Visiting the Real Alcázar of Seville is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It is the most important attraction in the city, along with the Giralda and the Cathedral. In the following article, we invite you to learn about the elements that will help you organize this moment, such as the price of tickets and the hours of visit.
Andalusia is one of the most touristic regions in Spain. One of the main reasons for this is the impressive number of architectural treasures that the cities of this autonomous region have to offer. In Seville, a visit to the famous Alcázar, located in the city's historic center, is a must. Here's how to make the most of this Sevillian jewel.
And if you're visiting Spain and stopping off in Barcelona, check out our dedicated article on how to best prepare your visit to the Sagrada Familia.
How much do the tickets cost to visit the Alcazar of Seville?
The price of the tickets is quite variable: the general entrance costs around 15 euros, while the guided tour costs around 35 euros per person. You should also know that EU citizens, pensioners over 65 years old, students between 14 and 30 years old and holders of a youth card benefit from reduced rates.
Residents of Seville and people born in the city can enter this important monument free of charge, as well as people who are unemployed or disabled. However, tickets must be reserved to enter the monument.
Opening hours to visit the Alcázar of Seville
The opening hours of the Real Alcázar of Seville change depending on the time of year. From October1 to March 31, the site is open to all visitors from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Autumn and winter are periods when there is less tourist demand, so the range of hours for visits is less.
On the other hand, from April1st to September 30th, the opening hours are extended from 9:30 am to 7 pm. You will have two extra hours to visit the site. Half a day, in the morning or afternoon, is more than enough to enjoy the Real Alcázar.
Please note that the site is closed on January1 and 6, Good Friday and December 25. On Good Friday, the Holy Week processions disrupt the visit to the site, as the center of Seville is filled with hundreds of thousands of people. Access to the Alcázar is almost impossible.
Where to buy tickets for the Alcázar of Seville?
Tickets for theAlcázar of Seville can be purchased on official websites such as Hellotickets. There you will find general admission tickets and tickets for guided tours. Some may include access to other monuments in the city.
You can also buy your tickets at the monument's ticket office, located in the Patio de Banderas. However, you may find that you have to wait in long lines or that there are no more tickets available.
Choosing a guided tour is a good option, to learn as much as possible about the history and details of this famous palace. A site known worldwide for the beauty of its gardens and the particular architecture of its buildings.
Online booking is the best alternative to combine a guided tour of the Alcazar with access to other tourist attractions in the city, such as the cathedral or the famous bullring. You can also purchase other services such as a ride on one of the best tourist buses in Seville. In any case, you can cancel your purchase free of charge within the specified time.
Are the guided tours of the Alcazar of Seville really worth it?
There are several guided tours of the Alcázar in Seville. Any specialist will tell you that they are the best alternative to discover the architectural importance of this site, thanks to the explanations of an expert in history.
Some of the guided tours are for groups of 25 to 30 people . Others are reserved for a single family group. The price difference between the two options is significant, so we recommend that you choose a shared service. By paying around 50 or 60 euros per person for a shared tour, you will also discover other parts of the city with a specialized guide.
Who can enter the Alcazar of Seville?
Access to the Alcázar of Seville is possible for all those who visit this beautiful Andalusian city. The location of this complex of gardens and buildings is ideal and accessible, right in the tourist heart of Seville.
This palace has the peculiarity of having facilities fully adapted to the movement of people in wheelchairs. This applies both to the visit to the gardens and to the different buildings of the palace. This accessibility has been a real challenge, in the sense that it is a palace dating from the early Middle Ages and presents serious structural challenges. As the oldest royal residence currently in use in Europe, it must also comply with various safety standards.
How do I get to the Alcázar in Seville from the rest of the city?
Getting to the Alcázar of Seville from other parts of the city is easy. There are several public transportation alternatives that take you to the palace in record time. One of them is the city's streetcar stop called Puerta de Jerez, which is located about 200 meters from Puerta del León, the main entrance to the Real Alcázar.
For metro users , there is alsoa station in the Puerta de Jerez square. The advantage of the metro is that it allows people living in remote areas such as Trianade to easily reach this part of the city center.
If you are staying in the santa Cruz districtalso very close to the Giralda, you can easily reach the Alcázar on foot. A neighborhood also known for its beautiful streets and historic buildings.
Is it advisable to visit the Alcázar of Seville with children?
The Alcázar of Seville is very suitable for family visits. Its gardens are so beautiful that they impress both adults and children. Childrenlove to wander among the trees and flowers. This is more entertaining than a visit toa museum or a church. There are also many other things to see and do in Seville with children.
You can easily complement the tourist exploration of monuments and churches with a playful moment in one of the parks in the area, such as the Parque de María Luisa, or a stroll through the legendary Plaza de España.
What not to miss in the Alcazar of Seville
Throughout its history, this palace has been enriched with different buildings. Today it is a perfect example of the architectural combinations found in Andalusia, between the Islamic heritage and the Castilian influence. Here are some of the places you can't miss, although in truth you will discover them all on a guided tour: El Patio del Yeso
The Patio del Yeso is one of the original entrances to the Alcázar of Seville, which is accessed through the Hall of Justice. It dates back to the Almohad period and is therefore one of the few surviving parts of the original structure. It is a must-see if you want to imagine what the Royal Alcazar of Seville was like when it was built.
The Gardens
The gardens are undoubtedly the main element of the Alcázar of Seville, one of the oldest in the city. Since its foundation, they have undergone many changes, until reaching the model so characteristic today. For many landscapers, it isone of the most beautiful gardens in the world and, without a doubt, a very representative site of Andalusian architecture.
The Gothic Palace
The Gothic Palace is one of the buildings built by order of the kings after the Castilian conquest. Today it is one of the most representative spaces of the second phase of reforms. It almost single-handedly symbolizes the incredible beauty of this palace. That's why it's important to spend enough time there during your visit.
How long does it take to visit the Alcazar of Seville?
The Alcazar of Seville can be visited in an hour and a half. However, there is no time limit to admire the different buildings of the palace and its extensive gardens.
A guided tour also lasts an hour and a half. The difference is that, in this case, the time is more optimized.
Tips for visiting the Alcázar of Seville
Although this is a fairly simple tourist attraction to visit, a few recommendations can help you enjoy the experience more comfortably . Here they are:
Choose the guided tour
A guided tour of a monument as steeped in history as this is still the best option. Although many rooms are equipped with explanatory texts, a specialist will answer all your questions about the architecture and the past of this impressive palace.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
The temperatures in Seville, as in all ofAndalusia, are mild throughout the year. It is one of the hottest regions inSpainin the summer, where the thermometer can soar. For this reason, it is recommended to wear comfortable and breathable clothes when walking through the different buildings of the Real Alcázar of Seville.
Complete your visit with a tour of other parts of the city center
The southern part of Seville's city center is full of important historical buildings such as the Museo del Archivo de Indias, the cathedral and the famous giralda Tower. A visit to the Real Alcázar of Seville and its gardens is therefore an opportunity to go for a walk in the city center . You will optimize your time and money.
The main building of the University of Seville, the San Telmo Palace and the Prado de San Sebastián gardens are other important attractions near the Real Alcázar. In addition, the Plaza España is a place not to be missed before returning to rest.