One Day in Seville: A Magical 24 Hours in Spain’s Hottest City

Sun-soaked plazas, orange-scented air, breathtaking architecture. Seville has a way of pulling you in fast. With just one day in Seville to explore, every turn of the street feels like a discovery, from grand palaces and quiet courtyards to tapas bars you’re unable to resist.

While I would highly recommend more time in this beautiful Andalucian city, you might only be here on a short break. So in this post, I’ll share how to make the most of your time in Seville, including a few must-see sights, where to wander aimlessly, and the mistakes you should avoid.

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Where Is Seville?

Seville is located in southern Spain, in the heart of the Andalucia region. It sits along the Guadalquivir River, about an hour and a half inland from the Mediterranean coast, and is surrounded by sunbaked countryside dotted with olive groves and white villages.

In fact, you’ve probably heard of the White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos, the whitewashed towns in southern Andalucia. Seville is the perfect gateway for exploring more of this stunning region.

As the capital of Andalucia, Seville has soaked up a long history of culture. It blends Moorish, Roman, and Spanish influences into the popular vibrant city it is today.

Seville makes an enjoyable day trip from other Andalucian cities such as Córdoba and Cádiz. It’s also possible to visit from Portugal. A lengthy but borderline justifiable day trip from Algarve towns such as Tavira or Faro.

Top Tips For A Great One Day In Seville

• DON’T TRY TO DO IT ALL – You’ll fail, there’s just too much to do. Identify a couple of activities or attractions you’d like to see, and then spend some time wandering the city and stopping to relax along the way.
• BOOK MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE – The Alcázar is a must. The cathedral is a probably. Either way if you don’t want to be disappointed get online in plenty of time for your trip.
• STOP LITTLE AND OFTEN – Don’t plan a big meal with only one day in Seville. Instead visit a bunch of places and try a couple of tapas dishes at a time. That way you can sample more of what Spain has to offer.
• GET YOUR WALKING SHOES ON – Seville is a walkable city, but some popular spots may be further apart than you expect. Plus you’ll get distracted following winding streets and getting lost. My favorite thing. Either way, you’ll clock more miles than you expect.
• GET GOING EARLY – The summer months get hot in Seville. So it’s best to do your outdoor activities while the day is cooler. Plan an indoor activity for the afternoon, or while away some time at a bar or café.
• SIESTA TIME CAN INTERRUPT YOUR PLANS – Be aware many places, including smaller businesses, will close between 2pm and 5pm for a siesta. This is typically the hottest part of the day. And while major tourist sites and larger businesses will stay open, it can impact your plans. Especially if you only have one day in Seville.

My Top Picks For One Day In Seville

A short visit in no way makes me an expert. However, if you’re going to have limited time in the Andalucian capital I’d love to share my experiences. That includes the good and the bad, the places I made it to and the ones that unfortunately didn’t work out so well.

The best advice I have for planning one day in Seville is to have an idea or two of what you want to see, but leave room for changes or just simply sitting to watch the world go by.

CASA DE PILATOS

Once I realized I wasn’t getting into the Alcázar de Sevilla (keep reading to find out more), I searched out an alternative. Casa de Pilatos fit the bill.

This striking palace turned museum dates back to the 15th Century. And this actually ended up my favorite spot to visit in Seville.

Find solitude in the sanctuary-like gardens of the palace. Filled with flowers of every color and perfectly manicured ornamental trees, this might be one of the most beautiful gardens you’ll see. I fell in love with the magenta colored vine plants snaking gently up and over the side of walls and railings.

Look down, look up and look all around to see intricate colorful tiles. Some hidden in paths, others lining the walls. Just off the garden I found the best spot up some stairs, with a tiled window seat overlooking the palace grounds below.

MERCADO DE TRIANA

When in Seville make sure to try ALL the food. There’s so many delicious things to eat here, you’ll need way more than one day in Seville to get to them all.

If, like me, you arrive by long distance bus, the busy and well stocked Mercado de Triana is not far away from the Plaza de Armas station.

The market is perfectly geared up for sampling everything. Freshly cut fruit boxes, snack cones of Spanish cheese and meats, and pincho snack skewers that include succulent olives, peppers and more. Get an empanadilla (filled turnover) or Tortilla española (Spanish omelet) heated up and take all your goodies to the seating area or to go.

REAL PARROQUIA DE SEÑORA SANTA ANA

Want to see an absolute gem of a church? The Royal Parish of Señora Santa Ana was the first Christian church built in Seville and dates back to the 13th Century. Not only is it exquisite inside but it only costs a few euros to look around.

Inside you’ll find beautiful tiles lining the chapels, walkways and walls. Check out the crypt, and you cannot miss the extraordinary gilded altarpiece. This work of art reaches the ceiling and comprises 15 expertly painted panels separated by shining gold-colored decoration.

ADMIRE THE MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Seville isn’t only about old palaces, houses and churches though. Take a break from centuries old buildings and step into the 21st Century with some quite unique creations.

Spot some of these more modern buildings to admire while wandering the streets of this vibrant city. Or make it a point to seek a few out. The Centro Ceramica Triana (Seville pottery museum) is around the corner from the Mercado de Triana, so head on over after you’ve filled up on Spanish delicacies. It’s inner courtyard’s newly revamped exterior brings an old building into the modern age.

And you must check out the Setas de Sevilla in La Encarnación square. Housing a market, event spaces, museum, restaurants and more, this is the largest wooden structure in the world. While it might translate to mushrooms of Seville, I found more shapes looking at this thing than in the overhead clouds. A remarkable building, and truly one-of-a-kind.

