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Seville   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Seville is famous for its enormous UNESCO-listed Catedral and soaring La Giralda tower, but there are tons more must-visit places where the city's rich history shines. Stroll along the Guadalquivir River for scenic views, or walk through the old,

• All Things To Do

Royal Alcázar of Seville Royal Alcázar of Seville

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a cafe in the Alcazar Gardens – it’s a delightful spot to grab a snack while the peacocks strut around by your table. The food is overpriced, predictably, but it’s worth stopping for a coffee or beer. – Fiona Flores Watson

The Spanish monarchy doesn't quite boast the worldwide notoriety of the British monarchy, but royalty is royalty, right? This palace was built over seven centuries, from Moorish times to the Renaissance, and it still occasionally hosts the royal family when they visit Seville. In fact, the Alcazar is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. "Game of Thrones" fans may also recognize the palace as it was featured in the series.

Parque de María Luisa Parque de María Luisa free

If you're in search of green space, you won't be disappointed – Seville's got plenty. But the most notable of the city's parks is Parque de María Luisa, located next to the Plaza de España . This park, originally built as private grounds, was remodelled for the 1929 World's Fair and has remained one of Seville's most popular sites since.

You can take a stroll, ride a bicycle, rent a rowboat or hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the gardens designed by French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. Along with several stunning tile-covered bridges, you'll also find several notable buildings and museums within the park. The Costurero de la Reina (or the Queen's Sewing Room), a 19th century castle-like structure and former sewing retreat for the young wife of Spain's King Alfonso XII, is now a tourist information office. The Pabellón Mudéjar is home to the Museum of Art and Popular Customs of Sevilla. And the Pabellón del Renacimiento houses the Archeological Museum of Seville.

Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda (Seville Cathedral) Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda (Seville Cathedral)

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Catedral de Sevilla, sits in the heart of the city on Avenida de la Constitución and invites travelers from around the world to admire its impressive architecture. Built over the duration of the 15th century, the cathedral has a multitude of chapels and sits on the site of a former mosque. The vastness of the cathedral and tower impresses visitors, and upon entering, many said they were stunned by the building's cavernous interiors. Christopher Columbus' remains can be found inside the above-ground bronze tomb on display inside the cathedral. Once you've finished touring the cathedral's interior, make your way to the Patio de Los Naranjos – an outdoor courtyard filled with aromatic orange trees.

La Giralda – the adjacent tower and, until recently, the tallest landmark in Seville – is one of the few remains of the site's original mosque, built by the 12th-century Berber-Muslim Almohad dynasty. Climb the minaret's nearly 40 ramps to the very top and take in sweeping views of the city.

Popular Tours

Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets

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Plaza de España Plaza de España free

Originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair, the Plaza de España offers one of the most picturesque panoramas in the city.

The 540,000-square-foot Plaza de España includes a giant, semicircular neo-Moorish building (spanning more than half of the site's perimeter) and an expansive plaza with a canal, a central fountain and four footbridges. Architect Aníbal González built the site to highlight Spain's technological and artistic achievements for the world. The detailed artwork built into the Plaza de España's design helps it stand out as an architectural tour de force.

Barrio Santa Cruz Barrio Santa Cruz free

U.S. News Insider Tip: You can see visible remains of the city’s medieval Jewish community – stone tombs from the original Jewish cemetery – in unlikely locations: two underground car parks, namely Cano y Cueto next to Jardines de Murillo, and Avenida Roma at Puerta Jerez. – Fiona Flores Watson

Navigating your way through winding footpaths and narrow streets of a centuries-old neighborhood is captivating for any adventurous traveler. Even among Europe's many picturesque neighborhoods, Barrio Santa Cruz stands out for its centuries of history and its abundance of charming restaurants and shops, not to mention the orange-tree-covered plazas awaiting pedestrians around each turn.

Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla) Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla) free

If you're anywhere near Plaza de la Encarnación (in the northwest corner of El Centro), the Metropol Parasol is impossible to miss. Its towering presence, consisting of six wooden mushroom-like shapes standing around 90 feet tall, was constructed in 2011, making it the newest major attraction in the city and purportedly the largest wooden structure in the world. Locals fondly refer to the lattice structure as "Las Setas" or "The Mushrooms" given its quirky shape.

The architectural wonder serves as a gathering place and features a food market with fresh produce and take-away stalls, restaurants, an archeological museum, winding rooftop walkways and an open-air public square.

Basílica de la Macarena Basílica de la Macarena free

A Catholic temple situated in the Macarena neighborhood, this relatively new religious site (built in the 1940s) wows visitors the moment they enter. From the outside, the white and golden-yellow church may seem small, but its intricate interiors are something to admire. Frescoes adorn the walls and ceiling, while gold accents provide a shimmering aesthetic. Some visitors even said they enjoyed this basilica more than the city's massive cathedral and said it's worth a quick stop.

Many reviewers said their favorite aspect of the church is the glowing golden altar, which holds the Virgin of Hope or La Virgin de la Esperanza Macarena – a famous 17th-century statue of a weeping Virgin Mary that holds great importance in the city's Semana Santa celebrations. There is also a small museum behind the altar that showcases the two floats on which Mary and Jesus ride in the Semana Santa Holy Friday Madrugada (early hours) procession each year.

See a flamenco show See a flamenco show

Flamenco shows can be found all over the city, as the traditional dance is a key part of Andalusian culture. Watching a flamenco show in Seville is a must, but the quality of the shows varies by location, and you may get caught overpaying at a tourist trap.

For a top-notch performance in a classic theater setting, visit El Palacio Andaluz . The venue hosts a large cast of dancers who perform traditional flamenco twice per night; each performance lasts about an hour and a half with refreshments, or 50 minutes for flamenco only. While this venue is located outside the city center, previous visitors say the attentive service, engaging show and high-quality music make El Palacio Andaluz worth the quick taxi ride. Tickets are available for purchase online and start at 26 euros (about $28) for adults and 13 euros (about $14) for kids ages 7 to 14.

Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal with Drink and Optional Dinner or Tapas

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White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville

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Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

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Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)

Seville has a rich history that is well-represented in its sites and monuments, yet one of the best ways to uncover the city's past is through its extensive collection of artwork.

Founded in 1835, Seville's Museo de Bellas Artes – which occupies a former 17th-century monastery building centered around three tiled patios – houses pieces dating from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. The galleries include works by some of Spain's most notable artists, such as Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Francisco de Zurbarán, as well other notable European artists like Jan Brueghel l'Ancien and Cornelis de Vos, among others.

Casa de Pilatos Casa de Pilatos

Heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance, this sumptuous palace was built for the governors of Andalucia on land confiscated in the Inquisition, between the 15th and 16th centuries. It has one of Seville’s most impressive colonnaded Mudéjar courtyards, adorned with Roman statues. Fans of the typical azulejo ceramic tiles will love the vibrant wall-to-wall color with 150 different designs; the ceilings are magnificently decorated, too. The palace’s timeless feel has drawn a number of filmmakers: “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Knight and Day” were shot here. Once the city’s largest private residence, Pilate’s House was named following an ancestor’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Like many such grand residences in Seville, the first floor was used in the summer, as it enjoyed shade and the tiles had a cooling effect, while the second floor was used in winter.

Past visitors raved about the tile collection and the tranquil gardens, calling the palace a pleasant alternative if you're hoping to avoid the crowds of the Royal Alcázar . Others were fascinated by the interesting mix of architectural styles, which reflect the amendments to the buildings over the centuries. Reviewers called the audio guide excellent.

Lebrija Palace Lebrija Palace

Tucked away in one of the quieter shopping streets of El Centro district, this small palace contains the art collection of renowned, self-taught archaeologist Doña Regla Manjón Mergelina, the Countess of Lebrija.

Though the palace dates back to the 16th century, it's admired today for the restorations overseen by the countess in the early 20th century. She restored the building using exquisite tiles and coffered wooden ceilings salvaged from convents and palaces, and filled it with beautiful pieces, such as a Roman mosaic floor (taken from Itálica, a Roman city outside Seville), and sculpture and pottery from various civilizations. There is an eclectic mix of decor and pieces spread across two floors, including paintings by Van Dyck and a Sorolla portrait of the countess herself; upstairs you can see the private rooms where she lived. You can easily tack a visit here onto a morning’s shopping or exploring the city center.

Palacio de las Dueñas Palacio de las Dueñas

Palacio de las Dueñas was built between the 15th and 16th centuries as a home for the noble Pineda family, and today is owned by the House of Alba.

It's home to large gardens, lemon trees, ceramic tiles, antique furniture and intricate archways. Filled with flowers and bright colors, the palace is an ideal place to spend a sunny Seville afternoon, say past visitors.

Iglesia Colegial del Salvador Iglesia Colegial del Salvador

Many visitors stumble upon the Iglesia Colegial del Salvador either out of luck or because admission to the church is included in their ticket package to the more famous Catedral de Sevilla . But however they end up there, they're always glad they did.

The red-hued Roman Catholic Church overlooks the Plaza del Salvador (a five minutes’ walk from the cathedral) and is the city’s second-largest church. Built on the site of a former mosque, the church was rebuilt into its current design in the 17th century, but still preserves some of its Moorish architecture and original arcaded patio. It was designed to be full of light, and boasts intricate stained-glass windows with bright colors. Its extravagant gold altarpieces are a particular highlight for past visitors.

Gibraltar Rock Tour from Seville

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Palacio Bucarelli Palacio Bucarelli

Unlike Seville’s other palaces, this one is off the beaten path, in the San Lorenzo neighborhood northwest of El Centro. The latest of such illustrious attractions to open, in summer 2023, this palace is still occupied by three generations of the same family that has owned it for 14 generations.

