A day plan on foot
Almohad Sevilla: the Alcázar, La Giralda and the river
- From and to
- 09:15 to 20:30
- Duration
- Full day, ~9 hours
- Distance
- 5 km
- Steps
- 11
Full day in the heart of old Sevilla: the Alcázar, La Giralda (the Almohad minaret), the Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Archivo de Indias, then the Torre del Oro and the river. Suits everyone; its best days are Monday to Saturday. ~9 hours.
Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra
- Start
- Lion Gate – the palace (Puerta del León, Real Alcázar)
- Finish
- Riverbank by the tower (Torre del Oro)
Sevilla is one of Europe's hottest cities in summer (up to 44°C): don't walk between 14:00 and 18:00 in July and August. Alcázar tickets sell out days ahead in spring (Holy Week and the April Fair).
- 09:15
Walk
Plaza del Triunfo
Plaza del Triunfo
Gather before your time slot at the Puerta del León; La Giralda, the cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias are all around the square.
Metro Puerta de Jerez / tram Archivo de Indias - 09:30
Visit
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Highlights: the Mudéjar palace of Pedro I, the Patio de las Doncellas, the Hall of Ambassadors, the baths of María de Padilla and the gardens. 2.5 hours. Daily 09:30–19:00 (changes in winter). Book your entry time in advance on the official website only — queues are long and tickets sell out.
- 12:00
Walk
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Leave by the Puerta de los Jardines toward the Water Alley (Callejón del Agua), Plaza de Doña Elvira and Plaza de Santa Cruz. 45 minutes through shady alleys.
- 13:00
Meal
San Marco Santa Cruz
San Marco Santa Cruz
Family lunch (Italian) inside the quarter, in an old building said to sit above an Andalusi bath. Halal alternative: Al Wadi in El Arenal (10 minutes' walk) or Arabesca. 1 hour 15 minutes.
- 14:30
Visit
La Giralda (the Almohad minaret)
La Giralda
The city's landmark: the minaret of the great Almohad mosque (the 12th century) with its stone lattice decoration. Admire it from outside and from the Patio de los Naranjos; the climb (ramps with no steps, 35 of them) requires a cathedral ticket — optional. 30 minutes from outside.
- 15:10
Visit
Archivo de Indias
Archivo de Indias
The old Exchange building from the 16th century, which holds documents of the discovery of the Americas. Free entry, 40 minutes (hours usually Tuesday–Saturday 09:30–17:00 and Sunday mornings; closed Monday — check).
Tram Archivo de Indias - 16:00
Rest
Confitería La Campana
Confitería La Campana
Alternative to the break: traditional sweets; or go back to the hotel in summer. Optional.
- 17:00
Visit
Torre del Oro
An Almohad tower on the river (1220 CE) that was part of the wall, with a small maritime museum inside. 30 minutes; Monday–Friday 09:30–19:00 and Saturday–Sunday 10:30–19:00. Narrow staircase to climb.
- 17:40
Walk
Stroll along the Guadalquivir riverbank
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón – Muelle de la Sal
Walk north along the promenade toward the Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II) at sunset. 45 minutes.
- 19:30
Prayer
Mezquita de Sevilla (Fundación Mezquita de Sevilla)
For Maghrib/Isha or Friday prayer: the city's prayer rooms are outside the centre — check the address and times before you go (10 minutes by taxi).
- 20:30
Meal
Al Wadi restaurant
Al Wadi
Halal Arab-style dinner in El Arenal, suitable for families. 1.5 hours.