Looking to plan the perfect weekend getaway to Seville? Based on my personal experience, this guide has all the insider tips and recommendations for an unforgettable weekend in this vibrant city.
From exploring historic landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, immersing in Andalucian culture, to strolling along picturesque streets, Seville offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and charm. Get ready to make the most of your weekend in Seville!
Why you should spend a Weekend in Seville
Simply put, in my opinion, Seville is one of the best places to visit in Spain.
Located in the south of Spain, Seville is full of fire and passion. While the popular Barcelona andd Madrid offer a more cosmopolitan Spanish experience, Seville retains a more small-town feel despite being the capital of Andalucia.
The city began, as many European cities do, as a Roman city in 2nd century BC. In the 700s, it came under Muslim rule where it thrived for several centuries before the Reconquista (and subsequent switch to Christian rule) started in 1247.
Today, Seville’s intriguing blend of east and west stands out and makes it a bucket list destination in Spain. I’ve visited the city several times and I’m still fascinated by its history and architecture. There’s just something captivating about Seville!
As a weekend trip, Seville is ideal for several reasons. Firstly, it has its own international airport and it’s easy to get a low-cost flight to the city. Secondly, most of the city’s attractions are concentrated in the historic center so you can easily cover the main sights in 2 to 3 days. Lastly, Seville’s Mediterrenean climate means it has mild winters, making it an ideal spot even for a winter getaway.
How to Get to Seville
Seville has its own international airport (SVG) and you can get direct return flights from London for as little as £100. In under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in Seville!
The Seville airport is just 15 minutes by taxi (€20-30) or 35 minutes by public bus (€4 one-way or €6 return – you can buy tickets from the bus driver).
Another option is to hop on a ferry, so that you can travel to Spain with your car
Getting Around Seville
Once you’re in the Seville city center, the best way to get around is by foot. Most of the city’s main attractions are located within the historic center which is relatively compact. Plus, walking is the best way to take in the city’s atmosphere and vibe!
There are also bicycle and electric scooter rentals available around Seville. For e-scooters, the it costs about £10 per hour to rent via a local rental company. There are also shared e-scooters which you can rent via an app. In Seville, the largest provider is Voi and they offer 24-hour day passes from £8.80.
Bicycles and e-scooters can be a convenient and fun way to cover more ground but be mindful of using the cycle path and your safety (and that of pedestrians!).
Public transportation in Seville is reliable and affordable but on a weekend trip, you likely won’t need it except to get to-and-from the airport.
Weekend in Seville: 3 Must-See Attractions
Before we go into the itinerary for a weekend in Seville, here’s a quick look a the top 3 must-see attractions in the city. You can easily see them all in a weekend trip so if you prefer to have a more relaxed time, you can simply take it easy and visit them at your leisure.
1. Royal Alcázar of Seville
Dating back to the 10th century, this magnificent palace complex is testament to Seville’s Moorish past and it shouldn’t be missed on your weekend trip to the city. In fact, this historical landmark is so important that it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While it was originally built by the Moors, over the years, the complex was expanded over 500 years by various other rulers which gives the Alcazar a one-of-a-kind blend of Mudejar, Renaissance, and Spanish styles of architecture.
On your visit to the Alcazar, you’ll be able to stroll through its richly decorated rooms and admire the intricate design and architectural details (don’t forget to look up to admire the ceilings!). The extensive gardens at the palace are another highlight, filled with lush greenery and accents of colorful tilework.
There’s a lot of discover at the Royal Alcazar so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy getting lost in history in this beautiful palace. This is a very popular attraction and there are often long lines at the entrance, especially during peak periods. I recommend buying your entrance ticket online in advance to save time.
2. Barrio de Santa Cruz
Located in the heart of Seville, Santa Cruz is Seville’s oldest neighbourhod and it definitely shouldn’t be missed on any visit to Seville. This charming area is filled with narrow, twisty cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flower pots… and a ton of history.
Barrio de Santa Cruz dates back to medieval times, when it served as the Jewish Quarter of the city. The labyrinth-like nature of the streets was built during this time. Today, these same streets are a delight to explore as you can never tell where a street may lead to – a dead end, a tucked-away square, or an old church. Half the fun is simply getting lost!
Here, you’ll also find another of Seville’s landmarks, the mighty Cathedral with the towering Giralda. Even if you don’t have the time to enter the Cathedral, its exterior is still worth admiring!
The Santa Cruz neighborhood is also home to numerous local bars and tapas restaurants, making it an awesome place to take in the local vibe and atmosphere. I recommend exploring this neighbourhood in the late afternoon and then end your day with some delicious tapas at one of the local spots here.
3. Plaza de España
Spain is known for its plazas but none is as impressive at Seville’s Plaza de España. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this grand plaza will wow you with its size and stunning architecture.
The plaza was designed by the Spanish architect Aníbal González and is a fusion of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival architectural styles. Its main feature is a semi-circular building that surrounds a large central plaza. There’s a fountain, a canal (you can rent rowboats to paddle along the canal!), and several ornate bridges
The square is also surrounded by a series of alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain and adorned with tiled murals depicting historical events and scenes from Spanish literature.
Plaza de España is not only a beautiful architectural masterpiece, but it also has a significant historical and cultural significance for Seville and Spain. It has been featured in many films and serves as a popular location for events, festivals, and performances.
A description of Plaza de España simply does not do it justice – there’s something artistic and majestic about it that you’ll experience when you visit. Often, you can find flamenco artists busking in the building which adds a magical element.