The original Bucarellis arrived from Florence in the 17th century – Seville’s Golden Age – and were successful merchants trading spices, silk and precious metals in the New World. Subsequent scions of the family were viceroys and governors, as well as bull and horse breeders – you can see many portraits and learn about the impressive history in the highly informative audio guide. The self-guided tour includes the stables, chapel, sculpture studio, summer salons, and garden. If you choose the ticket that includes the second floor (which is highly recommended by past visitors), you can see the family’s own dining room, drawing room, and even the bedroom of the Countess of Santa Coloma, the current title.

Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium

Home to Sevilla FC, one of Seville's two football (or soccer) clubs, Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium offers an exciting European fútbol experience. Since its opening in 1958, the stadium has hosted a handful of World Cup and European Cup tournaments. Soccer games at the stadium – which has the capacity to seat 45,500 people – are full of energy thanks to the enthusiasm of Seville's fans.

Ticket prices for games vary based on the opponent, the day of the week and the location of your seat. (Games against cross-city rivals Real Betis, and powerhouse fútbol clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona attract a lot of fans, so tickets will cost more). You can purchase tickets online or at the stadium box office. But getting a good price won't be too stressful, as travelers note that the ticket sellers are very helpful when it comes to finding the best affordable seats. Plus, all the seats in the stadium get a clear view of the action, according to recent visitors.

Torre del Oro Torre del Oro

Standing nearly 120 feet tall along the Guadalquivir River, the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of Seville's most recognizable landmarks.

The Guadalquivir River once served as the main waterway in southern Spain, and Seville was Spain’s primary port for many centuries. Naturally, a port with that much influence needed protection from ships trying to enter the claimed territory of the Almohad Dynasty (a 12th-century Muslim Caliphate that once ruled northern Africa and southern Spain). The 12-sided Torre del Oro – situated on the bank of the Guadalquivir – was once linked by a large chain to its sister structure across the river to stop ships from sailing into the port.

Isla Mágica Isla Mágica

OK, so you didn't come all the way to Europe to visit an amusement park. But when there's one nearby, it might just be the perfect way to avoid history and culture overload – especially if you have little ones in tow. Let loose at Isla Mágica, Seville's nearly 90-acre theme park that's suitable for all ages. The park is divided into six 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial-themed areas, which feature rides like the Iguazu log flume and the Jaguar roller coaster. You'll also find plenty of shops, shows and restaurants at the park. A small water park dubbed Agua Mágica is the perfect place to escape the heat of the summer.

Previous visitors recommended arriving early and exploring the popular rides before the park gets too crowded. Some also say the park is great for young kids, but lacks attractions for older visitors. Many reviewers said the park was a great value, especially when compared to the cost of theme park tickets in the U.S.

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is Seville's famous bullfighting ring. Built in the 18th century, the circular ring is notable for its Baroque façade.

In addition to being a historic landmark within the city, it's also considered one of Spain's largest and most important bullfighting arenas, with the capacity to seat 13,000 spectators (it's known for hosting the largest bullfighting festival in the world). Bullfighting has faced a lot of criticism for its animal bloodshed, but many Sevillanos think of the sport as an art form integral to their culture. The bullring's on-site museum is a worthwhile option for those who prefer to experience the beauty of the ring without watching an actual fight.

Alcazar & Cathedral of Seville Exclusive Group, max. 8 travelers

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The Complete Seville Bucket List: 35+ Great Ideas for Your Seville Itinerary

Did you know that Seville is the 4th most populated city in Spain, only behind Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia?

The home of flamenco, crazy fiestas, and relaxing siestas, Seville is a great year-round destination. If you’re planning a visit to this abundant city, you’ll find ample things here to add to your Seville itinerary.

Whether you’re visiting the Andalusian capital for a short city break, or you’re on a longer trip around the region, this article covers 35 outstanding things to do in Seville.

So read on. How many of these great things are you going to tick off your Seville bucket list?

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

Ultimate Seville Bucket List

This bucket list for Seville is divided into sections. The first section is great if you don’t have time to read this whole article and gives a quick overview of the top 10 things to do in Seville. The second section goes into more detail about the attraction, including tips about visiting and what to expect when you visit.

In the final section, you’ll find FAQs that answer things like when to visit Seville, ideas of where to stay and how to get around the city.

10 Best Things To Do In Seville Spain

• Real Alcázar
• Cathedral of Seville
• Plaza de España
• Parque de Maria Luisa
• Barrio Santa Cruz
• Torre del Oro
• The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
• Watch a Flamenco Show

👉 If you’re planning a longer trip around the region, Seville is a great base to start and end a much more comprehensive itinerary for Andalucia – I certainly recommend tagging on other iconic cities like Cordoba, Granada and the Alhambra, and an adrenalin-pumping hike on the Caminito del Rey.

35 Outstanding Ideas for your Seville Itinerary

This travel guide covers everything you need to know about the top things to see in Seville.

Let’s dive straight into this Seville bucket list

1. Marvel at the Real Alcázar

Located in the historical centre, and what should be at the top of your Seville bucket list is the stunning Real Alcázar. The Royal Palace is pipped as one of the top places to see in Seville, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

Originally the palace was built as a fortress which dates to when the city was under Islamic rule. It then fell under the reign of the Christians and became home to the Kings of Spain. Each King added their own flair and style to the building which evolved into what you see today. The Real Alcazar became a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Once inside, you’ll see some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. The style is called Mudéjar and features influences from Moorish and Christian design. Courtyards and rooms are lined with lattice-like intricate structures stretched between marble pillars. The whole complex is visual wow! Because this is the top thing to do in Seville, it gets extremely busy, and tickets do sell out. Book Alacazar tickets well in advance, particularly during peak season. You will not want to miss visiting the Alcazar.

Good to know: If you love this style of architecture, then definitely visit The Alhambra in Granada, you’ll see plenty of similarities between the Real Alcazar and the Nasrid Palaces. You can book a day trip to Granada from Seville here .

Book Here: Priority Tass ticket for the Real Alcazar of Seville

Opening Times: Daily, 9.30 am – 5 pm

Location: Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla

2. Visit the biggest Cathedral in the world

Probably one of the most unmissable things in Seville, due to its sheer size, is Seville Cathedral. This gigantic structure is the world’s largest cathedral and dominates Seville’s historical centre. This is certainly worthy of being near the top of your city bucket list. Spain has an abundance of stunning cathedrals, but not many are as impressive as this (ok, so with the exception of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona).

During the Moorish era, a mosque stood at this site. Then in 1248, when the Christians conquered Seville, the building was converted into a church. Find out more about the interesting history on a guided tour of Seville Cathedral .

Over time, the site was rebuilt into the Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral, finally, the construction of the ‘new’ building was completed in 1506 and is the impressive landmark that you will see today. There are a few parts of the building that date back to the Moorish era, including the orangery courtyard and the impressive Giralda.

If you’re a fan of religious sites, then I 100% recommend visiting the stunning Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba. This is an easy day trip from Seville , and you can be there in less than an hour if you go by train.

Book Here: Guided Tour of Seville Cathedral with Fast-Track Entry

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10.45 am – 5 pm, Sun 2.30 pm – 5 pm

Location:  Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla

3. Climb La Giralda

Whilst you’ve finished musing at the gargantuan cathedral, another Seville must do activity is to climb the 35 spiralling ramps up the Girlada. Today this is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville , historically this was the minaret of the old mosque that once stood at the same site.

But why are there ramps and not stairs? Again, this is a relic from the Moorish reign. Several times a day, the muezzin would have to call for prayer. The ramps were put in place so that a horse could be used to carry him up the 350-foot tower.

Once at the top, you’ll be welcomed with stunning views over the city, as it looks down over the old town and beyond. Word of warning, if you’re up here at the same time as the bells chime, it gets loud!

Related Article: The Complete 3 Day Itinerary for Seville

4. Discover the breathtaking Plaza de España

Another landmark that always features high on every Seville tourist attractions list is the beautiful Plaza de España.

This stunning Sevillian landmark was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. The building features a mix of Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles. The iconic red-bricked, half-circular plaza is lined with beautifully decorated alcoves with domineering towers and balconies which you can climb up and look out to the plaza.

Along the inner walls of the building, you’ll find colourful, decorative tiled illustrations that represent every province in Spain. In the centre of the plaza, you’ll find a huge fountain, and on occasions street entertainers, either in the plaza or under the cool shade of the alcoves.

Book Here: Seville Landmarks eBike Tour

Opening Times: Daily 8 am – 10 pm

Location:  Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004 Sevilla

5. Relax in Parque de Maria Luisa

One of the best places to visit in Seville to escape the blaze of the sun is Parque de Maria Luisa. The Maria Luisa Park is adjacent to Plaza de España.

This stunning park is one of the biggest green patches in the city and covers an area of about 100 acres! Inside the park, not only will you find beautifully manicured botanics of tropical trees and colourful flora, but also gazebos, flower & vine-clad walkways, fountains and even museums.

The park is popular with locals and tourists, with an abundance of pretty pathways through the shade of the trees. The park is also home to the squawky, noisy but cute colony of wild green parrots as well as ducks, swans and geese.

Location:  P.º de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla

Related Article: 36 Iconic Landmarks in Spain To See Once In Your Life

6. Lose yourself in Barrio Santa Cruz

One of the most historical places to go in Seville is Barrio Santa Cruz . This is the old Jewish quarter of Seville which features a myriad of incredibly photogenic and narrow cobblestoned alleyways.

This is an incredibly colourful district of Seville, with bright houses dispersed between quaint fountain-filled courtyards. You can feel the history of the area oozing out of the walls and pretty lanes.

The area came about when Ferdinand III conquered Seville. He banished the Jewish population to this area of the city. Today the barrio is a popular place to wander and get lost in the medieval streets, stumbling across adorable little cafes, boutique shops and traditional restaurants.

Book Here: Guided Walking Tour of Barrio Santa Cruz

Opening Times: 24 hours

Location: Any of the areas between the borders of Calles Mateas Gago, Santa Maria La Blanca/San José, the Jardines de Murillo and the Alcázar.

