Welcome to the not enough time but that won’t stop me side of this travel planning website. This is a travel guide to help you make the most of your short time in Seville. It’s part of a series of travel guides called 24 hours in.
’24 Hours in…’ Travel Guide Series
This is a collection of short travel guides on how to spend 24 hours in various cities or islands in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The guides are written from my own personal travels and 24 hour side quests since moving to Portugal in 2016. 24 hours is never enough time to see and experience a destination fully and this series is never about suggesting you only spend 24 hours in any of these places. They exist to help you maximise 24 hours if that is all you have. These guides are written from my personal experience as a professional travel planner and all round well-travelled human.
Who am I and why am I telling you how to spend 24 hours in Seville?
I’m an independent travel planner based in Portugal since 2016 and planning and executing trips to Spain and Italy for over 10 years. Itinerary design is my profession and my passion and I’ve helped hundreds of people plan trips to southern Europe (including Seville and the region of Andalusia). I’ve lived out my own 24 hours in Seville trip, which is the basis of this guide, but I also visit Seville multiple times a year. I’ve spent extensive time researching and traveling around Andalusia (it’s my favourite region of Spain) which means you can trust the information you see here.
Andalusia Travel Guides
Andalusia is my most-visited region of Spain. I spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months a year road tripping my way around the region. You’ll find everything you need to plan a trip to Andalusia right here.
- ANDALUSIA ROAD TRIP GUIDE
- PUEBLOS BLANCOS OF ANDALUSIA
- ANDALUSIA ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
- CÓRDOBA TRAVEL GUIDE
- VEJER DE LA FRONTERA TRAVEL GUIDE
Andalusia Travel Map
Want to see all my personal Andalusia recommendations in one place? After years of traveling around Andalusia and constantly being asked for suggestions on where to go, where to stay, what to see, where to eat… I finally built a map to share it all. The Andalusia Travel Map…
Don’t have the time to plan a trip? I can do it for you…
Getting in and out of Seville : Planes, cars, trains & buses
Arriving to Seville by Plane
Seville airport is small, but well-connected. Getting to and from the airport is easy but allow up to an hour to get from the airport to your accommodation. The airport bus is known as the EA and costs €5 each way. You can buy tickets on board. The main stop is Santa Justa train station which is reached in about 30 minutes but the bus goes on to more central parts of the city after this stop. Alternatively you can take an Uber or Bolt.
Arriving to Seville by Car
Andalusia is a region best explored by car. I embark on a 2 week road trip through the region every summer and having my own wheels has helped me reach places most don’t go. If you are visiting Seville as part of a longer trip then you may have a car. You don’t need a car in Seville and although parking is not impossible it’s also not easy so I recommend picking up your rental car after your time in Seville.
Travel & Photography by Candy : What you see is real. No images in any of my travel guides are AI. All photos in this travel guide are taken by me. I spend a huge amount of time photographing, editing and uploading all the photos on this website. Please do not reuse them without credit and a backlink to this page. Thank you.
If you combine a trip to Seville with a trip to Portugal, the city is only 3 hours from central Algarve and 4.5hours from Lisbon.
I can personally recommend Zest for car hire in Spain. I’ve used them on all of my road trips around the region. I’ve got myself in various pickles over the years but the no excess insurance has always covered my back. The customer service team is brilliant too.
Arriving to Seville by Train or Bus
Seville is well connected by both train and bus. There are good (and usually fast connections) to other major cities like Madrid, Malaga, Cordoba, and Granada. Renfe is the main train service but AVE (high speed trains) are also available between some cities such as Madrid and Seville. Santa Justa station is the main train station in Seville. Seville is also well-connected by bus. The most frequently used bus services are Alsa and Flixbus.
24 Hours in Seville : Tips to make the most of it
Research before. Feel free during your trip.
I am always blown away by how few people actually research a destination before a trip. Transport, logistics, opening and closing times, hotel locations, activity details, routes between sites, etc.
