A Weekend in Seville, Spain – Step-by-Step Travel Guide
I have people message me online all the time saying, “I am in Seville for the weekend. What should I do? Where should I eat?” Planning your vacations can be daunting at times. So much to think about and figure out. I know many people venture out to Seville only for a short time and want to know the best, not to be missed, things to eat, see, and do. I don't blame them. I would too.
WelI . . . I have been dragging my feet on this blog post because, honestly, it has been really difficult for me to write. Seville has so much to offer and so many delicious things to eat that it’s so hard to narrow down the list to just a short weekend worth of recommendations. Unfortunately, you can only fit so many calories into a day.
I know people love step-by-step travel guides made by people who have done it before and know the area well. So today, I have it all here for you, to make your trip to Seville much less overwhelming–
A Detailed Step-by-Step Travel Guide for the Perfect Weekend in Seville
I’ve created a weekend worth of items in a logical flow and order that makes sense. I’ve done all the thinking for you. It’s a busy weekend plan I might add, so if you’re wanting something a bit more relaxing, then feel free to pick and choose what works for you and ignore what doesn’t. This travel guide covers all the best things in Seville that you won’t want to miss during your trip. It’s a travel guide that suits the interests of a variety of people, whether you have a little one along with you or are traveling solo. With that said, some things might have to be adapted to fit your specific needs.
I know that where you start your day all depends upon where your hotel is located. I’ve crafted up a weekend that starts in the center of the city in hopes that your hotel is somewhat close. It’s a Friday night through Sunday evening travel guide. I’ve also crafted one additional day, in case you have a long weekend or another day to spare and want to tack it onto the front or the back of your weekend. This trip was crafted for each specific day stated. If you use it on different days than I have written, make sure to check the opening days and times so you don’t find yourself venturing out somewhere just to get there and sadly find out that it is closed. Follow this travel guide, and you’re bound to have a fabulous time in Seville. Now, let’s get to it!
Day #1 Friday Evening
El Corte Ingles– 6:30
Let’s start the evening off at one of the most famous department stores in all of Spain – El Corte Ingles. There is a little of everything here with five floors to explore through. Grab some new Spanish clothing styles or a few gifts to take home to your family. If shopping isn’t your thing and you just want to relax with a good view, head to the 5th floor. In the gourmet food section, there is an outside patio area with a very inviting atmosphere. Order a drink if you’d like and relax a little before your busy but fun weekend. If you want to drink something local, Seville is famous for their Sangria and their orange wine, but of course any type of cocktail will do the trick.
Pl. del Duque de la Victoria, 8
Plaza del Museo – 7:30
Walk west (towards the river) down Calle San Laureano until you’ve hit Plaza del Museo on your left. It’s a beautiful little square that isn’t even slightly touristy. Once you’ve hit this gorgeous plaza, sit down and relax a bit on a bench under one of the giant trees.
Créeme Ice Cream – 7:45
Right across from Plaza de Museo is one of my favorite ice cream shops, Créeme. Créeme in Spanish means, “Trust Me,” and you can definitely trust this ice cream shop. They make some of the best ice cream in all of Seville, and they are open everyday until midnight. Every flavor is freshly made with the best ingredients around. Enjoy your ice cream at Plaza del Museo or while you continue to walk west towards the river.
Plaza del Museo, 2
Rio Guadalquivir – 8:15
Now for one of the most iconic landmarks that makes Seville so special – The Rio Guadalquivir. Keep heading down Calle San Laureano walking west until you reach the river. Go see the beauty of this famous river in the evening. Don't wander too far. Spend about 20 minutes or so and then be on your way to dinner.
Dinner – La Chala– 9:00
By now I am guessing that you are probably starving for some real food. So, let’s visit one of my favorite restaurants in Seville – La Chala. Head back east where you came from, back down Calle San Laureano, and it will be on your left. They open at 9 PM, which is the typical Spanish dinnertime. I’d get there by 8:45. This place is damn good. Modern, creative, delicious, and fun, this place won’t leave you wanting more. I’d recommend ordering one of their burgers, tapa style. Relax, order a drink, and take in the culture of Seville.
