Seville, Spain is the capital of Andalusia, a city rich in history, and culture, and a great place to experience Spanish life even if you’re on a budget.
We spent 4 nights in Seville, exploring the highlights from the Catedral de Sevilla’s beauty to the flamenco experience but in an affordable way.
This post will give you practical tips on affordable dining options, budget-friendly accommodations, and cost-effective transportation.
But how much did we spend for 4 nights for 2 people?
Hotel (4 nights) – $558.21 about $140/night
Food – $245 about $61/day
Tours and Entertainment – $274
Transportation – $106.67
Total – $1,183 or $592 per person
That’s less than $150 per night per person including staying in luxury accommodations in an amazing location, food, tours, entertainment, and transportation.
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Looking for the Best of Seville?
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
On Day 1 we arrived in Seville by high-speed train from Madrid and took some time to explore the area.
Our hotel was centrally located in the El Arenal neighborhood on a street lined with restaurants and nearby iconic landmarks like the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) and the Real Maestranza de Caballería (bull ring).
After doing a little exploring we walked about 10 minutes across the Puente de Triana into the Triana Neighborhood to see a Flamenco show!
Triana has a rich heritage and is known as the birthplace of Flamenco. It was the perfect way to start our 4 days in Seville!
Day 1 Suggested Itinerary
Morning/Afternoon
On your arrival to Seville, I suggest you take some time to settle in and explore.
Take a stroll along the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón. It’s a beautiful promenade on the Guadalquivir River, on the same side as the Torre del Oro.
You can grab a bite to eat at the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a modern market with several gourmet food stalls. We stopped here a few times to reduce food costs.
In the afternoon take a walk across the bridge into the Triana neighborhood and check out the Mercado de Triana.
It’s a great place to sample some local cuisine with several bars and cafes within the market that serve traditional tapas and drinks.
Evening
Pretty much all of the restaurants in the area close around 4 or 4:30 pm and do not open back up until 8 or 8:30 pm for dinner.
I usually like an early dinner, so this was a cultural thing that I had to get used to, but it wasn’t hard.
I would take that time to rest up and get ready for a fun night of Flamenco!
Flamenco was my favorite experience in Seville.
It goes beyond mere performance; it’s an emotional journey deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of Andalusia. I got literal goosebumps from the performance.
And for us, there was no better place to enjoy a flamenco show than the historic Triana neighborhood. The shows are less commercial and showcase genuine emotional depth steeped in tradition.
We felt like we truly experienced the soul of Seville.
It’s your choice to do the show before or after you do dinner. I would recommend going to the show before and then popping into one of the many restaurants in the Triana neighborhood.
Flamenco Show: $24-$30 per person
Day 2: Culture and Heritage
On our 2nd day in Seville, we decided to sleep in before heading to the Santa Cruz neighborhood for some sightseeing!
We booked back-to-back tours for the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and Giralda Tower.
We purchased the add-on to climb the Giralda Tower at the Cathedral but didn’t reach the top.
To get to the top of the tower there are 34 wide ramps and then 17 steps. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but after back-to-back tours, it was too much for us.
I would not recommend doing back-to-back tours.
Day 2 Suggested Itinerary
Morning
Take your time in the morning, there’s no need to rush and pack your day in Spain. Seville is best experienced slowly.
Go grab some coffee and take a morning stroll along the river.
Today, I would recommend hanging out in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
It’s the old Jewish quarter, full of restaurants and cafes. Try some local specialties like gazpacho or jamón ibérico.
Afternoon/Evening
While you’re in the Santa Cruz neighborhood you should check out either the Seville Cathedral or the Real Alcázar if you’re not up for doing both. They are located right next to each other.
We enjoyed our guided tours because I would rather hear about the history and highlights from an experienced guide rather than read it for myself.
We had the same tour guide for both tours and she was amazing. Probably our favorite tour guide of the entire trip.
If I do it again, I would book the guided tour only for the Real Alcázar.
The Real Alcázar, was a royal palace originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings. The blend of architectural styles and beautiful gardens was amazing.
Our tour was about 90 minutes and only covered the palace itself (which is stunning).
