Outline of the Itinerary:
- Day One:
- Day Two
- Day Three:
Seville is undoubtedly my favourite city in Spain, and perhaps even in Europe – my first memory of it is being truly struck by its vibrancy. Whether you are travelling through Europe, taking a sabbatical from work or making the most of a bank holiday weekend, Seville fulfils all your needs of temporarily escaping real life and entering an authentic Spanish oasis, with streets lined with fragrant blossoms and beautiful orange trees. Seville is the perfect budget destination – it’s southern geography means that it remains hot during the ‘off-season’ and so makes a fantastic and affordable autumn trip escaping peak prices.
This itinerary offers the ideal mix between relaxation and exploration – it includes ample opportunity to enjoy a glass of Sangria and temporarily escape the heat, but also ensures that you return home knowing that you saw the best of Seville’s cultural and historical sites. There are abundant opportunities for free, cheap or discounted fun in Seville, this guide maximises those opportunities for cheap fun.
DAY ONE:
On your first morning in Seville, indulge in authentic Spanish culture by visiting a local café for a traditional breakfast and coffee. Try out Tostadas, Bocadillos and Café Cortadof or that taste of authenticity.
Amazing Breakfast spots:
– Almazen Café Sevilla
– Cocome
– La Mala Bunch Rivero
After your breakfast, head over to Maria Luisa Park and take a stroll through the beautiful gardens. The park is filled with stunning fountains, and you will see plenty of people offering tours on horse and carriage, however, we were informed by locals that the animals are not treated well and are often exploited for profit, so be sure to bring a cold bottle of water and enjoy a nice walk. You could always enjoy a picnic at the park by getting some supplies from the local supermarket as a cheaper alternative to buying lunch in a restaurant.
The Royal Alcazar Gardens are situated directly next to Maria Luisa Park and therefore make for a convenient next step. Admission to the Royal Alcazar costs €13 for general admission (or only €6 for students and some concessions!). The gardens are an unmissable, beautiful experience – you can use an audio guide offered in a variety of languages or simply explore yourself and take in the environment. Any fantasy TV enthusiasts may recognise the setting from its feature in Game of Thrones! Be mindful that there is no café inside so ensure that you have water and any snacks you may need whilst you are there.
After a long afternoon of walking in the heat, you will likely want to relax in your hotel for a bit – you may want to grab a drink and a bite to eat on your journey back because most restaurants in Seville don’t open until 8/8:30pm, and most locals do not arrive until after 9pm. When you are ready for dinner, you simply must indulge in Seville’s famous tapas. Most restaurants have a menu with a main and tapas version of every dish – the tapas dish is typically priced at just 3-4 euros each so don’t hesitate to grab some of everything you fancy and share with friends.
Best Tapas Spots:
– ‘Abuela Canela’ – a true hidden gem with fantastic prices for unique tapas!
– Taberna Coloniales
– Bar La Sacristia
If you’re not too tired after dinner, then head to Seville’s ‘Underground Flamenco Show’ in a bar called La Carboneria. Whilst Seville has an abundance of Flamenco shows, La Carboneria’s is free! It has shows throughout the night, until late, every night. To gain entry you only need to buy a (very affordable) drink, the venue also offers fantastic cheap tapas if you get hungry later into the night!
DAY TWO:
Embark on your second day in Seville with a journey to the enchanting old town. Spend your morning exploring the artistic gems of Seville Central whilst enjoying a delightful breakfast. From there, set out for the iconic Plaza de España, a cinematic location featured in Star Wars. Entry to this architectural wonder is completely free! Enjoy the scenic surroundings and consider renting a boat – a refreshing way to escape the sun’s warmth. The plaza often hosts free flamenco shows throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the stalls offering charming souvenirs, including intricately designed fans. Remember to bring cash for the public toilets!
As the day unfolds, be mindful of the Seville heat and take a leisurely stroll to a rooftop bar, where you can unwind with cooling drinks. Many restaurants in Seville feature subtle water sprinklers to keep customers refreshed.
Indulge in the afternoon with a snack of the famous and beloved churros, a popular treat in Seville. After satisfying your sweet tooth, prepare for a dinner experience at the iconic Las Setas de Sevilla, offering panoramic views overlooking the city. ‘Las Setas’ translating to ‘The Mushrooms’ is actually the largest wooden structure in the world. You can take the elevator up to the top and enjoy an unparalleled view of Seville’s sunset. However, Las Setas is equally amazing when the sun goes down – when the structure turns into an enchanting light show.
DAY THREE:
As your final day in Seville unfolds, savour every moment and make it truly enjoyable. Commence your day by exploring the majestic ‘Catedral de Sevilla’, this Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important symbols in the city. Book a ticket in advance for €9 (or €4 for students and those over 65). The cathedral has free entry on Mondays between 4:30-6pm, but you must book online in advance. Ensure that you are wearing modest clothing when you enter, and reflect on your time in Seville in this incredibly unique and awe-inspiring setting. You can even climb 36 floors to the top of the bell tower to unlock that final view over the city.
As the afternoon progresses, make your way over to Calle Betis – an inconic street with bustling nightlife, bar hopping, tapas and socialising. Stroll around and be sure to visit ‘ T de Tirana’ – a traditional Seviilan bar with great views of the city (where you can get two bottles of brand name beer for just €2.50!).
Extra note: If you happen to be in Seville on a Thursday, then check out ‘Lady Drama Indie Rock Bar’, which hosts a free and fun trivia night every other week. Each team can have up to 6 people so this is a great way to spend an evening in Seville!