1 Day in Seville Itinerary – Overview

Here’s our recommended itinerary for one day in Seville in a nutshell:

• 9.30 – 11 AM: Royal Alcázar timed-entry tickets or early-access tour .
• 11.15 AM – 12 PM: Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower: timed-entry tickets or guided tour .
• 12 – 2 PM: Explore the old town + lunch.
• 2 – 2.30 PM: Plaza de Toros (bullring).
• 2.30 – 3.30 PM: Torre del Oro and riverside walk.
• 3.30 – 4.30 PM: Plaza de España and Maria Luiza Park.
• Evening: Flamenco show and dinner (we booked this flamenco + tapas tour , and there are many other options ).
• Late evening: Setas de Sevilla.

You can find all the details, pictures, and useful information for each of these sights and attractions further below. Read on!

TIP: If you are not interested in tours and rather just get tickets, this Seville Super Combi includes the main attractions and allows you to choose all the time slots in one booking.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Seville in 2 Days

Here is a detailed Sevilla 1-day itinerary:

Royal Alcázar of Seville

9.30 – 11 AM.

The Royal Alcazar (Real Alcázar) is one of the absolute must-sees in Seville. Because it opens earlier in the morning than many other places, we suggest starting your day here. Plus, it’s so popular and so busy that the best way to make the most of your visit (and plan the rest of your day) is by coming here first thing in the morning.

Real Alcarzar is an impressive palace complex that was built in different phases spanning over many centuries starting from the High Middle Ages. This has led to a unique mix of architectural styles with a strong Moorish influence, but also Baroque and Renaissance styles.

The palace is huge, with multiple buildings and countless rooms, and it’s surrounded by vast gardens. You could easily spend half a day here alone and still not see everything… But with just a day in Seville, we recommend that you plan 1.5-2.5 hours for Alcazar.

Good to know: No matter how you decide to visit Royal Alcazar – on your own or with a tour – be sure to book in advance and get the earliest possible time slot (or the earliest tour). The palace normally opens at 9.30 AM and by 9 AM there is already a queue that stretches for a few blocks… So – once again – be sure to book ahead or you will waste too much time!

Planning info: For this itinerary, we recommend either timed-entry tickets (get the 9.30 AM slot, but arrive earlier!) or this ‘Alone in the Alcazar’ tour (that starts at 8.30 AM). We opted for this tour and could enter the palace an hour before it opened to the public. It’s an absolutely unique experience and worth every cent. However, availability is limited and these tours only run a few times a week. Be sure to check if it’s possible during your visit and don’t hesitate – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cathedral & Giralda Tower

11.15 AM – 12 PM.

The Seville Cathedral is another must-see in the city, just as its impressive tower, Giralda . The Cathedral is located just near the Alcazar and so we suggest continuing your sightseeing itinerary here.

In 1401, the city decided to demolish an old mosque that served as a cathedral at that time and to build a new church that would be “so beautiful and so grand that those who see it will say we were mad”. Indeed, the Cathedral of Seville is immense. It’s also the largest Gothic church in the world and one of the largest Catholic churches ever built.

The exterior of the church is absolutely impressive, but the interior is well worth seeing too. Some of the must-sees inside include the main altar, the monumental grave of Christopher Columbus, and the works by Goya, Zurbaran, and Murillo.

From the Cathedral you can also access the Giralda Tower . The 96-meter-high tower was part of an old mosque and was kept as a bell tower when the new church was built. It is possible to climb the tower to enjoy 360° views of the city. However, keep in mind that a metal safety net obstructs the views so taking any decent pictures from the top is very difficult.

TIP: If you want to be sure to visit the Cathedral, you have to book a timed-entry ticket in advance! Also, if you want to climb the tower, do that first thing after the security check (before you even enter the church). When it’s busy, they give priority to those who are entering from the outside with timed tickets rather than people who are already inside the church. You can visit the church itself after you come down from the tower.

