Have you decided to visit Sevilla in 3 days? Great idea, you won’t have time to get bored!
Andalucia’s capital is packed with magnificent monuments, museums andactivities. Between the colorful facades of the historic center, the impressive Plaza de España and the peaceful banks of the Guadalquivir, we loved this city!
In this article, we offer you a detailed itinerary to optimize your stay and make sure you don’t miss a thing! Check out our practical tips and our many photos to make up your own mind about this destination.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for a 3-day visit to Sevilla
Getting around on foot or by public transport
It’s easy to get around Sevilla on foot in the historic center. Why not opt for a bicycle? Find out more about sevici‘s self-service rental service. You can also take public transport. There are several bus routes, a streetcar line and a metro line. Visit the official public transport website here. Finally, the cab network is very efficient and inexpensive, making it a good alternative for long journeys! Alternatively, you can opt for a sightseeing bus tour.
Map of Sevilla’s main tourist attractions
See our map of Sevilla’s main tourist attractions:
Where to stay in Sevilla for 3 days
WHERE TO STAY IN Seville
Option 1: In the historic center
Convenient for visiting everything on foot, we recommend:
Option 2: El Arenal
Between quiet streets and riverside ambience, we recommend it:
See our complete selection of the best hotels and neighborhoods in Sevilla
Our ideal itinerary: 3 days in Sevilla
Ready to pack your bags and head off to discover the vibrant capital of Andalucia? Here’s our ideal itinerary!
Day 1 – 10am-1.30pm: Stroll through the Santa Cruz district and visit to the Hospice de les Venerables
To kick off your stay, we suggest a stroll through the Santa Cruz district. Set around the Alcázar, it’s made up of narrow streets and small squares featuring traditional white buildings. As you stroll along, you’re sure to come across the Hospice des Vénérables. We highly recommend a visit to this former hospice dating from 1699. At the time, it was a home for destitute or retired priests. Today, it’s a pleasure to stroll through its verdant azulejo-covered patio, before entering its magnificent Baroque church. The frescoes painted by the Valdès fathers and sons will leave you speechless. You can also admire masterpieces from Spain’s Golden Age (Diego Velázquez) and a collection of contemporary art. Save time, buy your ticket with audioguide.
Day 1 – 1:30-3pm: Lunch in the historic center
For lunch, we advise you not to stray too far from the palace and to eat in the hypercentre. Here are some ideas for good addresses nearby:
- Bacao: we recommend this elegant, comfortable restaurant for a dish of Andalusian rice, a creamy, pan-fried rice accompanied by meat or seafood.
- Vuela Tapas & cocktails: this address offers elaborate tapas in a chic atmosphere.
Our selection of the best restaurants to eat in Sevilla
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Day 1 – 3pm-7pm: Alcázar visit
Have you regained your strength? Good, because the tour of the Real Alcázar is intense! Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1987, it’s a collection of palaces, patios and gardens that have been renovated by various monarchs over the years. Construction began in the 10th century, but it was in the 14th century that the magnificent Mudejar-style ornamentation was added, which we took the time to contemplate. Don’t miss the Galería del Grutesco, offering superb views of the buildings and lush, exotic gardens. This is one of our favourites in Sevilla! Book your visit now.
Day 1 – 7-8pm: Dinner on the terrace
For this first dinner in Sevilla, we suggest a few tapas on the terrace. Here are 2 addresses we found particularly pleasant:
- La Escaloná: a lively, welcoming terrace, Spanish and wider Mediterranean specialities, and a wide range of typical drinks: this restaurant, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Museo del Baile Flamenco, has it all!
- Le Patio de Pali: a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, enjoy the green setting of this terrace, which hosts live concerts on certain evenings.
Day 1 – 8-10pm: Attend a show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco
To round off the day, we recommend a flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco. We really enjoyed the show! Every evening, different dancers, singers and guitarists perform on this stage. Just before the show, we visited the museum which presents the evolution of the discipline. We’re not sorry we took advantage of the museum’s collections, because it made us appreciate the show all the more! Book your admission to the museum and the show now.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
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Day 2 – 10am-12pm: Visit to the Cathedral and its Giralda
For this 2nd day, we’ve booked you a visit to another of Sevilla’s major monuments: its cathedral. It is famous for its Giralda, a 104m tower. It belonged to a mosque dating back to the 12th century, when Andalucia was under Muslim rule. We found the building impressive, and for good reason! It is the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the widest of the Gothic cathedrals. We were captivated by the interior, particularly the high altar at the center of the building. With its 220m2 of gilded wooden figures at work, this altarpiece is the largest in the world! Book your guided tour now.
