Seville has been Andalusia’s radiant stage for two millennia—Roman Hispalis, Moorish Isbiliya, and the Spanish Golden Age port that funneled riches from the New World. Today, its heart still beats in orange-scented lanes, tiled patios, and the rhythms of flamenco born in gitano quarters across the Guadalquivir.

Highlights crown every day: the shimmering Real Alcázar, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda tower, grand Plaza de España, Triana’s ceramic workshops, and the futuristic Metropol Parasol skyline walk. Tapas culture thrives—think pringá sandwiches, garlic-drenched prawns, and paper cones of fried fish—paired with fino sherry and late sunsets along the river.

Practical notes: Summers are hot; plan siestas and book key tickets in advance. Dress modestly for churches, mind cobblestones, and keep an eye on valuables in busy zones. Mealtimes run late (lunch 2–4 pm, dinner after 9). Semana Santa and Feria de Abril are spectacular but require early reservations.

Seville

Seville is a city of layers: Islamic palaces and Baroque splendor, Renaissance archives and avant‑garde architecture. You’ll wander through whitewashed Santa Cruz, cross to pottery‑proud Triana, and catch golden hour on the Guadalquivir.

• Top sights: Real Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Torre del Oro, Casa de Pilatos, Palacio de las Dueñas, Archivo de Indias, Metropol Parasol, Museo de Bellas Artes.
• Don’t miss: Flamenco in an intimate tablao, a tapas crawl through Santa Cruz and Alfalfa, market grazing at Mercado de Triana and Mercado de Feria, and a sunset rooftop view near the Cathedral.
• Local bites to try: salmorejo, espinacas con garbanzos, montadito de pringá, pescaíto frito, carrillada (pork cheeks), rabo de toro, and Iberian ham shaved to order.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Classic icon: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville — Moorish arches, palm‑lined pool, and unmatched grandeur steps from the Alcázar.
• Stylish midrange: Meliá Sevilla — Contemporary rooms and a pool near Plaza de España.
• Value central: Hotel América Sevilla — Solid comfort on Plaza del Duque, perfect for walkers and shoppers.
• Design on a budget: Hotel Zaida — Restored mansion with Andalusian charm.
• Resort feel: Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento — Leafy riverside, big rooms, great for families.
• Social hostel: La Banda Rooftop Hostel — Cathedral views, nightly family dinners, a favorite with solo travelers.
• Browse more: VRBO apartments in Sevilla | Hotels.com – Seville

How to get to Seville: Fly into Seville Airport (SVQ) or arrive by high‑speed train at Santa Justa. From Madrid, AVE trains take ~2h30 (≈€35–€90). From Barcelona, ~5h30–6h (≈€60–€140). From Málaga, ~2h (≈€20–€35). Check schedules and prices on Omio trains (Europe) or Omio flights. If you’re flying from outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Airport to city: The EA bus runs every 20–30 minutes (~35 min; ~€4). Taxis or rideshares run ~20–25 minutes (~€25–€35) depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Santa Cruz stroll, and a tapas welcome

Morning: Travel to Seville. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab a quick pick‑me‑up at Bar El Comercio—old‑school churros con chocolate—or a pastry at La Campana, a beloved 19th‑century confitería.

Afternoon: Ease into the city with a wander through Barrio Santa Cruz. Seek out shadowy alleys like Calle Vida and flower‑draped patios; pop into Hospital de los Venerables (if open) for tranquil baroque art. Pause in Plaza del Triunfo to admire the Cathedral, Giralda, and Alcázar from outside.

Evening: Start your tapas education: stand at the counter at El Rinconcillo (est. 1670) for espinacas con garbanzos; try the montadito de pringá at Bodeguita Romero; then sliced jamón and salmorejo at Casa Morales under giant clay amphoras. End with rooftop views at Hotel Doña María or EME Catedral—the Giralda glows after dark.

Day 2: Real Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, flamenco at night

Morning: Beat the crowds at the Real Alcázar. Book timed entry; plan 2–3 hours for Mudéjar halls, tile‑rich patios, and the Game of Thrones‑famous gardens. Look for the Patio de las Doncellas and the mercury pool of the Patio del Yeso.

Afternoon: Visit the Cathedral (tomb of Columbus) and climb the Giralda via gentle ramps for a city‑wide panorama. If time allows, step into the Archivo de Indias next door to glimpse documents of the Spanish empire.

Evening: Experience flamenco in an intimate setting. Consider Museo del Baile Flamenco, Casa de la Memoria, or Tablao El Arenal—all known for serious artists. Dine afterward on char‑grilled octopus and Iberian presa at La Azotea or classic cured tuna and montaditos at Las Teresas in Santa Cruz.

Day 3: Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Triana crafts and riverfront

Morning: Circle the tiled alcoves of Plaza de España and rent a rowboat for the canal if you like. Stroll the shaded avenues of Parque de María Luisa, peeking into pavilions from the 1929 Expo and the dappled Glorietas.

