Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, making it a popular destination throughout the year. This Andalusian gem is bursting with Spanish culture, historic architecture, and vibrancy. Planning to spend 2 days in Seville is a good amount of time to see the city’s main attractions and dine at some fantastic restaurants. But if you have any spare time in your Andalusia itinerary it’s always worth spending more than 2 days in Seville so you can explore the streets and its hidden gems at a leisurely pace.
Seville has a rich history that goes back over two millennia and it’s been populated by Greeks, Phoencians, Romans, and Cathagianians – just to name a few. By the 13th century Seville was captured by the Christian King Ferdinand III of Castile, and since then the city has continued to grow.
Many of the most important buildings in Seville date back to the 16th century, including the cathedral, the General Archive of the Indies, and the university. A great plague in the 17th century caused the population to decline, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that the city began to recover again.
As you make your way around Seville, you’ll see a lot of mixed architecture from different periods in history. It’s worth exploring lesser known attractions in Seville if you have the time. There are a lot of places that tourists miss as they’re focused solely on the city’s most famous places. Spending 2 days in Seville should be enough time to see a few hidden gems as well as the most popular tourist destinations.
When is the best time of the year to visit Seville?
Seville is known for being the hottest city in Spain, so it’s a good idea to avoid it in the summer if you can. Unfortunately a lot of people can only travel in the summer months due to work or school. If that’s the case, make sure you do some research beforehand and try to do outdoor activities as early in the morning as possible or later in the evening.
There are a lot of indoor activities in Seville to keep you cool. I would recommend booking attractions such as the royal palace and the cathedral midday to avoid the heat. But that does mean they’ll be very crowded which is less than ideal.
Visiting Seville in the early spring or later in the autumn means you’ll still get temperatures reaching between 25-30°C (77-86°F), so it’s not unbearably hot. If you’re able to plan your 2 days in Seville during the winter months you’ll still be treated to mild temperatures and it won’t be as busy with tourists.
Best things to do in Seville
Plaza de España
One of the most popular places to visit in Seville is Plaza de España. It was created in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition which was held to welcome the former colonies of Spain. During this time, travelling wasn’t the easiest, and many of the countries were happy to be separated from Spain, so the exposition wasn’t a huge success. However, it did leave behind this incredible plaza as well as other notable buildings surrounding the park.
Inside Plaza de España you’ll find 49 beautiful tiled benches that represent every province in Spain at the time it was built. Each bench is completely unique and tells a story of the province through intricate tile artworks. You’ll also see four bridges in the plaza which represent the four old kingdoms of Spain.
There are a lot more interesting facts about Plaza de España, so it may be worth your while to take a guided tour of it. You can’t miss this plaza if you’re spending 2 days in Seville.
Puerta del Leon
Puerta del Leon (The Lion Gate) is the main gate to the Royal Alcazar. The gate was originally used by the king and his hunters when they had been out hunting. It’s said to date back to the 12th century, making it part of the oldest walls of the palace. The beautiful tile of a lion on top of the arched entrance dates back to the 19th century and comes from a local factory.
If you want a photo of this iconic gate without a queue of people in it you’ll need to wake up at sunrise when the gate is closed. The lighting isn’t the best but there’ll be no one around to ruin your photo.
Real Alcazar de Sevilla
One of the main highlights of any 2 days in Seville is the Real Alcazar de Sevilla. It’s considered to be the oldest active royal palace in Europe and it’s the second official residence of the King of Spain.
Today’s palace is an accumulation of different time periods dating back as far as the 11th century. There’s even evidence that the Romans built on this site as far back as the 1st century BC. As you walk through the palace, you’ll be amazed by the incredible tiled walls, beautiful courtyards, and the enormous garden attached to it.
The Real Alcazar de Sevilla was famously used for the Water Gardens of Dorne in season five and six of Game of Thrones, so you may recognize parts of it from the show. The royal palace is always busy, and in the peak season it’s suggested to purchase tickets in advance online because timeslots sell out quickly.
You should plan between 2-3 hours to see all of the Real Alcazar de Sevilla, although if you want to stroll through the gardens it may take longer. I would recommend booking a ticket towards the end of the day when there are less tour groups present or during the day if you want to get out of the Seville heat for a while and you don’t mind the crowds.
Explore the gardens of the Alcazar
Once you’ve made your way through the Alcazar, take some time to explore the impressive gardens as well. They date back to the Middle Ages, making them of Moorish origins, but in the 16th century they underwent some remodelling by the Christian King Philip III. Today there are more than 170 species of exotic plants within the gardens and there are a lot of areas to explore too.
