Seville (Sevilla) is Andalusia’s sun-drenched capital: a city of Moorish palaces, orange-blossom courtyards, and evenings that unspool over tapas and song. Romans built here; Umayyads dazzled here; Catholic kings expanded here—leaving layers you can see in azulejo tiles, palatial patios, and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals.

Expect an easy-to-walk historic center, late dining hours, and a rhythm that saves its best moments for golden hour. Highlights include the Royal Alcázar’s lacy patios, the soaring Giralda tower, the grand Plaza de España, and the modern Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) viewpoint.

Practical notes: Seville is budget-friendly if you lean into tapas bars, markets, and plenty of free plazas and parks. Book major sights in advance (Alcázar, Cathedral) and bring comfy shoes for cobblestones. Spring (Semana Santa, Feria) is festive but busy; winter is mild and great value.

Seville (Sevilla)

Seville’s old town is a tapestry of barrios—Santa Cruz for storybook lanes, Triana for pottery and flamenco lineage, and Alameda for indie cafés and lively nights. The Guadalquivir River adds breezy promenades and bridges with postcard views.

Top sights include the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España in María Luisa Park, and the Metropol Parasol (Setas). Food-wise, think crispy croquetas, adobo-fried anchovies, salmorejo, and sherry poured in bars lined with antique amphorae.

• Where to stay (budget to mid-range): Hotel América Sevilla (central, great value), Meliá Sevilla (near Plaza de España), La Banda Rooftop Hostel (social, with cathedral-view terrace), Hotel Zaida (classic style, good rates). For more options: Hotels.com: Seville and VRBO: Seville. Splurge choice: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
• Getting in: Fly to SVQ (Seville Airport). From within Europe, compare flights/trains/buses on Omio (Flights Europe), Omio (Trains Europe), and Omio (Buses Europe). Sample times/costs: Madrid–Seville AVE ~2h30 (€35–€90), Barcelona–Seville AVE ~5h30–6h (€40–€120), Barcelona flight ~1h45 (often €30–€100). Long-haul deals: Trip.com (Flights).
• Airport to center: EA bus ~35 minutes (~€4) to Prado San Sebastián or Plaza de Armas; taxi ~€25–€30.

Day 1: Arrival, Santa Cruz Wanders, and Tapas Kickoff

Morning: Travel day. Grab a light bite en route if you can; you’ll want energy for a gentle first wander.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs in Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter. Duck into Casa Morales for a sherry among century-old tinajas (the back room is magic), or nibble montaditos at Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas” by the Cathedral. Coffee? Virgin Coffee pulls excellent espresso from a tiny bar steps from the Giralda.

Evening: Ease into Seville’s food culture with a guided tapas crawl—great value for first-timers.

Sevilla Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions — a neighborhood-hopping introduction to classic bars, local wines, and the city’s food lore.

Prefer DIY? Try a mini-crawl: El Rinconcillo (since 1670; espinacas con garbanzos), Bar Alfalfa (bustling, good bruschette and local cheeses), and La Brunilda (modern tapas; arrive early for a walk-in spot). Nightcap on a terrace with cathedral views at Hotel Doña María’s rooftop.

Day 2: Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, María Luisa Park

Morning: Fuel up at La Cacharrería (great toasts and smoothies) or specialty brew at Torch Coffee Roasters by Triana Bridge. Then join a skip-the-line combo of Seville’s headline monuments—ideal for history, context, and time savings.

Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Tickets — See the Mudejar patios of the Royal Alcázar and the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, then climb the Giralda’s ramps for sweeping city views. Expect ~3 hours; book ahead.

Afternoon: Picnic or cheap lunch near the park: grab tortilla and bocadillos at Ofelia Bakery or sit down at Vinería San Telmo (inventive tapas, good wines). Stroll Plaza de España and the shady avenues of María Luisa Park. Pop into the Archaeology Museum or Museum of Arts & Traditions if you like ceramics and costumes (affordable tickets; check hours).

Evening: Flamenco is essential in Seville. Reserve seats at an intimate tablao like Casa de la Memoria, La Casa del Flamenco, or Tablao El Arenal (no links here—book directly). Dinner after the show in Santa Cruz: Las Teresas for jamón ibérico and salmorejo or Freiduría Puerta de la Carne for fried fish to share.

Day 3: Triana, River Life, and Alameda Nights

Morning: Cross the Puente de Triana to Mercado de Triana for a budget breakfast—fresh orange juice, tostada con tomate, and a pastry from a market stall. Explore Triana’s ceramics on Calle San Jorge and stop by Centro Cerámica Triana to see traditional tile-making.

Afternoon: Choose your adventure:

• Riverside ride: Rent a bike and roll the river paths and gardens (flat, easy, €10–€15/day).
• Itálica ruins (Santiponce): Bus from Plaza de Armas (~25 min). Wander amphitheater and mosaics of the Roman city where emperors Trajan and Hadrian hailed from. Entry is inexpensive; bring water and a hat.

Lunch ideas: Blanco Cerrillo (famous boquerones en adobo near Calle Tetuán), Bodega Dos de Mayo (daily specials, good prices), or La Azotea (order media raciones to keep costs down).

Evening: Head to Alameda de Hércules for a casual night. Start with tapas at Eslava (try the slow-cooked pork ribs and the honeyed egg; arrive early for a spot) or Duo Tapas for budget-friendly plates. Craft beer at Hops & Dreams or vermouth at Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo. If you’ve energy, a late stroll past the illuminated Setas is magical.

Day 4: Setas Viewpoint, Markets, and Last Tastes

Morning: Breakfast near the Setas: Parcería Café (specialty coffee, arepas) or La Campana (1890 pastry house; get a milhojas or pionono). Visit the Antiquarium (Roman remains under the Metropol Parasol) and ride up to the Setas de Sevilla walkway for panoramic city views (ticket typically ~€5–€15 depending on inclusions/time slot).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for olive oil, ceramics, or fans on Calle Sierpes/Calle Tetuán. Quick, tasty lunch at Mercado de Feria (mix-and-match stalls) or a sit-down at Bar Casa Morales if you missed it earlier. Transfer to the airport: EA bus (~35 min, ~€4) or taxi (~€25–€30).

Evening: Departure day. If you have a late flight, relax in María Luisa Park with a book and a cone from Heladería La Fiorentina (try orange blossom or Seville orange).

Logistics & Booking Shortcuts

• Stay central (Santa Cruz, Arenal, Alfalfa) for walking everywhere. Compare deals on Hotels.com and VRBO.
• Trains & buses: Search schedules and prices on Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses). Flights within Europe: Omio (Flights). Long-haul flights: Trip.com.
• Budget tips: Eat your main meal at lunch (menus del día), stand at the bar for cheaper prices at some traditional spots, refill water at public fountains, and use buses when your feet need a break.

Optional Add-Ons if You Have Extra Time

• Casa de Pilatos: A gorgeous palace mixing Mudejar and Renaissance elements with tiled courtyards.
• Hospital de la Caridad: Baroque art and serene cloisters.
• Day trip: Carmona hill town (bus ~30 min) for Roman necropolis and hilltop views.

In four days, you’ll trace Seville’s history from Roman stones to Moorish palaces and lively tapas counters. With smart pre-booking and bar-hopping know-how, this itinerary keeps costs low while delivering the city’s deepest pleasures—sunset views, soulful music, and flavors you’ll crave long after you leave.