Michelle Cacija

Seville, the heart of Andalusia, is a city that captivates the senses from the moment you arrive. With its sun-soaked streets lined with orange trees, vibrant flamenco rhythms, and the tantalizing aroma of tapas filling the air, Seville is a city that demands to be explored. Ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering food make it one of Spain’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning palaces, Gothic cathedrals, or simply the laid-back Andalusian lifestyle, Seville offers something for every traveler.

In October 2023, my partner and I had the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful city for ourselves, and we were instantly blown away. From the lively plazas to the winding cobblestone streets, Seville charmed us at every turn. Over the course of three days, we immersed ourselves in its history, indulged in its cuisine, and soaked in the warmth of its people. Servus and welcome to my three-day itinerary for Seville, where I’ll share what made this trip so special and why you absolutely must experience Andalusia’s flair for yourself!

As always, I want to remind you, that this itinerary isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Seville
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Where to eat
7. Other Spain Blogs

The Basics about Seville

When to visit

The best time to visit Seville is in spring, from March to May, when temperatures are mild, averaging 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and the tourist crowds are manageable compared to the summer months. The only downside is that it tends to rain more during this season. We visited at the beginning of October when it was still quite hot, often reaching around 30°C (86°F), but there weren’t too many tourists, making it a pleasant time to explore the city.

Time period

Regarding the time period, I think three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Seville as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the old historic town and explore some of the nearby attractions. However, in the end, it really depends on what you want to see and do in Seville.

Getting There

When it comes to getting there, you can reach the Spanish city by car, bus, train or plane depending on where you’re coming from. Since we had been in Madrid before, we came by train, which took around three hours.

Where to stay

In Seville, a great area to stay is the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It’s known for its charming streets, close to major attractions, and traditional Andalusian architecture. Another popular area is Triana, which offers a more local vibe with great restaurants and beautiful views of the Guadalquivir River. And Caso Antiguo, the historical district, where we stayed.

Getting around

When it comes to getting around, Seville is a very walkable city; you can easily walk to all the major sights. To see more in a shorter time, you could always hire a bike. Additionally, the city has an good public transport system, including buses and trams, which provide an affordable and efficient way to explore.

What to pack

Regarding what to pack, it obvisiouly depends on when you go, but if you go in early October like us, I recommend packing lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, including shorts, t-shirts and dresses. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking through the city or nature, I recommend brining a few comfortable enclosed shoes. Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are fundamental. I also suggest bringing a hoodie or jumper for cooler nights and an umbrella for rainy weather.

Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

As for the expenses, the amount you’re going to spend depends on several factors, including your choice of accommodation, your travel style, and the activities you’ll be doing. In general, Seville is still one of the more affordable cities in Europe, especially when compared to big cities like London or Rome.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Spain. You can safely drink tap water as it’s clean and meets high-quality standards. In most cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, the tap water isn’t only safe but also tastes alright. However, in some coastal or rural areas, the water might have a slightly different taste due to mineral content, so some people prefer bottled water.

Toilet situation. Unfortunately, public restrooms typically cost around 50 Cent to a euro in Spain (and many other European countries). So, make sure to carry a few coins with you and always use the restroom before leaving your accommondation, a restaurant, or a café.

Tipping. In Spain, tipping isn’t as common or expected as it is in some other countries. However, it’s appreciated if you receive exeptional service. It’s common to roud up the bill or to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.

Currency. The Currency in Spain is the Euro. While a few years ago, Seville was still very cash-oriented, they now accept cards mostly everywhere. It’s still advisable, though, to bring some cash with you.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

After arriving in Seville and checking into our hostel, we headed out for lunch at Habanita ^{(unpaid ad)}, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine. The food was delicious and a perfect start to our trip. Later, we visited the iconic Plaza de España, a must-see in Seville.

