Seville is a city that moves to the rhythm of palmas and the smell of orange blossom. Romans, Visigoths, and the Umayyads all left their fingerprint here, culminating in a city that dazzled during Spain’s Golden Age and dazzles still in its plazas, courtyards, and tilework. Today, Seville is an easy-to-walk capital where bikes glide past palm trees, bells ring from the Giralda, and neighborhood bars turn small plates into a way of life.

Three UNESCO treasures anchor the historic core: the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral (the world’s largest Gothic church), and the Archivo de Indias. The Plaza de España and María Luisa Park recall the 1929 Ibero‑American Exposition, while the Metropol Parasol (“Las Setas”) adds a contemporary skyline twist with sweeping views. Flamenco springs from Andalusian soul—best felt in intimate tablaos and Triana’s streets.

Practical notes: Seville is walkable and bike-friendly, with warm days most of the year. Book major sights and flamenco in advance, especially in spring (Semana Santa, Feria de Abril). Tapas culture favors grazing—order a couple at a time, stand at the bar, and follow locals’ lead. For a mid-range budget, mix classic taverns with markets and food halls, and opt for trains or buses for regional day trips.

Seville

Seville rewards the curious traveler: wander whitewashed lanes in Barrio Santa Cruz, cross the Isabel II bridge into artisan Triana, and chase golden light along the Guadalquivir. The city’s mosaic of Mudejar palaces, Gothic vaults, and tiled benches feels tailor‑made for photography.

• Top sights: Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Metropol Parasol (Setas), Archivo de Indias, Casa de Pilatos, Palacio de las Dueñas, Museo de Bellas Artes.
• Eat & drink: Eslava (inventive tapas), La Brunilda (modern plates), Casa Morales (sherry bodega since 1850), Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas” (lively, affordable), Vinería San Telmo (Andalusian with flair), La Azotea (seasonal), conTenedor (slow-food), Lonja del Barranco (riverfront food hall).
• Coffee & sweets: Virgin Coffee (tiny roastery espresso bar), Torch Coffee Roasters (riverside), Parcería Café (specialty brews in Alameda), La Cacharrería (breakfast toasts and cakes), Confitería La Campana (since 1885), Heladería Rayas or La Fiorentina (artisan gelato).
• Fun facts: The Giralda was a 12th‑century minaret—its ramps were built for horse ascent. Plaza de España’s ceramic alcoves depict Spain’s provinces. Parts of “Game of Thrones” filmed in the Alcázar’s gardens.

Where to stay (mid-range friendly, plus splurges and hostels):

• Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville – Iconic landmark hotel beside the Alcázar (best for a celebratory splurge).
• Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento – Modern, resort-like base near Isla de la Cartuja; spacious rooms and pools.
• Hotel Abril – Great value in the Old Town; walk everywhere.
• Black Swan Hostel – Social vibe, central, and budget-smart.
• La Banda Rooftop Hostel – Beloved for its rooftop dinners and cathedral views.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Seville | VRBO: Seville

How to get there and around (book regional transport on Omio):

• Flights: Fly into Seville Airport (SVQ). From major European hubs (Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris), flight times are ~1–2.5 hours; deals from ~$40–$150 each way. Search: Omio flights.
• Trains: Madrid–Seville AVE takes ~2h30m; Barcelona–Seville takes ~5h30m–6h15m (one direct high‑speed daily plus connections), typically ~$35–$120 depending on advance purchase. Check: Omio trains.
• Buses: Budget intercity options to Córdoba, Cádiz, Granada, and Málaga; often cheaper, a bit longer. See: Omio buses.
• Local transport: Walk most of the center; bikes are great (140+ km of lanes). Single bus/tram rides run about €1.40–€1.60; taxi from airport to center ~€25–€30 fixed fare.

Day 1: Arrival, Santa Cruz Wander, Sunset at the Setas, and Flamenco

Afternoon: Land in Seville and check in. Shake off travel with a gentle loop through Barrio Santa Cruz—flowered patios, narrow lanes, and azulejo corners perfect for photos. Coffee fix at Virgin Coffee (tiny, top-notch espresso) or La Cacharrería for toasts and cakes.

Evening: Grab early tapas near the cathedral: Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas” (montaditos, tortilla, fried bacalao) or Casa Morales (sherry straight from the bota). Then head to Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) for sunset views over the tiled roofs.

Night: Experience flamenco’s duende at an intimate tablao. Book the Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal (drink included; optional tapas menu). Expect a 60–70 minute show with virtuosic guitar, cante, and dance in a storied venue near the river.

