Itineraries for Your Trip to Seville
1 Day in Seville for First Timers
I started learning to drive at age 33, later than most people. One of my primary motivations for learning to drive was the prospect of a road trip around the neighboring regions of Andalucia and the Algarve in Portugal, where my mum calls home. Soon after I passed my test, I made a trip to Seville for the third time to begin my adventure. They say the third time is the charm, and it really was with this Spanish city, where hidden details reveal themselves the longer you stay.
However, if you’ve only got one day in Seville, that’s still plenty of time to appreciate its wonders. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in the Pearl of Andalucia.
This part of the world enjoys almost 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, so SPF and a hat are essential when staying in Seville.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Plaza de España.
Kick off your time in Seville with two of its biggest hits on a skip-the-line tour of Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcázar of Seville, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, climb to the top of the Giralda bell tower for panoramic city views and see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Then, head inside the Alcazar to appreciate an intricate mix of Catholic and Moorish design.
Spend the afternoon visiting more must-see Seville attractions on a bike tour that lets you zip between sights. Pedal past the 12-sided Torre del Oro on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, enjoy the citrus scents of Maria Luisa Park, and snap photos in front of the mosaics and bridges of Plaza de España.
Afterward, revitalize with a coffee at one of the cafés at the foot of the Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol), whose modern design serves as a stark contrast to Seville’s historic architecture.
As the alleged birthplace of the dance, no visit to Seville would be complete without catching a flamenco show. Experience the cultural tradition in the historic Casa de la Memoria, a red-and-white 16th-century building that used to be stables. After listening to Spanish guitar and enjoying vibrant costumes and choreography, round out your time in Seville with a selection of tapas in Triana across the river, a vibrant neighborhood loved by locals.
