Seville in 5 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

When you organise a trip, it's sometimes difficult to plan each day, especially with the sheer number of things to see and do in a city like Seville. The good thing is that as you'll be in the city for five days, you'll have enough time to see everything in detail, especially if you follow my tips and the daily tours I've prepared.

I'm sure you're full of energy and eager to start your visit to Seville, so for this first day it's best to cross off the list those places that, because of their importance, you have to visit, such as the Alcázar or the Cathedral. Shall we start?

Spend the morning touring the Real Alcázar of Seville

There are few better places to start your trip than the Real Alcázar of Seville. This palace complex, which is located in the historic centre of the city (you enter through the Plaza del Triunfo), is one of its emblematic sites.

You can book your ticket for the Alcázar, from £16, but you can also book a guided tour of the Alcázar, the Cathedral and the Giralda of Seville Keep this in mind because these two places are also part of the itinerary of your first day.

Visiting the Alcázar of Seville is like entering a fairytale palace, where different architectural styles blend together. My advice is to visit it at your own pace, taking time to walk around its gardens, which you may be familiar with from an episode of Game of Thrones.

Stroll through the Murillo Gardens before lunch

Leaving the Alcázar you will come across the Jardines de Murillo and its gazebos, decorated with ceramics, bricks, fountains and lots of vegetation.

Although they are now a public space, they were formerly part of the palaces, hence their proximity. In fact, just at the entrance to the gardens you can see part of the old Alcazar Walls.

As well as orange trees, magnolias and other tree species, in these gardens you will find sculptures representing illustrious citizens of Seville and Spain, such as the Catholic Monarchs and the literary character Don Juan Tenorio.

Take a tapas tour of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood

After a morning spent in the Alcázar and its gardens, you're sure to feel like stopping for a bite to eat. The good thing is that you are in one of the best neighbourhoods in Seville: Santa Cruz.

As sometimes choosing just one bar is complicated, I recommend you to book a tapas and flamenco tour of Seville, which includes a complete tour of the best bars in the area, where you will taste typical tapas accompanied by a specialised guide.

They say that one of the best ways to get to know a city and a culture is through the stomach, so why not check it out? Then you can take a stroll through Seville's Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Enter the Cathedral of Seville and climb the Giralda

After lunch, it's time to resume your itinerary and book your ticket to the Cathedral and Giralda, which are also located in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. The Cathedral is the largest Gothic temple in the world and the Giralda is the ancient Almohad minaret that later became a Christian bell tower.

The exterior portico of Seville Cathedral is one of the elements that will catch your attention, although the great treasures are inside (if you don't believe me, wait until you see the Patio de los Naranjos or the sacristies).

Of course, the visit is completed by climbing to the top of the Giralda. Don't think there are many steps, because what you'll find is a long ramp that the old sultan decided to install so that he could climb up with his horse.

End the day with a visit to the Hospital de los Venerables

In the 17th century the idea was to build a place where elderly priests, impoverished by the plague, could retire. Thus the Hospital de los Venerables was born, although today it has been converted into a museum housing one of the best collections of the painter Diego Velázquez and other of his contemporaries (such as Murillo and Zurbarán).

I highly recommend you go; it's about 5 minutes from the Cathedral and the entrance fee is only about 5 €.

In addition to the artistic centre, the Hospital de los Venerables also has a beautiful church in the purest Sevillian-baroque style, and a central courtyard where you can sit and rest for a while after a day of sightseeing.

For the second day I suggest you discover some of Seville's secrets, both buildings that are not always visited but are spectacular, as well as places that hold a lot of history.

Between so much information and facts, there will also be time to be outdoors and enjoy the city from the heights.

Immerse yourself in history through the Archive of the Indies

Seville is a city that holds a lot of history, but if I had to tell you one place where this is most evident, it is the Archivo de Indias.

Admission is free and it's in the centre, near María Luisa Park, so it's a good place to start your second day in Seville. It houses documents of great value, such as the contract that Christopher Columbus signed with the Catholic Monarchs, as well as many other maps, drawings and diaries from those first voyages to America.

Its original use was as a Lonja, that is, as a place for traders to make deals and exchanges. However, over time it became the Casa de Contratación and then, in 1785, the documentation centre for everything related to the Spanish presence in America.

Inside and out of the Royal Tobacco Factory

To start the second day in Seville, I thought there was nothing like discovering one of the city's hidden treasures: the Real Fábrica de Tabacos (Royal Tobacco Factory).

This stone building, which is located next to the Alcázar and is currently the rectorate of the University, may not particularly catch your eye, but you should know that it was the first tobacco factory established in Europe, back in the 18th century.