Given the large area of the square, if you’re short on time, I recommend selecting just one half of it to explore.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Take a walking tour of Seville! I love walking tours, especially when I have a short time in a city. They’re a great way to orientate yourself, learn about the city’s history, and get tips from your local guide on what to do, see, and eat.
Itinerary for the Perfect Seville Weekend Break
For the perfect weekend in Seville, I recommend arriving on Thursday night and leaving on Sunday to make the most of your time in the city. This will give your 2 full days (Friday and Saturday) to explore and experience Seville, with a bit of leftover time to do and see more at your leisure.
So if you want to make the most of your trip and see the best of Seville in 48 hours, here’s a guide on what to see and do.
You can also find a detailed guide on how to plan a travel itinerary here.
Day 1 in Seville
Tour of the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar
Start your day in Seville by ticking off two major attractions to see, the Cathedral (and the Giralda) and the Royal Alcazar. While you can see these places on your own, I recommend taking a guided tour as you’ll learn more about the history and significance of these landmarks.
This 3-hour tour with a local guide (choose the 11.00am option to make the most of your day) includes all entrance fees which makes it very hassle-free. It also includes a climb up to the Giralda for unforgettable views of Seville.
Plaza de España
Take a short walk from the historic center to Parque de María Luisa, where you’ll find Plaza de España.
There’s a lot of explore and the plaza is huge so it can take some time to even walka round half of it! You would need at least 1 to 2 hours here, depending on how much walking you feel like doing and how many photos you take!
It is also a great spot for a short afternoon rest, if you need it. Or maybe rent a rowboat and paddle your way up and down the canal.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Head back to the historic center and dive into the twisty, narrow streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz. I recommend entering the neighbourhood via the Murillo Gardens and taking a left on Calle de Nicolas Antonio until you reach Plaza de Santa Cruz, a charming little square with orange tree.
From here, head left to find the historical Callejón del Agua or just throw away the map and simply wander around and see what you discover.
End your day with a lovely tapas dinner at one of the local restaurants in Santa Cruz. You’ll find most of the establishments located in and around Calle Mateo Gago, which is the street that leads to the Cathedral.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Want to discover the hidden secrets of Santa Cruz? I recommend taking a guided walking tour where you can learn more about the neighbourhood’s history, personalities, and hidden gems!
Day 2 in Seville
Mercado de la Encarnación
Get a taste of local life at Mercado de la Encarnación! This local market offers fresh produce of all kinds and a visit here is a fun way to start your morning.
There are also a few places to eat both within the market and around it, where you can grab a local breakfast of a cafe solo and a tostada (a thick hunk of toast often topped with tomato spread and jamon).
Note: The market is open every day (except Sundays) from 8.00am to 3.00pm.
Metropol Parasol
The Mercado de la Encarnación is actually located below an architectural landmark that has become a local and tourist hotspot, the Metropol Parasol, or known affectionately to locals as Las Setas (mushrooms). This quirky spot is a great place to take some unique photos!
Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world and it provides a modern contrast to the historic buildings surrounding it. The space is multi-functional, featuring an archaeological museum, a farmer’s market, a panoramic terrace, and a restaurant.
Wander around Calle Sierpes
Head south from Las Setas and you’ll be in Seville’s main shopping area which covers the streets surrounding Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuan. Fully pedestrianized, here you’ll find all types of shops from international clothes stores to small boutique shops, souvenir stores, and everything in between.
On the weekend, expect this area to be pretty crowded but that’s part of the fun.
Once you’re ready for lunch, consider heading towards the area around Plaza de la Pescaderia, where you can find many local restaurants.
Walk along the Guadalquivir River
Step away from the historical center and head towards the Guadalquivir River. An afternoon stroll here is an ideal way to spend your time. On weekends, the riverside is both lively and relaxing.
Spot the Torre del Oro, watch locals participate in water sports, or just join the crowd of people taking in the sunshine and the sights. If you want, you can also go on a river sightseeing cruise and see Seville from a different vantage point.
Triana & Flamenco
Cross the Guadalquivir at Puente de Isabel II and enter the neighbourfood of Triana which is known for being the artistic soul of Seville. Home to Spanish arts such as flamenco and ceramic-making, Triana is a unique neighborhood with its own distinct character and charm.
The main street, Avenida de la República Argentina, is lively and full of restaurants and bars but veer off onto the smaller streets and you’ll find quaint little plazas, old churches, and peaceful streets. Don’t miss a stroll along Calle Betis which runs along the riverfront and is known for its picturesque views of Seville’s historic landmarks.
Triana is also one of the best places to watch a flamenco show where you can experience the soulful and passionate art of flamenco up close.
There are many fun weekend breaks you can take in Spain and I hope this article has helped you plan your dream weekend in Seville. Happy travels!
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ABOUT LIZA
Liza runs the travel blog Always in Spain that serves as a valuable resource for travellers seeking to explore the beauty of Spain.
Her passion for Spain was ignited when she began taking Spanish language classes in 2010.
Her eagerness to learn the language led her to plan a solo trip to Spain, and she has since travelled to the country numerous times. Liza finds great pleasure in exploring Spain, and each visit offers her the chance to discover something new and exciting about the country.
She created her travel blog to share her love for Spain with others and hopes that her readers will find her content inspiring and useful for planning their travels. So, if you’re planning a trip to Spain, make sure to check out Liza’s travel blog for tips and insights.
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