A few days before our trip, we had booked a free walking tour of the historic city center. We love joining these tours, as they’re an amazing way to explore a new city on your first day, learn about its history, and visit some of the main landmarks. The tour took us to Plaza de España, the Alcázar Palace, Seville Cathedral, University of Seville, Hotel Alfonso XIII, Plaza de Toros, and more.

One of the most striking sights was Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It stands proudly in the old town, surrounded by fragrant orange trees. After the guided tour, we spent the afternoon strolling through the lively streets of Seville’s city center, soaking in the atmosphere.

Day 2

On the second day, we had planned to visit the Alcázar Palace, but our guide from the previous day informed us that it’s usually fully booked weeks in advance. Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize this location as the filming site for Dorne, but long before that, the palace was already one of Seville’s top attractions. Unfortunately, the guide was right, and we were unable to secure tickets. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend booking well in advance. The Alcázar will definitely be our priority the next time we’re in Seville. Since the palace wasn’t an option, we spent the day wandering through Seville’s historic center, exploring some lovely local shops.

Later, we decided to take a walk along the Guadalquivir River and cross the San Telmo Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower). Built in the 13th century as part of the city’s defense along the river, the tower now houses a small maritime museum and a view point over the river and the city.

Visitor information: We paid two euros for he museum and to climb to the top (2024).

Afterward, we visited the luxurious Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville’s most historic 5-star hotel. Renowned for its elegance and top-tier service, the hotel has hosted many famous guests, including Tom Cruise and Jennifer Aniston. You can stop by for a drink on the outdoor terrace or simply admire the artwork, jewelry, and furniture on display.

In the afternoon, we returned to Plaza de España for a more thorough visit. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. Visitors can rent boats for a peaceful ride in the canal that runs through the square, take a horse-drawn carriage, or simply explore on foot. When we arrived, street performers were doing a lively flamenco show, which we joined for a bit. We also passed the Museo Militar Regional, a military museum located right at the Plaza. Admission is free, and we spent about an hour inside – a great way to escape the heat.

Day 3

On day three, we embarked on a day tour to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and Ronda. If you have an extra day to explore Andalusia, I highly recommend visiting these picturesque villages.

Our journey began with a drive through the scenic Andalusian countryside and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Our first stop was an olive oil factory. While Andalusia is famous for its wines and orange groves, it’s also one of the top olive oil-producing regions in the world. We had the chance to learn about the olive oil-making process and sample freshly baked bread with olive oil, which was absolutely delicious.

Next, we arrived at the charming town of Zahara de la Sierra, a famous white village in the province of Cádiz. Perched on a hilltop, the village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding reservoir. As we strolled through its narrow streets, our guide shared stories of its rich history, and we were captivated by the delightful scent of oranges and flowers.

From there, we continued to Ronda, a stunning town famous for its dramatic location atop the deep El Tajo gorge. Ronda is a favorite destination for visitors to Andalusia, known for its historic bullring, one of the oldest in Spain. The town’s streets are filled with charming shops, historic buildings, and impressive views of the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed a delicious paella for lunch, savoring the moment in this beautiful town.

Our final stop on the tour was Grazalema, another enchanting white village nestled in the province of Cádiz. Surrounded by mountains, Grazalema is renowned for its traditional Andalusian architecture and its production of high-quality woolen goods. During our visit, we were lucky enough to witness a medieval feast, a vibrant event where locals dress in traditional costumes, sell handcrafted goods, and enjoy games and food. Our guide explained that many towns in Spain host these kinds of festivals to honor their historical heritage. It was an unexpected and fascinating experience!

Andalusia is a stunning region of Spain with its warm climate, rich history, delicious food, and countless attractions. We absolutely fell in love with Seville and its surrounding areas and can’t wait to return one day!

Summary of activities

• Free walking tour
• Plaza de Espana
• Seville Cathedral
• Torre del Oro
• Alcázar Palace
• Hotel Alfonso XIII
• Day trip to Pueblos Blancos and Ronda

Where to eat

• Habanita – Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine with many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options ^{(unpaid ad)}

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