I was bummed that we didn’t have much time to tour the grounds and gardens. It was so beautiful.
We did have a chance to visit the Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla which I highly recommend. They are rainwater tanks named after María de Padilla, the mistress of King Peter.
After the palace, you can walk over to the Seville Cathedral one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. It’s also home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
I don’t think you need a guided tour of the Cathedral unless you are a huge history buff. But it is visually stunning and a must-visit.
Depending on your schedule you could do the cathedral first and then tour the Real Alcázar. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower Combo Tour: $77 per person
Day 3: Local Experiences
On our 3rd day in Seville, we took advantage of a 2 day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour to explore Seville and take us to areas that were too far to walk.
Some of the highlights we discovered:
- Basilica of the Macarena Seville
- Free Walking Tour was included with our hop on hop off bus tour
- The bullring of Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla
Day 3 Suggested Itinerary
Morning
Start with the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus: Start your day by catching the hop-on tour bus. This is an excellent way to get an overview of Seville and spot places you might want to explore more thoroughly on future visits. You can pick up the bus from any of its stops throughout the city.
Visit La Macarena: One of the bus stops was in the Macarena district.
This area is home to the Basilica de la Macarena, where you can see the revered Virgen de la Macarena. Explore the neighborhood’s charming streets and maybe grab a coffee at a local café.
Afternoon
Join a Free Walking Tour: Most hop-on hop-off bus tickets include options for a guided walking tour.
This tour will give you deeper insights into Seville’s history and hidden gems, focusing on areas like the historic Triana neighborhood.
Real Maestranza Self-Guided Tour: The afternoon is a good time to check out the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville’s bullring, one of Spain’s oldest and most famous.
A self-guided tour will allow you to explore at your own pace, delve into the bullfighting museum, and step into the arena itself.
Day 4: Relaxation and Culture
Your last day in Seville is the perfect time to relax and experience some more of the city’s rich culture.
Suggested Sites to Explore:
- Plaza de Espana
- Centro Cerámica Triana
- Metropol Parasol
- Alameda de Hércules
- Casa de Pilatos
- Mercado De Triana
Getting to Seville
We took the high speed train from Madrid into Seville, it was less than 3 hours and very affordable.
After our time was over in Seville, we flew out of the local Seville Airport to Barcelona. The airport was easily accessible and we flew on budget airline Vueling to get to Barcelona.
Getting Around Seville
To get around Seville, we walked or took the hop on hop-off bus.
We stayed in the Arenal area, across the bridge from the Triana neighborhood so everything we wanted to see was nearby or easily accessible by the hop on hop off tour bus.
Best Location To Stay in Seville Spain
Santa Cruz: This is the most picturesque and popular area to stay in Seville. It’s the historic Jewish quarter and offers narrow winding streets, beautiful plazas, and easy access to major attractions like the Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar.
El Arenal: Located between the historic center and the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal is known for its bullring (the Real Maestranza), lively atmosphere, and proximity to both shopping and cultural sites. It’s also a great area for dining and nightlife.
Triana: Across the river from the city center, Triana is a bit more laid-back and local in feel but is famous for its vibrant flamenco scene and pottery workshops. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to stay in a neighborhood with a strong traditional character and don’t mind a short walk or bus ride to reach the main tourist areas.
Alameda: Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Alameda is centered around the Alameda de Hércules, a large square surrounded by tapas bars, cafes, and nightclubs.
Macarena: North of the city center, Macarena is less touristy and offers a more authentic local experience. The area features historical sites like the Basilica of Macarena and the medieval city walls, along with a variety of affordable accommodations.
Centro: The city center of Seville (Centro) encompasses areas around the Metropol Parasol and shopping streets like Calle Sierpes.
Nervión: A more modern part of Seville, Nervión is located east of the historic center and offers more contemporary hotels, shopping malls, and is close to the Sevilla FC stadium. It’s a good option if you prefer a quieter area but still want convenient access to the rest of the city.
What is the best time to visit Seville?
We traveled during shoulder season which is in the Spring March-May. We visited in mid-May and the weather was absolutely amazing.