Plaza Puerta Real, 6
Day #2 Saturday
Breakfast – Bar El Comerico – 8:00 or Later
Start the day off with a traditional Spanish breakfast – Churros y Chocolate, at Bar El Comerico. It’s the best place for churros and chocolate in Seville in my opinion. They open at 8 AM. Get a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice with your churros, and maybe a tomato and olive oil toast to add some savory flavors to all the sweetness. But, definitely skip the coffee here. The good coffee is coming later.
(If you’re visiting in July or August then eat breakfast right at 8 AM so you can get in line for the cathedral tickets afterwards at 9:30.)
Calle Lineros, 9
Plaza del Salvador – 9:00
Take a walk around this beautiful plaza. It’s a gorgeous spot of Seville that’s full of charm. This is a great shopping area so take some time to shop around and explore this plaza as well as some of the surrounding streets. Saturday morning is my favorite time to shop in Seville. Everything is open and there is a lot of energy and excitement in the air.
(If you’re visiting in July or August, then skip this step.)
El Divino Salvador Church- 11:00
After you’re done eating, head to El Divino Salvador. This is the second largest church in Seville, and I think the outside of it is particularly gorgeous. Get there 15 minutes before they open and get in line. Seeing this church is nice, but the real reason that you’re here is to buy tickets for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathedral, the Catedral de Sevilla. If you buy the tickets to the Vatedral de Sevilla here instead of actually at the cathedral, you get to skip the horrendously long lines and see El Divino Salvador as well. It’s a double win. Make sure to specify that you want to purchase the combined ticket to see both churches. Once you get your ticket, head on in and take a look.
(If you get there really early and have some time to spare, go around the corner to Ofelia Bakery for a delicious coffee pick-me-up. They open at 9:30 on Saturday.)
(If you’re visiting in July or August then get in line by 9:15. It opens at 9:30. Take a look at this church and then head straight to the cathedral if seeing it for a longer amount of time is your priority. If shopping and seeing Plaza del Salvador are your priorities, then do some of that before you head to the cathedral.)
July & August- Opens at 9:30 AM; All the Other Months - Opens at 11:00 AM
El Divino Salvador – Plaza del Salvador, 3
Ofelia Bakery – Calle Huelva, 5
Walk to the Cathedral– 11:30
To get to the Catedral de Sevilla, walk directly south for 6-minutes down Calle Alvarez Quintero. I would walk directly there instead of stopping along the way to make sure that you see as much as you can of the cathedral.
Catedral de Sevilla – 11:40
If you don’t do anything else when you’re in Seville, make sure you at least see the Catedral de Sevilla - especially the outside. It is stunning and has a rich history representative of the historical contention between two of the three main religions of the area – Islam and Christianity. A must see for sure. And make sure to climb up to the top of the giralda. It’s a long hike up a steep ramp, but the view of Seville makes it worth it. Since you have your tickets already from El Divino Salvador, go ahead and skip the line at the cathedral. You can walk right in. Yay! Ask an employee for help on where to go if needed.
Av. De la Constitución, s/n
Lunch – Ovejas Negras – 1:00 PM or Later
This delicious lunch place opens at 1:00 PM, and it’s smart to get there right when it opens to avoid the initial crowd. Their food is delicious but often times can be crowded because of its popularity rising among tourists and food bloggers. But I’d say that it’s still worth the wait. Plus, it’s very close to the cathedral which is convenient. They close lunch at 4:30, so if you get there later than 1:00, no worries. You might just have to wait a bit to get a table.
(If an hour+ isn’t enough time for you at the cathedral, then stay a little longer and go to lunch late. You’ll most likely have to wait for a table at Ovejas Negras. Then, take some time away from the Alcázar visit and add it to the cathedral and lunch time allotments. I do recommend staying longer at the Alcázar than at the cathedral, however. I think it is more entertaining and there is more to see.)
