How To Spend The Best 24 Hours In Seville

There aren’t many reasons why you would only spend 24 hours here, but if time is precious here’s a whistle-stop guide.

Seville is one of those cities that can easily be explored 100 times over without uncovering its complete beauty. With its incredible architecture seeped in rich history and a cuisine that can inspire the most experienced of foodies there aren’t many reasons why you would only spend 24 hours here, but if time is precious here’s a whistle-stop guide.

Get up early and head to the nearest coffee shop for a strong café con leche and one or two churros for a sugar hit to get you energized and ready for the day ahead.

Morning: Marvel at the architecture

Luckily for Seville, its compact nature makes it an ideal walking city. Wandering around, you will see extraordinary architecture. Starting out with the cities quaint ‘mini-castle’ tourist information centre is enough to keep you wanting more. Holding its official title of being the largest cathedral in the world, Seville’s cathedral is hard to miss and one not to; its interesting history, sheer beauty and huge scale makes it unique. Formerly part of a 12^th century mosque, the cathedral’s awe-inspiring architecture begins at the exterior and continues within, completed with a beautiful courtyard of orange trees. Once inside climb (or stagger in the 40 degree heat) the 34 ramps up to the top of the bell tower for amazing panoramic views across the city.

Your architectural journey – albeit short but impressive – should continue into the Real Alcazar. Today, it is a UNESCO site and one of the oldest royal residences in Europe. It is a fascinating site to walk through, experiencing different cultures and eras throughout the architecture and extravagant gardens. You will find it difficult to break from the peaceful serenity created here but more of Seville’s magic awaits…

Early afternoon: Wander from old to new

From the Real Alcazar wind your way through the orange tree-lined streets into the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Once the Jewish quarter, it is an intriguing and picturesque neighbourhood filled with a cobble stone streets, leafy plazas and bustling bars. With no specific spot in mind, enjoy the areas chaotic charm, which makes for a perfect gelato or light lunch stop off. Up from here you can visit Seville’s newest architectural wonder, the Metropol Parasol (locally known as “the mushroom”). This interlocking webbed timber structure is pretty impressive, providing much needed shade from the stifling heat. The observation decks give you 360 views of the city.

Mid Afternoon: A spectacle in the park 

Braving the mid afternoon heat, head to the Parque de Maria Luisa. As Seville’s finest green oasis, the park is a welcome respite from the city and home to the remarkable Plaza de Espana. Built for the Ibero-American exposition of 1928, it is today comprised mainly of government buildings, which luckily doesn’t dull down its beauty. Curved around the back of the park and connected with ornate bridges and fountains the Plaza is majestic with film-set qualities not to miss. If you’re feeling active you can rent out small boats to row the surrounding canal.

Early evening: Drinks with a view

Before the impromptu outbursts of flamenco start (usually in the Santa Cruz area) head to the Guadalquivir River to join the locals strolling in and out of the atmospheric riverside bars. Take a riverside seat and enjoy the last of the sunshine with an aperitif and a view of the Tore del Oro, the cities watchtower. When it comes to the choice of tapas restaurants on offer, you will be spoilt for choice. Back over the river, head to the Alameda de Hercules area wander the rows of tapas restaurants and bars. Do what the Spanish do best and take a tapas crawl of the area, turning dinner into long affair starting in one part of town and ending up in another rolling into the late hours.

Evening: Soak up the last of Seville

If you still have energy to spare, explore Seville’s night scene, famed for its flamenco scene this isn’t all Seville has to offer when it comes to evening entertainment. The social tapas scene, which lasts a couple of hour’s means that partying, extends into the early hours. Visit the El Arenal area between the cathedral and bullring, here you will find a number of eclectic cocktail bars to choose from.

With the 24 hours up and unlike nowhere else in Spain I guarantee it will be hard to leave. Seville captures its visitors every sense from the fragrant smell of orange blossom, views of stunning architecture to the taste of Andalucía’s best-kept tapas recipes and the sound of flamenco.

Gemma Harris

As a yacht enthusiast, Gemma's travel style is to adhere to the "say yes" campaign. She's all about spontaneity, to try everything and be adventurous. You won't find her without her journal, traveling in search of her favorite country.