Whether you’re spending a long weekend in Andalusia, extending a guided tour, or simply passing through southern Spain, Seville is one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

Known for its stunning architecture, flamenco, historic landmarks, and incredible food, Seville quickly became one of our favorite stops during our trip to Spain.

If you only have 48 hours in Seville, here are the experiences we’d prioritize.

Watch our full 48 Hours in Seville video here:

https://youtu.be/cfQBJqgCBTc

1. Visit Plaza de España

If there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Seville, it’s Plaza de España.

Originally built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the massive semi-circular building, colorful tilework, bridges, and canals make it one of the most impressive public spaces we’ve ever visited.

In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we visited twice during our stay.

Whether you’re taking photos, admiring the architecture, or simply relaxing by the water, it’s easy to spend a few hours here.

Rent a Rowboat or Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

One of our favorite experiences at Plaza de España was renting a rowboat and paddling through the canal that runs through the plaza.

It takes a few minutes to get the hang of steering and working together, but once you do, it’s a fun way to see the plaza from a completely different perspective. It also makes for some great photos.

If you’d rather stay on land, you’ll also find horse-drawn carriage rides operating around Plaza de España and María Luisa Park.

Even if you decide not to rent a boat, we’d still plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring Plaza de España. Between the architecture, bridges, ceramic tilework, and photo opportunities, it’s one of those places that’s hard to leave once you arrive.

Recommended Time: 2 to 3 hours

2. Tour the Royal Alcázar

The Royal Alcázar was one of our favorite attractions in Seville.

The palace features stunning courtyards, intricate tilework, beautiful gardens, and some of the most impressive architecture we saw anywhere in Spain.

Having visited both the Alcázar and the Alhambra, we don’t think you can go wrong with either.

If you’re interested in history, architecture, or photography, the Alcázar is a must-see.

Pro Tip

Purchase tickets in advance. Entry times often sell out, especially during peak travel seasons.

Recommended Time: 2 to 3 hours

3. Visit Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.

During our visit, we explored the cathedral and saw the tomb traditionally attributed to Christopher Columbus.

Even if you’ve visited other churches and cathedrals throughout Europe, Seville Cathedral is worth adding to your itinerary.

Don’t forget to admire La Giralda, the city’s famous bell tower, while you’re there.

Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours

4. Experience Flamenco

No visit to Seville feels complete without experiencing flamenco.

During our trip, we participated in a flamenco class before watching a professional performance.

Let’s just say Julia picked it up much faster than I did.

The performance itself was incredible and gave us a completely new appreciation for the passion, talent, and precision involved in flamenco.

Whether you attend a formal show or a smaller performance, flamenco is one of Seville’s most iconic cultural experiences.

5. Explore the Santa Cruz Neighborhood

Santa Cruz is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Seville.

Its narrow streets, hidden courtyards, colorful buildings, and quiet plazas are perfect for wandering without a plan.

Some of our favorite travel memories come from simply walking through beautiful neighborhoods, and Santa Cruz is exactly that kind of place.

Take your time, get a little lost, and enjoy the atmosphere.

6. Visit Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza

Even if bullfighting isn’t something you’re interested in, Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza remains one of Seville’s most significant landmarks.

We found it interesting from both a historical and architectural perspective.

It’s also located within walking distance of many of Seville’s other major attractions, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

7. Explore Seville by Bike

One thing that surprised us about Seville was how bike friendly the city is.

The extensive bike lane network makes it easy to navigate the city and see more attractions in less time.

If you’re comfortable cycling, renting a bike can be a great way to explore different parts of the city beyond the main tourist areas.

8. Enjoy Seville’s Food Scene

Seville has an excellent food scene ranging from traditional tapas bars to modern restaurants.

Our experience may look a little different than some travel guides because Julia has celiac disease, which means we spend a lot of time researching safe places to eat before traveling.

Fortunately, Seville made eating gluten free surprisingly easy.

Some of our favorite restaurants included:

• Mano de Santo
• Grosso Napoletano

Even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants throughout the city.

If you’re traveling with celiac disease or eating gluten free, be sure to check out our Gluten Free Seville Guide for additional recommendations.

Where to Stay in Seville

If you’re only spending 48 hours in Seville, we’d recommend staying as centrally as possible.

Many of Seville’s most popular attractions, including Plaza de España, the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and the Santa Cruz neighborhood, are located within walking distance of one another. Choosing a central hotel means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the city.

Meliá Sevilla

If we were choosing a hotel based on location alone, Meliá Sevilla would be hard to beat.

The hotel sits directly across from Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, putting you within easy walking distance of many of Seville’s top attractions.

For travelers planning to spend a lot of time around Plaza de España, it’s an excellent location.

Hotel Catalonia Giralda

During our visit, we stayed at Hotel Catalonia Giralda.

While the rooms were on the smaller side, we found the location convenient for exploring Seville. We were able to walk to many of the city’s major attractions, restaurants, and historic sites without much difficulty.

The hotel may not have been our favorite stay in Spain, but it worked well as a base for exploring the city.

Santa Cruz

If it’s your first visit to Seville, the Santa Cruz neighborhood is another excellent option.

This historic area places you close to:

• Seville Cathedral
• The Royal Alcázar
• Countless restaurants and cafés
• Some of Seville’s most picturesque streets

It’s one of the most popular areas for visitors and a great choice if you want to stay in the heart of the action.

Getting Around Seville

Seville is one of the most walkable cities we visited in Spain.

Many of the city’s top attractions are located within walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore the historic center on foot.

During our visit we primarily got around by:

• Walking
• Uber
• Bike rentals

One thing that surprised us was how bike friendly Seville is. The city’s extensive bike lane network makes it easy to navigate and explore areas beyond the main tourist attractions.

When we didn’t feel like walking, Uber was affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

If you’re only spending 48 hours in Seville, we don’t think renting a car is necessary.

Seville Travel Tips

If you’re only spending 48 hours in Seville, here are a few things we’d recommend:

• Book Alcázar tickets in advance.
• Visit Plaza de España early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
• Allow extra time to wander through Santa Cruz.
• Consider renting a rowboat at Plaza de España.

Some of our favorite moments in Seville weren’t planned at all.

What If You Have More Than 48 Hours?

If you’re lucky enough to have additional time, consider adding:

• Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
• Triana Neighborhood
• Archivo de Indias
• Guadalquivir River Cruise
• More time exploring Seville’s food scene
• A day trip to Córdoba

Seville quickly became one of our favorite cities in Spain, and it’s a destination we’d happily return to.