Skip to main content

Seville is a wonderful city. Its lively streets, beautiful buildings, and history make it a top spot in Spain. I’ve explored Seville a lot. I want to share what I learned to help you plan your 3 days in Seville.

The main sights can be busy with tourists. But three days is a good amount of time to see the best parts and enjoy the city. This guide has my best ideas for sights and useful tips I picked up.

Is 3 Days in Seville Enough Time?

3 Days in Seville

People often ask: is 3 days in Seville enough time? I think so. With three full days, you can see big sights like the Cathedral and Alcázar. You won’t feel too rushed.

You can also walk around lovely areas, try local food, and maybe see a flamenco show. It’s enough time to really experience what makes Seville special.

Seville Smart Travel Hacks: My Pointers

Cabify Sevilla 4 scaled 1

From my trips, here are some tips to make your visit easier. I learned a few things the tough way. I hope these help you!

The airport bus (EA line) easily takes contactless cards. City buses are getting contactless pay. Machines are left of the bus entry. My Revolut card worked sometimes, so carry €1.40 coins to be safe! The driver usually points you to the machine.
Uber from airport: costs less when you arrive (€16-€18) than booking ahead (€40). Some Ubers may cancel. They pay for airport pickup parking. Taxis are easy to find, official, and often cost like Uber. Cabify can be cheaper; good to check.
Book Alcázar & Cathedral (especially rooftop tour) online much earlier! Weekdays are usually less busy for big sights. Seville is lively late; streets are busy past 11 pm, even with families. Go out early or late evening for quieter times.

Getting To and Around Seville

airport bus seville spain 5 euros 1

Getting around Seville is easy. The airport has good connections. You can walk to most places in the city center.

Cost€5.85 one-way
PaymentContactless cards accepted

Goes from airport (SVQ) to city stops like Prado de San Sebastián. Last bus from SVQ is about 1:00 a.m. Bus stop is outside the terminal, on your right. Buy tickets on the bus. More info: aeropuerto-sevilla.com. Good, cheap way to get to the city.

Single Fare€1.40
Multi-Trip€0.69-€0.76/trip

They’re adding contactless pay; machine is left of entry. Cards didn’t always work for me; carry coins. My Revolut card worked sometimes. Official site: tussam.es. Good for places far from the old center.

Airport Uber/Cabify~€20-€30 (variable)
Airport TaxiRegulated, similar prices

Taxis are easy to find at airport baggage claim; they are official and safe. Uber/Cabify from airport costs less on arrival than booking ahead. Drivers may cancel due to airport pickup parking costs. Cabify (cabify.com) can be cheaper than Uber (uber.com).

Neighborhood Focus: My Top Seville Picks

Santa Cruz sevilla

Where you stay can change your trip. Here are two areas I like best.

I often stay in Alfalfa. It’s central and full of local life. Good for tapas bars, small shops, and easy walks to big sights. It feels like real Seville, day and night. You can find good places to stay that don’t cost too much.
Santa Cruz, the old Jewish area, is very beautiful. It has narrow, twisty streets, nice patios, and many cafes. Many tourists visit, so it can be busy. Great for wandering and finding pretty spots.

Triana is across the river. It has a special, old-style feel. It’s known for pottery and its market. It’s a great place to explore. I’ll tell you more in my itinerary.

Booking Your Seville Experiences: Key Steps

cathedral rooftop tour seville

For the best sights, you need to plan early. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you might miss out.

Very important for Real Alcázar and Cathedral Rooftop Tour. Tickets sell out, sometimes weeks early, when it’s busy. You usually can’t just show up and get in. My tip: book when you know your travel dates.
Best to buy official tickets; avoids extra costs from other sellers. Alcázar: alcazarsevilla.org. Cathedral: catedraldesevilla.com. Official Spanish sites often end in “.es” or “.org”. This way, you get the right times and tours.
Choose your exact date and time. See if you want general entry, a guided tour, or rooftop access. Some places have combo tickets (Cathedral often includes Iglesia del Salvador). Check for discounts for students or seniors if that’s you.
Have your payment card. International cards usually work. Check your email for your ticket confirmation. Some sites need an account to buy. Buying on official sites is usually safe.
Save tickets on your phone; maybe print them too. See if you need to swap e-tickets for paper ones there. Get there a little before your time slot. Enjoy your visit with no stress from long lines!

Seville Attraction Tickets: Alcázar Insights

Alcazar Insights 1

The Real Alcázar is a top sight. Here are some ticket choices. These are general ideas; prices can change. Always check the official Alcázar website for new info.