Its design is one of the best representations we have of the architecture of the Ancien Régime. If you are surprised by how big it is, it is not surprising: the building's dimensions are only surpassed by El Escorial Palace. You can visit the inside for free, especially at times when there are no university classes (weekends and midday).

Sit on the large bench in Plaza de España

You may be in Seville, but when you arrive at Plaza de España you'll feel like all the provinces of the country are welcoming you. How? On the large bench that crosses this square, which is just ten minutes from the Royal Tobacco Factory.

Through a detailed and beautiful tile work, the different cultures of the national territory are represented on the bench.

Beyond this, the Plaza de España is an essential visit if you are in Seville. In addition to the institutional buildings there, what stands out most are its two towers, which can be seen from various points in the city. I recommend you book a tour of the Plaza España where you will discover all the secrets of this emblematic place and also take a walk around the covered gallery that joins the two towers.

Buy a snack at the stalls in María Luisa Park

Turning your back on the towers of the Plaza de España, you'll come across the Parque de María Luisa, your next destination.

As well as strolling along its paths and among its plants, fountains and statues, I recommend you go to one of the food stalls and order something there - you're sure to be getting hungry! If you prefer to sit in a restaurant, you'll also find a wide range of options; the views are unbeatable, really.

María Luisa Park is one of the largest in the city and, being in the centre, acts as a meeting point for Sevillians. It was designed in the purest English style, so eating or strolling there you will feel like a real aristocrat and if you want to know all its secrets be sure to book a tour of María Luisa Park.

End the day from the top of the Torre del Oro (Gold Tower)

To end the day, how about watching the sunset over Seville from the Torre del Oro? It costs around €3 to go up and it's worth it at any time of day, but when the sun goes down I have to say that watching the city from 36 metres up is quite a spectacle.

Although it has now become one of the best viewpoints in Seville, the Torre del Oro originally had a defensive function, which is why it was built on the banks of the Guadalquivir.

Take a boat trip on the Guadalquivir River

When you're done, I recommend booking a boat tour of Seville. Most of these cruises leave from the pier at the Torre del Oro, so you can take advantage of being there to end the day with a nice trip along the waters of the Guadalquivir. They cost about €20 and are well worth it; you'll see Seville from a different perspective.

The Guadalquivir is part of Seville's culture. Its waters cross the city, dividing it in two, so navigating them means you'll be able to see important buildings on both banks. In addition, you'll be accompanied by a guide who will tell you the secrets and the most local aspects of the city.

Although until now you have always been on the left bank of the Guadalquivir, for the third day I suggest you cross the river and go to the right bank, where you will find the modern Isla de la Cartuja and the traditional neighbourhood of Triana.

Visit the more modern Seville of Isla de la Cartuja

Although the rest of the days have started in the centre of Seville, on this third day you will have to travel (by bus on the C1 or C2 lines, because it is more than half an hour from the centre on foot) to the Isla de la Cartuja, a site built for the Universal Exhibition of 1992 and which is now a Technology and Science Park with a wide range of leisure activities.

My advice is to spend part of the morning visiting the Alamillo Park, the largest park in Seville and home to many species of plants and birds. Then continue your walk past the Caixa Forum, where you can go inside to see some interesting exhibitions, and the Torre de Sevilla, where the Isla de la Cartuja ends and the Triana neighbourhood begins. If you prefer, you can take the C3 bus back to Seville.

Contemplate the rich simplicity of the Chapel of El Carmen

Once in the Triana neighbourhood you can make your first stop at the Capilla del Carmen. Don't let its small size fool you, there are few buildings more curious and beautiful than this one. Its design is the result of the work of an architect and a ceramist, hence the mixture of colours and the use of brick as the main element.

Although you can simply see it from the outside, I recommend you go inside (access is free) to see the artistic works created with tiles. The Capilla del Carmen is considered one of the entrances to the Triana neighbourhood, so let its octagonal bell tower and dome welcome you.

Taste the best Andalusian dishes in the Triana market

After a morning of walking, I'm sure you're feeling peckish, so how about stopping for a while at the Triana Market?

Located on the ground floor of the old Inquisition Court (Castillo de San Jorge), this market is a good place to go for tapas, as there are stalls selling fresh produce as well as small taverns. Another option if you want to sample the best dishes is to book a tapas tour of Triana.

Also known as the Plaza de Abastos, the Triana Market is very popular for its culinary value but also for its historical value, as the remains of the castle can be visited. This is a good (and free) thing to do after tapas, don't you think?

Visit and get to know the Triana neighbourhood

There is a lot to see in Seville's Triana neighbourhood, so I suggest you dedicate the afternoon to explore it and let yourself be invaded by its art, culture and atmosphere. In addition to the Capilla del Carmen and the Market, there are other places I would like to recommend that you can easily reach by strolling around the neighbourhood.