Calle Hernando Colón, 8
The Royal Alcázar of Seville – 2:30
The Royal Alzázar of Seville is one of my favorite places to go in this city. There is so much to see both indoors and outdoors. The gardens are my absolute favorite part about the whole experience. There is even a hydraulic organ that plays throughout the day! Such a peaceful place to walk around and so much space. Plan to spend 3 hours there to see it all. Make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time online to avoid standing in a long line and having extra charges. It closes at 5:00 PM, but often times you can stay and roam for a bit longer in the gardens and they don’t seem to mind.
Patio de Banderas, s/n
Barrio de Santa Cruz – 6:00
After you’re done at the Alcazar, head towards Barrio de Santa Cruz. It’s just right around the corner from the Alcázar. This is the old Jewish quarter of Seville and contains so much rich history, some that is unfortunately often repressed. The streets are narrower than other parts of the city. It is full of so much charm with orange trees lining the streets and uneven cobblestone paths. Each street seems cuter than the next. Santa Cruz is very Instagrammable. Sit down at one of the many restaurants for sangria or a famous glass of orange wine. You’ll most likely be serenaded by a Spanish guitar player or entertained by a Flamenco dancer. Afterwards, wander around and do some shopping. There are a lot of hotels in this area which makes it more touristy than other areas of Seville. Despite the tourists, Santa Cruz is a must see. At about 7:45, start making your way to your next destination. It is a 9-minute walk west, but leave a little early to allow yourself more travel time.
Dinner – Bartolomea – 8:30
Hopefully you’re hungry because some amazing Spanish food is coming your way. This is the sister restaurant to the more famous, La Brunilda. While being almost identical in food quality and menu selections, Bartolomea is almost never as crowded, for now at least. If I was forced to say my favorite restaurant in Seville, I would have to say Bartolomea. They open at 8:30. It is imperative that you get there by 8:15 to guarantee yourself a table. Get excited! Their food is finger licking good.
Calle Pastor y Landero, 10
Temporarily Closed
Rio Guadalquivir Stroll – 10:00
Bartolomea isn’t too far from the River Guadalquivir. After you’ve finished your meal, head towards the river for a nice evening stroll. Enjoy the city lights of Triana from across the river and have fun walking among the locals. It’s a gorgeous area of Seville.
Puro & Bio OR Giolatto Ice Cream – 10:30
There are two ice cream shops that are right by the river near this area that made my list of the best ice cream in Seville – Puro & Bio and Giolatto. It’s hard to say which one is better because they are both excellent. Pick one, or if you’re feeling crazy, try both! I give you my permission. You’re on vacation after all! Puro & Bio closes at 1:00 AM and Giolatto closes at 1:30 AM.
Puro & Bio – Local 2, Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 9
Giolatto – Calle Reyes Católicos, 23
Bribón – 11:00
If you want to wind the night down with a drink in a beautiful location, check out Bribón. It is just north of Puro & Bio, along the river. The reviews aren’t fabulous online about the food, so I’d stick with just ordering drinks. It might not be the cheapest place for a drink in Seville, but the location can’t be beat, especially if you’re already in the area. And, it’s open late. It is also a great place to meet other young travelers as well as socialize with young locals. Have fun and enjoy the nightlife of Seville!
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 6
Day #3 Sunday
Breakfast – Bar Alfalfa – 9:00
Start your day off at Bar de Alfalfa for a typical Spanish breakfast experience among the locals. Their food is simple and traditional but really delicious. I’d recommend ordering toast with tomato and olive oil, a café con leche, and an orange juice. Simple but great. And very Spanish. They open at 9 AM.
Calle Candilejo, 1
Plaza de la Alfalfa – 9:30
This is one of my favorite areas of Seville. My little family has spent a lot of time in this square. If you’re traveling with kids, there is a cute playground right diagonal from Bar Alfalfa that Jimmy loved. He called it, “The Shapes Park.” There is often something going on in this square. Take a quick look around and do some people watching.