Afternoon: Cross the Puente de Isabel II to Triana. Snack at Mercado de Triana (tortillitas de camarones, razor clams a la plancha), then visit ceramics institutions like Cerámica Santa Ana and small ateliers along Calle San Jorge. Walk the river on Calle Betis for perfect skyline photos.

Evening: Consider a relaxed Guadalquivir river cruise at sunset (1 hour) or stay on land for fried fish at Blanco Cerrillo and modern tapas at La Brunilda (arrive before doors open to secure a table). Nightcap at Pura Vida rooftop (Hotel Los Seises) with minty mojitos and cathedral views.

Day 4: Setas de Sevilla, markets, and noble mansions

Morning: Start with specialty coffee at tiny Virgin Coffee near Las Setas, then ride the elevator up the Metropol Parasol (aka “Las Setas”) for a serpentine skywalk (≈€10–€15). Descend to Mercado de Feria for oysters or a tostada with crushed tomato at La Cantina de la Feria.

Afternoon: Tour a Sevillian palace: Casa de Pilatos with its azulejos and Renaissance courtyard, or Palacio de las Dueñas, birth home of the Duchess of Alba and a masterclass in aristocratic Sevillian style. Art lovers can add Museo de Bellas Artes for Murillo and Zurbarán (allow ~90 minutes).

Evening: Tapas hop in the Alfalfa quarter: order carrillada at Ovejas Negras, charcuterie at Vinería San Telmo, and the famous orange wine at Taberna Peregil. Finish with gelato at Heladería La Fiorentina (try Seville orange or rosemary‑honey).

Day 5: Day trip to Granada’s Alhambra (UNESCO)

Make today a full‑day excursion to Granada to see the Alhambra & Generalife, one of Spain’s crown jewels and a perfect counterpoint to Seville’s Alcázar. Trains from Sevilla Santa Justa to Granada take ~2h30–3h15; buses are ~3h–3h30. Compare options and book seats on Omio trains or Omio buses. Once in Granada, join a small‑group guided tour to ensure access to the Nasrid Palaces (timed entries sell out). Between visits, refuel with Granada’s famed “free tapa with drink” culture—order a caña and let the kitchen surprise you.

Recommended tour (with images):

Alhambra & Generalife Skip the line Small Group including Nasrid Palaces — A 3‑hour guided walk through the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Generalife gardens. Ideal if you want expert context and confirmed palace entry.

Day 6: Roman Itálica, gourmet market lunch, and sherry night

Morning: Take bus M‑170 from Plaza de Armas (~25–30 min) to Itálica in Santiponce, the Roman city where emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born. Walk the vast amphitheater (a Game of Thrones filming site) and mosaicked domus streets. Bring water and sun protection.

Afternoon: Return for a grazing lunch at Mercado Lonja del Barranco (paper cones of adobo‑marinated fried fish, croquetas, and Andalusian cheeses) or rustic seasonal plates at conTenedor (slow‑food, daily chalkboard menu). Stroll past Torre del Oro and, if curious, pop into the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza museum for its art and history.

Evening: Explore Andalusian fortified wines: ask for a flight of fino, manzanilla, amontillado, and oloroso at a traditional abacería like La Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo or at the bar of Cañabota (a Michelin‑starred seafood temple—book if dining). For a relaxed option, pair sherry with simple tapas at Casa Morales or Casa Ricardo (renowned croquetas).

Day 7: Souvenirs, last tastes, and departure

Morning: Breakfast at La Cacharrería (tostadas, smoothies) or Parcería Café in the Alameda district for specialty coffee and brunch‑leaning plates. Shop along Calle Sierpes and Tetuán for fans (abanicos), shawls, leather, and ceramics; edible souvenirs include Inés Rosales tortas, olive oil, and vacuum‑packed jamón.

Afternoon: Squeeze in one last view from the Giralda or a quiet courtyard café before heading to SVQ. The EA airport bus takes ~35 minutes; taxis ~25 minutes. If you’re continuing by rail, Santa Justa is a quick ride; check times on Omio trains.

Evening: Departure. If you’ve got a late flight, linger over one last salmorejo and a café cortado, Andalusian style.

Optional add‑ons if you have extra time: Córdoba (45 min by AVE; the mesmerizing Mezquita), Jerez de la Frontera (sherry bodegas and Andalusian horses), Cádiz (golden beaches and seafood), or Doñana National Park (birding and dunes). Compare trains and buses on Omio trains and Omio buses.

Reservation tips: Book Alcázar/Cathedral time slots in advance, secure flamenco seats for prime hours, and reserve popular eateries (Eslava, La Brunilda, Cañabota) or arrive early for the first seating.

Where to sleep—quick links again: Hotel Alfonso XIII | Meliá Sevilla | Hotel América Sevilla | Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento | Hotel Zaida | La Banda Rooftop Hostel | VRBO – Sevilla | Hotels.com – Sevilla

In one week, you’ll have traced Seville’s story from Roman mosaics and Islamic palaces to baroque altarpieces and modern skylines—seasoned with flamenco nights and market‑fresh tapas. Andalusia rewards unhurried travelers; when you return, the city will welcome you back with orange blossoms and a table by the bar.