Is 3 days enough for Seville?
Yes. Seville's main sights are close together in a walkable centre, and three days lets you see them without rushing. You'll also have time for long lunches, a flamenco show and either a slower final day or a day trip.
Winter is a great time to go. December highs average about 16°C, with cool nights of around 7°C. It's far more comfortable than the summer, when Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe. You'll get some rain, but also plenty of bright, crisp days.
Flights from the UK take about three hours, and Seville is one hour ahead of the UK. There are direct flights from London and several other UK airports.
Day 1: the Cathedral, the Alcázar and Santa Cruz
Start with Seville's two biggest sights, which sit side by side:
- The Cathedral and the Giralda. Seville Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and it holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Climb the Giralda bell tower, a former minaret, using a series of ramps rather than steps, for views across the rooftops.
- The Real Alcázar. A royal palace with Moorish-style courtyards, tiled halls and big gardens. Standard tickets were €15.50 when we checked, plus a booking fee, with a timed entry slot. Book on the official website to avoid paying more through resellers.
In the afternoon, get lost in the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, with its small squares and orange trees. Finish with tapas nearby.
Day 2: Plaza de España and Triana
- Plaza de España. A huge, curved building from 1929, covered in painted tiles, with a canal and bridges in front. It's free to visit and best in the morning light.
- María Luisa Park. Right next door, with palms, fountains and shady paths.
- Triana. Cross the river to Seville's old potters' and sailors' quarter. Visit the covered market by the bridge for lunch, and browse the ceramics shops.
In the evening, see flamenco. Small, intimate venues are often better than big dinner shows. Book ahead on weekends.
Day 3: Las Setas, or a day trip to Córdoba
Stay in Seville: start at Metropol Parasol, a huge wooden structure locals call Las Setas (the mushrooms), with a walkway on top for city views. Then visit Casa de Pilatos, a beautiful palace that's much quieter than the Alcázar, or wander the shopping streets around Calle Sierpes.
Or go to Córdoba: high-speed trains get you there in about 45 minutes. See the Mezquita, the vast former mosque with its forest of striped arches, walk across the Roman bridge and get lost in the old Jewish quarter. Our Córdoba guide has more.
If you'd rather see the white villages and mountains, Ronda is about two hours away by bus. It's better done as an overnight trip than a day trip in winter's shorter days.
Where to stay
- Santa Cruz and around the Cathedral for the most atmosphere and the shortest walks to the sights. It's busy during the day.
- Arenal, near the river and the bullring, for a central base with a more local feel.
- Triana, across the river, for neighbourhood bars and slightly lower prices.
In winter, check the hotel has proper heating. Older Seville buildings are built to stay cool, and can feel chilly on December nights.
Winter tips
1. Book the Alcázar ahead. Even in winter, popular time slots sell out on weekends. 2. Eat late. Lunch is usually from 2pm and dinner from 9pm. Many restaurants won't serve dinner much earlier. 3. Pack layers. Days can feel warm in the sun and cold in the shade, and evenings are chilly. 4. Bring an umbrella. Rain is more likely in winter, but it rarely lasts all day. 5. Getting from the airport: the airport is about 6 miles from the city. The airport bus runs into the centre, and a taxi takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
At Christmas, the city puts up lights and nativity scenes, and there's a craft fair near the Cathedral. It's a lovely time to visit, but it's busier at weekends.
If Seville isn't quite right
For a different winter break in southern Spain, Granada has the Alhambra and snow on the Sierra Nevada behind it. Malaga has more flights and a beach, and Cadiz is a small, sea-wrapped old city.
For other short trips, see our best places for a 3-day city break in Europe, Holidays in Spain and our city breaks page. If your group is split between Seville and somewhere else, our guide to how to decide where to go on holiday can help.