Start Your Walk Toward Torch Coffee – 10:00
It is a 20-minute walk south to your next destination. I’d say walk it if you are able to. It’s a flat, entertaining walk, with a lot to see along the way. Seville is one of the most pedestrian friendly cities. The best way to really dive in and experience it is by walking. During your walk, enjoy yourself, and immerse yourself in the Spanish culture. Your best bet is to ask for directions or use a map to get yourself to the Catedral de Sevilla (if you don’t have GPS on your phone). Then, head north down the main road, Av. de la Constitucion. As you’re walking along this road, the cathedral will be on your left. When you get down to Puerta de Jerez, take a right towards the river, going west. Once you get to the river, you’re practically there. You’re headed to Torch Coffee, which is right next door to Mcdonald’s, aligning the river and right across from the bridge. If you’re unable to walk long distances, then catch a taxi.
Torch Coffee is Temporarily Closed.
Stop at Sabor a España – 10:15
While you are walking down Av. De la Constitucion, make sure to stop at Sabor a España, a traditional Spanish candy store. They have nougats, toffees, brittles, many different options. They always have lots of samples available to try. Taste some unique and traditional Spanish recipes, all homemade. Often times with the locals, these candies are bought and enjoyed during Christmas time. Buy some to take home for family and friends. They are delicious.
Av. de la Constitución, 16
Sabor a España is Temporarily Closed.
Torch Coffee – 11:00
I know it was a long walk to get here, but trust me, this coffee place is worth a visit. This is my favorite coffee shop in all of Seville, and it is right across the street from Torre del Oro, your next destination. Torch Coffee is super touristy and everybody is speaking English. Usually this is a red flag for me to stay away, but I overlooked it because of their company mission that I admire and appreciate. And, their coffee is the best in town. Head on in for a café con leche, a mocha, or maybe even a fruit smoothie. They also have some baked goods and other food items on their menu.
Ave. Paseo de las Delicias, 3
Temporarily Closed
Torre del Oro – 11:30
The Torre del Oro is a very famous landmark of Seville and is definitely one to check out during your time here. Take some pictures on the outside of this military structure built to protect Seville from invadors, and then head on inside to see the museum and shop at the gift shop. Then, head up the stairs to the top of the tower for a great view of Seville and the Rio Guadalquivir.
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n
Temporarily Closed
Lunch – Petit Comité Seville – 1:00
This place is beautiful, modern, and quaint on the inside. The food is a bit fancy and their plating is spot on. If you’re into wine, they have an excellent wine selection and will gladly help you pick a wine to go with your food as well as offer you some samples until you find one that you love. As always, make sure to arrive 5-10 minutes before they open to guarantee a spot. Restaurants get crowded for lunch, as it is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Calle Dos de Mayo, 30
Walk to Plaza de España – 3:00
Head back to the river and walk down the road going south. When you get to Torch Coffee turn left. Start walking southeast towards the roundabout with the stunning statue and fountain in the middle of it. This is a fun area of Seville. If you look around, you might see a flamenco dancer performing on the side of the road for tips or a musician of some sort. Keep walking south towards Plaza de España. It will take you about 20 minutes to get there. Again, there are taxis everywhere in this area so if walking long distances isn’t for you, hop in a taxi.
Plaza de España – 3:30
You’ve made it to one of the most popular places to visit when in Seville. In April, Plaza de España is full of locals dressed in exquisite Flamenco clothes, heading to the grandest party of the year, The Feria de Abril. You’ll want your camera out and ready here. Plaza de España is such a pictureworthy spot. It’s absolutely stunning with the giant fountain in the middle, the moat around the semi-circle, the bridges, and the unique Spanish architecture of the building. Often times you’ll see brides being photographed in their wedding dress or young kids proudly posing for the camera after their first communion. You’ll for sure see a few tourists taking awkward selfies, which is always my favorite to observe for a good laugh. If you want, stand in line to row the boats around the water that lines the plaza. They are harder to row than they look, but it’s fun to do once when visiting Seville.
Av. de Isabel la Católica
Parque de María Luisa – 5:30
Parque de María Luisa is the largest park in Seville with beautiful landscaping and many things to see and do. You have about 2 hours to spend here. You can rent bikes from Cyclotour or take it by foot, whatever you prefer. Enjoy the orange tree lined streets and the ponds with fountains. I love exploring through the park and sitting and relaxing on the park benches. If you have kids with you, there are several playgrounds throughout the park that they would love. If you want, head all the way to the south end of the park and go and see Plaza de America otherwise known as, “The Pigeon Park.” You can buy a bag of food for the pigeons, and they will eat right out of your hand.
