Updated in September 2026, this Royal Alcazar of Seville guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace in Seville, Spain, and the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. General admission is now €15.50, up from the €14.50 many guides still quote. This guide was updated in September 2026 to reflect the current rate. You can book in advance through GetYourGuide before your visit.
Quick facts about the Royal Alcázar of Seville
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla |
| Opening hours (Apr–Sept) | 9:30am–7pm daily |
| Opening hours (Oct–Mar) | 9:30am–5pm daily |
| General admission | €15.50 |
| Reduced admission | €8.00 |
| Cuarto Real Alto add-on | €5.50 |
| Typical visit duration | 2–3 hours |
Why book Royal Alcázar of Seville tickets?
- 🏛️ Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use: The Spanish royal family still stays here on official visits to Seville.
- 🎟️ Free on Monday evenings: The palace opens at no charge for a one-hour window most Monday evenings.
- 🌿 A Game of Thrones filming location: The Water Gardens doubled as Dorne in the hit HBO series.
- 📜 Reduced tickets for everyone: Discounted admission is now open to visitors worldwide, not only EU citizens.
- 💰 Crowd control built in: No more than 750 visitors are allowed inside at once, protecting the experience for everyone.
Opening hours at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
The Royal Alcázar opens daily from 9:30am to 7pm between April and September, and 9:30am to 5pm between October and March. It’s closed on 1 and 6 January, Good Friday and 25 December.
Ticket prices for the Royal Alcázar of Seville
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission | €15.50 |
| Reduced admission | €8.00 |
| Cuarto Real Alto (Royal Upper Rooms) | €5.50 add-on |
Reduced tickets are available to visitors aged 65 and over, students aged 14 to 30, and European Youth Card holders, with ID required at the entrance; this rate is now open to visitors of any nationality, not only EU citizens. The Cuarto Real Alto must be booked alongside general admission through the official website and isn’t available at the door. Admission is free on Monday evenings, from 6pm to 7pm in summer and 4pm to 5pm in winter. Prices are current as of September 2026 and may change without notice. You can book through GetYourGuide to secure your preferred time.
How to get to the Royal Alcázar of Seville
By foot, the Royal Alcázar is in the historic centre of Seville, next to the Cathedral and a short walk from Plaza Nueva.
By public transport, several city bus routes stop near the Cathedral, and the nearest tram stop is Archivo de Indias.
Parking at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
There’s no dedicated visitor car park at the palace; paid parking is available in nearby underground garages in the historic centre.
How long to spend at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the palaces and gardens. Add extra time for the Cuarto Real Alto, which runs as a separate, timed guided visit.
Accessibility at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
Large parts of the Royal Alcázar are accessible to wheelchair users, though some areas have uneven, historic flooring. Visitors with a disability receive a discount on admission, and companions can visit free of charge.
What to see at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
The Palacio de Don Pedro. This Mudéjar palace holds the Alcázar’s most ornate plasterwork and tilework, centred on the Patio de las Doncellas.
The gardens. The Jardín de Mercurio, Jardín del Crucero and Jardín de las Damas unfold across the grounds, blending Moorish, Renaissance and English garden styles.
The Salón de Embajadores. This domed ceremonial hall, the Hall of Ambassadors, is one of the palace’s most richly decorated rooms.
The Baths of Lady María de Padilla. Underground rainwater cisterns, named for the mistress of King Peter I, sit beneath the Patio del Crucero.
The Water Gardens. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise these gardens as the setting for Dorne in the HBO series.
Practical tips for visiting the Royal Alcázar of Seville
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book the Cuarto Real Alto early | It has limited capacity and sells out well in advance. |
| Visit on a Monday evening for free entry | A one-hour window offers free admission, though it’s popular and crowded. |
| Bring ID for reduced tickets | Proof of age or student status is checked at the entrance. |
| Go early or late in the day | Midday can mean long queues, especially in spring and autumn. |
| Book tickets in advance | Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season, and you can book through GetYourGuide. |
Frequently asked questions about the Royal Alcázar of Seville
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does general admission cost? | €15.50; some guides still quote the older €14.50 rate. |
| Can non-EU visitors get a reduced ticket? | Yes, reduced pricing is now open to visitors of any nationality. |
| Is the Cuarto Real Alto included in general admission? | No, it’s a separate, limited-capacity add-on booked through the official website only. |
| Is the Royal Alcázar wheelchair accessible? | Large parts are, though some historic areas have uneven flooring. |
| Should I book in advance? | Yes, particularly in peak season. You can book in advance through GetYourGuide. |
Things to do near the Royal Alcázar of Seville
Seville Cathedral and La Giralda stand right next to the Alcázar, with the bell tower offering sweeping views over the city.
The Archivo General de Indias holds centuries of documents on Spain’s colonial history, a short walk away.
The Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, offers narrow lanes, orange trees and tapas bars just beyond the palace walls.
Plaza de España, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, is a short walk through Maria Luisa Park.
The Torre del Oro is a 13th-century watchtower on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
Alternative attractions to the Royal Alcázar of Seville
The Alhambra, in Granada, is Spain’s most famous Moorish palace and fortress, about two and a half hours away by car or train. Make sure you book tickets in advance.
The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba combines a former mosque with a Renaissance cathedral, about an hour and a half away.
Casa de Pilatos, also in Seville, is a smaller Mudéjar and Renaissance palace still inhabited by an aristocratic family.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is Spain’s official royal residence, though used only for state occasions, about two and a half hours away.
The Aljafería Palace, in Zaragoza, is one of the best-preserved Moorish palaces from Spain’s Taifa period.
More Andalucia travel
Other Andalucia travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Trying to understand the culture of bullfighting in Seville’s bullring.
- Explore the mansions of Seville: Las Duenas Palace, Casa de Pilatos and Casa de Salinas.
- A guide to Granada for first time visitors – including the Spanish Inquisition Museum and Royal Chapel.
- Plan your visit to Jaen Cathedral and Baeza Cathedral in Jaen province, Spain.
- A guide to Almeria for first time visitors – including Almeria Cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Guitar Museum.