7. Go Up the Torre del Oro

This ancient landmark in Seville is another relic from the Moorish reign. The Torre del Orro (The Gold Tower) dates back to the 13th century. It was originally one of a pair of watchtowers that guarded the entrance to the city and made up part of the old city walls.

Today the tower houses a small nautical museum about Seville’s maritime past. You can climb the narrow staircase up to the top level where you’ll be rewarded with views looking out over the Old Town, the Guadalquivir River and across to the Triana neighbourhood on the opposite side of the river.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9.30am – 6.45pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am – 6.45pm

Location:  P.º de Cristóbal Colón, s/n, 41001 Sevilla

Related Article: A Day Trip From Seville To Cordoba

8. Watch the sunset from The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Love it or hate it, this oppressing landmark always sparks mixed debate as it looks a little out of place in the historic city. This enormous wooden structure is affectional know as Las Setas (which translates to The Mushrooms) and was designed by German architect; Jürgen Mayer.

The Metropol Parasol is actually the largest wooden structure in the world, and taking the elevator to the top viewing platform offers undeniably outstanding views over the city, especially at sunset. At the top, you’ll find a serpent-like walkway that meanders its way around the structure.

Book Tickets: Skip-the-line VR Augmented Experience at Metropol Parasol

Opening Times:  Daily 9.30 am – Midnight

Location:   Pl. de la Encarnación, s/n, 41003 Sevilla

9. Explore the pretty district of Triana

The attractive-looking neighbourhood of Triana has a very much more residential feel to it compared to the bustling historic centre. Located on the opposite side of the Guadalquivir River, take the Puente Isabel II bridge to cross over and explore.

Triana is the birthplace of the beautifully colourful tiles you will have seen on building facades all over the city. The colourful azulejo tiles were produced in factories on this side of the city. If you want to find out more about the craft, then the very informative Centro Ceramica tells you everything about its history, design and production of them.

Location: The main area of interest is around the Puente de Isabel II bridge and Calle Betis.

10. Feel the power of a live Flamenco Show

Flamenco is synonymous with Spain and watching it performed live should feature somewhere on every Spain bucket list. Although you can find the dance all over the country, its birthplace was here in Seville.

Seville still has deep roots in its traditions and folklore. You’ll find numerous places to see it performed all over the city. Sevillianos are incredibly proud of their heritage and the dance with its accompanying music is something they are immensely passionate about.

Flamenco is typically danced to live music. The fast rhythms feature acoustic guitar and percussion with rhythms being clapped out. The dance is both flamboyant and powerful, with the movements emphasized by the stunning dresses the dancers wear. You’ll find yourself deeply immersed and mesmerised watching the intricate hand and feet movements as they tell their stories through song, music and dance.

Book Tickets: Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show

11. See the Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus, the infamous navigator and explorer of the Americas, whose ‘discoveries’ paved the way for the exploitation of the Americas by Europe. Although the exploitative past is something we can now look back on with disfavour, he was pivotal in how rich Europe became.

Originally his tomb was installed in Havana, Cuba and moved back and forth between several places over the centuries. When Spain lost control of Cuba, it was moved to Seville, with the final resting place being in Seville Cathedral in 1899.

The huge monument sits just inside Seville Cathedral and features four figures carrying his tomb. There is some debate surrounding the contents of the tomb, with the results of a mysterious DNA test never being unveiled.

Book Tickets: Seville Cathedral with Fast-Track Entry

12. Eat your way around the Food markets

You’ll find no shortage of places to eat in Seville, including an abundance of fabulous markets. The Seville food scene is a big thing, and you’ll find locals and tourists enjoying long lunch breaks or a lazy weekend brunch trying all the delights on offer.

Although there are food markets dotted all over the city, two of the more notable ones are the Mercado de Feria and the Mercado de Triana. They each have different counters serving freshly produced local fare, as well as stalls selling local produce including fresh bread, meats, fish, fruit & vegetables as well as olives…lots of olives!

Mercado de Triana Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm

Mercado de Triana Location:   C. San Jorge, 6, 41010 Sevilla

Mercado de Feria Opening Times: Mon-Sat 8 am-midnight, closed Sunday

Mercado de Feria Location:   Feria, s/n, 41003 Sevilla

Related Article: A Local’s Guide to Madrid in 2 Days

13. Visit the beautiful Palacio de las Dueñas

Another stunning building in Seville that’s simply wow! The Palacio de las Dueñas was built between the 15th and 16th centuries and feature Gothic and Mudéjar styles.

There is an abundance of features adorning every nook and cranny of this stately home, including tranquil fountained courtyards with the shady covering of Seville’s signature orange trees.

You can wander from room to room with or without a guide, although to learn more about the history, and the myriad of famous people who have stayed here, it’s best to book a guided tour .

Book Here: Palacio de las Dueñas skip-the-line ticket

Opening Times: Daily 10 am – 7.15 pm

Location:  C. Dueñas, 5, 41003 Sevilla

14. Eat Tapas At The Oldest Restaurant In Seville – El Rinconcillo

El Rinconcillo has been serving tapas and wine since 1670 and still does so today, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Seville. The 17th-century restaurant serves traditional tapas and main dishes and has an extensive list of Spanish wines.

Because of its history, it does get busy so you may have to queue to get a table. Even if you don’t want to eat here, it’s worth at least sticking your head inside to see the floor-to-ceiling stacked wine cabinets.

Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 1 pm-5 pm & 8 pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 1 pm-5.30 pm & 8 pm-12.30 am

Location:  C. Gerona, 40, 41003 Sevilla

15. Take a Flamenco Dance Lesson

Watching a flamenco show is one thing, but learning this signature dance is another. There’s no better place to take your first tentative steps with this iconic Spanish dance, than at the origin of flamenco.

Trying to figure out the rhythms along with the intricate arm movement is a lot harder than it looks, but a lot of fun. The pros certainly make the dance look fluid and effortless. Seville has several dance schools where you can learn flamenco in a private or small group setting.

Check Availability: Flamenco Dance Lesson

16. Step back in time at Italica

If you’re a sucker for ancient ruins , then something for your Seville must see and do list is to visit Italica Ruins. The ancient Roman ruins are located just 8km north of the city. Get there by catching the 170A or 170B bus at Plaza de Armas station, the journey will take about 30 minutes. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognise the stunning amphitheatre at Italica as it featured in the series.

Along with the theatre, the site also boasts several fantastically detailed mosaics. It’s said that this is one of the birthplaces of the Roman Empire. If you’re interested in finding out more history about the site, then book a guided tour . There are a few information boards there, but the information on them is a little limited.

Book Tickets: Italica Ruins Private or Small Group Tour

Opening Times (Seasonal): Jan 1st-March 31st, Tues-Sat 9 am-6 pm, Sundays 9 am-3 pm |  April 1st-June 15th, Tues-Sat 9 am-8 pm, Sundays 9 am-3 pm |  June 16th-Sept 15th, Tues-Sun 9 am-3 pm |  Sept 16th-Dec 31st, Tues-Sat 9 am-6 pm, Sun 9 am-3 pm

Location:   Av. Extremadura, 2, 41970 Santiponce, Sevilla

17. Immerse yourself in the Archivo de Indias

Christopher Columbus is synonymous with Seville and his discovery of the Americas in 1492. Seville fast became one of the most affluent cities in Spain, which lead to the creation of the Chamber of Commerce which dealt with the newfound trade from the Americas.

The Archivo de Indias today is a museum where you can see the archives, documents and maps dating back to the trade past. You’ll find wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves containing documents, some are hundreds of years old! It’s free to enter and is located between the Cathedral and Alcazar.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat  9.30am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 2pm

18. Cruise along the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir is the only navigational river throughout the whole of Spain and historically played an important role in how affluent the city was. Today, the river is used for a much more leisurely affair, it’s also a great place to see the city from a different perspective.

Depending on how energetic you feel, there are several ways you can enjoy the river. The most relaxing is of course a river cruise along the Guadalquivir . If you’re feeling more energetic, then you can also hire kayaks and SUP.

Book Here: Yacht Cruise Along the Guadalquivir

Or you might prefer to go by Kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) .

19. Eat your way around the city on a Tapas crawl

Spain and tapas are two words that go hand in hand. A tapa is a small dish, usually shared with others on your table. You’ll often order a selection to nibble at and the focus is on being social and sharing the food (this is not a formal way of eating).

If you’re not sure what to try and are baffled by the selection on the menu then join one of the tapas walking tours . Your guide will take you to several different bars and restaurants to try some of the most popular dishes from Andalucía.

If you have any dietary requirements, make this known at the time of booking to ensure you can join in with the culinary fun.

Book: Seville Tapas Crawl with Guide

20. Take a ceramic workshop in Triana

No doubt if you’ve explored the city a bit, or been inside any of the stately homes, you will have noticed the colourful decorative azulejo tiles.

If you’re into arts and crafts, then one of the best ways to immerse yourself into Sevillano culture is by learning to create your own beautiful piece of ceramic work. You may already have learnt that Triana is the home to the tile making industry here in Seville, so what better place to take part in a workshop than here.

The Centro Ceramica in Triana will be able to give you information on upcoming events.

21. See the Grand Masters at Belles Artes

There’s no denying that Seville has some outstandingly beautiful museums. However, most of them you have to pay to go inside. If you’re looking for one of the top free things to do in Seville then visit the Museo de bellas artes de Sevilla. Seville’s fine arts museum is housed inside a stunning old building, over several levels, divided between shady courtyards.

It houses stunning works of art dating from the medieval period up to the early 20th century and is likened to the infamous Prado Museum in Madrid .

Look out for the magnificent frescoed dome ceiling, that was originally created when the building was a convent.

