The Real Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace located in the Andalusian region. It’s one of the most visited places in the city and testimony of Spain’s eight centuries-long Islamic ruling (nowadays referred to as the Al-Andalus period). Indeed, its name comes from the Arabic word “Al-Qasr,” which means “castle.”

Its construction began in 844 during Emir Abd-Al-Rahman II's reign over the region. It was first meant as a fortress to protect and accommodate the Muslim ruler. For instance, it managed to thwart Vikings’ attempt of an invasion in 884. It then underwent many rearrangements (mainly extensions) under different rulers. For example, under the Berber ruling of the Almohad Caliphate throughout the 12th and 13th century, gardens and orchards were added.

Then after the fall of the Caliphate in 1248 and Seville’s Reconquista by Castile’s King Ferdinand III, the Alcázar became the royal palace we now know: a sumptuous complex of patios and halls, a gem of various architectural styles. From Mudéjar to Gothic through Renaissance and Baroque style, the place kept being expanded and improved throughout the centuries, each monarch showing great respect to the changes made by his predecessor.

It’s the oldest palace still in use in Europe as to this day, and the Royal Family still elects it as their principal residence in Seville. It’s also worth noting that its great beauty and rich history prompted UNESCO to register the Real Alcázar of Seville as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Furthermore, it has also been used to film the 5th and 6th season of "Game of Thrones".

With Real Alcázar of Seville tickets in hand, you can admire and be left speechless by the beauty and opulence of each complex. Besides, wandering through the Real Alcázar of Seville’s luscious gardens is an unforgettable experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy.

Here's all you need to know about the Real Alcázar, one of the most exciting attractions in Seville.

How much do Real Alcázar of Seville tickets cost?

There are different ticket offers available to purchase (add €1 for every ticket purchased online on the official website):

General ticket of the Alcázar:

€11.50: standard price for an adult ticket
€3: For retired people (+65 years) and students (between 17 and 25 years)
Free: For the disabled and people under 16 years old

General ticket of the Alcázar + audio guide (in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, English, Russian, Chinese or Korean):

€17.50: standard price for an adult ticket
€9: For retired people (+65 years) and students (between 17 and 25 years)
€6: For the disabled and people under 16 years old

General ticket of the Alcázar + the Upper Royal Apartments (Cuarto Real Alto):

€16: standard price for an adult ticket
€7.50: For retired people (+65 years) and students (between 17 and 25 years)
€4.50: For the disabled and people under 16 years old

If you wish to have an audio guide for the last one, you have to add €6 to the price.

Night visit ticket:

Prices start at €14 with two sessions: one at 10 PM and one at 10.30 PM.

Are there Real Alcázar tickets without a guide?

Yes, as introduced above. You can purchase tickets for the Real Alcázar without a guide or with a guided tour. Tours are recommended to learn more about the history of the palace, but you can also visit it without a guide.

What are the Real Alcázar of Seville opening hours?

It is open every day. It has two different schedules every year:

From October to March: open from 9.30 AM to 5 PM.
From April to September: open from 9.30 AM to 7 PM.

It’s closed on January 1st and 6th, as well as Good Friday and December 25th.

Are there any combined tickets available?

If you’re looking to make the most of your stay in the Andalusian capital, look at the combined tickets available!

There are tickets and tours for several other attractions paired with the Real Alcázar of Seville:

Real Alcázar of Seville & the Seville Cathedral
Real Alcázar of Seville & La Giralda bell tower
Real Alcázar of Seville & Santa Cruz quarter

Which kind of guided tours are available? Are they worth it?

A guided tour can be a great way to discover Real Alcázar with the help of an expert, that will guide you through the monument and explain the history and secrets of this fantastic place.

You can enjoy a Real Alcázar guided tour by joining a:

Group tour: an excellent and affordable option if you want to enjoy your visit in a group with the help of a guide, without having to worry about getting lost.
Private tour: if you wish to visit the monument privately just by yourself or your family and friends, this is a fantastic option. The guide will answer all the questions you might have while visiting.

How to get to the Real Alcázar of Seville?

The Real Alcázar is located on Patio de Banderas, 41004, in Seville.

It’s located in Seville’s center, so it’s pretty easy to reach it by foot if you’re already staying in the city. Besides, parking spaces can be limited as the area is very frequented and it can also get expensive depending on how much time you’ll stay at the palace.

Bus stops nearby the palace are Menéndez Pelayo (within 140 meters) and Avenida Carlos V (within 400 meters). You can reach them with the C3 (Prado de S. Sebastian) as well as the 01 (Hospital V.rocio) bus lines.

What is the best time to visit the Real Alcázar of Seville?

The best time to enjoy the Real Alcázar of Seville and its magnificent gardens is, of course, during the spring and summer seasons! However, keep in mind that the sun in Andalusia is blazing at that period, so maybe try to come in the morning when it’s less crowded as well.

Being first in line will also guarantee you that you won’t be waiting in line, which we understand can be quite frustrating! Overall, the highest affluence tends to be on Saturdays between 10 AM and 5 PM and the lowest in the mornings between 9.30 AM and 10 AM.

Which other attractions can be visited in Seville?

Travel tips

Bring sunscreen and a bottle of water! If you must wait in line in the summer months, you’ll need those to keep you from frying and dehydrating under the Spanish sun. They will also come in handy when it’s 40 degrees Celsius outside, and you’ll be strolling through the palace’s gardens.
Book ahead! If waiting in line is something you want to avoid, then you might want to book in advance, especially if you plan to visit during summer when the palace witnesses its highest affluence.
Take your time! The Real Alcázar of Seville is one of a kind, and you’ll most likely see it just once. So, don’t rush your visit! Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to extensively discover it in all its splendor. The memories will only be better!

Real Alcázar of Seville: Tickets and Tours