Last Updated on October 16, 2024 by Lauren Belzer
If you have the chance, you must visit beautiful Seville, a city bursting with history, culture, and vibrant energy. In the heart of Andalusia, Southern Spain, Seville offers a mesmerizing blend of Moorish architecture, delicious Spanish cuisine, and passionate flamenco music. I visited Seville in October 2023 with my parents and younger sister as a part of a Spain & Portugal adventure.
I often get asked by friends about our Spain itinerary, specifically our time in Seville and the day trips we took surrounding it, so let’s dive in! We made Seville our home base for 5 nights, taking a couple of day trips to other Andalusian towns and spending time in Seville’s wonderful city. In this post, I’ll share our 5-day itinerary, perfect for exploring Seville’s iconic landmarks and other parts of beautiful Andalusia!
Day 1: Arrive in Seville
Hopefully, your travels will allow you to arrive early enough in the day to spend time exploring Seville at a leisurely pace, getting acclimated to where things are relative to where you’ll stay.
We stayed at H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel, a charming boutique hotel that was renovated in 2021. It was located in the heart of the city, a very reasonable walk to much of Seville’s famous landmarks and sights. The rooms were small, but not unexpected considering much of Europe is more compact than the U.S. They were clean and cozy and well-kept with modern amenities. They greeted us with a glass of Cava upon check-in, too, the perfect kick-off to our stay in Seville!
After settling into your accommodation, immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of the city. Wander through the historic center, where every corner has something to see or a quaint little street to lose yourself down. Admire the intricate details of the buildings, the vibrant colors of the bougainvillea-lined streets, and the lively atmosphere of the plazas.
On the first evening, we went to a memorable show at Casa de la Memoria, one of Seville’s renowned venues for traditional flamenco shows. Flamenco is an extremely expressive art form, so take it in as talented dancers, musicians, and singers captivate you with their performances. Make sure to book your tickets at Casa de la Memoria or your chosen flamenco venue in advance. And show up to get in line early, so you don’t end up looking down on the performers like we were!
After the show, indulge in a late dinner at one of Seville’s authentic tapas bars or various restaurants. Savor the flavors of local specialties such as gazpacho, fried fish, and Iberian ham, accompanied by a glass of Andalusian wine or a refreshing sangria. Personally, I opted for sangria many, many times as even in early October, it was far too hot to even think about drinking anything that wasn’t ice cold!
As you unwind and reflect on your first day in Seville, you’ll already feel the magic of this captivating city!
Day 2: Explore Seville’s Historic Landmarks
On day 2, delve into Seville’s rich history and architectural wonders as you visit two of its most iconic landmarks: the Real Alcazar and the Catedral de Sevilla. We booked a private tour with a sweet tour guide who showed us around both places, sharing the history and fun little facts that we likely would have missed in a group tour or just visiting ourselves.
Real Alcázar of Sevilla
Begin your day at the Real Alcázar, a breathtaking palace complex that showcases a blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. As you wander the palace, you’ll be able to take in intricate tilework, lush gardens, and ornate courtyards as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the stunning Patio de las Doncellas and the enchanting gardens of the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro. Fun fact: a Game of Thrones was filmed at the Real Alcázar!
The Spanish royal family still visits and stays at this palace on the top floor when they are in Seville. They are happy to share the Alcázar with locals and tourists alike, to share the country and family’s rich history with the world.
Catedral de Sevilla
Next, make your way to the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a testament to the city’s grandeur and religious heritage. From your guide, you’ll learn a lot about Christopher Columbus, various religious figures, religious history in Seville, and more! Don’t forget to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the altarpiece and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
If you’re able and willing to pay to do so (if your ticket doesn’t already include it), climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of Seville! La Giralda is the Cathedral bell tower built between 1384 and 1391, and stands on the highest part of the city, overlooking the Cathedral, the Alcázar, and the rest of the city!
After your cultural immersion, treat yourself to some lunch and leisurely shopping along the charming streets of Seville. Browse through local artisan shops, bustling markets, and boutique stores, where you can find unique souvenirs such as handmade ceramics, flamenco dresses, and Andalusian crafts.
If you’re looking for a place to have lunch only a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral and Real Alcázar, go to Cervecería Giralda Bar, a tapas bar like no other, enjoy tapas & local beers in a former Arab bath, with views of the Giralda tower from sidewalk tables!
In the evening, dine at a traditional Spanish restaurant and sample more of the region’s culinary delights. Indulge in classic dishes like paella and patatas bravas, paired with a glass of sangria or a refreshing tinto de verano. As the night unfolds, soak in the vibrant ambiance of Seville whether it’s wandering the streets with handmade gelato or spending the evening at the bar back at your hotel. The bartenders at H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel made the best mojitos, and the outdoor patio was the perfect spot to hang out with a drink while my dad smoked a cigar!
Day 3: Day Trip to the White Villages and Ronda
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on Day 3 as you embark on a day trip to the gorgeous White Villages and the historic town of Ronda. Set in the Andalusian countryside, these charming destinations offer a glimpse into traditional Spanish life.
Related: Day Trip: The White Villages & Ronda
Start your White Villages road trip with a stop in the village of Zahara de la Sierra. Stop to take in the views from this beautiful hillshide town, and wander the narrow streets. Don’t forget to chat with the locals and stop in for an espresso or cafe solo at the cafe in the square!
Continuing our journey, we visited another white village called Grazalema, nestled within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It was the cutest town filled with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flower pots, backing up to the mountains in a scenic setting.
Finally, make your way to Ronda, one of Andalusia’s most romantic and historic towns (and yes, the town that The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei went on a one-on-one date with his leading lady, Kelsey Anderson). Don’t miss out on the breathtaking views from the Puente Nuevo, a towering bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge. Explore the ancient streets and grab lunch at one of Ronda’s many spots. Don’t forget to indulge in some Andalusian red wine!
After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to Seville, where you can unwind and reflect on the beauty of Andalusia’s countryside over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to Córdoba
On Day 4, we took another day trip – this time to the enchanting city of Córdoba, a melting pot of cultures and civilizations and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We explored the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, with its Synagogue of Côrdoba, one of the few remaining medieval synagogues in Spain, the magnificent Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning mosque-cathedral that reflects the city’s diverse heritage, and enjoyed a tasty lunch at a local restaurant recommended by our guide.
Related: Day Trip: Córdoba & The Great Mosque
It’s hard not to marvel at the rich history and cultural heritage of Córdoba. We returned from our day trip in awe of the Mezquita-Catedral, knowing we experienced another amazing facet of Andalusia.
Day 5: Paella & Farewell to Seville
On your final day in Seville, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the savory flavors of Spanish cuisine with a hands-on paella cooking class. This was easily the highlight of our time in Seville. We learned the secrets of this iconic dish from a local chef who opened his home to 8 strangers, teaching us how to prepare fresh ingredients and master traditional cooking techniques.
Not many people get to say they made delicious paella while looking at the stunning Catedral de Sevilla at sunset – an experience I’ll never forget! As the day drew to a close, we bid farewell to Seville with a heart full of memories and a stomach filled with delicious food.
Seville, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, will leave an undeniable mark on your heart, making you want to return someday and continue your exploration of this enchanting corner of Spain. Until then, adiós Seville, hasta la próxima vez!