Price: €19.50 (approx.)
Includes: Palace & Gardens

My idea: A must for your first visit. Book very early! Lets you see the main palace and beautiful gardens. Audio guides often cost extra. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see it well.

Price: €11 / €1.20 (students/seniors/kids)
For: EU Students 14-30, Seniors 65+, Kids <14

My idea: Good savings if you can get them. You need proof. Always bring ID (student card, passport). Check rules on the official site. Helps more people visit.

Type: Summer Evening Concerts
When: June-Sept (approx.)

My trip: Amazing! Go early to see the gardens. New music styles each day. Very special feeling. Buy these tickets separately; they also sell out fast. Check official schedule. I really suggest this!

Price: Extra Fee (check website)
Access: Guided Visit Only

My idea: For people who want to see more. These are the royal family’s rooms now. Not everyone can go. Book this special ticket if you want to see them. Adds more to your Alcázar visit.

giralda tower seville

For the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower, here are ticket ideas:

  • General Entry (Cathedral, Giralda, Salvador Church):Typically €11–€16. Book online.
  • Cathedral Rooftop Tour:Around €20 (includes general entry). Sells out fast!

A Suggested 3 Days in Seville Itinerary

Here’s my idea for your 3 days in Seville itinerary. It mixes big sights with local things to do. This plan is good if you like walking. I walked about 25,000 steps a day on one trip!

Day 1: Historic Heart & Alcázar Magic

Cathedral Rooftop Tour Tip sevilla

Your first day is for Seville’s most famous sights. They are in the middle of its huge old center. It’s the second biggest in Europe!

Start your morning at the amazing Seville Cathedral. Climb the Giralda Tower for great views of the city.

💡Cathedral Rooftop Tour Tip

The Cathedral’s rooftop tour is great. You learn how it was built and get unique views. It’s often in English. It starts around 10 am and usually sells out. Book this very early on the official Cathedral website!

Mercado Lonja del Barranco 1

For lunch, try the Mercado Lonja del Barranco. It’s a lively food market by the river. I liked eating there a lot.

  • 🍴
    Mercado Lonja del Barranco

    Upscale food market with various stalls. (Prices vary). Great for a modern tapas experience by the river. Can get busy.

In the afternoon, go see the amazing Real Alcázar of Seville. If you visit in summer, look for the “Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar”. These are evening concerts. They are a great experience. I went an hour early for my concert to walk in the quiet gardens.

🌍Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar

If you visit from June to September, try to see these evening concerts in the Alcázar gardens. Different music every day. Book tickets early because many people want them. It’s a magical way to see the Alcázar.

Source: Official Alcázar Activities

In the evening, explore the pretty, winding streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. I loved its many cafes, bars, and nice spots. Find an old-style place for dinner. Maybe you can see a real Flamenco show.

Day 2: Triana’s Soul & Riverside Views

Hospital de la Caridad 1

Cross the Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge). Explore the special Triana neighborhood. Start by walking down Calle Alfarería. It’s known for old pottery shops. Visit the old Iglesia de Santa Ana. Triana has a lot of charm.

It has great coffee shops and bars. Have tapas for lunch at a local place in Triana.

In the afternoon, go back across the river. Visit the Hospital de la Caridad. It’s a beautiful old church and hospital with amazing art. Not many tourists go there, so it’s a quiet find.

💡Hospital de la Caridad Visit

This old hospital and church is a beautiful, quiet place. Many tourists miss it. Entry usually costs about €5. You can see Seville’s history of helping people. It has important art. Good to visit for a quiet, cultural time.

After that, take a slow walk by the Guadalquivir river. I really like Paseo de Murillo. I think it’s a nice, quiet place for a walk. In the evening, have a drink outside at Plaza de San Francisco. It’s in the center and good for watching people. Then, have dinner in the Alfalfa area.

Day 3: Hidden Charms & Relaxation

Plaza Santa Marta

Today, find some of Seville’s secret spots.
Look for the quiet Plaza Santa Marta. It’s a tiny square hidden behind Plaza del Triunfo.

Another pretty, quiet place is the Patio de los Naranjos del Salvador. You can get there from Córdoba Street, behind Plaza del Salvador. It’s part of an old mosque.

🌍Seville’s Secret Squares

Get away from crowds at Plaza Santa Marta. It’s a tiny, quiet square. Also, find the calm Patio de los Naranjos del Salvador. It’s an old courtyard with orange trees. A good place for a quiet moment. These are real secret finds!