Day 2 – 12pm-1pm: Discover the Iglesia del Divino Salvador
While you wait for lunch, we suggest a visit to a sumptuous Baroque church. Admission is included in the cathedral ticket. The building stands on the site of an ancient Roman basilica, a mosque and a Baroque temple that collapsed at the end of the 17th century. It wasn’t until 1712 that the monument we know today was completed. The result is breathtaking! We fell in love with this impressive building. You’ll be captivated by its altarpieces, marked by the profusion of decorative elements characteristic of the Baroque style. The main altarpiece, 21m high and richly colored, particularly caught our eye. It’s known as the country’s last great Baroque altarpiece! Don’t miss the patio and sacristy, where several religious works are on display.
Day 2 – 1pm-3pm: Light, healthy lunch
We recommend a light, simple meal on Day 2. Here are some ideas for brunch restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the church:
- La Mala brunch: a pleasant little place to enjoy bowls, toast and sandwiches at any time of day.
- La Comissura Brunch and breakfast: a wide choice of salads, juices and smoothies, as well as cheese and charcuterie platters, await you in this cosy restaurant.
Day 2 – 3pm-8pm: Exploring the Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park
What better way to digest than a walk? That’s what we suggest for this afternoon. Discover Maria Luisa Park, located in the Porvenir district. This green setting is home to our favorite Sevilla landmark: the Plaza de España. You’ve undoubtedly seen it many times in photos, but they don’t do justice to this magnificent square, so colorful and bright in the sun. We were simply dazzled. Although very busy, you can get around without suffering from the crowds, as the square is very large indeed. There’s even a canal in the middle where you can take a boat ride! To find out more, read our dedicated article.
Day 2 – 8-11pm: Dinner in a gourmet restaurant
We had to offer you dinner in a top-quality restaurant! Here are our suggestions for gastronomic addresses near Plaza de España, or in the center:
- Sobretablas: in an elegant building built in 1929, enjoy Andalucia dishes boldly revisited! The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib.
- Eneko Basque: a ten-minute walk from the cathedral, discover Basque specialties modernized by chef Eneko Atxa Azurmendi. This address is listed in the Michelin Guide.
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Day 3 – 11am-1:30pm: Option 1 – Visit Casa de Pilatos
Sevilla is home to many palaces. We therefore recommend starting your last day with a visit to the Casa de Pilatos or the Palacio de las Dueñas. Casa de Pilatos was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. This palace is typical of the Mudejar style so prevalent in Sevilla. This style came into its own in 13th-century Iberia. It is the result of various architectural influences (Christian, Muslim and Jewish), following Muslim domination of the country between the 8th and 15th centuries. The Casa de Pilatos appealed to us for its rich ornamentation, with azulejos in the patio, mosaics and Roman statues dotting the various rooms. From the first floor to the 1st floor, you’ll be amazed! To save time, buy your ground-floor ticket with audioguide.
Day 3 – 11am-1:30pm: Option 2 – Visit to the Palacio de las Dueñas
If the Casa de Pilatos doesn’t tempt you, we suggest you visit the Palacio de las Dueñas. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it is unusual in that it is inhabited on the 1st floor. Since 1612, it has belonged to the House of Alba, an aristocratic Spanish family. Century after century, she has collected superb works of art, which are displayed throughout the visit. Our first stop was the stables, followed by a lemon garden leading to the main patio. There, we were impressed by the profusion of columns, stuccos, antique sculptures and azulejos. Don’t miss the tapestries and portraits on display on the 1st floor landing. The other rooms (poster room, flamenco tablao, library…) are a real immersion in the intimacy of the family. Save time by booking your guided tour.
Day 3 – 1:30pm-3pm: Lunch in the El Arenal district
We then recommend lunch in the El Arenal district. In fact, it’s home to some very good addresses:
- Amara restaurant: enjoy creative cuisine in a minimalist, elegant setting!