These are all necessary to make the most on a trip to Seville but things that take time to research and put together. It’s better to spend that time before your trip rather than while you’re on it. Plan, plan, plan before you land because everything you do now, gives you extra minutes and hours in Seville. Luckily for you, you’ve made it here. This travel guide will help you maximise time in the city.
The Caveat : Don’t plan every single minute…
Planning is key and the research you do now will save you time while you are in Seville but if you have every half hour of your day planned out before you arrive you miss out on the unexpected moments that come from wandering without a plan. It makes sense to have a list of places you want to visit and a rough route to follow but always allow for some free time too. It’s usually this time that ends up being the most memorable.
If you’d like some help on planning the perfect 24 hours in Seville or know how you can build this into an Andalusia itinerary, book a travel consultation and I can remove all of that stress for you. Travel planning is my job so I’m equipped to help you make the most of your trip and help you build an itinerary that aligns with you.
See Seville at Sunrise
24 hour trips are not the time to savour slow mornings in hotel rooms, they are the trips to get out and about with the birds. I’m a fan of sunrise in any city and Seville is no exception. One of the best ways to maximise time in Seville is to get out for those first few golden hours of the day. Sites like the cathedral and particularly Plaza de España are serene at this time of day and make the morning cafe del leche even sweeter.
Get around Seville by Bike
Another way to maximise time while also having a fun experience is exploring Seville by bike. Seville is considered the most bike-friendly city in Spain. Tip: Pick up your bike the night before if you can so you can get out the door super early. You’ll be rolling through the streets without another soul and seeing the sites from a privileged perspective without the crowds. Riding through the historical centre is best in the morning otherwise you will need to weave in and out of people. The river is a more spacious area to ride. I used All of Seville to rent but there are lots of options. Book in advance if you can.
Running Seville
My most recent trip to Seville was part of my 5 cities, 5 days, 50km challenge trip. I ran 10km a day for 5 days in 5 different cities. Seville was city number one, when I was at my most enthusiastic and I loved bounding between the sites of the city at first thing. I have visited Seville so many times so I know the city well but I still planned a running route before I arrived which made the 10km feel like a breeze. If you plan on running around Seville, go early, before the crowds start filling in the city.
Where to stay in Seville
I’ve written a specific guide for best places to stay in Seville.
Best Hotels in Central Seville
These are the classic hotels to stay in Seville. All rated 9.0 or more. Book in advance during summer months. BookingCom has free cancellation in most cases.
- Hotel Fernando III – 4*, historic centre, rooftop view
- Hotel Casa 1800 – 4*, historic centre, rooftop pool and amazing views
- Hotel Colón (by Melia), 5*, central, luxury, leading hotel
Best Hotels and Apartments in Triana
A special note for this neighbourhood because, staying here feels like staying in a town seperate to Seville but still only a short walk from the buzz of central Seville. Triana is my choice for most trips to Seville.
- Cavalta Small Luxury hotels, 5* Boutique hotel in the heart of Triana
Budget Stay Options in Seville
Do you prefer to spend your money of activities and food than accommodation? Seville is one of the more affordable cities in Spain compared to Madrid and Barcelona which means there are plenty of options to help you with this plan.
What to eat and where to eat it in Seville
In my opinion Seville is one of the tastiest cities in Andalusia but the sheer number of restaurants makes picking just one or two very difficult.
Best Tapas Bars Seville
With such a short amount of time I recommend conducting a ‘tapas route’ and tasting something different in each. Here are a few I personally recommend.
- Casa Eme – Proof that no matter how many times I visit Seville, I will never know it all. Despite visiting Seville every year for 10 years my first visit to tapas bar Casa Eme was in 2026 and i would now consider it my top choice. Small bar, small menu, big flavour, the best Solomillo whiskey sauce. Still dreaming of it today. Arrive early.
- Bar Casa Morales Traditional family-run tapas bar
- El Rinconcello – you will see this on every single tapas bar list because it’s the oldest in Seville. Thanks to the name it is now very very busy but the food is great. More than that, the building is beautiful and even if you don’t eat it’s worth popping your head into to see the tiles.
- Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas – Indulge in tapas on a Typical patio, also for breakfast
- Pelayo Bar Wooden tables, traditional setting, all the favourites
- Las Teresas This is a tourist haunt and not somewhere you are going to bump into locals but I do love the buzz in here. The setting is exactly that you expect from a Andalusian bar and honestly despite the reviews, I have great food every time. It is crowded, but worth a quick stop.
- La Antigua Abacería (Triana) I have fond memories of rosemary encrusted manchego and pig cheeks.
- Las Golondrinas (Triana) Tiny tapas bar with local vibe and typical dishes.
Want to get to know Seville’s food scene and history more deeply? Book a food tour with a local. This is one of my favourite ways to learn about a city especially in Spain.
What to Eat : Foods to Taste in Seville
- Salmorejo A cold tomato soup (thicker than gazpacho) served with egg and ham. Traditionally from Córdoba
- Jamon Ibérico Iberian ham carved off the bone, need I say more?
- Croquetas much loved by basically everyone and you can find them everywhere. Typically ham and cheese but you can find many versions. Each one varies from bar to bar which is part of the food adventure.
- Berenjenas con Miel Hot, fried eggplant served with dark honey.
- Solomillo al Whisky Pork tenderloin in whiskey sauce from Seville. The sauce is also used on other dishes like tortilla.
- Cazon en Adobo Fried Cazon fish. One of my go to tapa dishes with wine in Andalusia.
- Espinacas con Garbanzos Cooked chickpeas, spinach and spices. Stew-like.
Rooftops of Seville
Another way to spend an afternoon or evening is at a rooftop bar. A way to relax while enjoying the stunning architecture.
- Scalpers (Radisson hotel)
- Terraza Fulton
- Pura Vida Terraza Casual rooftop bar with Flamenco shows on Saturdays and Sunday
- La Terraza del Soho
Best Seville Experiences and Activities to add to your Itinerary
Let’s start with the same bit of advice I give every time (and also the bit of advice I struggle to stick to myself) – don’t try to fit too much into your 24 hours in Seville. The experience will be much more enjoyable and memorable if you see and feel a few places deeply than rushing from point to point. So here is a list of suggestions to pick from, but don’t try to fit it all in.
- Visit the Royal Alcazar – the obvious. You need a few hours at least to dedicate to this so make sure you plan for it in your 24 hours itinerary. Advanced booking essential. Tip: book direct, not with GYG or other third-party.
- See the Cathedral. Marvel at its beauty with a take away coffee sat on the fountain.
- Watch a flamenco show (see below)
- Pre-plan a Tapas Route to get a taste of all the dishes (see above)
- Wander the Triana neighbourhood, including the mercado.
- If you’re visiting in summer, stop for an afternoon drinks next to the river
- Rent kayaks and paddle the river
Watch Flamenco in a Tablao, Peña and Taberna.
You’ll find this activity on every Seville itinerary and once you have watched a real show you’ll understand why. I love Flamenco and Spanish guitar, the emotion in the music captures me like no other. I watch Flamenco every time I am in Andalusia and I’ve seen multiple shows in Seville.
There are many types of shows you can watch and these take part in different locations. For a first time experience start with an actual show. These shows are performed at Tablaos and are specifically for tourists but (as long as you choose a good one) are a quintessential Seville experience.
In addition to polished shows you can find various styles of Flamenco performances in Tabernas and Peñas.
- Tabernas are essentially local bars where you can watch informal flamenco performances, sat on tables and enjoy drinks (and sometimes dinner).
- Peñas are local Flamenco clubs. These offer a more intimate and intense performance where the focus is solely on the music, but without the regimented and polished nature of some of the tourist-driven shows.
Best Places to watch Flamenco in Seville
A few Flamenco options to consider, but this is by no means exhaustive :
- Teatro Flamenco Sevilla the most popular Tablao for first-time visitors
- La Carboneria Old warehouse tavern with patio and detailed features. This is a popular spot for tourists but consistently ranked as one of the best by locals too.
- Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena Local neighbourhood Flamenco club
- Pura Vida Terraza Rooftop bar with casual Flamenco shows on Saturdays and Sunday
- Ánima Galería Taberna A place to witness informal “jam sessions” also known as tertulias on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is not the place to go for a polished show but it is the place to go for an authentic experience.
