Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 hours

The capital of the Spanish region of Andalusia, the last Islamic stronghold of the Iberian Peninsula, Seville stands as a perfect blend of the two cultures that continue to shape everyday life in southern Spain. The profound Islamic influence is evident not only in Seville’s historic architecture but also in its language, ethnic traits, art and even in the traditional cuisine. And yet, despite this rich heritage (or perhaps because of it), few regions in Spain express their Spanish identity as proudly as Andalusia – and by extension Seville – as this is the birthplace of flamenco, bullfighting and tapas!

Wandering through the narrow streets of the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, exploring the monumental Seville Cathedral and visiting the likes of the Royal Alcazar, the Parque Maria Luisa or the iconic Plaza de España, there is plenty to keep you entertained for a weekend getaway (or longer, if you wish to explore the region further). In a sort-of unofficial anthem of the city, Los Del Río (the same duo behind the global hit “Macarena”) famously sang that “Sevilla tiene un color especial”. It’s time to find out why.

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Seville 2-day travel guide and discover the best the city has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Seville in 2 days.

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Seville – Flights from Ireland

Although Seville is the biggest and most important city in Andalusia, the region’s biggest airport is located in Malaga, about 200km down south. Nonetheless, you can still fly into Seville through Spain’s 6^th busiest air hub: the Seville Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from Ireland, it is possible to fly directly to Seville from Dublin (Aer Lingus e Ryanair) and Cork (Ryanair).

How many days do I need to visit Seville?

Considering just how close and easy-to-access Seville really is, along with the city’s moderate size and pedestrian-friendly historic center, this has got to be one of the very best European destinations for a special weekend getaway. Although you’ll need to keep up the pace, with 2 full days you’ll be able to check out the city’s top tourist attractions, meaning you won’t need to waste away any of your precious paid time off.

On the other hand, if you wish to explore the region of Andalusia any further, you can easily spend two weeks (or even more) visiting its many cities, historic small towns and coastal resorts, checking out popular places such as Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and the Costa del Sol.

Seville 2-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

Unless you’re visiting Seville as part of an Andalusian tour that also includes the beaches along the world-famous Costa del Sol, you’ll want to stay away from the city during the scorching Summer months. Considering just how close to northern Africa Seville is, and without the gentle sea breeze to help cool things down, it’s no surprise that temperatures can easily rise to 40ºC at the height of Summer. That being said, visitors should avoid the months of June, July, August and September for their own physical and mental sake.

As for the rest of the year, any time is good for a quick weekend getaway in Seville. After all, and even through the Winter, Andalusia is known for its pleasant temperatures and dry weather, meaning your chances of catching some rain are quite low. If you’re not wiling to take any risks, though, then you can’t go wrong by visiting during the shoulder-season (March to May; October to December).

Documents needed for your trip to Seville

Since Spain is part of the EU, Irish citizens only need to show a valid ID Card in order to be granted access to the country.

Seville 2-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

Since Spain is part of the Eurozone, just like Ireland, there is no currency exchange, with both nations using the Euro. As such, travelers are able to use the same credit/debit card that they utilize back at home without incurring in any fees. However, keep in mind some local banks or networks (such as the infamous Euronet ATM’s) may charge you a flat fee per withdrawal upon detecting that you’re using a foreign card.

Nevertheless, and so that you can get a tighter grip on your travel budget and things don’t slide out of control, we always recommend using Revolut. Although in Italy you won’t be able to take advantage of the card’s most redeeming quality – to allow you to withdraw foreign currency without any exchange fees – this is still a pretty useful tool.

By using the bank’s online app, you will have immediate access to your balance, as well as all your expenses, allowing you to check in real time whether you’ve been charged any fees for your withdrawals or not. Besides, you may just load your card with the exact daily amount you want to spend on your trip, helping you to avoid overspending and going over your budget. Plus, if you find yourself in a situation where your card got lost or stolen, the only money you stand to lose is amount you had loaded your card with. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Seville 2-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Overall, Spain is an extremely safe travel destination – and Seville is certainly no exception!

