Seville in 4 Days for food-lovers - Real Alcázar de Sevilla
A friendly, food-focused 4-day plan for Seville in May: history, markets, tapas, two fine-dining nights, a flamenco experience, and time to arrange a tattoo with a trusted local studio. Balanced pacing for spring weather (pleasant mornings, warm afternoons) with short breaks and realistic transfers.
Highlights
- Real Alcázar de Sevilla
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
- Plaza de España & Parque de María Luisa
- Mercado de Triana
- Mercado Lonja del Barranco
- Abantal (Michelin)
- Oriza (fine dining)
- Authentic flamenco at Casa de la Memoria
- Tattoo consultation/session in Triana
Itinerary
Day 1
Historic center highlights, rooftop break, and a Michelin dinner to welcome you to Seville.
Real Alcázar of Seville — morning visit
Start at the Real Alcázar to explore Mudejar palaces and gardens before crowds peak. Buy timed tickets or arrive early.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening to avoid midday heat and crowds; the best light for courtyard photos is morning on the Patio de las Doncellas.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the gardens include uneven paths; several benches offer shade for short rests between gardens.
- Food tip: after the visit, head toward Callejón del Agua for a quick churro or orange juice at a local café to recharge.
Seville Cathedral & La Giralda — climb for views
Visit the Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda ramp for panoramic city views. Combine tickets if you like to save queue time.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a combined ticket online to reduce wait time; mornings are less crowded than late afternoon.
- If you have food restrictions, note cafés around the cathedral serve vegetarian/vegan bocadillos (ask for 'sin' any ingredient).
- For photos of the Giralda with orange trees in the foreground, stand on Calle Alemanes on the cathedral's east side.
Lunch at El Rinconcillo — historic tapas bar
Casual, historic tapas experience sampling montaditos, espinacas con garbanzos and local jamón.
Tips from local experts:
- Order the local specialties: espinacas con garbanzos (spinach & chickpeas), bacalao, and a plate of jamón ibérico to share.
- Sit at the bar if you want quick service and to watch plating; ask for small plates to sample more dishes.
- If you have dietary restrictions, staff are used to modifying plates — ask for oil-free or vegetarian versions of classic tapas.
Stroll Barrio Santa Cruz — alleys, plazas and sweets
Leisurely walk through former Jewish quarter — narrow lanes, orange trees, artisan shops and hidden squares.
Tips from local experts:
- Late afternoon is a lovely time for photos as the light softens; pop into small bakeries for 'torrijas' or 'tarta de queso'.
- Watch for small tapas joints off the main alleys — these often have authentic, less-touristy plates.
- Accessibility note: some lanes are cobbled and narrow — take it slow if mobility is a concern.
Rooftop break — EME Catedral Hotel Rooftop
Coffee or a cold drink with cathedral views; good spot for a short rest and planning the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a local vermouth or a cold tinto de verano for a true Sevillan refreshment.
- Sunscreen and a light scarf are wise — spring evenings can be breezy up top.
- If you want a seat with the best view of the Giralda, arrive 10–15 minutes before your planned time to avoid waiting.
Dinner (Fancy) — Abantal (Michelin-starred)
Special evening meal at Abantal to enjoy contemporary Andalusian cuisine — pre-book a tasting menu.
Tips from local experts:
- Book well in advance and mention any dietary restrictions — tasting menus can be tailored for vegetarians or allergies.
- Ask the sommelier for Andalusian wine pairings (Jerez and Montilla-Moriles are local highlights).
- Pace yourself: this is a multi-course experience; request a later finish if you prefer dining at a more relaxed pace.
Day 2
Triana & tapas market day with a tattoo session and a flamenco night.
Plaza de España & Parque de María Luisa — morning walk
Spend the morning strolling the iconic plaza and shaded park avenues — great for photos and leisurely pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Early morning provides the best soft light and fewer tour groups for photos on the canal bridges.
- Look for local snack vendors selling 'churros' or 'pamboli' around the park if you want a light stop.
- Bring a small picnic blanket for a short sit-down under orange trees — many locals relax here on sunny May mornings.
Mercado de Triana — tapas tasting & market browsing
Explore stalls with fresh seafood, Iberian cured meats and small tapas counters — excellent for sampling a range of Andalusian flavors.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the fried fish (pescaíto frito) and a sherry-by-the-glass from market bars; ask vendors for their freshest catch-of-day suggestions.
- Many stalls offer small plates — order 2–3 different items to share and taste the market's variety.
- Insider note: the market's outside terrace along the river is a great place to sit if you prefer sunlight and river views.
Lunch (Casual) — Mercado Lonja del Barranco sampling
Stop for more tasting at the riverside Lonja del Barranco market — oysters, tapas, and modern stall chefs.
Tips from local experts:
- Try small seafood plates and even gourmet takes on traditional tapas here; oysters and shellfish are popular.
- Table turnover is quicker than sit-down restaurants, making it easier to sample several stalls without long waits.
- Mobility note: the market is spacious and mostly level — easier than some older cobbled areas for those carrying bags.
Tattoo session / consultation — Triana studio (book ahead)
Schedule a pre-booked tattoo consultation or session in Triana (local tattoo district). Plan a 2–3 hour slot; artists will confirm stencil size and placement.
Tips from local experts:
- Do a quick reference photo of your desired design and be ready to discuss size and color; artists prefer clear references.
- Hydrate, have a light protein-rich snack beforehand, and avoid heavy alcohol; bring ID and any medical info the studio requests.
- Ask the artist for a written aftercare plan and local pharmacy recommendations for ointments; many studios will advise avoiding sun exposure for 2+ weeks — plan around outdoor activities.