Opening Times: Tues-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-3pm

Location:  Plaza del Museo, 9, 41001 Seville

22. Watch the sunset from Torre Sevilla

Depending on where you’re standing, the Sevilla Tower (also known as the Pelli Tower), is a bit of an eyesore blip on the Seville skyline. There was some controversy when it was built, which nearly lead to UNESCO revoking the city’s heritage status.

The tower is here to stay, it’s a mix of offices, gym and commercial units with a bar on the top level called Terraza Atalaya.

The redeeming feature of this skyscraper in Seville is that it does give the most fantastic views of the city. The tower is a whopping 180.5 metres tall and has 40 floors meaning it overlooks everything in the vicinity.

Opening Times: Sun-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am

Location:  C/ Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, 2, 41092 Sevilla

23. Stay at the Alfonzo XIII

Seville’s most ornate and regal hotel is the 1929 Alfonzo XIII hotel , located in the city centre. The hotel still retains many of its original features and simply oozes luxury.

The rooms sympathetically blend modern and traditional Spanish styles with the lavish marbled and tiled, foyer, hallways and bathrooms. Some rooms have Juliet style balconies or terraces that look out over the well-manicured gardens.

With an abundance of services on offer such as in-room massage, onsite gourmet restaurant, a stylish cocktail bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre and sauna staying here, even just for one night is certainly something to tick off your Seville bucket list.

Check Availability: Stay in Seville’s Original Luxury Hotel

Location:  C. San Fernando, 2, 41004 Sevilla

24. See the Stunning Casa de Pilatos

Another of Seville’s beautiful houses is the Casa de Pilatos , the palace features Mudèjar architecture with the living quarters surrounding an inner courtyard.

The palace gleams the sun, and features arched windows flanked with columns, and geometric vivid tile designs. The courtyard itself had a central fountain and marble sculptures overlooking from the side-lines. There’s a lot to see here, so you’ll want to allow at least an hour to do the palace justice.

Book Here: Guided Tour of Casa de Pilatos

Opening Times: Daily 9am-6pm

Location:  Pl. de Pilatos, 1, 41003 Sevilla

25. Have a photo with ‘Alicia’ at the Contemporary Arts Museum

One of the most unusual things to do in Seville is to have a photo with the slightly scary looking ‘Alicia’. This huge art installation takes inspiration from Alice in Wonderland and was created by Christina Lucas. You’ll find her peeping out of an inner courtyard window of the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo.

 The museum is located on the Triana side of the city in an old factory that once produced tiles. The building still retains lost of original features, including pretty tiled walls, and several large chimneys. There are several permanent pieces here, but also smaller exhibitions.

Opening Times: Tues-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm

Location:  C. Américo Vespucio, 2, 41092 Sevilla

Related Articles: Travelling in Spain

26. Awe at the frescos at Hospital de los Venerables

If you’re walking about Barrio Santa Cruz, then find your way to Hospital de Los Venerables . This is Seville’s answer to the Sistine Chappel in Rome. The ceiling fresco in the chapel is outstanding.

Although the ceiling here is the highlight there are also side rooms filled with art. Some of the side rooms also have little hidden balconies with wood lattices that look down on the chapel hiding the viewer from the congregation below.

Book Here: Hospital de los Venerables Guided Tour

Opening Times: Mon-Sat  10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 4pm

Location:  Pl. Venerables, 8, 41004 Sevilla

27. Gorge yourself on Churros y Chocolate

If you’ve not discovered this sweet treat yet, then let me explain. A churro is like a long type of doughnut-like pastry that is served with a cup of thick gloopy chocolate sauce. You dip the churros into the chocolate, these are served as a morning and mid-afternoon snack and they are delicious (ignore the calorie count!)

There are plenty of places serving Churros y Chocolate, but one of the best places in Seville to find them is Bar El Comercio. It’s popular with the locals, and the decor hasn’t changed much in absolute decades, although they serve traditional Spanish fare, their speciality is this sweet treat.

28. Try your hand at a Spanish Cooking Class

No doubt, you will have tried some of the delicious local dishes. But how about being able to recreate these culinary delights back home?

If you’re a foodie, one of the best ways to learn this is by taking a Spanish cooking class . Lots of these workshops also include a visit to one of the nearby local markets to pick up local seasonal fresh produce to use in your cooking.

The best part with these classes is that you get to eat everything you create! Normally accompanied by delicious Spanish wine.

Book: Spanish Cooking Class with Food Market Visit

29. Row Around Plaza de España

If you’re wondering what to do in Seville and you’re into slightly kitsch attractions, then hire one of the little rowing boats in the moat that surrounds Plaza de España.

The arc-shaped moat runs parallel to the building and goes under decorative coloured bridges. You’ll only be able to row as far as the moat stretches and then back again, which isn’t far.

As kitsch as it is, it is still a fun and popular thing to do, especially if you’re travelling with children as the water is relatively shallow, and you’re not far from the banks.

Opening Times: Daily 8am – 10pm

30. Try the local orange wine

One thing you will have noticed about Seville is the number of orange trees in the city. There are over 25,000 of them in Seville. This stat makes Seville the city in the world with the most orange trees. However, the fruit is too bitter to eat straight off the tree.

So what becomes of the fruit? It’s either exported and made into marmalade, or it’s used to make local orange wine. Although orange wine isn’t officially produced in Seville, (it’s made in nearby Huelva), the oranges come from Seville. The bitter orange peels are soaked in a sherry base, creating a sweet slightly citrusy taste.

31. Drink cocktails from a rooftop bar

Seville has no shortage of wonderful rooftop bars. Although they are dotted all over the city, the ones with the best view are near the centre looking out over the Cathedral and Girlada.

Although you’ll pay a little bit more for a drink than you would at other bars, the premium is worth it for the view. La Terazza de EME and Terraza Hotel Doña María are both great options.

32. Party at Alameda

If you’re a party animal at heart, then you’ll find no end of great places to go in Alameda de Hércules, known simply as Alameda. This is the hub of the Seville nightlife scene.

By day the area is filled with a mix of trendy hipster bars, restaurants and tradtional tabernas with locals and tourists enjoing the social vibe. As evening falls, the area comes alive as the bars close, and the clubs open.

You’ll know you’ve reached the area as it’s flanked by two giant Roman columns at either end.

Location: Alameda de Hércules, 41002 Sevilla

33. Join in with the week-long festival; Feria de Abril

The Seville Fair is a weeklong party in Seville. It’s typically held in April and starts two weeks after Easter (Semana Santa – Holy Week). If Easter falls in late April, then the festival happens in early May. It opens at midnight with the lighting of the Feria Gate (la portada de la Feria). It finishes the following Saturday at midnight with a firework show.

People wear traditional Spanish attire. For women, this is a flamenco dress, with a manton and flower. For men, it’s a suit. Horse drawn carriages trundle up the streets bringing people to and from the fair.

The fair happens to the south of Triana. The whole area is transformed into a village that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The streets are lined with Casetas (private tents) each decked out with traditional decorations. For a whole week, the party goes on until about 6 am each day.

34. Witness Semana Santa

Although most of Europe celebrates Easter in some way, nowhere is more dedicated to Semana Santa (Holy Week) than the Sevillianos.

Semana Santa combines spirituality and cultural emotion. The procession follows a route around the city and features enormous statues and sculptures. They are carried on the backs of men “costaleros” from the church brotherhoods, who slowly march the route. They are accompanied by hooded Nazarenes, with faces that are covered as a sign of penitence.

Processions happen all week long, with some of them being silent and others with marching bands making it an exciting spectacle whether you’re religious or not. If your visit to Seville happens during Semana Santa, expect crowds, and lots of them. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the city.

35. Come face-to-face with the Roman Emporer, Hadrian

So, if you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ve probably learnt that I’m a bit of a sucker for ancient ruins and archaeological sites .

Seville is blessed with a lot of ancient stuff, so if you’re interested in archaeological finds, then it worth visiting the Archaeological Museum of Seville. It’s located at the far end of Maria Luisa Park. The museum contains ruins from the Moorish Medina Azahara (from nearby Cordoba ), as well as sculptures of Hadrian and Trojan.

Even if you’re not swooned by ancient relics, then at least see the building’s exterior. It’s beautiful. It was built as part of the 1929 Ibero-American Expo and houses Roman relics found locally (including the Itaica Ruins just outside of Seville) and from further afar.

Opening Times: Currently closed for renovations, reopening in Autumn 2023

Location:  Pl. América, s/n, 41013 Sevilla

Best things to do in Seville, Spain – FAQs

How many days in seville are enough.

It’s possible to see the main highlights in Seville in a couple of days, however, as a minimum, I would recommend a minimum of three days in Seville to see everything at a more comfortable pace.

If you have the time, then stay longer as there are numerous great day trips from Seville . On the contrary, if you are only passing through and have just one da

What are the top 10 things to do in Seville Spain?

These things need to be on your Seville to do list: Real Alcázar, Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda, Plaza de España, Parque de Maria Luisa, Barrio Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro, The Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), Triana, Watch a Flamenco Show

There’s a top ten list at the start of this article, or better still, get the complete list of what to see in Seville straight to your inbox for offline viewing.

what to wear in Seville

From March until October, the weather is warm. So summer dresses, shorts, and T-shirts are fine.

July and August it’s too warm with temperatures reaching the mid-40s. During these months, most of the city shuts down and heads to the nearby beaches . If you do plan to visit then, pack the lightest weight clothes. You won’t even need a jacket!

Winters in Seville can be chilly when the sun isn’t out (thankfully the sun is out most days!). Buildings in Seville aren’t built to deal with the cold, it can often feel warmer outside. Take plenty of layers – in the sun it’s warm, but on cloudy days and at night, it can get very chilly.

Pack comfortable shoes. The historical centre is mostly cobblestones.

What are the best day trips from Seville?

There are loads of great places near Seville, these include the Alhambra in Granada, the UNESCO city of Cordoba and the Donana National Park. This article here lists 23 great day trips from Seville .

When is the best time to visit Seville?

