Seville (Sevilla) wears history like a jasmine scent. From the Moorish-inspired Real Alcázar to the vast Gothic nave of its Cathedral and the bell tower of La Giralda, the city tells a story of empires, explorers, and artisans. Its plazas glow at golden hour, and orange trees line streets that feel designed for wandering.

Fun fact: Seville’s Archivo de Indias houses documents of the Spanish Empire’s New World, and the city claims a fierce attachment to flamenco, with roots blossoming especially in Triana. Film lovers may recognize the Alcázar as a filming location for Game of Thrones, while locals know it as a cool refuge of tile and shade.

Practicalities: Dinner runs late (9–11 pm), some shops pause for siesta, and summers are hot—aim for early starts. Book major sights (Alcázar, Cathedral) in advance. Tapas culture rules: share small plates, stand at the bar if it’s busy, and don’t rush. Comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle are essential.

Seville

Seville rewards strolling. Between the lacework arches of the Alcázar and the vaults of the Cathedral, you’ll cross lanes perfumed by orange blossoms, peek into patios tiled with azulejos, and hear the strum of a guitar behind a courtyard door. The Guadalquivir River frames sunset walks and bridges you to ceramic-rich Triana.

• Don’t-miss sights: Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral + La Giralda, Archivo de Indias, Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa, Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), Casa de Pilatos, Palacio de las Dueñas, Triana district, Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (museum).
• Flamenco essence: Opt for intimate tablaos or cultural centers (e.g., Casa de la Memoria, Casa de la Guitarra, Tablao El Arenal) for live cante, guitar, and dance—typically 60–75 minutes, from €22–€45.
• Tapas to try: Pringá sandwich, espinacas con garbanzos, salmorejo, Iberian pork, and bacalao dishes. Pair with a dry manzanilla sherry or local craft beer.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Iconic splurge: Hotel Alfonso XIII — opulent Andalusian architecture beside the Alcázar. Check availability
• Stylish 4-star: Meliá Sevilla (near Plaza de España; pool and city views). See rooms
• Reliable mid-range: Hotel América Sevilla (central, steps from La Campana). View rates
• Design-forward value: Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento (modern resort vibe on the river’s Cartuja island). Explore options
• Character stay: Hotel Zaida (boutique in a restored mansion). Check availability
• Social budget: La Banda Rooftop Hostel (great skyline terrace). See beds
• Apartment/Villa search: Browse Seville on VRBO
• All hotels: Search Seville on Hotels.com

Getting to Seville: Fly into Seville Airport (SVQ) or train into Santa Justa. For flights and trains within Europe, compare on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains); buses on Omio (buses). Sample times: Madrid–Seville AVE ~2h30 (from ~€25–€80), Barcelona–Seville AVE ~5h30 or flight ~1h45, Lisbon–Seville flight ~1h.

Airport transfer: TUSSAM EA bus to the center (~35–40 mins), or taxi/ride-hail ~20–25 mins depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Santa Cruz Wanders, and a Tapas Welcome

Morning: Travel to Seville. If you arrive early, revive with specialty coffee at Virgin Coffee (tiny roastery near Las Setas) or Torch Coffee Roasters (riverside). Snack on churros con chocolate at Bar El Comercio—old-school, standing-room energy.

Afternoon: Check in, then ease into Seville in the Santa Cruz quarter. Lose yourself in whitewashed lanes, hidden patios, and the murmur of fountains. Pop into Hospital de los Venerables for its baroque church and art, or simply patio-hop and window-shop for ceramics and shawls.

Evening: Tapas crawl to orient your palate: start with Las Teresas (jamón and salmorejo), continue to Bodeguita Romero (the famed pringá sandwich), and finish at El Rinconcillo (est. 1670; order spinach with chickpeas and bacalao). Nightcap with Cathedral views at La Terraza de EME or sip sherry among giant wine casks at Casa Morales.