Make sure you see the Plaza del Altozano, the Murillo Pharmacy building and Calle Betis, one of the most important streets in Triana because of the impressive views of Seville from the other side of the Guadalquivir. And before you finish your walk, enter one of the typical neighbourhood courtyards of Triana, always decorated with plants.

One option to visit it comfortably is to book a private tour of Seville.

Thrill to a flamenco show

The Triana neighbourhood has been the birthplace of many flamenco singers and dancers, which is why it is one of the best areas to enjoy a flamenco show in Seville. It is an experience not to be missed if you are in Seville; the rhythms of the dance, the heels and the guitar blend together in a unique live cultural show.

If you want to discover the authentic Seville, you have to book a flamenco show in Triana. As these venues are all about maintaining the intimacy and excitement of this art form, places are limited and it is best to book early.

Although the trip is coming to an end, there are still several places to visit in Seville. For this reason, the fourth day features emblematic buildings such as the Maestranza and the Reales Atarazanas, as well as the banks of the Guadalquivir.

Spend the morning exploring Italica, Seville's Roman ruins

Have you heard about the Roman ruins in Seville? Now that you know they exist, I'm going to explain how to get from Seville to Italica, the place where they are located. It is a very interesting visit, as you will get to know what was once one of the great Roman cities. The best way to get there is to book an excursion to Italica, which for 41 € includes direct travel and a visit with a specialised guide.

If you prefer to go on your own, you'll have to take one of the two bus lines (the M-170A and the M-170B) that connect the centre of Seville (Plaza de Armas) with Italica. The fare is about €2 each way. Access to the ruins is free for EU citizens (for non-EU citizens, you will have to pay approximately €2).

Once in Italica, get ready to enter the Roman Empire. You'll be able to visit the ancient amphitheatre and the houses where the inhabitants lived, all of which are fairly well preserved, although I recommend you also visit the museum to get a closer look at other archaeological treasures and objects used in those days.

Discover the function of the Reales Atarazanas

Don't know what the Reales Atarazanas of Seville are? When you return from Italica, I recommend you go inside (it's free). Its sheer size will give you a clue as to the function of this place; it is where ships were built, especially at the time when they flocked to America.

This large factory is located very close to the Torre del Oro and only one metre above the water level of the Guadalquivir, which facilitated the departure of the ships.

The building, like many others in Seville, combines Gothic and Mudejar styles. What is most striking is its immense interior, in which different naves are connected. Fishermen, sailors, artillerymen, etc. worked here for many years.

Buy antiques and stroll around the Plaza del Cabildo

Just a three-minute walk from the Reales Atarazanas is the Plaza del Cabildo. This place always has visitors, but if you happen to be there on a Sunday it will be more crowded than usual, as this is when Seville's numismatics and collectors' market is held.

In any case, whatever day you go, it is a square where there have always been many antique shops, so if you are looking for an original gift to take home from Seville, you are in the right place.

The structure of the square is semicircular, so the building in it is also semicircular. It has three floors (all of them curved) and is famous for its balconies, painted and decorated by the painter José Palomar. It's definitely a good place to have your photo taken and take a stroll. And from there you can book a tour of the Jewish quarter.

Sit on the banks of the Guadalquivir and have a bite to eat

Although you're sure to find plenty of restaurants in the area where you are, I recommend you take something to go and go to the banks of the Guadalquivir. All along the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón there are benches from which you can look out over the river (and the Triana neighbourhood on the other side) while you fill your stomach.

When you've finished, take the opportunity to take a stroll while you head to your next destination: the Plaza de la Maestranza.

Get close to the Plaza de la Maestranza

The Plaza de la Maestranza is the oldest bullring of its kind and, even if you don't plan to go to a bullfight, you might want to visit it. In fact, it is one of the most visited places in Seville. Perhaps seeing it from the outside is enough, although you can go inside for around €10.

The architectural element that most attracts the attention of everyone who enters is the interior façade (the Palco del Príncipe), which is crowned by a half vault topped with tiles.

See Seville illuminated from the Muelle de la Sal (Salt Quay)

There are few images more beautiful than seeing the Triana neighbourhood illuminated from the Muelle de la Sal. Its name, as you can imagine, comes from the fact that it was the place where salt was unloaded.

Nowadays it is like a balcony from which you can look out over the other side of the river. If you think the view is beautiful, imagine what it would be like to extend it with a boat trip around Seville at nightfall.

If you travel to Seville in summer, you will see this place more crowded than ever, as there are many people who come to enjoy the night breeze of the Guadalquivir after a hot day.