Be that as it may, as with any big (or small) city, it’s important to always use common sense and keep your wits about you. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (pickpocketing seems to be a thing around the most popular areas). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Plus, we recommend being especially cautious when ordering in restaurants located in touristy areas. Always make sure to check the price on the menu before ordering, otherwise, you might get an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives!

One final note regarding the famous “tablaos”, the venues where flamenco shows are usually conducted in Seville. If you wish to attend a performance, try to avoid the places located near the city center, as most of these are usually regarded as huge tourist traps.

Where to sleep in Seville – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Seville 2-day travel guide then we got you covered!

Although inflation has definitely taken its toll in Europe, Andalusia is still one of the budget-friendlier destinations across Southern and Western Europe. Still, this is definitely among the most expensive cities in the region, so expect higher prices compared to its fellow neighboring towns! This goes for restaurants and supermarkets, but also for accommodation, although you can still find great deals if you look hard enough.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – La Banda Rooftop Hostel
• € – Hotel Sercotel Doña Carmela
• €€ – Hesperia Sevilla
• €€€ – Cavalta Boutique Hotel GL
• €€€€ – Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airport and the city center

Considered the second biggest airport in Andalusia, the best way to travel between Seville Airport and the city center is by using the “Aeropuerto Express” (AE). This bus service links the airport to the Plaza de Armas, with almost 10 different stops along the way. Officially, the shuttle operates every day between 05h20 and 01h15, and average waiting times range between 15 to 30 minutes. You can board the bus when exiting the arrivals’ hall and the service will drop you off in the city center in about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets cost €5,00 and can be purchased directly from the driver or from the automatic machines inside the terminal building.

As an alternative to the bus, you may always rely on the good, old taxi! Official cabs charge fixed prices for trips between the airport and the city center, which may vary according to the time of day and the day of the week (the fare is more expensive at night and on weekends/holidays). The cheapest fare is currently capped at €25,00 one-way. If you prefer to use a ride-sharing app (like Uber or Cabify), the lowest price hovers at around €15,00, though it can easily go all the way up to €30,00 for evening rides or during very congested traffic times.

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Although Seville’s historic core is relatively compact and extremely pedestrian-friendly, the fourth biggest city in Spain boasts a diverse and efficient public transportation network, composed of the metro, the tram and countless bus routes. Curiously, and unlike most of our destination guides, the metro isn’t the most useful public transport among tourists, as it is mostly used by locals coming from the outskirts east and west of the downtown area, and coverage within the Old Town is rather limited.

As such, the best option for those visiting Seville would be to use the tram. Although it’s only made up of a single line – called Metro-Centro – with 7 stations, the tram allows you to travel along the whole downtown area. Since we believe this can come in handy, here’s an overview of this particular mode of transportation.

Tram in Seville – Maps and Fares for the Metro-Centro

As previously noted, the Metro-Centro is a single line with only seven stations, all located within the city center and covering a distance of just over 3 km. Despite its small size, the line is very popular among locals and tourists alike, operating daily from 06h00 to 23h30, extending to 02h00 on Friday and Saturday nights. Currently, average waiting times range between 7 and 9 minutes. Plus, although the network is very simple and far from extensive, it is fully integrated in Google Maps (along with the local metro system).

As for tickets, these can be purchased at the ticket machines located in each stop and must be validated before boarding. A single ride costs €1,40 and can be paid in cash or by card. However, there’s an easy way to reduce this cost significantly. To do so, just buy a Tarjeta Multiviaje Tussam for €1,50, which you can then top up with credit. With this card, each individual tram or bus trip (without transfers) costs just €0,98. Still, note that the minimum top-up amount is €7,00, which is non-refundable. Though you can reload the card at any tram stop (in the machines), you’ll need to visit a Tussam office to buy one first. At the end of your visit, you can return the card at these locations to get back the €1,50 deposit for the card.

