If you made a Spotify playlist about Spain, Seville would be that flamenco song you keep singing repeatedly in your head. They were the ones that created the famous tapas and the flamenco dance and built palaces that even Game of Thrones shot a few episodes there. Seville could be a lot and if you’re planning a 7 day trip, you made the right choice. A good 7 day Seville itinerary could show you everything in and around Seville.
Check this article out, too: Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain: Enjoy the Experience
It’s the sunniest city in Europe, so you can’t also really do this at the wrong time (well, you can, but more on that later). The beautiful Andalusian city is perfect for a week-long trip for many reasons. You’ll see stunning architecture, taste delicious tapas, and enjoy passionate flamenco. I’ll cover as much as I can in this example 7 day Seville itinerary and take you to the city’s top spots and hidden gems. You’ll be a real tourist and see the Real Alcazar and act like a tourist, eating at a very small and friendly Spanish diner. You’ll also discover the best things to do in Seville.
But take this 7 day Seville itinerary as a template for you. Don’t be afraid to change things around, remove or add stuff. I have many other articles about Seville (including a 3-day and 5-day itinerary), so read them to get the best picture.
What to Expect in Seville in 7 Days
So, Seville can be good for less than 7 days, but 7 days is the perfect spot. You don’t need to rush through anything, and you can see everything in a slow place, just like how Spanish people live. Expect mornings that start with strong coffee and tostada con tomate and evenings that stretch late into the night with tapas, tinto de verano, and live flamenco echoing down the alleyways. This city wakes up slowly and stays up late. You can use your 7 days in a good 7 day Seville itinerary perfectly just because of that.
In your 7 days, my goal will be to make you feel like a local. Late-night siestas, mid-day tapas snack breaks, a lot of wine, and many more. Weather-wise, if you’re here anytime from May to September, prepare to melt a little; it can get quite hot (check out my Best Time to Visit Seville article for a detailed explanation). Pack breathable clothes, always have a full water bottle, and lean into the Spanish art of the siesta. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, it’s the best time. Mild temps, fewer crowds, and overall an affordable experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Seville and Settle In
The first day is the day you arrive in Seville. Hopefully, you will arrive before or at noon to have time to check in, shower, and rest. Don’t do much today; rest well and see the city briefly. It’s the perfect time to go out towards the evening, walk around the area you are staying, get some wine at a small bar, get tapas, and enjoy the nightlife a little. Kind of like a Seville on a budget day, hopping from cobblestone streets to tapas bars.
Join a Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
If you think you will have enough time (and you won’t be flying in outside of Europe), I suggest booking a tapas tour (with walking) for this evening. You can easily dive into the tapas scene of Seville with this while learning a little about history. It’s great stuff right before you dive into the historical heritage of Seville the next day. These tours give you a local view of top tapas bars and share an interesting history. You’ll enjoy tasty small plates and local wines.
Day 2: Seville’s Royal Heritage
Today is for the big stuff: Seville’s royal past, royal palaces, giant cathedrals, and stunning plazas. You’ll dive into the city’s Moorish and Catholic past with Seville’s most iconic landmarks. Towards the end, just when you think your camera roll can’t take any more beauty, you’ll wrap up the day in the stunning Parque María Luisa and the picture-perfect Plaza de España. It’s the kind of day that you travel for.
Stunning Real Alcázar
The first stop after your breakfast is the Real Alcázar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the official home of Spain’s royal family when they’re in Seville. It’s a 1,000-year-old palace that hosted Moors, Gothic families, and many other cultures. It also hosted the Game of Thrones set years ago (you can check out the exact places they filmed it). You see all these cultures and religions in this palace when you are walking around. Book your tickets beforehand, though. Lines are always long and take hours to get in.
Seville’s Majestic Cathedral
Next up is Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The Cathedral is 5 minutes’ walk down the Real Alcazar. On top of many other things, this Cathedral is also home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Step inside and feel absolutely tiny in the best way. Don’t just stick to the main floor, though. It has a Tower, Giralda Tower, that you can climb. It’s a ramp, not stairs (thank the Moors for that genius move), and the view from the top is 100% worth the effort. Pro tip: go late in the morning when the light is perfect for pictures and the view.
Stroll Through Parque María Luisa and Plaza de España
Both architectural marvels will take 80% of your day, so by the time you leave the Cathedral, it will be later in the afternoon. That’s why, as the sun sets, a walk through Parque María Luisa will be the perfect ending to your first full day. This park is full of fountains, pavilions, and exotic plants. It’s a great place to relax after seeing sights all day. Then make your way to Plaza de España, which is basically Seville showing off. Rent a rowboat if you feel like it, or just walk around the semi-circle and admire the ceramic tile alcoves.
