Itineraries for Your Trip to Seville
2 Days in Seville for First Timers
You don’t have to spend long in Seville to see why it’s called the Pearl of Andalusia. And even though my first visit coincided with one of the city’s rare rainy spells, the grey skies did nothing to detract from Seville’s monumental majesty. I was so taken with the city that I’ve returned since, and the shining sun enhanced its splendor even more.
A 2-day stay in Seville gives you more time to soak up its atmosphere, rather than rushing between attractions. This 48-hour guide covers all the highlights and includes a few hidden gems for good measure.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede).
Another one of Seville’s nicknames is the Frying Pan of Europe, due to scorching summer temperatures, especially in July and August.
Start your Sevillian stint by getting your bearings on an electric bike tour, a great way to cover more sights in less time without breaking a sweat. Pedal past fragrant orange trees to must-see Seville sights, including the 12-sided Torre del Oro and Plaza de España, where glittering mosaics, bridges, and canals are reminiscent of Venice.
This afternoon, escape the bustle of Seville’s streets and admire the city from the Guadalquivir River on a cruise. Sail beneath the ornate Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II) and snap photos of riverside landmarks such as the ruins of Castillo de San Jorge, now home to a museum.
Like the rest of Spain, Seville is renowned for its small plates, so spend tonight sipping and snacking on a tour of its tapas bars. Meander through Seville's Historic Center and the historic Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter, sampling chorizo sausage, toasted sandwiches, chickpea stews, and much more.
Now you’ve sampled Seville’s cuisine, learn to make it yourself at a cooking class in Triana, a colorful neighborhood across the river from the historic center. Pick up your ingredients from a local market before mastering the art of dishes such as salmorejo soup and classic paella.
This afternoon, it’s time to visit the UNESCO-listed jewels in Seville’s cultural crown on a skip-the-line tour that can save you hours of waiting. Head inside Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and climb up the 322-foot Giralda bell tower. Then, take a guided tour of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, home to exquisite Moorish architecture.
End your time in Seville in the classic Andalusian way with a flamenco show in the city that's touted as the birthplace of the art form. Opt for a 3-course meal or a selection of tapas, and be transported by the rhythmic steps and acoustic Spanish guitar.
