A Two Day Itinerary of Seville in Andalusia
In this article, Bubbly Tourist ranks the top things to see and do in a two day itinerary of Seville, a must-see city as the vibrant capital city of Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain. Check out this article to also find out where to stay and where to enjoy some bubbly and fun drinks as well as some impressive day trips that are also must sees in this stunningly gorgeous region.
The liveliness of Seville is evident from the moment you step into the city. There are people everywhere and it's not just tourists. You'll see families out and about walking through the streets or gathering for conversation around tapas at the local restaurants. The Spanish culture is built around this, and in Seville - the heart of Andalusia - the enthusiasm for life is all about. Coupled with its historic blend of shifting populations, you end up with a colorfully painted city, high on life, with its expressive Flamenco dancing. With all these factors, Seville is indeed a must-see city, so remember to slow down enough to enjoy it all. And the neighboring historic cities and towns in Andalusia with their whitewashed clifftop homes, bodegas of Sherry, and beaches makes this region really beautiful to explore.
10 Best Things to See and Do in Seville
Bubbly Tourist ranks the top 10 things to see and do in Seville.
1. Visit the Real Alcázar
This is by far the top thing to do in Seville. The Royal (or "Real" in Spanish) Alcázar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use. It showcases a blend of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. The palace itself is beautiful and the gardens are huge and stunning. You might even catch several of the peacocks roaming the gardens. Allow 2 - 3 hours to see everything. Best to book first thing in in the morning before it gets too crowded.
Bubbly Tip: Mudejar refers to a partly Gothic, partly Islamic style of architecture and art prevalent in Spain in the 12th to 15th centuries.
2. See the Cathedral and its Giralda
The Cathedral of Seville is absolutely a must-see while in Seville. It is impressive for its immense size, being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church globally, as well as its rich artistic heritage, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and stunning artworks. "Giralda" refers to the bell tower of the Cathedral, originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville, and its name comes from the Spanish word "girar" meaning "to turn," referring to the weathervane atop the tower. Allow at least 1.5 hours to see both the Cathedral and Giralda.
Bubbly Tip: Best to book online in advance to make the time of your choosing. Ticket includes the Cathedral and Giralda. We booked a guided tour which had a professional guide, skipped the line, and allowed us access to behind the scene areas like the choir, but question the value for the price versus general admission.
3. Visit the Casa de Pilatos
The Casa de Pilatos, located in the historic center of Seville, is not always on everyone's top list, but this hidden gem absolutely belongs in the Top 3 things to see. Casa de Pilatos (or "Pilate's House") comes from its perceived resemblance to the home of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It's a prime example of 16th-century Sevillian architecture, featuring a harmonious blend of architectural styles that blends Renaissance, Mudejar, Medieval, and Gothic styles. For a small fee, you can visit this beautiful palace and its gardens and have it practically to yourself. Bubbly Tourist recommends you see this prior to the Real Alcázar.
4. Explore the Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) and stop for Tapas
A charming and winding area known for its narrow streets and Andalusian charm. Calle Mateos Gago is located in the heart of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, and is perhaps Bubbly Tourist's favorite street in Seville. With the Cathedral as a backdrop, the street is lined with restaurants, orange trees, and people out for a stroll, making the atmosphere always vibrant. Plaza de la Alianza, a surprisingly serene square also located in the Santa Cruz quarter, is known for its orange trees, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere, and location near the Alcázar and Cathedral. Stroll through the quarter and explore the winding streets and stop for tapas to sample the local fare whenever you feel like it.
5. Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is famous for its stunning neo-Mudejar architecture, colorful tile work, and its role as a landmark for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, serving as a backdrop for several movies. The plaza features a grand semicircular building, a serene canal, and Venetian-style bridges. It also features intricate ceramic tile work, including benches decorated with panels depicting allegorical paintings representing the provinces of Spain. It has been used as a filming location for several movies, including "Lawrence of Arabia," "Star Wars: Episode II," and "The Dictator".