Isla Magica Theme Park

For some extra fun, especially with family, think about Isla Mágica.

🎢Isla Mágica Theme Park

Isla Mágica is Seville’s theme park. It has a water park too, called Agua Mágica. You can walk there from the city center. Adult tickets are about €24, kids €14. Check islamagica.es for info. It’s like Seville’s “beach”!

To really relax, try an experience at AIRE Ancient Baths Sevilla.

Experience: Thermal Baths & Rituals
Price Range: €62 – €350+

A fancy place to relax with hot baths and massages. The Ancient Baths (90 min) cost about €62 each. Their special Wine Bath is a unique treat. Book very early at beaire.com.

Have a goodbye dinner at one of Seville’s many great restaurants.

Considering a Day Trip? Seville to Córdoba

Mezquita Cathedral

You have lots to do in Seville for 3 days. But Córdoba is an easy day trip if you want to go. Granada is too far for one day (5-6 hours of travel). Granada needs at least one night.

The Mezquita-Cathedral is amazing, a must-see sight. Fast trains get you there quickly (about 45 mins each way). Córdoba’s old Jewish Quarter is pretty and easy to walk. Good choice if you have an extra day.
You need to book Mezquita tickets early for a set time; it’s popular. With travel, it’s a full day. This means less time in Seville. Train tickets can cost a lot if not booked early. Use Omio app for times; buses are another choice.

If you go to Córdoba and need to store bags near the train station, the Bounce app helped me find local shops that do this.

My Thoughts on Safety in Seville

safety in seville

I felt very safe in Seville. Even when I was out alone at night or took the late airport bus. Out of all big Spanish cities I’ve been to, Seville felt the safest.

The streets were often busy with people, even families, late at night, past 11 pm. But like in any city, always pay attention to what’s around you.

⚠️General City Awareness

Seville is usually very safe. But it’s smart to watch your things. Especially in crowded tourist spots or on buses. Pay attention, but still enjoy this great city.

FAQs: Your Questions on Spending 3 Days in Seville

seville airport

What is the best way to get from Seville airport to the city?

A: The EA airport bus (€5.85) works well and takes contactless pay. Taxis are easy to find (€20-€30). Uber and Cabify also work, but airport pickups can be tricky sometimes.

Do I need cash in Seville or are cards widely accepted?

A: You can pay with cards almost everywhere, including contactless and Apple/Google Pay. I hardly used cash. But I suggest having a few Euros for small things or if a bus card reader acts up.

Is Seville a walkable city?

A: Yes, you can walk to most places in Seville. Especially in the old center and main tourist spots. I walked a lot! Wear comfy shoes. You’ll walk a lot seeing the sights.

What’s the best neighborhood to stay in for 3 days in Seville?

A: For a central, lively place, I like Alfalfa. Santa Cruz is old and pretty but can have more tourists. Triana, across the river, feels very traditional and real. Pick the one that sounds best for you!

Parque de Maria Luisa

What’s the food like in Seville? Anything I absolutely must try?

A: Oh, Seville’s food is fantastic, especially the tapas! You really should try jamón ibérico – it’s this amazing cured ham. Also, espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) is a classic, and salmorejo, a thicker, cold tomato soup, is super refreshing. Tapas bars are everywhere, so just dive in!

Will I be okay just speaking English, or should I know some Spanish?

A: You’ll manage fine with English in most tourist spots, hotels, and many restaurants. Lots of people there speak it. But, you know, locals always appreciate it if you try a few basic Spanish words like “Hola” (hello) or “Gracias” (thank you). It’s a nice touch!

When’s the best time of year for a 3-day trip to Seville, weather-wise?

A: I’d say spring (like March to May) or fall (September to October) is your best bet. The weather then is usually lovely – warm and sunny, but not crazy hot. Summers in Seville get really intense with the heat, which can make walking around during the day pretty tough.

Are there any cool things I can do in Seville that are totally free?

A: Absolutely! Just wandering around the charming old neighborhoods like Santa Cruz or Triana costs nothing and is a great experience. You can also chill out in the big, beautiful Parque de María Luisa. And checking out the outside of Plaza de España is a must – it’s huge and really impressive, and free to see from the outside.

What kind of clothes should I pack for my 3 days there?

A: Comfy shoes are a big one – you’ll be doing a lot of walking! For clothes, think layers. Evenings can sometimes get a bit cooler, especially if you’re not there in peak summer. If it’s going to be hot, pack light, breathable clothes. Maybe toss in one slightly dressier outfit if you’re planning a special dinner out.