Finally, if you plan to use the tram frequently, you can use the automatic machines to purchase a “Tarjeta Turista”, which provides unlimited travel on trams and local buses for 1 day (€5,00) or 3 days (€10,00). This card also requires a €1,50 deposit, which is refundable upon return.

Seville 2-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Seville, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Seville, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €8,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Seville:

• Heart of Sevilla
• Free Walking Tour Sevilla
• Best of Sevilla Tour

Seville 2-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

While it may be tight, with 2 full days in Seville you’ll have just enough time to cover the city’s main highlights. Still, if you’re keen on making some quick detours, it’s still possible to at least check out a handful of places that might otherwise fly under the radar.

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Seville in 2 days:

Itálica Archaeological Park: Although technically located in Santiponce, about ten kilometers away from the center of Seville, these ruins remain the lasting legacy of a Roman colony founded over 2000 years ago. Furthermore, Itálica was no ordinary settlement, as it’s famously known as the birthplace of two future emperors: Hadrian and Trajan.

Almohad Hammam: Talk about a special find! Uncovered accidentally during some random renovation work, these historical Moorish baths – dating back to the 12th century – were incorporated into the Giralda Bar. While the bar/tapas house boasts pretty decent reviews, it’s the old and semi-archaeological atmosphere that charms visitors. It honestly feels like you’re enjoying a drink inside a museum.

Lonja del Barranco Market: Often hailed as Seville’s best market, this spot offers an authentic introduction to the city’s renowned tapas culture. A few extra points for its scenic location along the banks of the Alfonso XIII Canal.

Barrio Triana: Often overlooked in favor of the more famous and central Barrio de Santa Cruz, Triana is the true birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting. Less touristy than its counterpart across the canal, picturesque Triana offers a glimpse into a slowly vanishing local side of Seville. While visiting the district, you can explore the Triana Market, wander down the pedestrian Calle San Jacinto, capture a photo at Corral de las Flores and visit the many historic churches and chapels in the area.

Casa de Pilatos: Although there are many historical palaces scattered across the center of Seville, this stands out as one of the finest aristocratic homes in the city. Once the residence of the Governors of Andalusia, this is a great place to admire the blend of Moorish design (tilework and central courtyards) and European Renaissance elements (Roman statues and colonnades) – a style that reflects the complex history of the region!

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

As mentioned above, 2 days isn’t a particularly long period to explore one of Spain’s very best tourist destinations! As such, if you want to make the best of your short experience, you’ll need to plan everything out quite thoroughly. Still, and with a full 48 hours in the Andalusian capital, you can visit the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, stroll along the enchanting streets of the iconic Barrio Santa Cruz, explore the Royal Alcazar, climb to the top of the iconic Las Setas, watch an authentic flamenco show and go on a quick detour to the district of Triana. Demanding, yes, but also extremely rewarding!

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Seville in 2 days:

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – Day 1: Barrio Santa Cruz, the Cathedral and Alcazar

Once you make it to Seville, there’s no better way to get acquainted with the city than by immediately exploring its top attractions! Centered around the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, the most beautiful, touristy and photogenic district in the Andalusian capital, you’ll spend your first day wandering around this picturesque quarter, starting with a must-visit to the huge Seville Cathedral (€12,00). We’re definitely not overreacting, as this is the largest Gothic church in the world! As in many other religious places in Andalusia, this cathedral was also originally built as a mosque during the Moorish era, before being converted into a Christian place of worship during the “Reconquista”. Among its many Islamic features, the former minaret-turned-bell tower of La Giralda definitely stands out. You can even climb it (included with your ticket) for a stunning view of downtown Seville. After exploring the cathedral, you may then lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets and alleys of Barrio Santa Cruz, filled with whitewashed houses and quaint façades. While strolling through this maze-like neighborhood, you’ll come across charming pedestrian squares (such as Plaza de Doña Elvira, Plaza de los Refinadores and Patio de las Banderas), historic churches (like the Church of Santa Maria la Blanca), ancient museums (like the Hospital de los Venerables) and beautiful green spaces (Murillo Gardens). In the area, you may also check out the Almohad Hammam – one of Seville’s best kept secrets! Uncovered accidentally during some random renovation work, these historical Moorish baths – dating back to the 12th century – were incorporated into the Giralda Bar. While the bar/tapas house boasts pretty decent reviews, it’s the old and semi-archaeological atmosphere that charms visitors. It honestly feels like you’re enjoying a drink inside a museum.

