Seville (Siviglia) blends Moorish splendor with Renaissance grace and the heartbeat of flamenco. Roman Hispalis, Islamic Ishbiliya, and later a powerhouse of the Spanish Golden Age—all have left their mark on this sunny Andalusian capital. Today, orange trees scent the streets, plazas glow at golden hour, and tapas culture turns every evening into a neighborhood celebration.

Home to the royal palaces of the Real Alcázar, the world’s largest Gothic church at the Seville Cathedral, and the elegant Plaza de España, Seville is compact enough for a rich 2-day city break. Food lovers come for classics like salmorejo, espinacas con garbanzos, and solomillo al whisky, while night owls linger on rooftop terraces gazing at La Giralda.

Getting around is easy on foot or by tram; the airport is close, and high-speed trains link Seville with Madrid and Barcelona. Book timed-entry tickets for major sights, wear comfy shoes for cobblestones, and plan dinners later—locals start their tapeo around 8–9 p.m. If you’re here in spring, the city bursts with festivals: Semana Santa’s solemn processions and the Feria de Abril’s joyful casetas.

Seville (Siviglia)

Seville rewards curiosity. Lose yourself in the patios of the Alcázar, then trace the shadow of La Giralda down narrow Santa Cruz lanes. Cross the Guadalquivir to Triana—birthplace of legendary bailaores—and learn how azulejo tiles shaped the city’s aesthetic identity.

• Top sights: Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral & La Giralda, Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa, Barrio Santa Cruz, Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), Casa de Pilatos, Triana & Centro Cerámica Triana.
• Essential experiences: A flamenco show in an intimate venue, a tapas crawl through historic taverns, sunset views from a rooftop, a stroll along the river at golden hour.
• What to eat: Salmorejo, espinacas con garbanzos, pringá montaditos, bacalao dishes, rabo de toro, and churros con chocolate.
• Fun facts: Seville’s Cathedral hosts the tomb of Christopher Columbus; Plaza de España doubled as a Star Wars filming location; El Rinconcillo (1670) is one of Spain’s oldest taverns.

Where to stay: Base yourself in Santa Cruz or El Arenal for walkability, or Triana for local vibes and river sunsets. Browse stays on VRBO Seville and compare hotels on Hotels.com Seville.

How to get to Seville (SVQ or Santa Justa station):

• Flights (within Europe): Search options on Omio Flights. From Barcelona (BCN) to Seville: ~1h45 nonstop, often €25–€90 one-way. From Lisbon (LIS): ~1h, €20–€100.
• High-speed train: See schedules and fares on Omio Trains. Madrid–Seville (Santa Justa) AVE/Avlo/Ouigo: ~2h30, typically €25–€80. Málaga–Seville: ~2h–2h15, €20–€35. Barcelona–Seville: ~5h30, €40–€120.
• Bus: Budget-friendly links across Iberia via Omio Buses. Lisbon–Seville: ~6–7h, €20–€40.

Airport to center: EA airport bus to Prado de San Sebastián/Plaza de Armas (~35 min, about €4) or taxi/ride-hail (~20–25 min, flat rate ~€24–€30 depending on time).

Day 1: Arrival, Santa Cruz Wander, Tapas & Flamenco

Morning: Travel to Seville. If you arrive early, fuel up with specialty coffee at Virgin Coffee (tiny roastery by Las Setas) or Torch Coffee Roasters by the river; both pull excellent espressos and pour-overs. For a sweet start, Bar El Comercio (since 1904) serves airy churros with thick chocolate.

Afternoon: Check in, drop bags, and take a gentle orientation walk through Barrio Santa Cruz—whitewashed lanes, jasmine-scented patios, and hidden plazas like Doña Elvira. Step into Casa de Pilatos (15th–16th c.) to admire azulejos and Mudejar ceilings; plan ~60–75 minutes. Pause at La Cacharrería for fresh juices and loaded toasts (try the avocado with jamón).

