What I Did with One Day in Seville

If you only have one day in Seville, trust me, it’s enough to fall for the city. I’ve done it myself: watched the sunrise over royal gardens, got lost in jasmine-scented lanes, and ended the night under the glow of the Giralda. Here’s exactly how I spent my 24 hours. It’s my own version of what to do in Seville in one day without feeling rushed or missing the magic.

If you end up staying longer (and I think you will), check out my Three-Day Seville Itinerary. It builds on this exact route and adds slower corners of the city I couldn’t fit into a single day.

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Why This One-Day Seville Itinerary Works

Because I actually did it.
I hate itineraries that make you bounce all over the map, so I planned this one like a local would walk it. Starting at the Royal Alcázar before opening time gave me the palace to myself and our small group. Birds in the gardens, mosaic reflections on the walls, no tourist flock yet.

Finishing that early meant more time for sightseeing. The Cathedral and Giralda Tower are right next door, and then I just drifted into Barrio Santa Cruz without even realizing it.

By midday, I was by the river, so I crossed into Triana for tapas. From there, a short ride south to Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, then north again to Las Setas for city views.
The day wrapped up on a sunset river cruise, a flamenco show, and a drink under the lit-up Giralda.

Morning: Royal Alcázar, Cathedral & Santa Cruz

I started around 8 a.m. at the Royal Alcázar. I booked an early-access tour and walked straight in. Best decision ever! The courtyards were silent, the light golden, and I could wander the gardens without anyone in sight.

👉 Tip: If you want the same peaceful experience, book the Take Walks Early-Access Alcázar Tour. It lets you enter before opening hours and explore the palace in near silence.

After about an hour and a half, I headed straight to the Seville Cathedral next door. The Giralda Tower climb is easy, and the view from the top is stunning. Inside, I stopped by Columbus’ tomb and just stared at that golden altarpiece glowing in the dark.

Then I let the narrow lanes behind the Cathedral lead me into Santa Cruz. It smells of jasmine and orange blossom. I popped into Hospital de los Venerables, took a few photos, and grabbed a quick cortado at a quiet café before moving on.

Lunch in Triana

By late morning, I crossed the Puente de Isabel II into Triana. It’s the kind of neighborhood where lunch felt like a ritual. I started with crispy aubergine and honey at Las Golondrinas, then tried calamari at Blanca Paloma. Two tapas bars, about €25 total, and worth every cent.

Afterward, I walked along Calle Betis for that postcard view of Seville reflected in the river.

Afternoon: Plaza de España, María Luisa Park & Las Setas

From Triana, I grabbed a quick taxi (10 minutes) to Plaza de España. You’ve seen it in photos, but in person it’s breathtaking: tiled bridges, horse-drawn carriages, and the sound of water echoing through the arches.

Next door, Parque de María Luisa offers shade and quiet. I sat by a fountain, shoes off for a moment, before hopping on the bus north toward Metropol Parasol (Las Setas). The ticket costs €16, and you can visit twice in 48 hours with the same ticket. From the top, you can literally trace your whole route: the Alcázar, the Cathedral, even the river glinting in the distance.

Evening: River Cruise, Flamenco & Rooftop Drinks

Around sunset, I headed to the pier for a river cruise. I chose the eco cruise. It’s solar-powered and quiet; just the hum of the motor, the warm air, and Torre del Oro glowing in gold.

👉 Book it: Try the Seville Sunset River Cruise for stunning evening views of the city from the water.

After the cruise, I went to Casa de la Memoria for a flamenco show. No microphones, and no spotlight drama — just rhythm and magic. If you want to compare venues, check out my Best Flamenco Shows in Seville

👉 Book it: Reserve your Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show in advance. It’s small and sells out quickly.

Dinner was at La Azotea on Calle Zaragoza, and then a final drink at the Hotel Doña María Rooftop Bar with the Giralda glowing above the rooftops.

Planning Your Own Day in Seville

Here’s what I booked and would happily do again:

• Skip-the-line Alcázar Tour → Book early access
• Sunset Eco-Cruise → Reserve your spot
• Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria → Secure your ticket

Before You Go

If Seville steals your heart like it did mine, here’s where to wander next:

• Three-Day Seville Itinerary
• Visit the Alcázar Without Crowds
• Mistakes to Avoid in Seville
• Best Day Trips from Seville Without a Car

Planning a longer journey around Andalucía? Start with my 7-Day Andalucía Itinerary Without a Car. It ties together Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and the hill towns into one smooth route.

FAQ: One Day in Seville

Final Thoughts

My one day in Seville felt like the whole city opened itself up in layers: quiet morning, slow lunch, music at night. Almost everything was walkable, everything made sense, and somehow it all fit into one perfect day.

If you liked this, you’ll probably love my stories from Granada and Córdoba.

Thanks for reading 💙, and if you try this route, start early at the Alcázar. You’ll thank me later.

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