6. Seville's Bullring
Seville's bullring, officially Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, is renowned as one of the most traditional and important bullrings in Spain, often called the "Cathedral of Bullfighting" and is a must-see for bullfighting enthusiasts. Bubbly Tourist wasn't interested in seeing a bull fight though because in Spain the bull fight always ends with the bull's death by the matador. Not our thing, but a beautiful bullring nevertheless.
7. Rent a Pedal Bike in Maria Luisa Park
If you're looking for something fun and leisurely in a quiet setting, then head to Maria Luisa Park and rent a pedal bike. You can rent two or four seat four wheel bikes with canopies for an hour. The park is somewhat big on foot, but you can cover the entire grounds a couple times over on bike. Even head over to Plaza de España which is adjacent to the park to slightly extend your range.
8. See a Flamenco Dance
Spain is home to world-class folk music and dance, making it the perfect place to visit and enjoy a night of traditional flamenco dancing. Seville is often recognized as a hotspot for flamenco dancing. The flamenco experience at these tablaos - places to see Flamenco - will offer singing, dancing, and flamenco guitar, as well as a generous variety of cocktails and sangria. Some of these tablaos can be very touristy and so the overall experience feels somewhat rote. Photos are not allowed inside, so we list here some of oldest tablaos from which to choose including the one Bubbly Tourist chose.
Tablao El Arenal
Tablao El Arenal is in a historic 17th-century Andalusian building and is one of the only venues in Seville to be run by a former flamenco dancer, the great Curro Vélez. Bubbly Tourist chose this venue and liked the venue for its traditional music/dancing.
Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco
As one of Seville’s oldest tablaos, Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco is a historic renovated home which uses the traditional architecture of the original building to create an authentic feel to the place.
El Patio Sevillano
El Patio Sevillano is a historic venue that originates in the 1900s. It's situated in the heart of Seville features several different flamenco styles, such as sevillanas as well as traditional Spanish dance.
9. Mercado de Triana
The Mercado de Triana is renowned as a vibrant, traditional food market in the heart of the Triana neighborhood, offering a wide variety of fresh products, tapas bars, and a lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Bubbly Tourist unfortunately missed the market during its open hours but was able to take advantage of one of the barrio's preeminent rooftop restaurant/bars with views back across the river of Seville's Muelle de la Sal in the barrio El Arenal.
10. Rosina's Balcony
Located in the Plaza de Alfaro next to the Murillo Gardens is the Balcón de Rosina or Rosina's Balcony. The balcony is famous for its connection to the play and opera "The Barber of Seville", where the balcony is the setting for a scene where Fígaro climbs to meet Rosina. The building housing Rosina's Balcony is sometimes referred to as the "Romeo and Juliet" building. Stop next door at Alfaro Bar Restaurant to break for a refreshment al fresco just below the balcony.
Where to Stay in Seville
Regardless of destination, Bubbly Tourist always recommend staying closest to the locations you'll be visiting most. For older cities, this typically means staying in the "Old Town". Casco Antiguo comprises Seville's old town, which lies on the east bank of the Guadalquivir river.
Bubbly Tourist recommends staying in Santa Cruz, San Bernardo or El Arenal which are some of the most historically rich neighborhoods in Seville that are close to all our above recommended sites.
As always, we recognize there are many factors by which you use to determine where to stay. Use the Bubbly Tourist process in finding a hotel to help find and narrow down the list of lodgings that best fits your needs.
Hotel Rey Alfonso X
Bubbly Tourist chose Hotel Rey Alfonso X because of its high reviews, great location in Santa Cruz and reasonable rates. The service was excellent, the beds were cozy, the rooms were large and updated, and there is a nice rooftop bar where you can drink bubbly while taking in the skyline of Seville. As a reminder, Bubbly Tourist is not compensated by any recommendations we make.
In Search of Bubbles, Bars and Bites in Seville
In an ongoing segment by Bubbly Tourist, we always search for a location - if not the best location - to have some champagne wherever we go.
Terraza Rooftop Bar
This popular rooftop bar sits on top of the Corner House hotel in the Feria quarter and has an excellent selection of bubbles. Terraza has a full page of champagne and cava, both regional and across Spain, as well as many other wines. It has incredible views of Alameda de Hércules, a tree-lined plaza that is a hugely popular hangout for families, tourists and students and is flanked by other bars, cafes and restaurants.