Taxi up North – 7:30
Once you’ve had your fill of the park, leave this area and catch yourself a taxi on the main road. Ask your taxi driver to take you north to the restaurant, Sal Gorda. You can tell your taxi driver that it is near the church, El Divino Salvador. Walking to Sal Gorda from Plaza de España will take you 22 minutes, so if you’re on the very south end of the park, it would take you much longer. I’d recommend taking a taxi.
Dinner- Sal Gorda – 8:00
Sal Gorda is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Seville. It is delicious, high-quality food, that is very reasonably priced. Their dishes are a great mix of traditional Spanish cuisine with some fun creativity. Ask about their daily specials. It opens at 8:00 PM for dinner. I’d recommend getting there right at 8:00 or 10-15 minutes before. There aren’t that many tables, so once they fill up, you’d have to wait until 9:00 or 9:30 to snag another one.
Calle Alcaicería de la Loza
Roaming – 9:00
After you’re done eating, take this time to roam around a bit and explore this beautiful and fun part of Seville. Go west down Calle Alcaicería de la Loza and then eventually head north up Calle Sierpes. A lot of shops will be closed this time of day, especially on Sunday, but it is still fun to walk the streets and see Seville. It is about a 6-minute walk straight there, but instead of hurrying, take your time, and enjoy the city.
La Campana – 9:30
This is a famous and very traditional Spanish bakery that sells old-fashioned Spanish desserts and pastries. La Campana is on my list of the best pastry and dessert shops in Seville. They are open until midnight, so go in and snag yourself a sweet treat to enjoy then, or get it to go to enjoy later.
Calle Sierpes, 1
Las Setas De Sevilla – 9:45
Head east down the street a bit from La Campana towards the Metropol Parasol, also known as, Las Setas. “Setas,” means mushrooms in Spanish. It got this name from the design of the building because the tops resemble mushrooms. Las Setas is a short 5-minute walk from La Campana. Go up the escalator and view the grand wooden structure from different angles. There is also a fantastic playground up there for your little one to play at if it isn’t too dark by then.
Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n
Rayas – 10:15
If you’re still in the mood for a sweet treat late at night, try out the famous Rayas ice cream shop just a 2-minute walk east of Las Setas. Their ice cream made my list of the best ice cream in Seville. If you’re sweet tooth has been fulfilled from the earlier bakery stop at La Campana, then skip Rayas and keep going with the travel guide. Rayas closes at 11 PM.
Calle Almte. Apodaca
El Rinconcillo – 11:00
If you’re up for a late night since it’s your last day in Seville, go check out El Rinconcillo. El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar, thus making it a very popular stop for people visiting this city. It will most likely be packed with tourists, but I would still recommend going and taking a peek. They close at 1:30 AM.
Calle Gerona, 40
Day #4 Optional
Breakfast – Café Otto – 8:00 or Later
This is my all time favorite breakfast place in Seville, but the location is a little far away from most touristy destinations. It is pretty far north, but if you have an extra day, it would definitely be worth checking out. Their coffee is really good and the service here is excellent. They open at 8:00 AM and are closed on Thursdays.
Plaza Monte Sión, 8
Alameda de Hércules – 10:00
Since you’re already in this area, go ahead and check out Alameda de Hercules. It is less than a 5-minute walk from Café Otto and is a popular place to hangout in Seville. It is more popular in the evenings for a drink, but it is still fun during the day as well. There are two playgrounds here and lots of space to run around if you are traveling with kids.
Alameda de Hércules, 33
Convent Treats From Nuns – 11:30
If you want a really memorable experience of buying treats made from scratch by Catholic nuns, go visit one of the local convents. When I first moved to Seville, I was so curious about the convents and visited every convent within the city center. They are all slightly different and sell different things. Santa Ana and Santa Clemente are both within walking distance of Alameda de Hércules. Santa Ana is open from 10-1 and Santa Clemente is open from 10-12:45, both on varying days. Convent treats aren’t necessarily the best tasting treats you’ll ever eat, but the experience is one of a kind – one that you’ll be telling everyone about when you return home. All of the treats are packaged nicely and neatly for take-away.