- Chiquilla restaurant: this establishment offers high-quality traditional Andalucia cuisine in a friendly setting.
- Mechela restaurant: if you love seafood, this is the place for you! The menu features shellfish and fish sublimated in a daring way.
Read our article on Sevilla’s best restaurants to find out more!
Day 3 – 3pm-5pm: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts
Let’s continue this last day with a must-see for culture lovers! Sevilla’s Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most important museums of its kind in Spain. It houses a collection of 2,000 works! The chronological tour spans the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. This enabled us to discover the Sevillian Baroque school, particularly well represented by artists such as Velazquez, Murillo and above all Zurbarán. Most of the paintings are on show, but a few sculptures and drawings are also on display. We were also enchanted by the refined architecture of the building, which is a former convent. It features a verdant cloister and a superb church! Save time and book your guided tour!
Day 3 – 5pm-7pm: Stroll along the Guadalquivir: from Plaza de Toros to Torre del Oro
For the late afternoon, we recommend a ten-minute walk from the El Arenal district to the Plaza de Toros, Sevilla’s bullring. This magnificent white and yellow building also conceals a bullfighting museum open to visitors. Then head for the riverside promenade. You’ll be able to walk in complete safety and come across a large sculpture of a flamenco dancer! We suggest you continue the walk for another ten minutes or so to reach the Torre del Oro. Built in the 13th century, it features a maritime museum. We loved the view of the Guadalquivir from the top!
Day 3 – 7-11pm: Enjoy the lively Triana district
Night is beginning to fall? Why not enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Triana district? Here you’ll find a covered market with small brasseries, restaurants, bars and flamenco venues. To reach them, take the San Telmo bridge and walk up Calle Betis along the river. The hardest part is choosing where to go!
VISIT Seville
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Best hotels in Sevilla
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Excursions from Sevilla
- Visit the cathedral
- Visit the Alcazaba
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 1 week (coming soon)
Alternative 1 – Best excursions
Cultural excursions
Sevilla is ideally located in the heart of Andalucia. Most of the region’s major attractions are easily accessible by train. For simplicity’s sake, you can also opt for a day trip:
- Ronda: discover the famous white villages of Andalucia and the magnificent town of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain, built into the side of a cliff – see prices, availability and bookings.
- Cordoba: discover Cordoba’s mosque-cathedral with this tour including entrance to the monument and transfer from Sevilla – see prices, availability and booking.
- Granada: take a guided tour of the Alhambra architectural complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monument is fragile, so be careful of your movements and don’t touch the walls – see prices, availability and bookings.
- Cadiz: in the mood for a bit of freshness by the sea? Take a wine-tasting excursion to Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera! – see prices, availability and book.
- Gibraltar: head for Gibraltar and its spectacular views over the Mediterranean with this excursion, which also includes a visit to the San Miguel caves – see prices, availability and booking.
- Tangier: if you want to discover Morocco, you can opt for an excursion to Tangier, in the north of the country. Take the ferry to Tarifa and visit Tangier’s main sights – see prices, availability and bookings.
Nature excursions
Andalucia boasts splendid landscapes and large natural parks. Here are a few ideas for day trips if you’re a nature enthusiast:
- Aracena and rio tinto mines: you’ll discover magnificent oak trees, landscapes resembling Mars, and the superb Grotta delle Merveilles – see prices, availability and booking.
- Caminito del Rey: admire the impressive canyon of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, overlooking the Guadalhorce River – see prices, availability and bookings.
- Doñana National Park: this protected natural area is home to numerous species (flamingos, eagles, lynx…), which you can observe in complete tranquillity! – see prices, availability and booking.
Alternative 2 – For art and archaeology enthusiasts
Exhibition venues
Sevilla is a major cultural capital with many museums to discover! You can find them in our article on the best museums in Sevilla, but here are a few ideas:
- Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art: housed in a former monastery, this center exhibits conceptual art installations indoors and out.
- Caixa Forum: this venue for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art is located on the Isla de la Cartuja.
- Triana Ceramics Center: this old factory will give you an insight into the ceramic production process.
- Caixa Forum: this venue for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art is located on the Isla de la Cartuja.
- Casa Murillo: a center dedicated to the work of the Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
- Casa Fabiola: home to the Mariano Bellver collection.
