¡Hola, fellow travelers! As your Seville tourism expert, I can tell you that planning your visit to the Royal Alcázar is all about timing.
Knowing the opening hours is the first step, but knowing the best time to use your ticket is the secret to a magical visit. A visit at 9:30 AM is a tranquil, golden-hour dream; a visit at 1:00 PM on a Saturday can be hot, crowded, and stressful.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Alcázar’s opening hours and the best time to visit.
Opening Hours
The Royal Alcazar of Seville opens at 9:30 AM all year round. However, its closing time varies by season. During summer (Apr to Sept), it closes at 7:00 PM; during winter (Oct to Mar), it closes at 5:00 PM. The last entry is always at least one hour before the closing time.
Summer Hours (April 1 to September 30): 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter Hours (October 1 to March 31): 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Holiday Closures: The Alcázar is closed on January 1st, January 6th, Good Friday, and December 25th.
The Best Time of Day to Visit
Go first thing in the morning. Period. I cannot stress this enough.
Book the 9:30 AM timed-entry slot. The palace is never more beautiful or peaceful than it is in the first hour. You’ll be able to see the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) in the soft morning light, often with no one else in your photo. You can then explore the gardens as the day warms up.
The second-best time is in the late afternoon (about 2-3 hours before closing) when the large tour groups have left. The absolute busiest (and hottest) time to visit is from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Best Time of the Year: Peak Season vs. Low Season
Peak Season: Spring (March – May)
This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful time to visit. The weather is pleasant and sunny, and the Alcázar gardens are in full, fragrant bloom with orange blossoms and roses. It’s the ideal time for a tranquil stroll.
Warning: This is hyper-peak season. The two weeks around Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (Spring Fair) are the busiest, most expensive times of the entire year in Seville.
Shoulder Season: Summer (June – August)
This is a tricky one. The crowds are thinner, but for a reason: the heat. Seville in July and August is relentlessly hot, with temperatures regularly soaring past 104°F (40°C). If you visit in summer, you must go at 9:30 AM to be out before the peak heat hits.
Peak Season: Fall (September – November)
This is the “second spring” and another perfect time to visit. The brutal heat of summer has broken, the crowds return, and the pleasant weather is ideal for exploring the vast gardens.
Low Season: Winter (December – February)
This is your best bet for a crowd-free experience. The weather is cooler, and you might have to dodge an occasional rain shower, but the payoff is huge. You’ll have entire courtyards to yourself, allowing for incredible, unobstructed photo opportunities.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
My advice is to always choose a weekday over a weekend.
- Best: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are typically the quietest.
- Good: Mondays are often busy, as many other museums in Seville are closed, pushing all tourists to the Alcázar.
- Avoid: Saturdays and Sundays are packed with both international tourists and local visitors.
How Long Should I Spend at the Alcázar?
The Alcázar complex is vast. Rushing it is the biggest mistake you can make.
- The Minimum: Plan to spend at least 2.5 to 3 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the main palace complex (Palacio Mudéjar, Gothic Palace), see the highlights of the gardens (Mercury’s Pond, Baths of Lady María), and soak in the atmosphere. A guided tour of the Royal Alcazar lasts 90 minutes.
- The History Buff / Photographer: If you have a keen interest in history, architecture, or photography, allocate 4 to 5 hours (a half-day). This allows you to see every courtyard, get lost in the gardens, find the “hidden” spots like the Patio de las Muñecas, and perhaps even take the tour of the Upper Royal Apartments.
Expert Summary
- Best Time: 9:30 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday in April or October.
- Best for Crowds: 9:30 AM on a weekday in January or February.
- Time Needed: 3 hours minimum.
- Key Action: Book your timed-entry ticket online, weeks in advance!