Evening: Tapas crawl near the Cathedral and El Arenal. Start at Casa Morales, a century-old bodega lined with giant amphorae; order the bacalao in tomato and a montadito de pringá. Continue to Bodega Dos de Mayo for solomillo al whisky and crisp puntillitas. If you prefer contemporary plates, La Brunilda does seared tuna with salmorejo and oxtail ravioli (go early; no big sign, fills quickly).

Cap the night with a flamenco show in an intimate setting—Museo del Baile Flamenco offers powerful, tightly produced performances, while La Casa del Flamenco in Santa Cruz is candlelit and acoustic. After, toast the Cathedral views from La Terraza del EME or Hotel Doña María’s rooftop (classic gin-tonics, panoramic spires).

Day 2: Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España; Departure

Morning: Enter the Real Alcázar at opening to beat crowds (reserve timed entry in advance). Linger in the Patio de las Doncellas, trace carved stucco and cedar ceilings, then wander the orange-scented gardens toward the Baños de Doña María. Allow ~2 hours. Coffee break at Parcería Café across in Triana (if you cross the bridge) or at Jester near the center for specialty brews and pastries.

Walk to the Seville Cathedral—the world’s largest Gothic church—and climb La Giralda via ramps (no steps until the top). Inside, admire the Capilla Mayor’s golden altarpiece and Columbus’s tomb; budget 90 minutes total. If time permits, peek into the Archivo de Indias courtyard next door.

Afternoon: Quick lunch before you depart: snag a stool at El Rinconcillo (est. 1670) for espinacas con garbanzos, jamón, and pavía de bacalao; or head to Vinería San Telmo for a glass of Montilla-Moriles and creative small plates. If your schedule allows a final stroll, loop through the Plaza de España and the shaded Parque de María Luisa—row a short spin on the canal or photograph the tile alcoves representing Spain’s provinces.

Evening: If you have a late train/flight, cross to Triana for riverfront views along Calle Betis and a ceramics stop at Centro Cerámica Triana. Graze at Las Golondrinas (Triana institution; order the grilled mushrooms with alioli and pork skewers) or sample stalls at Mercado Lonja del Barranco (easy for groups, wide variety). For one last panorama, ride the lift at Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) for sunset tones across the old town.

Other great bites to slot in (depending on your tastes and time): Eslava 1988 (modern tapas; slow-cooked egg with boletus, honey-glazed ribs), Cañabota (Michelin-star seafood counter; grilled whole fish, perfect croquettes), conTenedor (market-driven, slow-food plates), Bolas or La Fiorentina for artisan ice cream.

Getting out of town (afternoon departure assumed): Reach Madrid in ~2h30 by AVE—check Omio Trains (from ~€25). For flights to Barcelona, Lisbon, or Paris, compare times and carriers on Omio Flights. Budget travelers can browse Omio Buses for late-day runs to coastal hubs.

Accommodation quick picks (search and filter by neighborhood and terrace views):

• Santa Cruz/El Arenal: Steps from the Cathedral and Alcázar; ideal first-time base. Find apartments on VRBO Seville or hotels on Hotels.com Seville.
• Triana: Local markets and flamenco heritage; river sunsets and ceramics shops.
• Alameda: Lively nightlife and creative dining, walkable to the center.

Practical tips: Book Alcázar/Cathedral tickets in advance, carry a light scarf for sun, and pace your day around a late Spanish lunch. Taxis/ride-hails are plentiful; tram T1 is handy between San Bernardo, the center, and Plaza Nueva. Gratuities aren’t expected, but rounding up small change is appreciated.

In just 48 hours, you’ll have traced Seville’s story from Moorish palaces to Gothic grandeur, from Triana’s tablaos to tapas bars steeped in history. Leave room for a return—the city rewards lingering with new plazas, new plates, and another sunset glinting off La Giralda.