Walking around the Alcazar gardens is one of the best things to do during 2 days in Seville. If you want to get the best view of the gardens though, your best bet is to climb to the top of the garden walls which offer a nice shaded retreat from the sun.
Patio de Banderas
As you exit the Alcazar you’ll come across a large open patio known as Patio de Banderas (Flag Yard). Its name derives from some flags that were painted on the arch that provides access to a nearby plaza. There isn’t too much to see here but it’s a beautiful patio to look at that’s lined with orange trees. In the distance you can see the Giralda and part of the cathedral too so it’s a great photo spot to take advantage of during your 2 days in Seville.
Plaza del Cabildo
Visiting Plaza del Cabildo is one of the most popular free things to do in Seville. It’s located in the Arenal neighbourhood, just a short walk from the cathedral. This semicircular plaza was built on the site of the Colegio de San Miguel which belonged to the cathedral. It was demolished in the 20th century and today only a doorway and a few columns remain.
Plaza del Cabildo can easily be added to any 2 days in Seville itinerary thanks to its close proximity to the cathedral and royal palace.
Catedral de Sevilla
Catedral de Sevilla stands as the largest Gothic church in the world, and it’s also the third largest cathedral in the world. The cathedral took around a century to complete and it was built on the site of a former mosque. Because of this, the interior of the cathedral is laid out in a square design rather than the traditional Latin cross. What’s also interesting about this cathedral in Spain is that it’s laid out like an art gallery, with plenty of artistic heritage to learn about and pieces of art to see.
The cathedral itself was completed at the start of the 16th century. It was built to show the wealth of the city as well as the dominance of the Christians over the Moors. All that remains of the mosque that once stood here is the Patio de los Naranjos and the Giralda. Catedral de Sevilla is a highlight during any 2 days in Seville, so during the peak season it’s a good idea to book your tickets online to save some time at the ticket office.
Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus
There’s a lot to take in as you walk around Catedral de Sevilla. One of the most interesting things to see in the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus. His body has been moved a lot since his passing in 1506, and there’s some speculation as to what remains are actually inside the tomb. However, this doesn’t take away from the beautiful tomb that’s been dedicated to him.
The tomb sits on top of four figures which each represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain. There’s a lot of symbolism to uncover here, so booking a guided tour of Catedral de Sevilla may be a good option if you want to learn more about it.
La Giralda
La Giralda stands as an iconic symbol of the city, and it was once the minaret of the mosque of Seville. Its construction began in the 12th century by the Moors, but it wasn’t completed until the 16th century when the city was under Christian rule. This is why there’s a Renaissance bell tower on top of the minaret. It’s a beautiful tower to look at and you can see the mixing of cultures within its architecture.
For a fee you can climb La Giralda and take in the beautiful views of Seville. If you plan on visiting the cathedral as well, there’s a combination ticket which will save you a bit of money. You shouldn’t miss either of these attractions during your 2 days in Seville.
Archivo General de Indias
Sitting between the cathedral and the royal palace is the Archivo General de Indias (General Archive of the Indies). It was built in the 18th century as a place where all of the documentation from Spain’s overseas territories could be stored in a centralized space. There are over 43 000 documents inside the building and visitors are able to see some of them through the exhibitions. Visiting the Archivo General de Indias is one of the top things to do during 2 days in Seville, and it’s completely free too.
Explore the streets of Sevilla
The historic centre of Seville is filled with charming streets that are just waiting to be explored. Calle Sierpes is the most famous street in Seville with plenty of shops, tapas bars, and other restaurants to enjoy. Avenida de la Constitucion and Calle Mateos Gago are two more examples of streets that are worth walking along. Don’t forget to veer off the main streets though and explore some of the lesser known parts of the historic centre during your 2 days in Seville.
Enjoy the views from a rooftop bar
One of the best things to do while spending 2 days in Seville is enjoy the views of the city from a rooftop bar. There are quite a few to choose from, but I would recommend going to one that has a view of the cathedral. La Terraza de EME and Pura Vida Terraza are both nice options, but make sure you do some research beforehand to find some that you like the most. Be prepared for overpriced drinks as well.
Admire the Columns of Hercules
The Columns of Hercules are a must-see during 2 days in Seville. They’re located in the northern part of the historic centre in what was once the oldest public garden in Spain, and they date back to the 2nd century. This public space used to be a popular meeting place for the wealthy, but after the Spanish Civil War it began to deteriorate. Today the area is a popular place for nightlife in Seville, and the columns stand as a reminder of Seville’s rich heritage.
Visit the oldest bar in Seville
One of the most unique things to do in Seville is to visit El Rinconcillo. It was founded in 1670, making it the oldest bar in Seville. The family that currently owns it acquired the bar in 1858 and it’s since undergone a series of changes to its interior layout. The original essence of the bar is still very much alive today, so don’t miss out if you’re spending 2 days in Seville or more.
Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
An often overlooked attraction in Seville is Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador. This medieval church sits on the site of a former mosque and Roman basilica. The mosque is believed to have been the second oldest in Andalusia, after Cordoba. It was eventually converted into a church in the 13th century but it didn’t undergo many changes until the 17th century. Today it stands as the largest church in Seville, after the cathedral, and is a must-visit during any 2 days in Seville.
Torre del Oro
No 2 days in Seville are complete without visiting Torre del Oro. This watchtower sits along the Guadalquivir River and has a history dating back to the 13th century, when the city was part of the Almohad Empire. The tower is made up of three bodies, each from different time periods, with the latest addition coming in 1760.
Inside Torre del Oro is where you’ll find the Naval Museum. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Seville so it may be worth adding to your itinerary if you’re interested in learning more about Seville’s history.
Plaza de Toros de Sevilla
One of the most well known buildings in Seville is Plaza de Toros de Sevilla. The bullring was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and it stands as the largest in Spain, as well as the most important. Inside the building visitors can walk around the Museum of Bullfighting, and outside there are several statues dedicated to people who played an important role in the history of bullfighting. During your 2 days in Seville you’ll most likely walk by the bullring, and even if you aren’t interested in the sport itself the building is worth taking a photo of from the outside.
Find some artisan shops
Spending 2 days in Seville will give you plenty of time to visit some artisan shops. There are a lot of places to shop in Seville’s historic centre, especially along the main pedestrian streets. It’s a good idea to check out the side streets as well because there are a lot of locally run shops hiding away that many tourists miss out on. These are often great places to get unique souvenirs in Seville too.
Take a bus tour of Seville
If you want to see all of the major highlights in Seville in just a couple of days, one of the best ways to get around is with City Sightseeing. This hop-on-hop-off bus tour has 14 bus stops around the city and the tour will take you to places further afield than the historic centre, so you get to see a lot of Seville.
The ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase and some of their ticket options include entry to certain attractions as well as guided walking tours. This is the best way to get around the city if you’re only spending 2 days in Seville.
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Explore the San Lorenzo neighbourhood
San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Seville. It’s often overlooked by visitors who only venture this far for the Museo de Bellas Artes, but it’s very popular with the locals. You’ll find a lot of beautifully coloured buildings here as well as numerous tapas bars and restaurants. If you have some spare time during your 2 days in Seville, San Lorenzo is certainly worth exploring.
Setas de Sevilla
One of Seville’s most iconic landmarks is the Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville). It sits on the site of the former El Mercado de la Encarnacion which had over 400 stalls and supplied much of the city with fresh produce.
The wooden structure features just two concrete columns that support the elevators that provide access to the popular viewing platform. In total there are five levels to the Setas de Sevilla. The most popular is the top floor where visitors can walk around the top of the mushrooms and take in the beautiful views of Seville. This is one attraction not to be missed while spending 2 days in Seville.
Admire the Triana District
Located on the opposite side of the Guadalquivir is the Triana District. There’s not much to see here but it’s one of the most authentic districts in Seville and it’s beautiful to walk around. It was once famous for its Azulejos pottery and tiles, which are typically painted blue, and it’s still very much a working-class neighbourhood.
If you don’t have time to visit the Triana District while spending 2 days in Seville, you can get a beautiful photo of it from across the river, near Torre del Oro.
Places to eat in Seville
Bar El Comercio
Are you looking for the best churros in Seville? Bar El Comercio is a historic bar located in the very centre of Seville. It’s open throughout the day and constantly has a stream of people coming and going from it. We visited for breakfast and ordered a portion of fresh churros with chocolate, a freshly squeezed orange juice, and a coffee for under €10.00. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast while spending 2 days in Seville, and they offer takeaway too if you’re in a rush.
Mokambo
A popular restaurant in Seville for healthy food is Mokambo. It’s so popular in fact that they often have tables reserved for breakfast. I would recommend visiting as soon as they open to secure yourself a seat if you haven’t booked in advance. They have a nice selection of healthy breakfast and brunch dishes so it’s a great way to start your day. This isn’t the most budget friendly place to eat in Seville but the quality can’t be beat.
Masakali Pizza
If you’re looking for affordable and fresh pizza in Seville then Masakali Pizza is the perfect option. They have a few locations dotted around the city, including one directly next to the Setas de Sevilla. Their pizzas cost under €10.00 and if you make your order online then you get a discount, even if you order to pick up. The only downside is that there are no seats available so you’ll need to take it back to your hotel with you.
