Is the Real Alcázar Worth It? And How Long You Need

Yes. For most visitors the Real Alcázar is the single best thing to see in Seville, and at €15.50 it is one of the better-value monuments in Spain. Plan two to three hours for the palaces and gardens, and book an entry time in advance.

Why it is worth it

• It is still a royal palace. The upper floor is the Spanish royal family's residence when they stay in Seville.
• The Mudéjar palace is unique. Built for King Pedro I in the 14th century by craftsmen trained in Islamic traditions, it has the carved plaster, tiled walls and courtyards people usually travel to Granada to see, in the middle of a city.
• The gardens are half the visit. Terraces, pools, orange trees, a maze and long shaded galleries. Many visitors spend as long outside as inside.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1987 together with the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias.

Who might skip it

• You are in Seville for half a day and have already booked the Alhambra. The two are related in style; if time is very short, choose one.
• You cannot get an entry time and do not want a tour. Turning up without a ticket in high season rarely works. See what to do if tickets are sold out.
• Midday in July or August can be exhausting, because much of the visit is outdoors. Go at opening time or late afternoon instead.

How long do you need?

Visit	Time
Quick walk through the main palaces	1 – 1.5 hours
Palaces and gardens at a relaxed pace	2 – 3 hours
With the Upper Royal Quarters	add 30 – 45 minutes
Guided tour	about 1 hour for the guided part, then stay as long as you like

Arrive at least two hours before closing time (19:00 in summer, 17:00 in winter). See opening hours.

Guided tour or on your own?

On your own is fine if you like to wander and read. A guide is worth it if you want the stories: who built what, and why a Christian king built a palace that looks Islamic. The guided tour with priority access (from €37.40, ★ 4.9 from 344 reviews) has free cancellation, so you can book early and decide later.

Related

• Ticket prices and where to buy
• Upper Royal Quarters: worth the extra?
• Alcázar or Alhambra?