Break & freshen-up before evening
Return to your hotel to rest, shower and prepare for the evening flamenco show.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to apply any aftercare if you had a tattoo; keep the area clean and covered if advised.
- A 20–30 minute rest will help you feel energized for the night — nap lightly but set an alarm to avoid oversleeping.
- If your tattoo is fresh, bring loose clothing to avoid rubbing the new ink while out for dinner and the show.
Flamenco at Casa de la Memoria — intimate tablao
Evening flamenco in an intimate setting to experience authentic cante, toque and baile.
Tips from local experts:
- Book seats in advance — intimate shows fill up quickly, especially in May when tourist season ramps up.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to get a good seat; the front rows pick up the dancers' energy and subtle musicianship.
- Combine the experience with a pre-show tapa and Spanish wine at a nearby bar — ask the staff for their flamenco-night recommendations.
Day 3
Palaces, a relaxed food-walk & optional cooking class, plus evening free to explore neighborhood dining.
Casa de Pilatos — palace and patio visit
Elegant palace blending Italian Renaissance and Mudéjar styles; quieter than the Alcázar but richly decorated.
Tips from local experts:
- The inner patios are perfect for photographing tile work without the big Alcázar crowds; arrive early for the best light.
- Combine the visit with a nearby café stop for a light bocadillo if you plan a longer afternoon.
- If you have mobility issues, ask at the entrance about the easiest routes — some areas have steps.
Food-walking tour (midday) — local tapas & market snacks
Join a short guided walking tasting to discover lesser-known tapas bars and seasonal May specialties.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a morning-to-midday tour to sample fresh market produce and avoid the heaviest dinner crowds.
- Tell your guide about dietary restrictions so they can plan stops that accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other needs.
- Ask your guide for the best place to buy Andalusian pantry items (anchovy preserves, local smoked paprika) to bring home.
Leisure lunch & rest — La Azotea (casual tapas)
A relaxed midday meal at a local favorite — modern tapas and small plates, great service for dietary swaps.
Tips from local experts:
- Try house small plates like slow-cooked pork cheek or seasonal vegetable preparations; they do excellent vegetarian tapas on request.
- If you want to avoid waits, ask for an early lunch seating (12:30) or reserve ahead online.
- Portion sizes are tapas-style — consider ordering 3–4 plates to share and sample the menu fully.
Afternoon spa / relaxation — AIRE Ancient Baths Sevilla
Unwind with thermal pools, steam and gentle massages — perfect recovery after long days and (possible) tattoo session.
Tips from local experts:
- Book treatments in advance, especially in May when visitors increase; inform them about recent tattoo to ensure safe therapies.
- The baths are generally dim and quiet — great for a contemplative rest; bring flip-flops and a towel if required by your package.
- Post-spa, hydrate well and enjoy a light Andalusian snack such as marcona almonds or citrus fruits.
Evening: Explore Alameda / tapas hop on your own
A flexible night to try neighborhood pintxos and contemporary tapas — choose based on how hungry you feel after the spa.
Tips from local experts:
- Alameda de Hércules has many modern bars and small-plate cuisine — great for eclectic tastes and late nights.
- Look for places offering 'menus del día' or a chef's tasting if you want a curated experience without long waits.
- If you're still nursing a new tattoo, avoid very crowded bars to minimize accidental bumping.
Day 4
Local architecture, shopping, a relaxed final fancy dinner, and time to pack—ending with an elegant meal at Oriza.
Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) — morning viewpoint
Modern wooden structure with panoramic viewpoints over Seville — fun contrast to historic sites.
Tips from local experts:
- Morning visits are cooler and less crowded; the walkways are exposed to sun so bring a hat in May.
- Great spot for panoramic photos of Seville's mix of historic rooftops and orange trees.
- There is an on-site market below if you want last-minute gourmet souvenirs.
Shopping — Calle Sierpes & Calle Tetuán
Browse local boutiques, foodie shops and Andalusian souvenir stores on Seville's main shopping streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for local specialties: manzanilla or amontillado sherry, azafrán from local vendors, and small-batch olive oils.
- Smaller shops often close for a short siesta in the afternoon; aim to shop mid-morning to avoid closures.
- If you want ceramics, head toward Triana for authentic pottery rather than tourist copies.
Lunch (Light) — casual tapas or mercado revisit
A final casual meal — revisit a favorite stall or try new small plates near the cathedral.
Tips from local experts:
- Try any missed local specialties (salmorejo or oxtail stew) in small portions so you can save room for dinner.
- Ask local servers what May seasonal vegetables are on the menu — spring produce shines in Andalusian cooking.
- If you have a morning tattoo or late-night show impact, pick a seat with back support and nearby restroom access.
Afternoon break & packing — hotel time
Relax and pack, or enjoy a final stroll in a quiet square before your special farewell dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to launder or press any clothing needed for travel — many hotels offer quick services.
- If you purchased fragile food souvenirs, repack them in clothing to protect jars and bottles.
- Take 20 minutes to review any tattoo aftercare notes and ensure you have recommended ointments for plane travel if needed.
Farewell Fancy Dinner — Oriza Restaurante
Elegant Andalusian dining in a refined space — a memorable final meal pairing seasonal local produce with classic technique.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and request a quieter corner if you prefer an intimate finish to your trip.
- Try Andalusian classics with a modern twist; ask for local wine pairings featuring Montilla-Moriles or Jerez.
- Plan transport ahead for evening return to the hotel — taxis can be busy after dinner services.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 9 |
| Season | Spring |
| Month | May |
| Persona | food-lovers |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 22 |
| Total Places | 22 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Break, Meal, Outdoor, Experience, Culture, Nightlife, Shopping |
