We went to Seville for New Year 2021→2022 with a simple plan: no big itinerary, just New Year’s Eve together as a family. It was a big group: my parents, my sister’s family, and us with Damian (8) and Marc (5). Three days later we’d seen the Alcázar, climbed the Giralda, ridden a horse carriage round Plaza de España and fallen for the city. This is those 3 days in Seville, rebuilt as an itinerary you can follow, with 2026 prices and the closures that catch people out at New Year.
Short on time? Where to stay for 3 days in Seville
Barrio Santa Cruz – walk out of the door to the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the tapas bars.
Meliá Sevilla – opposite Plaza de España, a 130 m² outdoor pool open year-round, family rooms.
Triana – across the river, apartments with space for families, 10 minutes’ walk to the centre.
3 days in Seville: at a glance
- Day 1: Las Setas viewpoint, Calle Sierpes, the first tapas.
- Day 2: Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Cathedral + Giralda, a horse carriage, the Real Alcázar.
- Day 3: hop-on hop-off bus, Triana and the neighbourhoods at your own pace.
- Book ahead: the Alcázar and the Cathedral. Both sell timed tickets, and queues are long without them.
- Kids: under-13s are free at both the Alcázar and the Cathedral.
Day 1: Las Setas, Calle Sierpes and the first tapas
We arrived around midday, left the bags and went straight to Las Setas (Metropol Parasol), the giant wooden “mushrooms” in Plaza de la Encarnación. The walkway on top gives you the whole city at once. It was one of those moments where nobody says much. You just look. It’s open until late, and sunset is the time to go. Tickets are about €16 (2026).
From there we walked down Calle Sierpes, the main shopping street, towards the cathedral, and finished with tapas: jamón ibérico and croquetas, the two things every child in Spain will eat.
Day 1 tip with kids: keep the first afternoon light. Seville’s centre is flat and walkable, but the cobbles tire small legs fast.
Day 2: Plaza de España, Cathedral, Giralda and the Alcázar
Our big day. It’s a lot for one day, and we left tired in the good way. With younger kids, split it over two days.
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
Plaza de España is free, and it’s the place everyone photographs: a huge semicircle of brick and tiles, a canal with little bridges, and a tiled alcove for every province of Spain. Kids love finding their own. Next to it, María Luisa Park has shade, fountains and space to run.
This is where we took a horse carriage, one of the best spontaneous decisions of the trip. The carriages wait around Plaza de España and the cathedral. Fares are set by the city, so agree the route and price before you get in.
Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
The cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and Columbus’s tomb is inside. The Giralda, its bell tower, is the part kids remember, because there are no stairs. You walk up a series of ramps, built wide enough for a horseman to ride up, so it’s much easier on small legs than it looks. The view from the top covers the whole city.
2026 prices: €14 at the door, €13 online (reduced €7). Children up to 13 go free. Book a timed slot online.
The Real Alcázar
The royal palace is Seville’s must-see: Mudéjar courtyards, tiled halls and gardens with peacocks, and big enough that kids can explore without getting bored. Allow at least 2–3 hours.
2026 prices (official): general €15.50, reduced €8. Under-13s free with an adult. The upper royal apartments (Cuarto Real Alto) cost €5.50 extra. Winter hours are 9:30–17:00 and summer hours 9:30–19:00.
Day 3: Hop-on hop-off bus, Triana and slowing down
On the last day we took a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus and sat on the upper deck. After two big walking days, it was the right call with kids and grandparents: you see the river, the Torre del Oro, the Expo 92 site and the neighbourhoods without walking them, and hop off where you like. Cross the bridge into Triana, the old ceramics and flamenco quarter, for lunch on the riverside.
What to see in Seville in three days (the short list)
- Real Alcázar
- Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
- Plaza de España (free)
- María Luisa Park (free)
- Las Setas / Metropol Parasol at sunset
- Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter
- Triana and the river
Going over New Year? Read Seville at New Year with kids first: the Alcázar and the Cathedral are closed on 1 and 6 January.
Where to stay in Seville with kids
Stay central. Walking out of your hotel and straight into the city makes everything easier, especially with children who need a break in the room at 3 pm.
- Santa Cruz and the old town: the most atmospheric, with everything on foot. Rooms are smaller, and cars are a pain. See hotels in Santa Cruz.
- Plaza de España / María Luisa Park: quieter and greener, 1 km from the old town. Meliá Sevilla is right opposite the plaza, with an outdoor pool that’s open all year. My husband stayed there for work, and it has family rooms.
- Triana: more local, with apartments for bigger groups (useful for a group like ours). See stays in Triana.
When to visit Seville
- November–February: mild, calm, cheaper. Our New Year trip was perfect for walking.
- March–May: the most beautiful, and the busiest and most expensive during Holy Week and the April Fair.
- June–September: very hot. With kids, choose a hotel with a pool and plan sightseeing for mornings only.
Continuing through Andalusia? The Alhambra with kids is a 3-hour drive east, and the Costa del Sol is about 2.5 hours south.
3 days in Seville: FAQ
Is 3 days enough in Seville?
Yes. Three days covers the Real Alcázar, the Cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España, Las Setas and Triana at a relaxed pace, even with children.
What should you see in Seville in three days?
The Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower, Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Las Setas viewpoint, Barrio Santa Cruz and Triana.
How much are the Real Alcázar tickets in 2026?
General admission is €15.50 and reduced €8. Children under 13 enter free with an adult, and the upper royal apartments cost €5.50 extra.
Is the Real Alcázar open on New Year’s Day?
No. The Real Alcázar is closed on 1 January, 6 January, Good Friday and 25 December, so plan your visit around those dates.
Is Seville good for kids?
Yes. The centre is flat and walkable, under-13s are free at the Alcázar and the Cathedral, the Giralda has ramps instead of stairs, and Plaza de España and María Luisa Park are free.