Planning info: For this itinerary, we recommend booking a time slot at around 11-11.30 AM. If you want to spend more time at the Alcazar, plan to visit the Cathedral a bit later (but keep in mind the rest of the itinerary and what else you want to see with a day in Seville).

Good to know: On Sundays, the Cathedral only opens late in the afternoon. So if you are visiting Seville on a Sunday (and this is the only day that you have in town), you’ll have to adjust this itinerary. Because many sights are located relatively close to each other, it’s easy to do.

Lunch + Barrio de Santa Cruz

12 – 2 PM.

After all that sightseeing and slow walking at the Alcazar and the Cathedral, you’ll likely be exhausted by noon. So we recommend sitting down for lunch and taking some time to rest and enjoy local food.

There is no shortage of eateries in the old town of Seville, so you’ll definitely find a nice place for some tapas. Just be sure to quickly check reviews (we usually use Google Maps) so that you can avoid tourist traps. I also indicated a few excellent places for tapas on our map – we tried some of them personally and others were recommended by local guides.

Also note that the Spanish tend to eat later, so some restaurants don’t open until 1 PM. However, there are usually plenty of places that are open earlier and if you go to eat around noon, it’s much easier to find a table – an hour later, everything is full.

While you are looking for a place for lunch (or after that), take some time to explore the neighborhood called Barrio de Santa Cruz . Located to the east of the Cathedral and the Alcazar, this is a cozy labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful historic buildings.

There is a lot more to see here (Hospital los Venerables, La Casa del Flamenco, Casa de Salinas, etc.) but with just a day in Seville, just walk around, have lunch, maybe get some souvenirs, and move on. We indicated a suggested walking route on the map, but you don’t have to follow it to the t, it’s just a suggestion.

General Archive of the Indies and/or Plaza del Cabildo

Depending on your interests and how you feel on the day itself, there are a few extra places that you could easily add to this one-day Seville itinerary.

One is the General Archive of the Indies (Archivo de Indias), an archive and library that holds important documents about Spain’s colonization of the New World. The archive is located inside a beautiful 16th-century merchants’ exchange building and is free to visit. The exhibition is limited, but the building is nice to see. It’s not a must, but you’ll pass here anyway so if you have a few minutes to spare, you may want to check it out.

Another place that I really recommend seeing is Plaza del Cabildo . This is a very picturesque little plaza surrounded by a unique arched building. It’s a real hidden gem just steps from the main tourist routes and you only need a few minutes to see it. We were here on a Sunday and there was a flea market in the area. Otherwise, it’s much quieter with just a few souvenir and antique shops inside.

Seville Bullring – La Real Maestranza

2 – 2.30 PM.

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is the bullring of Seville. Built in the 18-19th centuries it’s one of the oldest arenas in Spain and offers space for almost 13,000 spectators. And yes, it’s still used for bullfighting nowadays, although only several times a year. The rest of the time, it functions as a museum.

No matter how you feel about this Spanish tradition, we highly recommend a visit to Seville’s bullring. The building itself is very impressive and you can learn more about Corrida and see paintings, posters, as well as bullfighter’s capes and costumes.

You can also take a peek behind the scenes – the animal stalls, the bullfighter’s chapel, etc. The visit ends at the impressive arena itself.

Good to know: You need about half an hour for a thorough visit. If you want to learn more about the place, you can download a free audioguide using QR codes inside the museum.

Planning info: Normally, you can just get the tickets for the bullring on the spot, but sometimes the queue can be quite long (and other times, no queue at all). If you want to enter without a wait, you can prebook your tickets on their website . We just paid at the entrance and had to wait less than 5 minutes to get in. There are also guided tours available.

Riverside Walk & Torre del Oro

2.30 – 3.30 PM.

After leaving the bullring, cross the street toward the Guadalquivir River. There is a nice pedestrian walkway here, on several levels (closer to the water or higher, at street level). It’s a very nice area for a stroll, offering a bit of a breeze and great riverside views.