You can potentially visit Seville all year round. Compared to northern Europe, even in winter, Seville only sees a handful of rainy days.

If possible, avoid visiting Seville during the peak of the summer months (July and August). It can be unbearably hot with temperatures reaching the mid 40 °C (100⸰F).

To make the most of the weather in Seville, aim to visit between March to May and then September to October. Unless you’re specifically interested in seeing Semana Santa or Feria, avoid Easter time as the city sees an influx of visitors and prices skyrocket.

How does public transportation work in Sevilla?

On the whole, Seville has an excellent public transport system. It works by using a pre-loaded card (Tussam card) and is the cheapest way to get around the city. It can be challenging to navigate the route timetable, especially if your Spanish isn’t up to scratch.

The easiest option to see all the highlights is by using the Seville hop-on-hop-off bus . This drops you at (or near to) all the major tourist destinations.

Where can I find a map of everything on this Seville bucket list?

Everything that I’ve mentioned in this article can be found on this map of Seville. Click to access a fully interactive version of it.

Planning a trip to Seville?

So tell me, after reading this, how many of these great ideas are on your Seville bucket list? If you’re just in the planning stages of your trip, then you can download this checklist and map straight to your inbox to use at a later date.

If you’re looking for other places of interest for your trip to Spain, then you might enjoy some of these other great articles:

• The Complete 2 Week Itinerary for Spain & Portugal (without a car)
• Seville 3 Day Itinerary
• More inspirational Spain Travel Articles
• Get my FREE travel resources here

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If you found this article useful, or know someone who’s looking for activities to do in Seville, Spain, then please like, share or pin it for future reference.

Have a question about planning your Tallinn itinerary? then head to the Contact page and drop me a message.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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Best Things to do in Seville Spain

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: May 23, 2023

Home >> Europe >> Spain Travel Guide >> Best Things to do in Seville Spain

The capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region and the birthplace of flamenco, Seville is a lively city filled with centuries-old traditions and one of the premier destinations in Southern Spain .

We have put together a complete guide to the best things to do in Seville , along with everything you need to know about visiting this fabulous city.

From what to see and do, where to eat in Seville, festivals, and so much more, you can plan your perfect Seville itinerary .  

One of the most beautiful cities in Spain , every square inch is enriched with art and culture, its streets often alive with Spanish festivities and always brimming with activity and atmosphere.

Some of the reasons Seville is also a fabulous city for solo travellers in Europe . Visitors to Seville are guaranteed to fall in love with this beautiful corner of southern Spain. 

Table of Contents

Seville Travel Tips

Best time to go to seville.

While a beautiful city to visit any time of year, Seville is much more enjoyable when the temperatures are not extreme as can happen in summer.

• Shoulder seasons are a great time to visit anywhere in Europe and are always the best time to visit Seville. The months are best on either side of the summer peak season – April and May (spring) and late September to October (autumn).  Expect warm sunny days and cooler nights. The city is not as crowded, and the rates are cheaper. 
• During the peak summer months, late June–early September, the heat can be unbearable in Seville and crowds and prices are at their peak. 
• During festivals such as Semana Santa (Palm Sunday – Easter Sunday) and Feria de Abril (usually two weeks after Easter) can be a great time to visit but make sure you book well in advance. 
• Winter in Seville is relatively mild compared to other places in Europe, much like the Mediterranean. So much so, it makes our list of best European winter sun getaways .  Winter is also an excellent time to visit to avoid the crowds and get a great hotel deal.

How Many Days in Seville

We have been to Seville many times, sometimes for a day and others for three days. While you could see some of Seville’s highlights in a day, we would recommend at least two to three full days to see the best of Seville without rushing.

There is so much to see and do in Seville; it would be a shame to visit and miss a lot of what makes Seville special. And remember, if you are not organised, you could spend much of your day queuing for tickets at some of the more popular attractions, especially in peak season. 

Seville is the Perfect Base to Explore Andalusia

Discover the Best Day Trips From Seville

You Might Also Like: Visit the Spanish capital with our 3 Day Madrid Itinerary for any season.

How to Get To Seville

Seville has an international airport only 15 – 20 mins from the city centre servicing flights throughout Europe and North Africa.

In addition to regional bus services, Seville is well connected by Spain’s AVE high-speed train service . You can be in Seville from Madrid in a little over 2.5 hrs and Barcelona to Seville in around 6 hrs .

See the AVE train website for timetables and bookings. 

Train Discount Tip

Did you know you can get discounts of up to 40% if you book your train tickets well in advance of your travel date? This applies to nearly all train travel throughout Europe. 

From The Algarve in Portugal, ALSA operates numerous bus services each day. The trip takes around 2 to 3 hrs depending on the service and costs approx. €18.

Related: The Most Spectacular Landmarks in Spain

Where to Stay in Seville 

You will find a complete rundown of the best places to stay in Seville here . A very compact and walkable city, Seville is easy to get around but each barrio has a distinct vibe catering to different tastes and budgets.

How to Get Around Seville

Seville city is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, so walking is the best way to get around Seville.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

If you are short on time or just want to get oriented for further self-exploration, the Hop On Hop Off bus covers nearly all of the best attractions in Seville within a day.

Hop On Hop Off bus tickets start at €21 pp for a 24-hour ticket and include free audio walking tours, free access to certain attractions and loads of discounts. Find out more here .

Guided Tours – Cycle, Segway, Carriage

You can also take a guided city cycling tour or rent a Seville City bike . You can even opt for a segway tour or a more traditional horse and carriage ride as a way to experience the highlights of Seville. 

What to Pack For Seville

• A pair of good walking shoes or comfortable sandals are a must. You will be doing some miles. We suggest comfortable walking shoes that will be suitable for many occasions. There are lots of stylish walking shoes on the market that will see you through for sightseeing and on to a casual dinner.
• For the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, pack layers. Days will warm and mornings and evenings cool. 
• A lightweight, packable rain jacket or travel umbrella is always a handy travel companion, especially in the shoulders seasons or winter months. 
• A light jacket to enjoy an evening drink and tapas outside in the evenings. 
• A scarf or two to accessorise for evenings.  
• A good hat for the summer months. 
• For the ladies, a good anti-theft backpack  or an  anti-theft messenger bag for the gents is always a good idea when you travel, especially in crowded tourist areas where pickpockets are common. 

We’ve taken the guesswork out of what to pack for Seville. See all of our recommended Seville travel essentials for easy packing.

Shop Our Seville Travel Essentials Here

Travelon Anti Theft Sling Bag/ Waist Pack

See our top picks for the most Stylish Anti Theft Waist Packs and Sling Bags .

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Sherpani Anti Theft Messenger Bag

Foldable/ Packable Summer Hat

Related: Best Safe & Stylish Anti-Theft Handbags for Travel

Things to do in Seville

Tip : Remember to pre-book skip the line tickets for any of the more popular attractions you want to visit to avoid wasting any of your precious time. 

Seville Attractions and Highlights

The royal alcazar.

Allow at least 2 hours to visit the Royal Alcazar

Along with the Cathedral, The Royal Alcázar is one of Seville’s most popular attractions. A Moorish fort in the 10th-century, construction of the first royal palace began in the 12th century by the first Caliph of Andalucía. 

The palace as we know it today started to take shape in the 14th century when the Catholic Kings of Spain claimed it. 

A work in progress until the 19th century, the palace is a stunning mix of Moorish, Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture. It is considered one of the finest examples of  Mudéjar art in existence.

While the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, now belongs to the council of Seville, the upper floors are still the Seville residence of the Spanish royal family, making the Royal Alcázar the oldest, continually used royal palace in Europe.

Game of Thrones fans will recognise the palace, especially the gardens, one of the palace’s most beautiful features as the setting for the Kingdom of Dorne. One of the few film locations that are far more beautiful in real life than in the TV series. 

The Baths of María de Padilla

Located underneath the palace, visitors will find the Baths of Doña María de Padilla. A rather posh name for what is basically a water storage facility.

King Pedro named the cistern after his mistress María de Padilla who he secretly married in 1353. The nobles later pressured the king into an arranged marriage with the Queen of Castille, who forced him to deny their marriage. Doña María de Padilla went on to bear four children in a relationship that continued until her death.

Visiting The Royal Alcázar

Buying Tickets for the Royal Alcázar

As the Royal Alcázar is one of Seville’s most popular attractions, you can expect long queues. It is highly advisable to purchase tickets online in advance of your visit. Tickets can be purchased online through the Royal Alcázar website .

Tickets are purchased for an allotted entry time. We recommend booking the first time allotment and being first in line at opening. It will give you precious moments ahead of the crowds to enjoy the palace while still empty. 

• General Admission:  € 11.50 | Includes the ground floor of the Palaces and Gardens.
• Entrance to the Royal High Room:  Additional €4.50 | An organised visit to the Royal High Room located in the upper part of the Palace of King Don Pedro. 
• Online Booking Fee: €1 for each admission

The General Admission Fee includes entry to the Antiquarium, Museum of the Ceramics of Triana and other museum spaces managed by the Seville City Council through the Institute of Culture and Arts of Seville. 

Skip the Line With a Guided Tour of The Royal Alcázar

Many visitors opt for Skip the Line tickets with a tour combo to make the most of their visit. Tours include general admission with skip the line ticket, an official one hour tour and an audio guide.

Prices start at €35 pp. Get details here for guided tours . 

Discount Entry on Monday

On Monday afternoons, entry to the Royal Alcázar is only one euro (€1). However enticing, it may not be the best time to visit as even queuing for pre-booked tickets can take a few hours. So, if planning to visit on a Monday, allow plenty of time or arrive early. 

Opening Hours

• October to March: Every day from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (The Palace closes at 6.00 p.m.)
• April to September: Every day from 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (The Palace closes at 8.00 p.m.)
• Closed : January 1 and 6, Good Friday and December 25.