Day 2: Seville by Bike, Plaza de España Boats, and Alameda Tapas Crawl

Morning: See more with less effort on the Seville Highlights Bike Tour (English). Glide past the Torre del Oro, Triana, María Luisa Park, and riverside paths—great orientation and photography stops. Fuel up beforehand at Parcería Café (silky flat whites, Latin pastries).

Afternoon: Dive into Plaza de España’s tiled alcoves—find your home province—then rent a little rowboat along its canal for playful pictures. Picnic or stroll the palm-shaded avenues of María Luisa Park. Lunch at Vinería San Telmo (oxtail cannelloni; tuna tataki; excellent Andalusian wines by the glass).

Evening: Alameda de Hércules is your lively, local evening. Start with award-winning bites at Eslava (honeyed ribs; slow-cooked egg on boletus cake), craft beer at Maquila Bar (brewpub), and seasonal plates at La Azotea. Nightcap along the river.

Day 3: Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, Triana Ceramics, Rooftop Views

Morning: Skip lines and delve deep on the Skip the Line Seville Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda Guided Tour (about 2.5 hours). Stroll Mudejar courtyards and gardens filmed in “Game of Thrones,” then enter the Cathedral to see Columbus’s tomb and climb the Giralda’s ramped tower for sweeping city views.

Afternoon: Cross the Isabel II Bridge into Triana, historic heart of flamenco and ceramics. Browse workshops on Calle San Jorge (look for Cerámica Santa Ana’s classic tiles) and snack your way through Mercado de Triana (fried fish cones, Iberian ham, olives). Coffee with river views at Torch Coffee Roasters.

Evening: Golden hour along the Guadalquivir is magic. For dinner, book La Brunilda (seared octopus, beef cheeks, cod fritters) then sip a rooftop cocktail at La Terraza del EME with the Cathedral illuminated before you.

Day 4: Day Trip Adventure — White Villages and Ronda

Trade the city for dramatic sierras and whitewashed towns on the full-day White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville. Wander Zahara de la Sierra’s hillside lanes, taste local olive oil if available, and stand over Ronda’s 120-meter-deep El Tajo gorge from the Puente Nuevo—prime photography. Expect an early start and evening return.

Back in Seville, keep it easy at Lonja del Barranco food hall: grab salmorejo, croquetas, or grilled prawns and toast the day with a cold cerveza by the river.

Day 5: Setas Walkway, Fine Arts, Casa de Pilatos, and River at Dusk

Morning: Start at the Metropol Parasol’s elevated walkway for morning light and panorama shots; drop to the Antiquarium beneath to see Roman remains. Coffee and tostada at La Cacharrería. If it’s Thursday, detour to the “El Jueves” flea market on Calle Feria for antiques and vintage finds.

Afternoon: Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Spain’s second in classical art after the Prado) for Murillo and Zurbarán, then explore Casa de Pilatos—an exquisite blend of Renaissance and Mudejar patios and tiles. Late lunch in Mercado de Feria (small bars, fried fish, tortillas) or at conTenedor (market-driven plates).

Evening: Active option: rent a kayak or SUP on the calm stretch of the Guadalquivir for a sunset paddle. Alternatively, stroll the river from Torre del Oro to Triana and dine at Casa Morales or Bodega Dos de Mayo for classic Andalusian plates at fair prices.

Day 6: Local Life, Souvenirs, and Farewell

Morning: Pack in last favorites: Palacio de las Dueñas (birthplace of the Duchess of Alba) for serene courtyards and orange trees, or the Archivo de Indias for a quick, free history stop. Souvenir hunt on Calle Sierpes and Tetuán (fans, shawls, leather goods), and pick up hand-painted tiles from Triana.

Afternoon: Brunchy send-off at Parcería Café or La Azotea (weekday menú del día can be good value). Depart in the afternoon—trains and airport are close, so a 30–45 minute transfer is typical. For onward travel across Europe, compare fares on Omio trains, Omio buses, or Omio flights.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: Archivo de Indias exhibits, Hospital de los Venerables in Santa Cruz, Palacio de las Dueñas photography session, or a laid-back paseo through San Lorenzo and the Alameda for boutique browsing and café culture.

Included Viator activities in this itinerary:

• Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal
• Seville Highlights Bike Tour (English)
• Skip the Line Seville Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda Guided Tour
• White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville

Seville rewards slow mornings, golden sunsets, and nights that stretch late over clinking sherry glasses. With palaces, plazas, a photogenic riverfront, and a day out in storybook villages, this 6-day plan balances adventure with local life—and leaves room for the delicious surprises Seville always serves.