Day 2: Royal Seville — Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, River at Dusk

Morning: Enter the Real Alcázar at opening. Its Mudéjar courtyards, carved stucco, and tilework glow in early light; leave time for the gardens and peacocks. Coffee and a sweet tostada at La Cacharrería is a short stroll away. Prebooked tickets recommended (from ~€15).

Afternoon: Visit the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic church; don’t miss Columbus’s tomb. Climb La Giralda via ramps for city views. Lunch at La Brunilda (modern tapas; arrive early or expect a wait) or La Azotea (seasonal plates, excellent fish). If time allows, step into the Archivo de Indias (UNESCO) to glimpse the paperwork of empire.

Evening: Walk the Guadalquivir riverfront past Torre del Oro into Arenal. Consider the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza museum for architecture and history. Dinner at ConTenedor (market-driven, slow-cooked mains) or Ovejas Negras (creative tapas). For flamenco, go intimate: Casa de la Memoria or Casa de la Guitarra (reserve; ~€22–€35).

Day 3: Optional Day Trip — Granada’s Alhambra (UNESCO Masterpiece)

Make it a big day: take an early train from Sevilla Santa Justa to Granada (~2h35–2h50; from ~€30–€60 each way via Omio trains). Taxi or local bus up to the Alhambra hill. Bring ID; timed entry to the Nasrid Palaces is strict. Afterward, wander the Generalife gardens, then head to the Albaicín for lunch with Sierra Nevada views. Return to Seville in the evening.

Recommended Alhambra experiences (choose one and book ahead):

• Skip The Line Alhambra and Generalife Guided Tour — comprehensive guided access with time-saving entry (typically 3 hours; from ~€39–€59).

  

• Alhambra Experience – Explore Nasrid Palaces & Generalife Gardens — deep-dive into palace artistry and garden hydraulics (from ~€45–€65).

  

Lunch ideas in Granada: a terrace in the Albaicín or around Plaza Nueva for remojón salad, grilled aubergine with honey, and local cheeses. Back in Seville, keep dinner light—perhaps Bar Alfalfa for quick tapas or a riverside gelato before bed.

Day 4: Plaza de España, Triana Ceramics, and Setas Finale (Departure Day)

Morning: Start early at Plaza de España—the sun lights its tiled alcoves and bridges beautifully. Wander Parque de María Luisa under palms and pines. Coffee and pastry at La Centuria or a final specialty cup at Virgin Coffee.

Afternoon: Cross the bridge to Triana: browse ceramics on Calle San Jorge, visit the Triana ceramics museum, and graze at nearby eateries. Classic lunches: Blanca Paloma (excellent pescaíto), Casa Cuesta (traditional Andalusian dishes), or riverside Mariatrifulca for views. If time allows before departure, ascend the Metropol Parasol walkway (Las Setas; from ~€15) for a last panoramic look, then grab sweets at Confitería La Campana for the journey.

Evening: Departure day assumes an afternoon exit. If you have a late flight, celebrate with a special lunch at Sobretablas (seasonal Andalusian cuisine) or a Michelin-star send-off at Abantal (book far ahead). Pre-airport tipple: quirky cocktails at El Garlochi or a gin tonic at Premier.

Logistics & local tips:

• Tickets: Book Alcázar and Cathedral+Giralda in advance, especially March–June and Sept–Nov.
• Dress code: Shoulders covered for religious sites; comfortable shoes for cobblestones.
• Heat strategy: Sightsee early, siesta or museum midday, resume late afternoon.
• Getting around: Walk or use tram/metro for longer hops; taxis are plentiful. Airport bus EA is budget-friendly; taxis are fastest.

Alternative stays by neighborhood: For postcard lanes, choose Santa Cruz. For nightlife and indie eateries, look at Alameda de Hércules. For river sunsets and ceramics, base in Triana. Use VRBO for apartments with patios or Hotels.com to compare central hotels.

In four days, Seville’s rhythm becomes yours—palaces cooled by fountains, bells over tiled courtyards, and nights stitched together by flamenco and tapas. Whether you squeeze in Granada’s Alhambra or linger longer by the river, this Andalusia itinerary balances icons with neighborhood soul.