Seville Tour Recommendation

Take a combined 3 hour Royal Alcazar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower Guided Tour for as little as €27 pp.

Includes skip the line entry to all attractions with an official guide.

Seville Cathedral and The Giralda Tower

Allow at least 1.5 hrs to visit Seville Cathedral & The Giralda Tower

Seville Cathedral

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the burial place of Christopher Columbus, Seville Cathedral is a must-see.

Built on the site of a mosque dating back to 1198, construction of the magnificent cathedral began in 1401, taking more than 100 years to complete. Although, interior works continued well into the 20th century. 

The sprawling UNESCO listed cathedral features 80 chapels and many significant artistic features and artefacts. The cathedral’s grand altarpiece – the largest ever made, depicts the life of Jesus of Nazareth, from birth to crucifixion. 

You will also see artworks by famous Spanish painters  Zurbarán and Murillo . A chapel housing the 13th-century fresco Virgen de la Antigua , Ferdinand III’s pennant flown by the Crusaders when they expelled the Moors from Seville in 1248 and priceless jewelled pieces and intricate pieces of Plateresque silverwork.

Attending Mass at Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral has an immense pipe organ behind the main altarpiece. It is worth attending the 10 a.m. mass at the main altar just to hear it played. Entry is free, although you will be asked to leave immediately after mass. 

Be aware mass times may change, and there are many services throughout the day in various chapels throughout the cathedral. Here you will find a very useful guide for attending mass at the Cathedral, including etiquette advice. 

The Giralda Tower

Tickets to the Seville Cathedral include the 104.1 m (342 ft) Torre Giralda bell tower entry. The tower is all that remains of Seville’s grand mosque, one of the most important symbols of Seville since the Middle Ages.

 The minaret was initially topped with great copper globes, which fell in the 1365 earthquake. The conquistadores saw this as a sign and replaced them with the Christain cross and bell tower. 

Except for the final section of the tower, the ascent to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the city is via a wide, winding ramp.  According to one chronicler from the era, the ramp was built to accommodate “beasts of burden, people, and the custodians”. Why they required livestock or horses at the top of the tower is not known. 

Visiting The Seville Cathedral & The Giralda Tower

Buying Tickets for the Seville Cathedral

As with the Royal Alcázar, the Cathedral is one of Seville’s most popular attractions, so expect long queues. To make the most of your time in Seville, it is advisable to purchase tickets online before your visit. Tickets can be purchased online through the Seville Cathedral website .

Skip the Line With a Guided Tour of The Seville Cathedral

Many visitors opt for Skip the Line tickets with a tour combo to make the most of their visit to the cathedral. Tours include general admission with skip the line ticket to the cathedral and tower, an official one hour tour and an audio guide.

Prices start at €30 pp. Get details here for skip the line guided tours . 

• Monday:  11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

July and August (except July 17 and 25)

• Monday: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (ticket office until 3:30 PM)
• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ticket office until 5.00 p.m.)
• Sunday: 2.00 PM to 7:00 PM (ticket office until 6.00 PM)

Opening times can change without notice due to the celebration of liturgies inside the enclosure.

Free Entry on Monday

If you plan, you can visit the Seville cathedral for free with an audio guide on Monday’s between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. You need to book online in advance . Reservations open up between four to six weeks in advance but fill up quickly.

Las Setas De Sevilla  The Metropol Parasol

Allow at least an hour to visit the Metropol Parasol, more if you include the Museo Antiquarium.

Dubbed by locals La Setas –  The Mushrooms, the Metropol Parasol is as iconic for the divide in local opinion about the structure as the structure itself. 

The world’s largest wooden structure, designed by German architect   Jürgen Mayer-Hermann  offers one of the best places to watch the sun go down in Seville. 

Take the lift to the top of the 30-metre high undulating honeycomb roof and follow the winding walkway for stunning views of the city. There’s even a cafe that offers a worthwhile happy hour for sunset. 

Head to the plaza’s basement and visit Museo Antiquarium to see the Roman ruins discovered during the construction of the Metropol Parasol.

Under the parasol is an open-air event space where you will find cafes, bars and a local produce market. 

Visiting Las Setas De Sevilla

The Metropol Parasol:

• 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. (Ticket office will close 30 mins before closing time)

Antiquarium Museum:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Last entry 7:30 p.m.). 
• Sundays and holidays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Last entry 1:30 p.m.). 

Opening times may vary slightly on public holidays. 

Parque Maria Luisa and Plaza de España

Allow at least two hours to visit Maria Luisa Park & Plaza de España. We would recommend a half-day in nice weather.

Maria Luisa Park is one of the most beautiful inner-city parks in Spain. Walking distance from the centre of Seville, the city park is a lovely reprieve from the city.

Formerly the private gardens of the Palace of San Telmo, the gardens were donated to the public in 1893 by the Duchess of Montpellier. To facilitate the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition World’s Fair, the gardens underwent a massive redesign with the addition of the stunning Plaza de España on the edge of the gardens.

Wander Parque de María Luisa’s beautiful tree-lined boulevards to explore the park’s monuments and pavilions.

Enjoy a picnic in the stunning gardens, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, hire bicycles or a cyclo bike for two, four or six. You can even take a rowboat around the Plaza de España canal.

Plaza de España is the jewel in the park’s crown. You’ll see why the grand plaza has featured in scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, and, Game of Thrones. 

Visiting Parque María Luisa & Plaza de España

Entry : Free for both Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España.

Bike hire in the park varies. Expect to pay – €10 / 2 hr bicycle hire | €8 / 1 hr tandem bike | €10 / 2 person covered cyclo up to €48 / 6 person covered cyclo. 

• Parque María Luisa: Every day 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 
• Plaza de España: Open 24 hours every day

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza  Seville Bullring

Allow one-two hours to visit Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza. The official tour takes 45 – 55 mins. 

Take a backstage tour of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful bullring. The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is where the sport of modern bullfighting began. It is also considered to be one of the most beautiful bullrings in Spain. 

The best time to see a bullfight is during Seville’s annual April fair. Built in 1749, the ring has seating for 12,000 people. Today the bullfighting season is from April until September and is one of the best-known festivals in the world.

You can see the complete bullfighting schedule for Seville here . 

If you don’t want to see a bullfight, take a tour for a “backstage” look at the ring, the bullfighting museum and a gallery full of traditional bullfighting art. There is even the tiny chapel where the toreros pray before entering the ring.

Visiting Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

Tickets for Plaza de Toros Museum and Visit

You can buy tickets online through the official website , which is advisable, especially in the peak tourist months of summer. You may only visit by way of a guided tour with allocated tour times.

Entry is free on Monday afternoons after 3.00 PM although, be early as queues for this will be long. 

• November to March: 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
• April to October: 9.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
• Day of Bullfighting: 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
• Holy Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
• Closed Christmas Day

Torre del Oro

Allow 40 mins-1 hr to visit the Torre del Oro. 

The Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is a 36-metre military watchtower on the banks of the Guadalquivir River built during the 13th century. Despite various legends and theories of how its name came to be, Torre del Oro owes its name to the golden reflections produced on the water by the tiles that covered it.

In the 11th century, the tower was intended as an escape route for Kings. They could follow the wall from the bronze and silver towers and escape the city by boat from the gold tower. 

The Golden Tower is currently used as a small but interesting maritime museum. Visitors can walk the museum’s two levels before stepping out onto the roof for views over Seville and the Guadalquivir River. 

Visiting Torre del Oro

Tickets for Torre del Oro

• Entry is Free on Mondays
• Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. 
• Saturday and Sunday: 10: 30 AM to 6: 45 PM. 
• Holidays: Closed.

Casa de Pilatos

Allow at least one hour to visit Casa de Pilatos. 

One of Seville’s lesser-known treasures, the stunning mansion built between the 15th – 16th-centuries, while on a smaller scale, is on par with the Royal Alcázar. 

Casa de Pilatos (Pilate’s House) is renowned for its grand patio, exquisite gardens, and collection of coloured azulejos tiles . 

One of the largest collections of azulejo tiles in the world, Casa de Pilatos, has over 150 different azulejo designs by brothers Diego and Juan Pulido in the 1530s’.

The palace was a key film location in the 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia and has since been the location for the movie Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz and two Ridley Scott films.

The present Duchess of Medinaceli still lives with her descendants and family in a private wing of the palace. 

Visiting Casa Pilatos

You can choose to visit only the ground floor or both the lower and upper floors. Different entry fees apply. Tours of the upper floor are guided only. Each tour is approximately half an hour.

• Entry is free from 3 p.m. on Wednesdays for EU citizens. Show your ID card or passport at the entrance.
• November to March: 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• April to October: 9.00 a.m. to 7. oo PM

Explore Sevilles Neighbourhoods

Seville’s neighbourhoods’ “ barrios” sprawl outward from the city’s central sightseeing hub, El Centro. While the barrios of Seville may not be home to some of the big-ticket attractions, there is still plenty of reasons to explore them.

Venture beyond the centre, and you’ll not just glean a little insight into Sevillano culture; you’ll find in Seville, there’s a hidden gem around every corner. Here are just a few reasons to explore the neighbourhoods of Seville. 

Round Plaza Plaza del Cabildo

In the Arenal neighbourhood, you will find Plaza del Cabildo, only a short distance from the Cathedral but rarely discovered by visitors. The wonderfully ornate round plaza is one of the few round plazas in Seville. 

Access to the plaza is via three discreet arcades through the building that forms the semi-circular plaza. Perhaps this is how it remains one of the cities best-kept secrets.

On a Sunday morning, you will find a collectors market in the plaza that attracts collectors of stamps, antiques and all kinds of curiosities. There is a restaurant inside the plaza and a shop that sells confectionaries produced by local convents. 

Get Lost in Barrio Santa Cruz The Jewish Quarter

Allow at least 2 hours to explore Santa Cruz.