Oakberry
Oakberry is one of my favourite places to stop for a healthy snack. They have a few locations around Spain, including Marbella and Malaga, and in other countries too. They specialize in acai bowls and you can add whatever toppings you like to your order at no additional cost. Even the smallest size isn’t cheap, but Oakberry is definitely worth it if you’re looking for something healthy to eat during your 2 days in Seville.
Mesones del Serranito Arenal
There are a lot of tapas bars in Seville so choosing a couple to dine at can be overwhelming. If you’re near the bullring or Torre del Oro, Mesones del Serranito Arenal is a good option for quick and cheap tapas. Their restaurant is bullfighting themed since it sits directly opposite the bullring, and the service is fast. It’s not the best quality tapas you’ll ever eat, but if you’re in a rush it’s probably one of the better options in the area, especially if you’re spending 2 days in Seville on a budget.
Ta’Kool
One of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Seville is Ta’Kool. It’s located a short walk from Torre del Oro and has a menu based around authentic and fresh Mexican food. They have meal deals available or you can order a single dish if you prefer. Everything is made fresh to order and the atmosphere is fantastic. There are lots of vegetarian options on their menu too. Although the burrito lacked flavour, the mushroom quesadilla was very nice.
Olmo Heladeria Artesanal
If you’re looking for authentic and fresh ice cream in Seville, look no further than Olmo Heladeria Artesanal. This ice cream shop has a wide selection of artisanal ice creams that are all made using natural ingredients. Their recipes are based around flavours common in Seville but you can also expect some delicious seasonal flavours as well. It’s a great place to sit for a while and get out of the hot Spanish sun.
Where to stay in Seville
Casa Sevilla 1855 Suites by Epoca
For those of you spending 2 days in Seville or less, it’s important to be centrally located and have easy access to the main attractions. That’s why I would recommend staying at Casa Sevilla 1855 Suites by Epoca.
We had the pleasure of staying in the 2-bedroom penthouse apartment which is spread across two floors. The top floor features a spacious modern bedroom with a large double bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. There’s also a small walk-in closet where you can store your bags and clothes during your stay.
Next to the upstairs bedroom is a charming living room space complete with a comfortable couch, bookcases, and a sliding door which gives you access to the private terrace. Each room in the apartment has its own air conditioning unit as well so you can stay cool wherever you are.
The private terrace is a big highlight of the 2-bedroom penthouse apartment at Casa Sevilla 1855. There’s a large table with chairs on the terrace which is perfect for entertaining or enjoying some quietude. This is the only apartment that offers direct access to the rooftop pool and solarium as well. During our visit the solarium wasn’t very busy so it was like we had our own private oasis in the heart of Seville.
On the first floor you’ll find the second bedroom which features a comfortable double bed, a chair with a footrest, and a nice sized television. This bedroom isn’t en-suite but the bathroom is located directly next to the room. Just like the upstairs bedroom, the first floor bedroom features a large window so there’s plenty of light coming through at all times of the day.
The first floor is also where the living room and kitchen is located. Like all of the apartment, this area is beautifully decorated with modern furnishings that reflect the historic nature of the building. Although we didn’t use the kitchen, it has everything you need to cook a nice meal and it also features a state of the art Nespresso machine. When we arrived we were welcomed by two miniature bottles of cava as well.
Casa Sevilla 1855 is located within a historic building that dates back to the mid-19th century. It was once a large manor house and as soon as you enter the building you’ll be transported back to this time period. The tiles that adorn the walls are truly breathtaking and you’ll instantly feel a sense of relaxation as the door closes behind you and blocks out all of the street noise.
The Alfalfa neighbourhood of the old town is just around the corner from the Setas de Sevilla. The suites are located in Plaza Cristo de Burgos which was once a Jewish neighbourhood and it was home to a large Muslim population before their expulsion in the 16th century. It’s a beautiful historic neighbourhood to walk around, with plenty of locally run restaurants and shops to visit.
If you’re looking for parking nearby, Parking Imagen is the best option and is located less than 5 minutes away. Casa Sevilla 1855 is easily the best place to stay in Seville if you want to be centrally located but still have a quiet place to rest your head after a long day of exploring the Andalusian capital.
>> See what apartments are available at Casa Sevilla 1855 <<
Is Seville worth visiting?
Seville is one of the most visited cities in Spain, and it’s easy to see why. The mixture of culture, historic monuments, and incredible weather draws in visitors all year round. Spending 2 days in Seville is perhaps enough time to see the city’s main attractions, but spending longer in the Andalusian capital will allow you to dive deeper into everything that makes Seville so attractive.
If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Seville or more, please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns. You can also follow along with my travels on Instagram and get in touch there where I’ll be happy to help however I can.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
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