The crowds were not too bad and the prices of hotels and trains were very affordable. This is arguably the most beautiful time to visit Seville, as the weather is warm but not yet hot, and the city is vibrant with blooming flowers.
Be mindful of traveling to Seville during one of their big festivals:
- Semana Santa (Holy Week): A deeply cultural and spiritual event leading up to Easter, where you can witness processions and pageantry unique to Seville.
- Feria de Abril (April Fair): Occurring two weeks after Easter, this festival features flamenco dancing, bullfights, and lots of local food and drink. The city comes alive with color and festivity.
Fall (September to November): The scorching summer heat begins to subside, making it a comfortable time to explore the city. The crowds are also fewer compared to spring. September and October still see many sunny days, with temperatures that are conducive to walking and outdoor activities.
I would not recommend traveling to Seville during the summer months of June-August. It gets very hot, like intensely hot which is why we avoided it and traveled in May just before summer. We already live in hot sunny South Florida and were not about to endure more heat on vacation.
Winter (December to February): Winters are mild compared to much of Europe, and while it can be a bit chilly, it’s rarely freezing. This can be a good time to visit if you prefer avoiding crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures.
How can I save money on food in Seville?
One of the things that makes Seville and most cities in Spain affordable is the food. It’s not uncommon to find a meal that is not only cheap but authentic and delicious.
Here are some tips for saving money on food in Spain:
Tapas Culture: Embrace the tapas culture! Tapas are essentially just snacks, but in Spain, sometimes the portions can easily be a full meal for half the price of an entree. I love it because it gives you a chance to try a variety of tasty dishes for a low price.
Menu del Día: Some restaurants offer a “Menu del Día” or “Menu of the Day” during lunchtime. It can be a substantial meal at a very reasonable price like 10-15 euros.
Eat where the locals eat: Stay away from the main tourist areas and ask some locals where they like to eat. We found an amazing restaurant off the main street from our hotel in an alley which was amazing.
It was called La Brunilda Tapas. We didn’t have a reservation, but we went there about 45 minutes before their opening time of 8:30 pm. We were the 2nd party in line, by the time they opened the queue had grown long, so I’m glad we arrived early!
Visit Local Markets: Markets like Mercado de Triana offer fresh produce and have various stalls where you can buy affordable, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks. It’s a good opportunity to try local specialties for less.
Late (and big) Lunch: Spaniards typically eat lunch between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Many restaurants cater to this by offering their best meal deals during these hours, which are more substantial and affordable compared to dinner menus.
What are the must-try foods in Seville?
You will encounter a lot of ham, I have never eaten so many ham sandwiches in my life!
But it was so good.
It’s not uncommon to walk into a cafe and sandwiches that consist of just a few slices of meat in between two pieces of bread and pressed down flat like a panini. It’s simple yet delicious.
Tapas: Seville is famous for its tapas, which are small dishes shared among friends. Some popular options include:
- Jamon Iberico: A type of cured ham from the Iberian pig, renowned for its rich flavor.
- Tortilla Española: A thick Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions.
- Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
- Salmorejo: A thick, creamy tomato soup that is served cold, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.
- Churros con Chocolate: While not unique to Seville, no visit to Spain would be complete without enjoying churros with a thick hot chocolate for dipping. It’s a popular breakfast or late-night snack.
- Secreto Iberico: A high-quality cut of pork that is incredibly tender and flavorful, often grilled or roasted to perfection.
- croquetas
If you’re used to American food, I would recommend that you try new things in Spain. Many of the menu items may look or sound weird, but trust me you won’t regret trying something new.
Ready for 4 Days in Seville?
Seville has a way of capturing the heart with its quintessential laid-back Spanish vibe and the best part?
It won’t hurt your wallet!
Over four days, you’ll have plenty of time to sip on sangria (or a tinto verano), explore historic sites, and maybe even catch an inspiring Flamenco show!
I love how affordable Seville can be if you stay in the right area and are particular in the type of activities you choose.
Planning a trip to Spain? Check out these posts!
- Get Your VAT Refund in Spain
- Things I wish I had known before traveling to Europe
- Flying Iberia Business Class Miami to Madrid
- Madrid to Miami with Iberia in Business Class
Want to Travel More for Less?