A special shout out to Córdoba which is a city bathed in culture, including Flamenco. if you have longer than 24 hours I recommend staying in Córdoba for some of your trip too.
Seville : A 24 Hour Itinerary
Here’s the thing. 24 hours is not enough time for Seville and the itinerary depends a lot on your personal travel style. Do you love history? Art? Food? Adventure? It’s impossible to do it all in 24 hours, but if you only have one day then by knowing whats possible will help you make the most of this warm, vibrant and tasty city.
Only have 1 day in Seville? Here is how you could spend it.
Morning in Seville
Up at sunrise for either a run or walk to Plaza de España. This is one of the most popular sites in Seville and so it gets very crowded later in the day. If you arrive first thing in the morning not only will you have the space to enjoy it without rushing, you will see it in the most beautiful light. Then make your way to the cathedral for the same reason.
Next up, fuel. Coffee and breakfast. Whether you’ve run, cycled or strolled your way through the early hours you’re going to want to top up on all the good things Seville can offer at this time of day.
For typical Andalusian breakfast, you need to visit a typical cafe. Breakfast is usually toasted bread with grated tomato, olive oil and cured ham, sometimes with cheese too. Orange juice is common and of course coffee. For coffee con leche (with milk) is usual but so is espresso.
Looking for churros? Perfect – breakfast is the only acceptable time to eat them. It’s a common breakfast food and you’ll never see locals eating them in the afternoon.
If you’re a specialty coffee fan or looking for a more filling brunch style seville has plenty. For runch options, book in advance because they get full and you don’t want to waste your 24 hours queueing for eggs.
Next pick up rental bikes to explore the riverside and up to the Macarena neighbourhood. There are lots of options all over the city but bikes do sell out so book in advance if you can. We rented from ‘All of Seville’ and the service was great. It was €12 a day for a city bike with helmet, basket and lock.
Or if you are here for the history and architecture spend a few hours in the Royal Alcazar. Always book tickets in advance and be prepared for it to be busy.
Lunch in Seville
Time for a tapas crawl through Seville’s oldest and most vibrant streets. See the restaurants in my tapas bars list above for suggestions.
Afternoon / Evening in Seville
Next make your way to the neighbourhood of Triana for an afternoon in one of Seville’s most genuine neighbourhoods. Consider pre-booking a food tour with a local to dive a bit deeper into the scene.
Loop back to the city for hora de vermut. Get yourself to Setas for a snack and glass of wine or buy tickets to be at Setas for sunset and aurora.
Time for a flamenco show to round of the night in th emost perfect way. If you are lucky wnough to be here on a Saturday or Sunday then rooftop Flamenco is worth booking in advance. For a more raw expereince there are several penas that are worth a visit. See list above for ideas.
The best way to build an itinerary is to mix and match the sites, activities and experiences that are meaningful to you. Want some help figuring out what those are? Purchase a custom 1 day itinerary
48 Hour Seville Itinerary
Got an extra day to play with? Here are some ideas for day two.
- Spend the morning in Alcazar without rushing.
- Go to Setas for the aurora light show after sunset.
2-3 Day Seville Itinerary
Long weekend? Now we’re talking. 3-4 days is the best amount of time to spend in Seville. I recommend working with a travel planner who knows the city inside out to create an itinerary for 3 or 4 days. With this time you’ll be able to dive deeper into the culture and experience Seville in a personalised way. What do you love? History and architecture? Food and wine? Hands on experience? I can make it happen.
Human Travel Planning. No AI here.
What you see & read here is REAL. I don’t use ChatGP or other AI to write my travel guides or design itineraries. Travel is a human experience that requires all of the senses. It is impossible for AI to replicate that. Working with a human travel planner means working with someone who understands that travel is a highly unique and personal experience, not a ‘copy and paste’ job. All travel guides have been written by me from my own personal experiences. All the photos on this website are taken myself during my own travel. Nothing has been created using AI so you can trust what you are seeing actually exists.
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