You may be wondering which is best: visiting Seville in one day or two? The simple answer is: it depends on your available time. Of course, it is always better to dedicate two days to this city instead of one, as there is so much to see that even two days will feel short. We will tell you all about it in this post. However, if you have no choice but to spend only one day in the Andalusian capital, we also suggest those places that you simply cannot miss.
Seville in one day: the essentials
If one had to choose the essential monuments to see in Seville in a single day, the itinerary would be as follows:
- In the morning: visit to the Cathedral and its Giralda
- In the afternoon: visit to the Plaza de España
Starting the day at the Cathedral and its famous bell tower (the Giralda) makes sense because there is so much to see here (Royal Chapel, Tomb of Christopher Columbus, Chapter House…), and the start of the day is when the body’s batteries are most charged. Furthermore, it is possible to climb to the top of the Giralda to enjoy the panoramic views, and that will require a good dose of energy for the ascent. Additionally, right in front is the General Archive of the Indies, the finest example of Seville’s most glorious period, when this city was the main port of departure and arrival for trade with the Americas.
The afternoon, by contrast, seems more suitable for a more relaxed stroll through the Plaza de España: a spectacular example of Neo-Mudéjar architecture, built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Its grand dimensions make it a place to spend a long time, take photos on its beautiful balconies and tiled benches, or even take a small boat trip along its canal. And if there is time and energy left for a walk, there is nothing better than getting lost in the neighboring Maria Luisa Park, a green lung in the center and a space for disconnection.
Seville in two days: other Sevillian icons
If you choose to spend more than one day in the Andalusian capital, it would be unforgivable to leave out the following places of interest, which could be visited as follows:
- Second day morning: Real Alcázar
- Second day afternoon: Guadalquivir River and Triana
Once again, the proposal is to take advantage of being at 100% energy to thoroughly visit another of the city’s great monuments: the Real Alcázar, a spectacular palace complex where Almohad sultans and Castilian kings held court, featuring pavilions and gardens of great exoticism and beauty. It is no coincidence that this Real Alcázar is part (along with the Cathedral and the Archive) of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
And for a relaxing afternoon along the Guadalquivir River, the option could be a river cruise emulating the great ships that departed for the Americas, enjoying monuments dearly loved here such as the Torre del Oro or the Triana Bridge. Precisely, to close this second day (or any other), you can sit at one of the terraces in this popular neighborhood, Triana, on the banks of the river with views toward the historic center of this magical city.
In any case, we remind you that these are only some general proposals and we know we are leaving other truly interesting places out: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Maestranza, the Church of San Luis de los Franceses, the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the Plaza de la Encarnación with the famous Setas…
But what will truly prevail in your program are your preferences: we can remove some of these places of interest if you feel they do not fit your trip and, in exchange, add other monuments or activities that better suit you. We will be delighted to listen to you and design a truly tailor-made circuit, as is customary for agencies with the Mandala Tours seal.