Day 3: Delve into Seville’s Vibrant Culture
We finished the most important sights, the big stuff, palaces, and the cathedrals. Now, it’s time for my favorite side of a travel itinerary. The cultural side of a city. We’re talking flamenco, local artisans, and the kind of energy that makes you want to dance in the street. It’s not easy, though. I’ll try to refrain from giving specific names of restaurants, bars, or anything similar. My goal is to give you the concepts and ideas. You can pick the best one for you.
Start your day early and hit the Plaza Nueva. You can see the city hall and take a photo of King Fernando III’s statue. Your ticket to the Seville Cathedral also lets you into Salvador Church, so use that!
After seeing the Salvador Church, you can now start the actual fun part. It’s time to dive into Seville’s food scene. You can take a wine tour or take the tapas tour here that I suggested on day one. Visit Alfalfa, a lively area filled with tapas bars and restaurants. Enjoy authentic Andalusian dishes as you wander, meet locals, and enjoy the atmosphere. And finish off your day with a Flamenco performance at a nearby bar in the city (more on that below).
Discover the Passion of Flamenco
Flamenco is a cultural dance style that belongs to Seville, or mostly Andalusia. Flamenco is a really intense, raw, and fiery dance style that shakes the floor during a live show. Seville people still love this dance style and keep it alive. You can experience it across Seville, but try to stay away from touristic areas.
Book a seat at a small, intimate tablao like Casa de la Memoria or La Casa del Flamenco. These venues keep it real and authentic. No microphones, no fancy frills, just talent. If you want to learn more about flamenco, there is a famous Flamenco Museum to learn about its history and evolution.
Day 4: Day Trip From Seville: Cordoba
Seville is the capital of Andalusia. Andalusia has stunning towns, cities, and regions that you must visit. Taking Seville as your base, your fourth day (or one of the days) will be taking a day trip from Seville. There are many options. Check out my Day Trips from Seville article to see all the available options. For this, I picked Cordoba. It’s a popular city and only a 45-minute train ride from Seville.
In Cordoba, you’ll walk through cobbled streets that once hosted Roman legions, Moorish caliphs, and Catholic kings. Your number one visit place will be the iconic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. This architectural beauty dates back over 1,000 years. Also, see the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a royal castle with a fascinating history.
Lastly, go to the tapas bars and restaurants at Plaza de las Tendillas, aka Cordoba’s heart. It is a great place to get some local drinks and food in for lunch. It’s an essential part of a Seville travel itinerary, and you can also pick a beach destination!
Day 5: Seville’s Hidden Gems
As I mentioned in the beginning, when I am visiting a city, I focus on the local stuff, hidden gems, those alleys you get lost in, and many other things. Day 5 will be about that. Slowing down, walking around, going to less-visited places, and exploring that hidden side of Seville. Seville’s hidden gems.
Visit the Basilica of the Macarena
This one flies under the radar for a lot of tourists, but locals know that the Basilica de la Macarena is a big deal. It’s home to La Macarena, the most revered Virgin Mary statue in Seville, especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week), when she’s paraded through the streets like an actual queen. If you are visiting around Holy Week, make sure to make time for the event and go here. The basilica itself is beautiful, golden, and totally worth a peek. But even if you’re not religious, the artistry and passion behind it all are captivating. And while you’re in the area, take a walk through the Macarena neighborhood, it’s authentic, lively, and has some great tapas restaurants.
In the evening, visit Las Setas Seville, the world’s largest wooden structure. Known as “The Mushrooms,” it has incredible views over the city. Take the elevator to the top and watch the sunset over Seville’s rooftops. Also, make room to visit Alameda and have lunch there. It’s trendy, with cool cafes and a local vibe.
Day 6: Escape to the Beach
One thing that I don’t like about Seville is that it doesn’t have a sea. You have to travel to a nearby town or city for that. This is not a problem; Malaga is only a 2-hour train ride, the same as Cadiz. That’s why, before your last day, it’s time for another day trip from Seville. This time, to the beach. It’s time for a change, right? Start your day with breakfast in Seville before catching a train to the coast. You can get your ticket either in advance or at the train station. I suggest getting them online because, in high season, it may be hard to find a seat, and prices may go up. By midday, you’ll be enjoying the sun and the sound of waves. Málaga and Cádiz are perfect escapes from Seville’s busy streets any time of year.