You have a few options here – simply walk along the river in the southeasterly direction toward Maria Luiza Park (next stop on this itinerary), or take a river cruise to rest your legs a bit and see the city from a different perspective.

If you walk, you’ll pass a few places of interest along the way. One is the Nao Victoria 500 , a replica of the first ship that circumnavigated around the world. You can visit this ship and there is a small museum inside, but the fee is quite steep for a rather small exhibition, and you can just see the ship from the outside.

Next, you will pass Torre del Oro (the Golden Tower), a 13th-century tower that was part of the city’s military fortifications. Nowadays, there’s a small maritime museum inside, and you can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy elevated views of the river. It’s nice to do if there is no wait and the ticket price is just a few euros. But it’s not something I would stand in line for, especially if you only have a day in Sevilla and your time is limited.

Continue further south following the river until you reach the entrance to Maria Luiza Park.

Plaza de España and Maria Luiza Park

3.30 – 4.30 PM.

Parque de Maria Luisa is the biggest and most beautiful park in Seville’s city center. You could rent a bike for half an hour to explore the park in a more relaxing way or simply walk around a bit.

There is a service at the park that rents bikes, tandems, and ‘cyclobuses’ for the whole family. We indicated the location of this rental service on the map, but you’ll likely just pass there as you enter the park from the riverside.

The park is adjacent to Plaza de España , a monumental half-moon-shaped square that you probably saw in Seville travel brochures. This huge square was the centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and is absolutely impressive with a canal, several bridges, and a large fountain in the middle. The walls of the buildings surrounding the square are lined with alcoves with azulejo tiles representing different provinces of Spain.

Plaza de Espana is an absolute must-see in Seville. So even though it’s a bit out of the way from all the other places in this itinerary, don’t miss it!

Planning info: The park and the square are public spaces and are free to visit.

Flamenco Show + Dinner

TIMING DEPENDS ON WHAT EXACTLY YOU CHOOSE

No visit to Seville would be complete without seeing a Flamenco show. After all, Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco, so if there is one place in Spain where you have to see it, it’s in Seville.

There are countless places in the city where you can see Flamenco shows. Often, you will also see performers dancing on the streets. But for the most authentic experience, visit a small traditional theater where the spaces are quite small, the public sits very close to the performers, and the experience is more intimate.

Here are a few suggestions on how to plan your evening in Seville:

OPTION 1 (this is what we did). We opted for this highly-rated Flamenco + tapas tour . It starts at Plaza de San Francisco at 5.30 PM and just walking there (+-25 minutes from Plaza de España), you will see more of the old town along the way. The tour includes tapas and aperitif at abacería (a small grocery store/bar), a traditional Flamenco show, and a sitting dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you are served so many amazing tapas and wines that you can hardly fit it all in…

This is a long tour – about 4 hours, but there is little walking and it’s a very relaxing and authentic experience. We did it with our teenagers and I was a bit worried that they would find it boring, but they loved it. To my husband, this was the best experience in Seville.

If you opt for this option, the restaurant where you will end the tour is in the center, about 15 minutes walk from Setas de Seville, which is the last place we recommend visiting at the end of the day (more info below).

If you rather explore more of the city on your own, you can easily plan your own Flamenco and tapas evening. Below are two more options – depending on how much walking you want to do.

LEARN MORE: Tapas & Flamenco Tour in Seville

OPTION 2 (Flamenco in Triana). Triana neighborhood, on the other side of the river, is where Flamenco originated. There are several theaters in Triana where you can see a Flamenco show. One of the most popular places here is Teatro Flamenco Triana (also about 25 minutes walk from Plaza de España).

Afterward, head to the area around Mercado de Triana for a tapas dinner. This popular food market will likely be closed by the time you get there, but there are many nice restaurants in the area.

OPTION 3 (Flamenco in the old town = less walking, especially if you follow this itinerary and visit one more place late in the evening – see further). For this option, book tickets for Flamenco in the old town (e.g. Casa de la Memoria or at Flamenco Museum , and then find a nice restaurant for dinner in the same area, before or after the show.