Santa Ana – Sta. Ana, 34B
Santa Clemente – Calle Reposo, 9
Walk – 12:30
Start your way south towards the center of town. It is about a 15-20 minute walk to your next destination from the two convents. I would recommend walking it and seeing a different part of Seville. If you want to take a taxi, you will be more likely to find one near Alameda de Herculés. If you get lost, ask someone where Plaza Nueva is. That’s a popular place that people are familiar with and your next stop is near that. Keep walking south and ask for directions along the way.
Ambrosius – 1:00
Maybe you’re stuffed by now, (for me vacations are focused on the food!) but if you still have a little room left for some incredible dessert, take the short walk to one of the best dessert shops in Seville – Ambrosius. This pastry chef is very talented here - he really is one of a kind. His cakes are beautiful and so delicious, and you can buy them by the slice. You can only take it to-go because there are no seating options available. Don’t forget to ask for a fork. Closed Sunday.
Calle Carlos Cañal, 10
Lunch – Plaza Nueva Bar & Tapas – 1:30
If you can muster some self-control, wait on eating your cake, and get some lunch first. You can’t leave Seville without trying a traditional montadito sandwich. The best kinds and the most popular in Seville are the pringa, the jamón y queso, and the serranito de cerdo. My favorite place to get these little sandwiches is at Plaza Nueva Bar & Tapas. The setting is very quaint, and it’s mostly locals that dine here. Order an ice-cold beer and a couple of sandwiches per person. They are small. They come with fresh green olives and freshly made potato chips. All of these flavors enjoyed together are a match made in foodie heaven.
Plaza Nueva, 11
Plaza Nueva – 2:30
After you’re done eating, walk further into Plaza Nueva and find yourself a bench to sit on. Grab that cake slice from Ambrosius that you’ve been saving, and dive in. If you’re lucky, you might have hit a festival or a street fair taking place in this plaza. There is often something going on here. If not, it is still a great place to be with the giant trees lining the plaza.
Calle Barcelona
Roam and Shop – 3:00
Do a little exploring in this area. One of my favorite pair of earrings that I bought when I lived in Seville was from a little shop near here. Sadly, I don’t remember the name of the shop, but you can find some cute stores around here that are definitely worth a look. Get lost in the streets, talk to some locals, and enjoy the beauty of Seville. Luckily, a lot of the shops start to open up again around this time after lunch for a couple more hours, so you’ll have some great shopping options.
Dinner – Lobo Lopez – 6:00
For your last meal in Seville, go to Lobo Lopez. I know I’ve said it before, but this place is one of my favorite restaurants to visit in Seville. This place is unusual in the fact that they are open all day without closing, making it so you can dine for dinner whatever time you please. That’s not typical in Seville. This place is classy and modern on the inside. I love the decorations and art murals on the walls. It’s a restaurant you’ll definitely wish you could go back again and again to because there is so much on the menu that you’ll want to try. Order the tempura vegetables. (You’re welcome.)
Calle Rosario, 15
Flamenco Show – 7:30 or 9:30
When you’re in Seville, you’re in the heart of Flamenco dancing. Some people say it originated here, but it continues to be a huge debate. Sadly, during my four months living in Seville, I never made it to a show. Something always came up when we were planning on going, and it never ended up working out. It’s one of my biggest regrets during my time there. But I have heard from friends of where to watch good Flamenco in Seville. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is a 10-minute walk south of Lobo Lopez and will definitely make for a special and entertaining evening. They have shows at 7:30 and 9:30 daily. It is best to buy tickets ahead of time online. Tickets are $39 for a show and drink, and more expensive you if you choose the tapa or entrée options. I’d stick with only the show and drink as I think there are better options for food.
Calle Rodo, 7
Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is temporarily closed.
I hope you enjoyed this travel guide and that it makes your trip planning a bit simpler. After your weekend in Seville is finished, I know that you will fall in love with this city just like I have. It really is a special place with incredibly passionate, bold, and loving people. Leave me a comment below if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help!