El Rinconcillo
With more than 3 centuries of history, El Rinconcillo ("the little corner") is the oldest pub in Seville. It has been serving traditional Andalusian cuisine since 1670. It's small like you'd expect for an old bar, but it does have a sit down restaurant. It's got style and is very lively and popular.
MaríaTrifulca
Across from the Triana Market, the MaríaTrifulca is a fine dining restaurant with spectacular rooftop views across the river at Muelle de la Sal and of the Isabel II Bridge. It also has an area with a more casual environment where you can order a beer or bubbles and take in the views over the river.
Two Day Itinerary of Seville
This itinerary balances cultural exploration, historical landmarks, and leisure, ensuring you experience the best of Seville in two unforgettable days.
Day 1: Historic Seville & Flamenco Evening
Morning: Exploring the Historic Center
Start your day at this stunning Andalusian palace with Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance influences.
Wander through the narrow, picturesque streets of Seville’s old Jewish quarter.
Visit Rosina’s Balcony, the legendary setting from the opera The Barber of Seville.
Walk to this grand semicircular plaza with bridges, fountains, and colorful tilework.
Lunch & Afternoon: Riverside & Triana
Rent a pedal bike and ride through the lush gardens of Seville’s main park.
Cross the Isabel II Bridge into the Triana neighborhood and enjoy authentic tapas at this vibrant market.
Learn about Spain’s bullfighting history at this iconic arena.
Evening: Flamenco & Dinner
Experience an authentic flamenco performance at one of Seville’s renowned tablaos.
8. Dinner in Triana
Enjoy Andalusian cuisine at a riverside restaurant with views of the Guadalquivir River. Possibly the MariaTrifulca
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks & Royal Elegance
Morning: Seville’s Most Famous Sights
Explore this breathtaking palace, a masterpiece of Moorish and Mudéjar architecture, first thing in the morning to get ahead of the crowds.
Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
Visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb La Giralda for panoramic city views.
Lunch & Afternoon: Leisurely Stroll & Final Views
3. Lunch in Santa Cruz
Dine at a charming plaza café, enjoying local specialties like salmorejo or grilled Iberian pork.
4. Alameda de Hércules
Take a last stroll through the charming streets, stopping at hidden courtyards and small artisan shops on the way to Alameda de Hércules.
5. Relax with some Bubbly in hand
Head across the street to the Corner House and choose from the selection of champagne they have at their rooftop Terraza. Enjoy the views of the Alameda de Hércules.
Evening: Tapas Dinner and a Drink
6. Dinner on Calle Mateos Gago
Enjoy Andalusian cuisine on our favorite street, Calle Mateos Gago, and take in the beautiful Cathedral and Bell Tower while relaxing and catching up on the day.
7. Night cap at El Rinconcillo
One final wind through the streets as you make your way to Seville's oldest pub for a nightcap and/or some tapas.
Beyond Seville for a Day Trip in Andalusia
Heavy consideration should be given to these day trips for stunning mountain views and a cultural exploration of sherry.
Ronda
Ronda is one of those beautiful whitewashed villages you often hear about in the mountains of the region of Andalusia. It is an absolutely stunning hilltop village with a massive bridge that connects the old town with the new town. There are plenty of things to see and do in Ronda that warrants at least a day trip from Seville including the three bridges, the bullring, and the phenomenal vistas. In fact, Bubbly Tourist made it more than a day trip and spent the day and night there and just loved it.
Jerez de la Frontera
Bubbly Tourist always finds it fun to learn more about the local wines of a region, especially at the wineries themselves where you can do tastings and learn firsthand about the wine. Jerez de la Frontera is the worldwide home of sherry, the fortified wine that comes both sweet and dry, and it is only an hour by car or train from Seville and is directly on the route between the coast at Cadíz and Seville. There are numerous high quality wineries that you can visit either in Jerez de la Frontera or in its surrounding countryside.
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