Seville is a city that you could stay in for weeks and still not explore every corner. However, the good news is that 24 hours in Seville is enough to at least give you a good taste of what there is to see and do.
Read along for our ideal one day itinerary in Andalusia’s capital.
Seville’s Plaza de España has appeared in many well-known movies, making it a major draw for tourists and a key stop on a short visit.
Following our quick guide on how to spend 24 hours in Seville means you will drinks the right drinks, eat the right foods, and see the most important sights while you are at it. So let’s begin a whirlwind visit to Seville!
The best way to spend 24 hours in Seville
9:30 a.m. Breakfast & city strolling
Breakfast in Sevilla (and anywhere in Andalusia, really), is something special. You won’t find anything elaborate or out-of-this-world, but you’ll find something simple and celebrated. Make your way to any local bar or cafe and settle in for a tostada with either jamón or tomato/olive oil, a fresh squeezed juice and a coffee. Or, if you have a sweet tooth, get some churros.
No matter the specific dish, the essence of breakfast in Seville and Andalusia lies in the ritual of starting the day with simple yet satisfying fare.
After breakfast, head out for your first moment of getting your bearings and observing the beauty of the city before your full itinerary kicks in.
1 p.m.: Drink some Spanish sherry
Having a glass of sherry in a local bar while in Sevilla, or Andalusia in general, is a very typical drink in Seville thanks to its proximity to the Jerez wine region. Head over to El Rinconcillo to join the locals on the edge of the bar to partake in this sevillano tradition.
El Rinconcillo is no secret. This place is known as THE oldest bar out of Seville’s 3000+ bars and it really is a Seville institution. What to order here:
- A cold glass of dry Manzanilla sherry
- Manchego cheese
- Acorn fed Iberian ham
2 p.m.: Grab some traditional tapas
After welcoming in Seville with a glass of sherry, it’s time work up an appetite and try some traditional tapas. Walk from El Rinconcillo towards Plaza Nueva, catching a glimpse of Seville’s most modern monument, Las Setas on the way. Then, settle down in La Taberna, a perfect place to experience traditional tapas in Seville.
This tiny bar is tucked in the back streets near Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral. Run by a lovely husband and wife team, they have remained true to traditional flavors and recipes of Andalusia. Don’t miss their specialties such as spinach and chickpeas, fried eggs with potato and chorizo, or the “san jacobo de calabacin” which is battered and fried zucchini, ham and cheese.
4 p.m.: See the Cathedral and Plaza de España
With just 24 hours in Seville, there is no time to rest. After lunch, continue on towards the Cathedral to marvel at the exterior of some of Seville’s most famous monuments. The 13th-century Cathedral is impressive from the outside alone, but if you are lucky to be there on a day that there is no long queue, why not have a look inside as well?
After checking out the Cathedral, brave the afternoon heat and continue onto Plaza de España to see the huge and architecturally impressive pavilion that was built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition, and the beautiful park that surrounds it. This is one of our favorite buildings not just in Seville, but the whole of Spain, so it’s definitely worth making the effort to see.
6 p.m.: Pause for a rooftop drink at Hotel Doña Maria
It’s been a busy afternoon, so reward yourself with a drink—and a view. The roof top bar at the Hotel Doña Maria is the oldest roof terrace bar in Seville, and one with the best views in the town. You can grab a cold beer, glass of wine or cocktail. Even with just 24 hours in Seville, you need to wind down from a busy afternoon. So, why not do it with perfect views of the Cathedral?
7:30 p.m.: See a flamenco show
Seville wouldn’t be Seville without experiencing flamenco, and there are flamenco shows on around the city on any given night of the week. A really great option is the nightly show at Casa de la Memoria, a cultural center committed to preserving the Andalusian arts. Intimate shows happen twice an evening and due to limited space, it is a good idea to book in advance.
During this traditional flamenco song, the performers perform songs from the late 19th and early 20th century. There is a guitar solo, a song with the guitar and singer, and songs with dancers accompanying too. You shouldn’t miss this experience dur
9 p.m.: Have dinner at Sal Gorda
Seville might be filled with traditional bars and hole in the wall taverns, but it is increasingly becoming known for its burgeoning gastro-tapas scene. Just a few minutes walk from Casa de la Memoria is one of our favorite modern restaurants in Seville, Sal Gorda.
Located in the Alfalfa area, this family run restaurant offers you the choice of having a couple of tapas inside or you can sit outside and enjoy the evening temperatures. You can try garlic prawns as you have never tried them before, and Iberian pork cooked in an interesting way. Sal Gorda does a great job at taking traditional dishes and giving them their own new lease of life. Also, aside from excellent food, Sal Gorda also has some delicious wine and some incredible craft beer.
Enjoying last moments in Sevilla
9:30 a.m.: Visit the Alcazar
You know what they say: save the best till last. After another breakfast at a local bar/cafe, it’s time for Seville’s most famous attraction: The Alcazar.
The Alcazar is not to be missed, even on a whirlwind trip to the city. Get there when it opens to beat the crowds and enjoy having the place to yourself. Explore the different rooms, wander around the gardens, and dip out before the crowds arrive.
This blog post was updated on March 10, 2023.
Have limited time in the city? Experience Seville’s most iconic sights, enjoy VIP access to the Alcazar, and get swept away by the beauty and culture of the city on our Best of Seville Walking Tour: Exclusive Early Alcazar Access, Cathedral & Jewish Quarter.