In addition to the cathedral, the biggest Sevillian symbol of Santa Cruz is the iconic Royal Alcazar (€14,50), an ancient 10th-century fortress and palace built during the Islamic rule for the Caliphate of Cordoba. Once again, history repeated itself a few centuries later, as the palace was renovated and adapted to fit royal European styles. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful and visually striking spots in Seville… a claim Hollywood executives seem to agree with, as the Alcazar was used as a filming location for shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars”. After you finally leave Barrio Santa Cruz, it’s time to head to the impressive Plaza de España, often considered the heart of Seville’s social life and a central hub for celebrations, parades and protests. If you have the time, you can even rent a rowboat and enjoy a ride along the canal that encircles the plaza. To cap off your day, take a leisurely walk through the scenic Parque Maria Luísa, Seville’s main green space, before watching the sunset along the banks of the Alfonso XIII Canal (a tributary of the Guadalquivir) from the Torre del Oro.

First day wrap-up:

• Seville Cathedral
• La Giralda
• Barrio Santa Cruz
  • Plaza de Doña Elvira
  • Plaza de los Refinadores
  • Patio de las Banderas
  • Church of Santa Maria la Blanca
  • Hospital de los Venerables
  • Murillo Gardens
  • Almohad Hammam (Giralda Bar)
• Royal Alcazar
• Plaza de España
• Parque de Maria Luísa
• Torre del Oro

Where to eat in Seville – Best restaurants in Barrio Santa Cruz and around Parque Maria Luísa

• L’ Orangier Cocina Casera y Tradicional (Spanish traditional)
• Bodega Díaz-Salazar (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• El Librero Tapas Y Quesos (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Cervecería Giralda Bar (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• La Bartola (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Al Wadi (Arab)
• Milonguitas (Argentinian)
• Freiduria La Isla (fried fish and seafood)
• La Paella Sevilla (paella takeaway)
• De Nata Santa Cruz (Portuguese egg custard tarts)

Seville 2-Day Travel Guide – Day 2: Triana, Andalusian Palaces and Las Setas

Even though your time in Seville is short and you’ve already ticked off the city’s main attractions, there’s still plenty to see and do on the final day of your weekend getaway. This time, you’ll start off your morning by crossing the Guadalquivir River and spending the morning in the district of Triana. Often overlooked in favor of the more famous and central Barrio de Santa Cruz, Triana is the true birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting. Less touristy than its counterpart across the canal, picturesque Triana offers a glimpse into a slowly vanishing local side of Seville. While visiting the district, you can explore the Triana Market, wander down the pedestrian Calle San Jacinto, capture a photo at Corral de las Flores and visit the many historic churches and chapels in the area. Be that as it may, and despite Triana’s undeniable charm, the rest of your time will be spent in the city center, where there’s much to discover. For a much-deserved lunch break, stop by the Lonja del Barranco Market on the way. Often hailed as Seville’s best market, this spot offers an authentic introduction to the city’s renowned tapas culture. A few extra points for its scenic location along the banks of the canal.