Depending on which theater you choose, the walk from Plaza de España is about 20-30 minutes, but then you are already much closer to the last place in this itinerary (just 3-8 minutes).

I indicated all these theaters on our map (at the top of the article) so that you have a better idea of the location. On the same map, you will also see some recommended restaurants, but there is really no shortage of good places for tapas anywhere in Seville.

Setas de Seville

LATE EVENING.

There is no better place to end your day in Seville than Setas de Seville , aka Metropol Parasol . So if you want to make the absolute most out of your visit, we highly recommend you check it out!

Setas de Seville is a large modern wooden structure with a viewing platform on top. You can see it from the outside just like that, but you will need a ticket to visit the rooftop.

The views from the top are really nice and many people say that it’s a wonderful place to come at sunset. But we recommend visiting here in the dark when you can enjoy a beautiful LED show ‘Aurora’ as well – it’s absolutely spectacular. The light show starts as soon as it gets dark, so if you come at sunset, hang around a bit longer and see the best of both – day and night views.

Your ticket also includes a ‘Feeling Seville’ experience, which is basically a short film about the city, but it comes with some extra touches that allow you to literally feel the city. I won’t tell more, but it’s really nice, so don’t miss it.

Planning info: The Setas de Seville viewing platform is open very late (usually past midnight), so it’s very simple to fit it into your itinerary. You can reserve timed tickets on the official website in advance, but normally, it’s not absolutely necessary. We got our tickets on the spot, but had to wait over half an hour to get in, so if you absolutely want to be sure to visit (and at a specific time), then you may want to book ahead.

Some Tips for Your First Visit to Seville

Here are some additional tips for your visit to Seville:

• Best time to visit Seville is outside of the summer months. This is one of the hottest places in Spain and sightseeing at over 40°C (104°F) is really not the best way to enjoy the city. If you are traveling in the summer, carry plenty of water with you!
• Avoid visiting Seville during Holy Week (Semana Santa) – it’s so busy that sightseeing is practically impossible. It’s nice to see religious processions, but very difficult to do much else. It’s also the most expensive time to visit.
• Dress comfortably and according to the weather forecast, but remember that the Cathedral has a ‘modest’ dress code. Wear comfortable shoes – you will be walking a lot.
• Book all the tickets/tours that you absolutely don’t want to miss in advance . Otherwise, you won’t be able to see as much in a day and will waste hours in endless queues.
• €€€€€€€€€+ Hotel Alfonso XIII – the iconic historic grand hotel of Seville.
• €€€€€ Radisson Magdalena Plaza – a very highly-rated modern 5* hotel.
• €€€€ Hotel Amadeus Sevilla – a charming, music-themed boutique 4* hotel.
• €€€ Hotel Doña María – a very popular mid-budget 4* hotel set inside an old palace.
• €€ Hotel Cervantes – excellent value hotel a bit outside of the main tourist areas (no pool though).

So, this sums up our recommended one-day Seville itinerary.

As you can see, it offers a nice mix of the most famous historic sights, and unique landmarks, as well as Flamenco and tapas, the two ‘musts’ in any Seville itinerary!

I hope that this guide, our walking map, and tips help you plan an unforgettable visit and make the most out of your time.

TIP: If you are still planning your trip and can slightly adjust the itinerary, we highly recommend staying in Seville longer than a day; there is so much to see and do! Take a look at our 2-day Seville itinerary for additional recommendations for a longer visit.

Have a great trip!

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• Barcelona 1-Day Itinerary
• Barcelona 2-Day Itinerary
• How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour Review
• How to See the Best of Madrid in One Day
• Toledo Day Trip from Madrid
• Bilbao – San Sebastian Itinerary for 2 Days
• Best Things to Do in Bilbao
• 1 Day in Bilbao
• Tips for Visiting Gaztelugatxe

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