EAT EVERYTHING YOU CAN

This goes without saying anywhere you are, but in Seville there is no shortage of good food. The markets are one thing, but even the almost limitless supply of restaurants and bars all have such appetizing delights beckoning you in.

You’ll need much more than one day in Seville to make a dent in all the spots you will want to try, but give it your best shot. I know I did.

Even humble sandwiches in café windows are too tempting to pass on. And the pastries and sweet treats that go with them will help keep your energy up for all that walking you’re sure to do.

While tapas can be found all over Spain, make sure to sample some local small plates in Seville. Popular dishes include gazpacho, Pringá (a slow cooked meat stew) and fresh fried seafood.

Tapas are often only a few euros each – order a bunch to share. Finish it off with a visit to bar, café or churrería for freshly made churros dipped in thick hot chocolate. Perfect!

SEARCH FOR BEAUTIFUL TILES

Wander around Seville for long enough and you’ll see plenty of decorative tiles, also known as azulejos. Repeated patterns often cover the walls of houses or building. Or are pieced together in the form of a picture or religious scene.

While you will see lots of great tiles at popular attractions such as Casa de Pilatos or the Alcázar, don’t forget to look up (or down) while walking around the city. It was difficult finding ordinary buildings in Seville for all the opulent decoration adorning many of them. That included a heck of a lot of tiles.

TOP TRAVEL TIP: While it’s never OK to enter a private property, I spotted a few open doors to inner courtyards or building entranceways. Keep your eyes peeled as you can often see some unique, and otherwise hidden, tile murals as you’re walking past.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TRAIL

Maybe you’re only spending one day in Seville because you’re about to tackle the Camino de Santiago trail? One of the routes through Spain starts in Seville. The Via de la Plata (Silver Way) begins its 950km journey from right outside the Cathedral.

Even if you don’t plan on hiking this increasingly popular trail – one I definitely plan to do some day – you should keep an eye out for the Camino trail signs.

The distinct scallop shell design can be found on the street next to the cathedral’s entrance, marking the start of the trail. Other signs are visible throughout the city once you get on the trail that heads north through Spain, often on the side of buildings with an arrow.

The Most Popular Spots To Visit With One Day In Seville

You may wonder why I haven’t talked about the two most famous spots in Seville yet. The mighty Seville Cathedral, and the stunningly grand Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Both absolutely worthy of a visit, and two of the most impressive sites in the city. But they do require some planning.

Unfortunately since yours truly decided fairly last minute to visit Seville, and also completely underestimated how big the summer crowds would be, neither were meant to be for me. Not on this trip at least – for I am sure I will be back.

Your chances of getting tickets to either on the day is unlikely. The Alcázar – Seville’s number one tourist attraction – often sells out weeks in advance, so don’t shy away from booking early. Like as soon as you know you’re going to Seville. You may be lucky enough to find a time slot available to visit the Cathedral the day of, but long queues and popularity will be against you. Best also to book in advance.

SEVILLE CATHEDRAL

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to visit the Seville Cathedral you’re sure to fall in love with this marvelous building. Even from the outside it’s spectacular – said from someone who sat longingly on the steps opposite, desperately trying to book the last available ticket.

Over 500 years of history live in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest of all gothic cathedrals and the third largest church in the world.

Take in the huge vaulted ceilings, remarkable stained glass windows and wonderfully ornate carvings and statues. Feeling fit? Climb the almost 100m Giralda Tower for great views of Seville including the nearby Alcázar.

Plus, guess who’s buried in Seville Cathedral…none other than famed explorer Christopher Columbus.

ROYAL ALCÁZAR OF SEVILLE

An 11th Century palace still used by the Spanish Royal Family today? Tell me that doesn’t make you curious enough to want to visit the Alcázar of Seville alone. And then you see it. Gorgeous, stunning, insert superlative here. No wonder you’ll struggle to get tickets.

The Moorish palace blends multiple styles of architectures as it has evolved over the last ten centuries from its former life as a fortress to it’s current state as one of the official Royal residences.

The palace is unique enough, but the palace gardens will make you want to visit even more. They may even seem a bit familiar. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’re bound to recognize the Alcázar as the kingdom of Dorne.

You may be unlikely to see Pedro Pascal on your visit (never say never). But don’t let that stop you from spending a few hours at the beautiful Alcázar.

Can You Really See It All With Only One Day In Seville?

Absolutely not. While you might be able to see some of what you’d like, it’s important to accept that you can’t see it all in one day.

One day in Seville is a teaser, not a checklist. Prioritize atmosphere over perfection and enjoy your time rather than spend the day running all over the city you don’t have a hope of conquering in one visit.

You’ll leave wanting to return, and that’s part of the charm. It’s exactly how I felt after one day in Seville. This visit renewed my desire to come back to Spain, a place I’d forgotten how much I loved. Seville in the summer was hot so it was also important to me to take it easy and not exhaust myself in the heat.

Is One Day In Seville Worth Doing?

Not sure if you’ll like it, or simply don’t have the time but want to grab hold of an opportunity? Then it’s definitely worth spending one day in Seville. You can’t hope to see everything in 24 hours, and you’ll probably end up wanting to return, but that doesn’t meant you shouldn’t do a short trip to Seville anyway.

It’s a great way to get a taster for a city I’m sure you’ll enjoy. And worst case, you get to see some impressive sights and try some world class food. Which is honestly a good day in my books.

I’m already working out how I can get back to Seville soon, as I felt like my time there is so unfinished. It’s a beautiful city, and I just loved seeing all the wonderful buildings and decorative splendor adorning them. I almost don’t mind that I didn’t get into the Alcázar on my first visit and it presents a legitimate reason to go back.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What would you put to the top of your list with only one day in Seville? Anything you recommend that I didn’t manage to include?