Afterwards, you’ll wander through the city’s historic core, checking out highlights such as the Seville Town Hall and the Colegial del Divino Salvador Church (€4,00; free if you have a ticket for the Seville Cathedral). A bit further north, we recommend visiting the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija (€12,00), one of the finest among the city’s countless historic mansions. As per usual, this is yet another place where Islamic influences play a major role. Interestingly, in a city celebrated for its historical monuments, it’s rather refreshing that one of the tourist attractions that has garnered more attention among visitors is a modern 2011 project. We’re obviously talking about the super-popular Metropol Parasol, colloquially known as Las Setas (€15,00), a contemporary wooden walkway offering stunning views of the city. As your trip winds down, visit the Casa de Pilatos (€12,00) – another beautiful aristocratic residence – before bidding farewell to Seville at the Flamenco Dance Museum (€10,00 for the permanent exhibition). A dancing style that has become synonymous with the city, this museum pays tribute to its history, significance and artistic elements. However, the reason why we saved this place for last has to do with its 3 daily flamenco shows (17h00, 19h00 and 20h45), lasting 60 minutes each. Although there are many “tablaos” around Seville where you can watch live performances, at least at the museum you are guaranteed an authentic and fairly-priced experience (€25,00 for the show; €29,00 for the museum + show combo). Be sure to book your tickets online to secure a spot.

Second day wrap-up:

• Barrio de Triana
• Lonja del Barranco Market
• Seville Town Hall
• Colegial del Divino Salvador Church
• Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
• Las Setas (Metropol Parasol)
• Casa de Pilatos
• Flamenco Dance Museum

Where to eat in Seville – Best restaurants in Triana and Centro

• El Rinconcillo (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Bar Sal Gorda (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Perro Viejo (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Ovejas Negras (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Bar Típico barra de tapas (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Bar Alfalfa (Spanish traditional – tapas)
• Los Tulipanes (Dutch)
• Freiduría Reina Victoria (fried fish and seafood)
• Pizzeria Da Simona (pizza)
• Mercado Lonja del Barranco (market)

Got more than 2 days in Seville? Then you might want to check out the best day trips from the city:

Granada: Located less than 250 km away from Seville, the city of Granada is home to arguably Andalusia’s most famous attraction (and, alongside the Sagrada Familia, one of Spain’s greatest). We’re obviously talking about the magnificent Alhambra, an extraordinary complex featuring a Moorish palace and fortress, regarded as one of the world’s prime examples of Islamic architecture. Besides this iconic site, make sure to also visit the Mirador San Nicolas, the charming quarter of Albaicín and the beautiful palace of Generalife.

Ronda: A town that is just as stunning as its dramatic location, Ronda is perched atop a steep plateau! To truly take in the scenery and the beautiful views of the landscape, cross the spectacular Puente Nuevo, considered one of the most impressive bridges in the world. Smaller and quieter than many other regional destinations, Ronda offers a more relaxed (yet equally beautiful) experience.

Córdoba: Once the biggest and most spectacular capital in all of Europe, at the height of the Islamic rule over most of the Iberian Peninsula, Córdoba boasts a wealth of monumental architecture as a reminder of its glorious past. At its heart is the iconic Mosque-Cathedral, perhaps the only site in all of Andalusia capable of rivaling the magnitude of Alhambra, in neighboring Granada. While exploring Córdoba, don’t miss the historic Judería (Jewish Quarter), the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Puente Romano.

Caminito del Rey: One of Europe’s most breathtaking hikes. Interestingly, this man-made path was originally carved out of the rugged walls of the Gaitanes Gorge with no intention of catering to tourists, as its purpose was to provide access for workers involved in the construction of the local dam back in the early 20th century. Now, over 100 years later, the place has found new life as a tourist landmark, boasting perfectly safe walkways, viewpoints and trails that offer truly awe-inspiring views of the canyon.

Costa del Sol: While not a specific destination per se, the Costa del Sol is perfect for a beach day out if you’re visiting Seville during the warmer Summer months. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from, as you can explore vibrant cities like Málaga and Cádiz, relax at resort towns such as Benalmádena, Marbella and Estepona, or visit charming villages like Nerja, Antequera, Mijas Pueblo and Jerez de la Frontera.