48 hours in Seville: The perfect two-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   
   1. Morning

      Explore Metropol Parasol above and below ground (1.5 hours)

      

      Start your Seville adventure at the Metropol Parasol, or Setas de Sevilla, an oversized wooden structure that resembles massive mushrooms. Begin with the subterranean museum known as the Antiquarium, where you’ll discover ancient Roman and Moorish ruins. Tickets to explore the Antiquarium cost just €2 and can be purchased at the entrance. Back above ground, wander the Central Market before taking the elevator to the rooftop for unbeatable panoramic views of the city. You can buy an entry ticket on the spot, but the best way to experience “Las Setas'' is by skipping the line with a virtual tour that includes roof access and a video guide. The crowds and heat grow throughout the day, so it’s best to visit early.

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   2. Sit down in Santa Cruz (1.5 hours)

      

      Around a 15-minute walk away is Santa Cruz, a bustling neighborhood that was once the Jewish Quarter. Wander medieval streets in search of souvenirs before relaxing on a terrace with a drink, or have a traditional tapas lunch including the Andalucian favorite, espinacas con garbanzos. While in Santa Cruz, be sure to explore the Hospital de los Venerables, currently home to the Velázquez Center, dedicated to the famous painter Diego Velázquez, and its stunning courtyard. You can book a guided tour of the 17th-century baroque building on Sundays, or have a look at your own pace on any other day.

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   3. Afternoon

      Get lost in the history of the Royal Alcazar (2 hours)

      

      Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Royal Alcazar stands as an immortal combination of Moorish and Christian architecture and is one of the most visited locations in the city. Also known as the Verdant Palace, the ancient fortress will draw you in with its ornately tiled walls and lush green spaces. Explore the halls and gaze out the windows of the palace built for King Peter of Castille. The palace gets extremely busy, so avoid the lines and learn more about the Alcazar’s history by booking the guided tour.
      

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   4. Look up at Seville’s most famous monument (1.5 hours)

      

      A few steps away is the Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic-style cathedral in the world. For the best views of the city, climb the bell tower, known as La Giralda, where you will discover what most tourists don’t know: La Giralda is the hiding place of the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Book a ticket in advance to skip the line to both the cathedral and La Giralda. If you book a combo tour, you'll get a guided tour of Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Alcazar.
      

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   5. Find the hidden Plaza del Cabildo (30 minutes)

      

      Hidden in plain sight just around the corner from the cathedral, Plaza del Cabildo isn’t easy to find. Locate a doorway off Avenida de la Constitución and follow the dark passage until you see the light. Here lies a stunning semicircular square with picture-perfect marble columns and gorgeous painted frescos. While the architecture only dates to the last century, the straight wall by the fountain was actually built by the Moors in the 12th century. The best time to visit is on Sundays when a flea market pops up in the plaza, drawing people from across Spain to sell and swap stamps, coins, and collectibles.

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   6. People watch in the Alameda de Hercules (1.5 hours)

      

      Across the centuries this tree-lined plaza has been Seville’s epicenter for trends, fashion, and culture. Lined with tapas bars, cafes, and restaurants, take the chance to relax with a snack and beer or sangria after a big day of culture and history. It’s said to be the oldest park in Europe and is named for Hercules, the Greek hero who is credited with establishing Seville as a trading center more than 2,000 years ago. In fact, the Roman columns at the southern end are actually that old.
      

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   7. Evening

      See the best dancers in the birthplace of flamenco (1 hour)

      

      No trip to Seville would be complete without witnessing the fiery passion and thrilling rhythms of flamenco. Explore centuries of Spanish history through dance and song at two of the city’s most celebrated flamenco houses. Get your ticket to Casa de la Memoria, or the Flamenco Dance Museum where you can learn more about its history after a show. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head over to La Carbonería. This basic but not easy to find bar keeps Seville’s timeless tradition alive with authentic flamenco performances that draw a local crowd. Knowing a few Spanish words will help you have a great time.

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2. Day 2

   
   1. Morning

      Go back to Seville’s golden age at the Museum Of Fine Arts (1.5 hours)

      

      At Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll discover a treasure trove of artwork, dating back to the medieval period and Seville’s “Golden Age” in the 16th century. Booking a guided tour is the best way to see all the museum has to offer. Of equal cultural importance, the nearby Palacio de las Dueñas is a major historic sight in the city that dates back to the 15th century. The Renaissance style building’s historic and artistic heritage is the birthplace of the poet Antonio Machado.

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   2. Experience the culture and cuisine in Triana (2.5 hours)

      

      The charming riverside neighborhood of Triana is known as a cultural hotspot, producing many of Seville’s most prolific artists, guitarists, singers, and flamenco dancers. Local potters showcase their skills when they come together to ply their trade in the Plaza del Altozano. For a walking lunch, cross the Triana Bridge and take a guided market tour to taste local cheese, jamon iberico, olives, and fruits. Your guide will help you buy fresh spices and ingredients to take home. Or sit down at Las Golondrinas, a local favorite for tapas in Seville. Small plates will set you back just a few euros each, so you can try a handful of local specialties.

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   3. Afternoon

      See the four kingdoms of Spain in the Plaza de España (1 hour)

      

      Built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, the magnificent Plaza de España is the size of five football stadiums and was designed to show off Seville’s greatest artisans. Catch the best views of this extravagant square from the upper balconies of the semi-circular brick building. To get there, cross one of four ornate bridges, said to represent the four ancient kingdoms of modern Spain, and pass by 48 decadently decorated alcoves that represent the provinces of Spain. How much time you spend here depends on whether you want to row boats on the 500-meter long curved moat, ride in a horse-and-carriage, or watch flamenco performers busking. Spanish tourists also love to take photos with the colorful hand-painted tiles representing their home region. The plaza looks familiar? The location featured in many classic Hollywood movies, from Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars movie series.

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   4. Cool off in the idyllic Parque de María Luisa (1 hour)

      

      The largest park in Seville, Parque de María Luisa, is also a botanical garden featuring countless species of native and exotic plants. Spot the city’s iconic white doves resting on the branches as noisy parakeets fly overhead and peaceful swans glide across the park’s ponds. The garden is vast, so rent a bike if you want to see most of it in a flying visit.

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   5. Evening

      Sail the Guadalquivir (2 hours)

      

      Take a stroll or sit back and relax on a cruise along the Guadalquivir River, the origin of this ancient city. Book your ticket in advance for a yacht tour that includes drinks and tapas and enjoy Seville’s great sights along the way. For a more active river experience, grab a paddle and explore the Guadalquivir on a kayak.
      

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   6. Watch day turn into night on the Calle Betis (2 hours)

      

      Continue along the riverside to Calle Betis, arguably Seville’s most picturesque and charming street, as you watch the bright day turn to lively night. Lined with bars and restaurants, all with a view of the river and the historic quarter of the city, it’s the perfect end point to your trip. If it’s your final night, do as Sevillanos do and hop between tapas bars, soaking in the sangria and local atmosphere.

      
      

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