Only have one day in Seville? Discover the must-see attractions, best neighbourhoods, and top places to stay for the perfect 24 hours in Sevilla.
Seville is the must visit city of Andalucía. It is drenched in rich history and culture, and nothing prepares you for how stunningly beautiful this colourful city is. It is a city of diverse architectural styles, with the grand Gothic cathedral, and the Moorish-inspired Alcazar. This city cannot be missed, and I can help you plan your stay so you can soak up all the incredible sights.
Is it really possible to see all of Seville’s sights in one day? Obviously, it would be great to spend more time there, but if your holiday days are limited, here is a guide to visit the best parts of Seville in 24 hours!
Looking for somewhere to stay? Hotels in Seville, Spain.
First, let’s find you somewhere to stay so that you can really make the most of your time in the capital of Andalucía.
If you are looking for luxury, then you must book into Hotel Alfonso XIII. This elegant hotel is a treat for all the senses. This cultural landmark hotel offers 5-star luxury with its elegant decor and premium location. It is famous for its architecture and design, and you won’t be disappointed as you walk into the grand lobby or spend some time relaxing in the beautiful courtyard after a day of sight-seeing!
Looking for a family friendly hotel?
If you are looking for a family friendly hotel, then the Hotel Eurostars Guadalquivir is your answer. It is perfectly located, nestled in the heart of Seville, allowing you to visit all the sights with your family. It offers spacious and modern family rooms at a great price.
Seville 24 hours itnierary. Top things to see and do in Seville.
Even though there is so much to see and do in Seville, we managed to take it all in in a day. With some planning and walking legs at the ready, we worked out a route to allow us to take it all in, even with 2 children under 12! Our flight arrived late in the evening, so we headed straight to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready for a full day of sight-seeing in Seville the following day.
First stop: The beautiful Plaza de España
Our first stop was the beautiful Plaza España. Even on the walk there, we were blown away by the cleanliness and colours of the city. We visited in May, so all the bougainvillea flowers were in full bloom and the streets were lined with the gorgeous purple jacaranda trees.
The Plaza de España is a breathtaking blend of grandeur, romance and architectural mastery, and this vast semi-circular plaza is an Andalusian masterpiece. A series of beautifully tiled alcoves represent each Spanish province, and each one is adorned with hand-painted ceramic azulejos, maps and historical scenes. They offer a colourful journey through Spain’s diverse regional identities. There is a moat-like canal where visitors can rent small rowing boats to drift peacefully along the water taking in the architecture. All of this is set against a backdrop of lush palms and vibrant gardens with the constant buzz of street performers, musicians and local artisans.
The Plaza de España is not just a historical site – it’s a living, breathing space that embodies the soul of Seville: elegant, proud and full of life.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Horse-drawn carriages circle the plaza de España, adding to its old-world charm, and a visit to Seville is not complete without a ride on one of these! You have 2 route choices, either a short ride to take in the sights closest to the Plaza Espana, and ending near the cathedral, or there is a longer route taking in most if the sights Seville has on offer.
We opted for the shorter route, as we wanted to spend the afternoon exploring on foot. Our coachman spoke English and gave us some details about Seville and explained the background of the sights we passed. There is a set price for all the horse and carriages routes in Seville and they have an organised system, so no need to worry about being taken for a ride with the price!!
Stroll through the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
This has to be one of Spain’s most captivating landmarks. It dates back to the early 10th Century and was originally a Moorish fort. Over the centuries, successive monarchs have added new elements in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles and with its intricate Tilework, lush gardens and ornate arches, the Alcazar really does feel like a walk through history and fantasy.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still used by the Royal Family, and whether you are visiting for a glimpse of all this, or because it featured in ‘Game of Thrones’, there is no question this has to form part of your Seville one day itinerary.
Visit Seville’s Cathedral: the burial site of Christopher Columbus.
Nestled in the heart of Seville, and right next to the Alcazar, the stunning Catedral de Sevilla is a must-see for any traveler exploring southern Spain. As one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, it’s a place where history, architecture and grandeur collide. Inside, the sheer scale is breathtaking, and whether you are a history buff or just love awe-inspiring spaces, this landmark is unforgettable! The ticket includes a climb up the towering La Giralda bell tower, which is actually a pleasant walk up a spiralling helter-skelter type of ramp, rather than a never-ending staircase! And of course, you mustn’t leave without having a glimpse at the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
OPENING HOURS
Seville Cathedral is open from: 10:45 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday – Saturday, 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Sundays.
MASS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Access to the cathedral is usually free during religious services, such as Mass. Visitors are often welcome to attend these services, although respectful behavior is expected.
Stroll through the Barrio Santa Cruz
Get lost in Seville’s old Jewish quarter, full of narrow lanes, charming plazas and lively tapas bars. This could be a good spot to grab a bite to eat and is only a 5-minute stroll from the Seville Cathedral. This barrio is not only one of the city’s most picturesque and historic neighbourhoods, but it’s also full of authentic tapas bars, cozy cafes and charming restaurants. Whilst you here you can try a mix of traditional Andalusian fare – like salmorejo, jamón Ibérico and grilled fish.
A visit to a Bullring still in use today!
A visit to Seville wouldn’t be complete without seeing the iconic Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, one of Spain’s most famous bullrings. This has to be included in your 24 hours in Seville itinerary! This bullring is steeped in history and tradition and holds a special place in the heart of Andalusian culture. Even if you are not a fan of bullfighting, the guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the art, controversy and pageantry that surround this centuries-old spectacle. Don’t forget to leave a little bit of time to visit the on-site museum which is filled with costumes, artwork and stories that bring the world of the matador to life.
Some other hidden gems in Seville
Seville has plenty of hidden gems that go beyond the main tourist trail. Here are a few lesser-known spots worth discovering if time allows:
- Casa de Pilatos. This stunning Andalusian Palace is far less crowded than the Alcazar, and if you fancy a retreat away from the tourists, then this is the perfect spot. It’s full of beautiful courtyards, intricate tilework and peaceful gardens.
- Convento de Santa Paula. If you want to sample some traditional Sevillian pastries, then you mustn’t leave Seville without a visit to the Convento de Santa Paula. It’s a working convent where nuns still bake and sell homemade sweets through a turntable window! It’s a unique and very local experience….one not to be missed in my opinion!
- Las Setas at Sunset. While not exactly hidden, the rooftop walkway of this massive wooden structure is often overlooked. Go at sunset for panoramic views of Seville’s rooftops with fewer crowds than the Giralda.
- Calle Agua (Water Street). This is a beautiful, quiet, flower lined alley behind the Alcazar walls in the Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s a great spot if you want a perfect detour when the main streets feel too crowded.