- Palacio de los Marqueses de la Algaba: in this palace, you’ll learn all you need to know about Mudejar art!
Museums and archaeological sites
Sevilla is no slouch when it comes to archaeology. If you’re passionate about archaeology, these are the tours for you:
- The antiquarium at Metropol Parasol: Metropol Parasol, also known as “Las Setas”, has an antiquarium in the basement. Important remains discovered during the construction of this structure are on display.
- The Archaeological Museum (scheduled to reopen in 2026): located next to the Maria Luisa Park, this institution houses a significant collection of Roman antiquities and mosaics.
- Excursion to Italica: 7km from Sevilla, in the Santiponce region, lie the remains of a Roman city built around 206 BC. We recommend this visit, which will enable you to admire some splendid mosaics. Book your guided tour including transport from Sevilla now.
Alternative 3 – Activities with children
Kid-friendly restaurants in Sevilla
In Sevilla and the rest of Andalucia, it’s hard to select restaurants that are truly child-friendly. In fact, unlike in France, there is no children’s menu. So we’ve selected a few places where you can share a large rice dish, which we think is ideal for family meals:
- Bacao: located in the historic center, this restaurant offers rice-based dishes, creative starters and gourmet desserts that are sure to please your children!
- Baco Cuña 2: in a building with 19th-century inspired architecture, this establishment specializes in codfish and paellas, although the menu is very varied. It’s possible to have dishes in full or half portions, which we think is perfect for the little ones!
Activities to do with your children
Are you on vacation with your family? Here are some ideas for visits you can make with your children:
- The aquarium: designed around Magellan’s 16th-century voyage. Here you can discover the marine life of the Guadalquivir, the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon and the Pacific Ocean. Book your ticket now.
- The Museum of Illusions: have fun in this museum designed to stimulate your mind with all kinds of optical illusions! Book your ticket now.
- Pabellón de la Navigación: we highly recommend this immersive, sound-based tour to discover the history of navigation with the whole family. Don’t miss the panoramic tower!
Alternative 4 – Cultural heritage and Arab-Andalusian architecture
Sevilla was under Muslim rule for over five centuries, from the conquest of the city by Musa Ibn Nusayr in 712, to its reconquest by King Ferdinand III in 1248. At the time of the Almohads, Sevilla was even the capital of a kingdom that stretched from the Maghreb to half of Spain. The legacy of this period is Arabo-Andalusian architecture, visible in the presence of horseshoe arches, domes, geometric and floral motifs. In addition to the Alcázar and the cathedral, here are some ideas for visits to observe this style:
- Palacio de la Condesa Lebrija: built in the 16th century, this palace was extensively remodeled in the early 20th century by its last owner, the Countess of Lebrija. It features an eclectic mix of Mudejar (inherited from Arab-Andalusian architecture) and Renaissance styles.
- Casa de los Pinelo: this medieval palace-house is interesting for its Renaissance and Mudejar architecture.
What you need to know for your stay in Sevilla
The weather in Sevilla
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. In summer, on the other hand, 40° and even 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Autumns and winters are quite pleasant. We advise you to use sunscreen in fine weather, as the UV indexes are particularly high (between 8 and 9). To find out more, read our article on visiting Sevilla in winter.
The crowds in Sevilla
If you want to avoid the peak tourist season, we advise you not to travel in spring. Indeed, Holy Week (before Easter) and the Feria de Abril (after Easter) attract huge crowds. In summer, the number of visitors is also high, but to a lesser extent due to the high temperatures. To avoid the crowds, fall and winter are the best seasons!
When is the best time to visit Sevilla?
For greater peace and quiet, we recommend visiting Sevilla in autumn or winter. If you want to enjoy the city’s lively side, go during an event (Christmas celebrations, We love flamenco fashion festival, carnival, Holy Week, Feria de Abril…).
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
- Best things to do in Andalucia
- The most beautiful cities
- The most beautiful white villages
- Cathedrals
- Archaeological sites
- Seville, Cordoba or Granada? (coming soon)
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia (coming soon)
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
Places not to be missed
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Things to do in Cordoba (coming soon)
- Things to do in Granada
- Things to do in Ronda
- Things to do in Malaga
- Things to do in Cadiz (coming soon)