Barrio Santa Cruz is one of the most ancient and authentic areas of the city. Before the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th Century, Santa Cruz was Seville’s Jewish quarter. Many of the churches in the barrio were originally synagogues. 

This charming neighbourhood is the place to get lost in Seville. Known for its artisan shops and tapas bars, strolling the little twists of streets and plazas, you can get an understanding of ancient Seville. Be on the lookout for the narrowest street in the city – Calle de los Besos , the street of kisses, and don’t miss the Patio de las Banderas.

Barrio Santa Cruz is adjacent to Seville’s El Centro neighbourhood, only a short walk from the Cathedral.

Santa Cruz Walking Tour Recommendation. 

Take a Santa Cruz walking tour to experience the best of Seville’s most atmospheric barrio. Learn the stories and legends that help shape Andalucían traditions and the cultures in Seville and get some local insight on the best places to visit, eat and drink.

One hour tours start for as little as €15. See here for more details . 

Experience The Vibrance of Triana

Allow at least 2 hours to explore Triana. 

The former Gypsy quarter on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, Triana is a working-class barrio with a colourful history filled with legends of bullfighters, sailors, and flamenco culture.

Once considered a neighbourhood for outsiders and not a very enticing area for tourists, Triana has come into its own. A resurgence of restaurants and nightlife entertainment has lured visitors to discover one of Seville’s most fascinating and colourful neighbourhoods. 

Things to do in Triana

Stop for lunch or dinner at the Mercado de Triana built on the ruins of the Castillo de San Jorge, the headquarters and prison of the Spanish Inquisition. 

Search out the traditional azulejos ceramics the area is famous for around the Centro de la Cerámica Triana ceramics museum. Discover the old Gypsy communes of the Roma people on Calle Castilla 16 or enjoy an authentic flamenco show at a local Peña club (more on this later). 

Find Sanctuary in Plaza Santa Marta

A stone’s throw from the Cathedral is a quiet oasis barely known by local Sevillano’s. Plaza Santa Marta, a charming whitewashed cobblestone nook, is what remains of the Santa Marta hospital founded in 1385.

Off the busy Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, where horse-drawn carriages and tourists vie for space in the shadow of the Cathedral, the small alleyway of Santa Marta is hardly visible among the hive of activity.

At the end of the alley, the Plaza Santa Marta reveals itself – A peaceful, secret sanctuary. A lovely spot to rest in the shade of orange trees and appreciate the history of Seville. 

Buy Centuries Old Convent Sweets From A Closed Convent

As Trappist monks are famed for their beer-making, Spanish nuns are celebrated for their sweets. One of the oldest Spanish traditions is buying homemade sweets and jams from a closed convent using centuries-old recipes.

What makes this a unique experience is that the nuns are not allowed to leave the convent or have contact with any person not belonging to the order.

While the nuns distribute their sweets for sale throughout Seville, there is nothing quite like buying from the source at the closed convent. 

To procure the sweets, the instructions are very similar in each convent.

For over four centuries, the Convento de San Leandro nuns have produced for sale one simple sweet – Yemas de San Leandro. Melt in your mouth sweets made simply with sugar, lemon juice, and egg yolks.

At the 13th-century convent, in the courtyard, you will find a price list. Ring the bell and place your money on a tray in an old, wooden revolving door. Soon after, your order will appear, and your transaction with the nuns complete. 

Other convents in Seville known for their sweets are: Convento de Santa Inés for their  bollitos de Santa Inés , Santa Paula for their jams, San Clemente for their cider filled  empanadillas  and lightly-fried, honey-glazed  pestiños , Madre de Dios for their  naranjitos and Santa Ana for their  carmelitas .

Visiting Convento de San Leandro

Opening Hours: Sweets are available for sale at Convento de San Leandro from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. Many of the convents will observe similar “siesta” hours. 

Cost: Most sweets are sold by weight. Expect anywhere from €5 – €30.

Seville City Gates

13th century Seville was surrounded by a 7km wall, 13 main gates, six secondary gates, and 166 towers. During the revolution of 1886, the walls were demolished to expand the city, leaving only a few stretches intact.

The only three city gates that remain are the Puerta de la Macarena, the Postigo del Aceite and the Puerta de Córdoba.

Macarena Gate

From the Macarena gate, one of the most beautiful of the three that remain, you can experience a very local side of Seville. While not as atmospheric as Santa Cruz or Triana, the Macarena district still has a few gems to offer. 

The Basilica de la Macarena is home to two of the most impressive floats in the city’s fervent Semana Santa holy week, as well as one of Seville’s most revered treasures –the Weeping Virgin Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena. The magnificent statue stands behind the main altar adorned in all her golden glory, complete with crystalised tears. 

The Macarena neighbourhood is where you can see the remaining stretches of the 12th-century city walls, which run between the Macarena gate and Puerta de Córdoba.

Opening Hours of The Basilica de la Macarena and the Brotherhood of the Macarena Museum Treasure

June 4 to September 16: 

• Monday to Saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Sundays and Holidays: 9.30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

September 17 to June 2:

• Monday to Saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Postigo del Aceite

At Postigo del Aceite (oil gate), situated in the old fish market, you will find Mercado El Postigo, the craftwork market of Seville. A gallery-style space selling local artwork and artisan pieces.

See Sevilles Most Treasured Art Collection at Hospital de los Venerables

Allow 1–2 hours to visit Hospital de los Venerables

A collection of Seville’s most cherished artworks are housed in a hospital established for sick and ageing clergy in 1673 – Hospital de los Venerables.

In 1840 the priests, then bankrupt, were moved from the hospital and the building taken over by a textile manufacturer. Eight years later, the building was returned to the priests by Royal Order. The clergy still owns it to this day. 

The former hospital, now a museum, has been restored and houses a small but significant collection of paintings from the Spanish Golden Age. You’ll find famous Spanish painters such as Martínez Montañés, Diego Velasquez, and Francisco Varela, as well as many temporary exhibitions.

In 1868, the quaint Plaza de los Venerables where the hospital is situated was named after the priests.

Opening Hours:  The museum has limited opening hours: Thurs–Sun 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Indulge in Banos Arabe The Arab Baths of Seville

A legacy of the Moorish invasion is a love for water and the indulgence of an authentic hammam. Seville has some beautiful Arab baths – baños arabes where you can still indulge in the ancient bathing experience.

Deep in the Jewish quarter is an ancient Moorish Hamman located in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace. Aire de Sevilla houses an ancient subterranean bathhouse where you can enjoy thermal baths and spa treatments in the same luxuriant setting relished by Romans and Arabs centuries ago.

Set in elegantly candlelit crypts, you can enjoy different temperature baths and hydrotherapy pools and a selection of exclusive treatments, including massage, a steam room, a tea room and a rooftop terrace with views of the Giralda tower. 

For a truly relaxing experience, visit in the morning on weekdays when it is less crowded. Monday–Thursday, you will also find prices are also slightly discounted.

Visiting Aire de Sevilla

Aire de Sevilla, Calle Aire, 15, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Cost of Aire de Sevilla: Expect to pay anywhere between €35 – €180 depending on the treatment or duration of the visit. See the Aire de Sevilla website for details. 

Opening Hours: Every day : 9.00 a.m.–10.30 p.m.

Find The Best Flamenco in Seville

Flamenco is in Seville’s blood. A fusion of Spanish folklore and sounds from the Mediterranean, India and North Africa.

In Seville’s working-class district of Triana, flamenco found its place in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Andalucía’s Roma people sang evocatively about their lives and struggles, cementing flamenco in Seville’s history.

In 2010 Unesco listed flamenco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Seville continues to stand at the forefront of the cherished art.

In Seville, there are many ways to discover the fascinating art of flamenco beyond just seeing a show. 

See Authentic Flamenco at a Penas Flamencas

Forget heading to the mainstream Tablaos to see a flamenco show. Find a Peñas Flamencas, a social club or cultural association for flamenco artists for an authentic flamenco experience.

The peñas are a place where amateur flamenco dancers can learn, perform, and network with other flamenco artists. Peñas Flamencas are a fabulous place to see flamenco shows in a more local setting.

Many of the peñas have a bar and often serve tapas. Prices are always the same or lower than the local bars. 

There are many peñas in Seville, and they are easy to find. Ask at your hotel for the closest.  One of the more popular ones is Peña Cultural Flamenca Torres Macarena. They have a live show every Wednesday night which attracts a big local crowd.

Arrive early to secure a seat and to enjoy some tapas and drinks in the lovely courtyard. Impromptu performances at the end or after the show are not unusual, which creates a great atmosphere for an aftershow drink. 

Entry:  A flamenco show at a local peña club is usually either free or by way of a  small donation to the club.

Showtimes:  Each peña will have different times and nights for shows. Peña Cultural Flamenca Torres Macarena has a show every Wednesday evening starting at around 9.00 p.m. Get there early to save a seat as it is a popular peña. 

Peña cultural flamenca torres macarena, Calle Torrijiano, 29, 41009 Sevilla, Spain

You can find more suggestions on where to see the  best flamenco in Seville here . 

Explore Flamenco Fashion

Get a Tailor-Made Flamenco Dress. 

Head to Calle Sierpes and Calle Alvarez Quintero to explore a world of flamenco fashion. Discover shops filled with gorgeous fabrics, flowing and flouncy dresses and high end flamenco wear. You can even have a flamenco outfit tailor-made.

Take a Flamenco Dance Lesson

For a genuinely unique flamenco experience, take a flamenco dance lesson for beginners. Learn the basic body positions, hand gestures, and flamenco rhythm with an experienced flamenco teacher. It is an enjoyable way to experience and understand an art form so integral to Seville’s culture and heritage. 

A one-hour flamenco lesson starts at €36 pp.  Check here for details .

Where to Eat in Seville

Along with flamenco, Seville is the home of tapas, and there is no shortage of places to sample tasty plates of delicious Andalusian ingredients. Seville is the perfect city for a tapas crawl.