Málaga, where Pablo Picasso was born, is a vibrant mix of history and beaches. Walk the Paseo del Parque, see the Moorish Alcazaba, or relax on Playa de La Malagueta. On the other hand, Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities. It’s also less crowded. It has beautiful plazas, history, and a relaxed vibe. Playa de la Caleta, between two fortresses, is perfect for beach lovers and history fans. Take this last day really slow. Enjoy your time at the beach, get some Mediterranean food at a beachside restaurant, and drink wine. Water is also nice since it’s the sea, not the ocean. Easy to swim in (not cold!).
Day 7: Immerse Yourself in Triana’s Charm
This is your last day. I suggest winding down, resting, and really taking Seville’s culture in. One of the best places to do that is the Triana neighborhood across the river. This area is known for its unique vibe and local charm. It stands out among other Seville neighborhoods. It’s a mostly touristic area, but the vibes are still there, especially those hidden streets and stores most tourists miss. In this neighborhood, there are artisan workshops. Great place to see Seville’s side where you can participate in the pottery workshop. They make great souvenirs, too. You can either buy some at the stores or bring the one you make at the workshops!
The Perfect 7 Day Seville Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
I gave you a rough idea of how you can shape your 7 days in Seville in a 7 day Seville itinerary, but I think some tips and tricks will also go a long way. Essentially, you’ll use this 7 day Seville itinerary as a template. So, knowing the right tricks, you can create something that fits you better.
Beat the Heat with Strategic Sightseeing
This is applicable only if you are visiting in the hot months, especially between June and August. It can get extremely hot, and it can be very bad for you if you are not used to it. That’s why it’s important to plan accordingly and create a strategic sightseeing route if you visit in the summer. Spend your day visiting those royal palaces in the city. They are 5 minutes from each other, and you can always stop for a cold drink or ice cream. Spend your early mornings and late evenings for walks, seeing the city, and exploring those hidden paths. Keep the day for indoor stuff.
Traveling at the Right Time
I can’t emphasize this enough: you must visit Seville at the best time possible. Generally, the shoulder seasons are great for that. Fall and spring. Summer is too hot; winter can be a little annoying with very little on-and-off rain (but overall, it is still great. The crowds are also not there, so you can visit places without too much waiting.
Accommodation
Apart from the general tips, there is not much to look out for regarding the accommodation. Keep to downtown Seville. You can still go around the city even if you’re farther out, but staying close is better. You can find hostels, Airbnbs, hotels, and even boutique places if you want a private area, all while keeping to your budget.
Conclusion
Creating a good 7 day Seville itinerary isn’t easy. There is just too much stuff you can possibly do. The key, though, is to narrow down your days. Focus on one thing and do that. I tried to create this 7 day Seville itinerary with that in mind, like the 3 and 5-day Seville itinerary I created. There are some stuff you can’t miss, though, like the Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral.
Take a day trip from Seville, go on tapas tours, do a siesta with wine during the day, and explore Seville’s culture, not just the museums. Walk around, get lost, and grab a cute souvenir from the workshops at Triana.
FAQ
How long should I spend in Seville?
Spending 7 days in Seville is ideal. You can see the city’s highlights, dive into its culture, and take a couple of day trips. This time frame lets you visit famous landmarks, find hidden spots, and enjoy Seville’s lively vibe without feeling rushed.
What are the must-see attractions in Seville?
Don’t miss the Real Alcázar palace and the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Also, visit Plaza de España, the Flamenco Museum, and Las Setas, the world’s largest wooden structure. These sights are a must-see.
What day trips can I take from Seville?
Cordoba and the beach are great day trips from Seville. Cordoba is a 45-minute train ride away, with sights like the Mosque-Cathedral and Roman ruins. For a beach escape, head to Málaga or Cádiz in summer.
What are some of Seville’s hidden gems?
Explore the Basilica of the Macarena, the Alameda neighborhood, and Calle Betis in Triana for stunning views. Also, check out the Santa Ana Church, one of Seville’s oldest. These spots show the city’s true character.
When is the best time to visit Seville?
Visit Seville from April to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. But be ready for the heat from June to September. Try to see sights early or late to avoid the sun.
What are some good neighborhoods in Seville that you should stay in?
Stay in Barrio Santa Cruz, the historic Jewish quarter, or El Arenal near the bullring. Triana and La Macarena are also great, with their local vibe and lively atmosphere.