Seville sights: the highlights in 2 days

In short: You need two days for Seville: one for the Alcázar, the cathedral and the Santa Cruz quarter, one for Plaza de España, Triana and the Setas. Buy tickets for the Alcázar and the cathedral online in advance. From June to September it is very hot, so plan your sightseeing for the morning.

Day 1: Alcázar, cathedral and Santa Cruz

The three most important sights are on one square. Start early and you will be done before the worst of the heat and before the groups arrive.

1. Real Alcázar

   The royal palace with Moorish style halls, courtyards and extensive gardens. The entrance is at the Puerta del León.

2. Cathedral and Giralda

   One of the largest Gothic churches in the world, with the tomb of Columbus. You climb the Giralda bell tower, a former minaret, via ramps instead of stairs.

3. Barrio de Santa Cruz

   The former Jewish quarter right behind it: narrow lanes, small squares with orange trees and shade.

In the evening, walk to the Setas de Sevilla, a large wooden structure above Plaza de la Encarnación with a walkway on the roof.

How much do the Alcázar, cathedral and Setas cost?

The information comes from the official websites (as of October 2026).

The Alcázar opens from 9:30 am to 5 pm in winter (1 October to 31 March) and until 7 pm in summer. The upper royal apartments (Cuarto Real Alto) cost an extra 5.50 euros.

Day 2: Plaza de España, the river and Triana

On the second day, things get more spread out.

• Plaza de España: the grand semicircular square with a canal, bridges and tiled pictures of all the Spanish provinces. Free to access, most beautiful in the early morning.
• Parque de María Luisa: the city park right next to it, the coolest place in the city centre in summer.
• Torre del Oro: the watchtower on the Guadalquivir.
• Triana: the quarter of potters and flamenco on the other side of the river, with a market hall and bars on Calle Betis. The ceramics museum there is included in the Alcázar ticket.

When is the best time for Seville?

In summer, Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe. According to the weather service AEMET (normal values 1981 to 2010, airport station), average daily highs in July are 36 degrees. In April it is 23.4 degrees, in October 26 degrees.

If you come in summer: sightseeing from 9:30 am to 1 pm, then a siesta in an air conditioned room, and back out from 8 pm. More on this in Best time to visit Andalusia.

Which festivals should you know about?

Two festivals shape the spring. Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its processions runs from 21 to 28 March in 2027, according to media reports. The Feria de Abril usually follows two weeks later; the city announces the exact dates for 2027.

During both weeks, hotels are expensive and booked up early. More in Festivals in Andalusia.

What can you combine Seville with?

By high speed train you are quickly in Córdoba, which makes a good day trip. To the south lie Jerez and Cádiz. How Seville fits into a longer route is shown in the Andalusia road trip. And if you want to spend a semester or longer here, read on in Studying in Seville.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: Carlos Delgado · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0