The trip is coming to an end, but before leaving Seville you might like to get to know its richest part, where the houses of old noble families mingle with neighbourhoods full of modern establishments.

Discover Seville's treasures in the Basilica of La Macarena

Start the last day with a visit to the Basílica de la Macarena, home to one of the most beloved treasures of all Sevillians: the Virgen de la Esperanza.

It is located in the San Gil neighbourhood, opposite the Parliament of Andalusia, and you can go inside for free, something I recommend above all to see the chapels. However, if you want to enter the museum, you will have to pay approximately 5 €.

Architecturally, the basilica has only one nave and consists of a single floor. The interior was decorated with coloured marble and baroque elements, so expect to see a lot of ornamentation.

Step inside the aristocratic Palacio de las Dueñas

Although many, many years ago where the Palacio de Las Dueñas now stands was a monastery (from which it also took its name), this place has always been the residence of Seville's most noble families. Since the 17th century it has been the residence of the House of Alba.

You can see that its historical value is very high, but if you book your ticket for the Palacio de las Dueñas you will be able to see a lot of art. Taking Calle San Luis from the Basílica de la Macarena, you can get there in less than 15 minutes.

Beyond the private rooms, ballrooms and courtyards that can be visited, I recommend you to go to the Palacio de las Dueñas because it acts as a great museum of the works of painters like Sorolla, luxurious tapestries and other archaeological remains.

Take a break to try some of Seville's most innovative tapas

As soon as you leave the Palacio de las Dueñas you will be in the Encarnación-Regina neighbourhood, which has a lot of history and also a lot of gastronomy, so I recommend you stop off at one of the restaurants in the area, which have innovative proposals, or book a tapas and flamenco tour of Seville.

If you like trying new things, you'll be spoilt for choice here. What a few years ago was a somewhat decadent neighbourhood, now looks renewed and modern, full of places offering delicatessen dishes and reinventing traditional tapas.

Take a panoramic tour of the Seville Mushrooms

In the middle of the Plaza de la Encarnación are the famous Setas de Sevilla. I know the name is strange, but when you arrive at this modern monument you will understand that its shape is reminiscent of this food. The Setas are actually a structural ensemble formed by a large pergola.

Apart from their design, they are famous because from their walkways, which reach 26 metres, you can see the old quarter of Seville. The truth is that going to the Setas is a good way to end your trip and say goodbye to the city.

Discover the Andalusian architecture of the Casa de Pilatos

Just ten minutes from the Setas de Sevilla is the Casa de Pilatos, another noble residence built in a very Andalusian style. This palace in particular housed the Dukes of Medinaceli from 1639, although it is renowned for being the beginning of the Sevillian Holy Week and for its colourful interior.

As you read, in the 16th century a Way of the Cross (a path of prayer) started to be celebrated from the Casa de Pilatos to the Sevillian neighbourhood of Nervión. Over the years, this route evolved into what today are the Holy Week processions. Several Roman sculptures are on display in the inner courtyard of the palace, so it is well worth paying the entrance fee (approximately €10) to see them.

End your trip to Seville in the Plaza de El Salvador

I know you don't want it to come to an end, but I promise you won't leave with a bad taste in your mouth if you have dinner in the area around the Plaza del Salvador in the Alfalfa neighbourhood. This square is less than 10 minutes from the Casa de Pilatos and is full of terraces with views of the cathedral and the Giralda, which will be illuminated at that time of day. Say goodbye to them while you dine.

This area has been a meeting point for years and years. Its social character, which is now more evident as it is completely pedestrianised, dates back to the 17th century. Nowadays it maintains this spirit and is one of the best neighbourhoods to get to know Seville's culture through its tapas and typical dishes.

As you may have realised, there are numerous things to see and do in a city like Seville and it is very important to organise your trip to the millimetre so as not to waste time getting around. If you have been looking for information about the best way to get around Seville you will already know that you can get to many places on foot.

However, you can always use the bus to go to places that are further away, either because they are not in the centre (such as Isla de la Cartuja) or because they are not close to your hotel. Although there is a metro, there is only one line, while there are fifty bus lines, so they allow you to go from one side of the city to the other. Bear in mind that if you follow the itinerary I've suggested and your accommodation is centrally located, you'll only need to take the bus occasionally, so it's best to buy a single ticket (about €1.50) when you do.

If the hotel you're staying at is on the outskirts, you may need to take public transport more frequently and it may be more cost-effective to buy a Seville bus tourist card (for 1 day it's €5 and for 3 days it's about €10, plus a €1.5 deposit); the good thing is that travel with them is unlimited. I hope you enjoy your trip to Seville and that my tips help you to organise 5 days of art, culture and history.