Many bars and bodegas will have one or two speciality dishes which is perfect for moving from one tapas bar to the next, sampling something new and tasty at each. 

From patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), queso manchego , mouth-watering Jamon Iberico, chipirones (fried baby squid), pulpo croquettes (octopus) to prawns with garlic, there is so much to taste in Seville. 

Take a Tapas Food Tour

Tapas tours by bike, tapas walking tours, tapas cooking classes, even a segway and tapas tour. There are so many fabulous tapas food tours available in Seville; it’s a great way to try some of the best Spanish food .

Eat and drink your way through Seville with a local guide who will show you the best tapas bars in town and share the traditions and history of this very Spanish dish. 

Find a list of excellent tapas food tours here starting at as little as €30 pp, including guide, food and drink.  

Market Dining

Market dining in Seville is a great way to start navigating Spain’s incredible culinary heritage and start to get the hang of Spanish food from tapas to pintxos, raciones and montaditos .

Mercado Lonja del Barranco

The Lonja del Barranco, a former fish market, owes its elegant design to Gustav Eiffel. Built in 1883, the beautiful steel and glass structure was considered the last word on modernity, cutting edge for its time. 

In a nod to Eiffel’s gorgeous design and fresh take on public buildings, the wrought iron and glass riverside marketplace has been repurposed into one of Seville’s and Andalusia’s largest gastronomic spaces. 

Twenty market stalls offering both traditional and modern Spanish cuisine – the best local Jamon Iberico (cured ham), typical paella, fresh seafood cooked to order, hand-made croquettes, a variety of modern and traditional tapas, and local Sevillano beer and wine.

Graze your way through the many tastes of Seville in the bright and beautiful marketplace.

Outside the Mercado, you can have a drink and listen to music at the Terraza Sojo bar on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. The carefully designed all-weather terrace is excellent for any time of year. 

Cost: Prices range from a few euros for a tapas plate to €18 for a large seafood portion. A small beer is approx. €1.30.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10.00 a.m. to Midnight | Friday & Saturday: 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 a.m.

Lonja de Feria Food Market

A stone’s throw from the popular Alameda de Hercules is the vibrant food market on Calle Feria –Mercado de Feria, Seville’s oldest market. Head to the far end of the 18th-century building, near the fish vendors; you’ll find a small assortment of tapas bars.

Starting from as little as €3, you can choose a tapas plate which includes a small beer. Fresh fish and squid, grilled or fried on the spot, and local Sevillian sausage is popular. 

You’ll also find huge pans of paella and black squid ink rice, handmade croquettes and cold soups such as salmorejo, ajoblanco, and gazpacho.

The market comes alive in the evenings between Thursday and Sunday with live jazz or flamenco music and a buzz of locals enjoying the reasonably priced tapas and a drink outside in the adjoining Plaza Calderón de la Barca. 

Lonja de Feria is the ideal place to taste the specialities of Sevillian cuisine. After all, there is nothing better than enjoying fresh fish tapas with a crisp, cold beer.

Cost: Tapas plates start as little as €3 or €3.50 with a small beer.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 1.00 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. | Monday: Closed

Triana Market

We mentioned earlier, Triana is one of Seville’s most colourful and exciting neighbourhoods to explore. The same goes for the Triana Market. Not just interesting for its location and local vibe, Triana Market is a great place to eat. 

In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find a good selection of modern wine bars, microbreweries, tapas bars and eateries. There is often live music and even a cooking school. 

Shops: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Restaurants & Leisure Areas

• Monday to Saturday : 10: 00 AM to Midnight
• Sundays and Holidays : 12: 00 PM to 5: 00 PM

El Rinconcillo The Oldest Barin Seville

With more than four centuries of history, the oldest bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo, was founded in 1670. Even though it has had many write-ups in popular guidebooks, most tourists to Seville won’t bother to wander far enough from the centre to find it. Especially day-trippers. 

Popular with locals, and visitors who make the effort, don’t be surprised if you see a big name celebrity or two propping up the bar at El Rinconcillo. (Harrison Ford can attest to the quality of the traditional spinach and chickpeas tapas the bar is known for). 

Celebrities aside, tradition is still at the core of El Rinconcillo, and refreshingly, prices have not increased with the bar’s reputation. Since 1858, El Rinconcillo has been handed down through the same family with two brothers still running it the traditional way. 

The original interior has been magnificently preserved. Waiters and bartenders still dress in black waistcoats and crisp white shirts, and, as tradition states, you will not find any women working the front of the house. 

Make an effort to wander off to this quieter barrio, and you’ll be rewarded with an essential piece of Seville’s culinary history.

El Rinconcillo now occupies the two adjoining buildings on the corner, one a former grocery store. Tapas are served at the bar on the corner, and next door offers restaurant dining.

Cost: In the bar, expect around €1.20 for a small beer with tapas ranging from €2–€5. When you’re ready to leave, your tab will be written in chalk on the bar, which is the custom in many of Seville’s older establishments.

Opening Hours: Open Every Day: 1.00 p.m. to 1.30 a.m. |El Rinconcillo is closed first two weeks of August.

The Secret Bar of Casa Moreno

It is at Seville’s oldest and best-loved ultramarinos (small specialist grocery store), where you will get a glimpse of local life in Seville. 

Slide past walls of neatly staked dry foods and produce in the tiny shop of Casa Moreno, and tucked away at the back of the shop, you will find a small corridor style bar full of charming clutter and memorabilia. A bar we doubt many tourists would ever discover.

This style of ultramarinos or abacería is becoming fashionable again in Seville. Still, Casa Moreno is where a trade of loyal local customers pop in each day as they always have, for a quick drink and a simple snack.

Casa Morena has no kitchen; the menu is simple but tasty tapas plates and montaditos (small sandwiches) made from the products you can buy in the shop.  It is in the simplicity of the menu you can appreciate the quality of the products sold there.

At lunchtime, you will find a few prepared meals such as tortillas or stews. Other than that, it’s an excellent place for breakfast, a light snack, or an early evening tapeo. They also have a very impressive wine list by the glass.

Cost: Expect to pay as little as €1.20 for a coffee and around €2.00 for a montadito. Raciones (portions) range from €8.00 – €18.00.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday:  8.30 AM – 3.30 PM | 7.00 PM – 10.30 PM
• Saturday: 10.30 AM – 3.30 PM
• Sunday: Closed
• Closed in August

What to Do in Seville at Night

From tapas crawls to flamenco shows, there is so much to do in Seville at night. You’ll never be short of a way to fill your evening, but if you are short on time and want to experience some of Seville’s best views and vibrant nightlife, here are a few tips. 

Rooftop Cocktails With a Cathedral View

Once the sun starts to set on Seville, head to one of the cities rooftop bars for a cocktail and view of the beautiful Saville Cathedral at night. 

• Hotel Doña Maria, an elegant 14th-century palace turned hotel, has the Terraza Hotel Doña María, the first rooftop bar in Seville.
• Eme Cathedral Hotel, a modern design hotel, also has a rooftop bar with sweeping views over the city and cathedral.

Both bars are suited to all seasons as the rooftop terraces are heated in winter.

With the view and stunning location comes a slightly inflated cost, so expect to pay a little more than Seville’s norm. Although, the popularity of the bars show the price is not unjustified.  Expect €9-13 for cocktails.

Calle Betis Triana

We keep coming back to Triana, and for a good reason. Calle Betis in Triana is touted as one of the most beautiful streets in Seville, thanks to its views of the Guadalquivir river and Seville city. It also boasts some of the most thriving and lively nightlife. The unique neighbourhood’s character means it has something to offer any time of day.

Be warned, though, Spaniards are not known for their early nights, so don’t expect the party to start early.  

Alameda de Hercules

Alameda is considered one of the most famous and “coolest” entertainment areas in Seville. Alameda is often compared to London’s Soho or Barcelona’s El Raval for its edgy and creative vibe set amongst historic places, a big pedestrian street full of alternative bars, restaurants, and live music.

Alameda is where you will find outdoor artisan markets, hip bars and unique restaurants. A creative and multicultural area renowned for its nightlife, they say everything is possible in Alameda. 

Related: 10 Safe Travel Tips to Put in Place Before You Go

Festivilles in Seville

Feria de abril.

The legendary fiesta of Feria de Abril (April Fair) is one of the most important events in Seville and one of the biggest fairs in Spain. The week-long party usually takes place two weeks after Easter. 

Around 1,000 marquees are erected in the fairgrounds in Los Remedios, southwest of Seville. The week-long event starts with the lighting of thousands of lights at the fiesta site and finishes a week later with a big fireworks display. 

Locals gather in the typical dress – brightly coloured flamenco dresses and short waistcoats and wide-brimmed hats for the gents. As well as classic amusement rides, the days are filled with events, music, eating and drinking and of course, dancing till dawn.  See here for dates and information.

Semana Santa

The second most significant festival in Seville is Semana Santa. Seville’s holy week processions are said to be one of the most famous in Spain.

From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, brotherhoods from churches across the city parade through the streets wearing sandals, robes and eerie pointed hoods.

They carry large ornate floats of the weeping virgin and scenes of the Passion of Christ. Some of the enormous floats are over 300 years old, and processions can last up to 12 hours as they move through the city. 

The Basilica of the Macarena holds one of the best-loved processions during Semana Santa. The church and the brotherhood of the Macarena has a devout local following, and the famous Weeping Virgin –  Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena is an artwork in itself. 

If you want to be in Seville for Semana Santa, make sure you have your accommodation booked in advance. 

Take a Holy Week Tour of Seville

A fantastic way to experience one of the most fascinating times of year in Seville and Spain is with a guided tour. 

Learn about the brotherhoods and their “pasos” on a walking tour led by a Cofrade, a member of the religious brotherhood, and an expert Seville guide. See the best parades of the day and get up close and behind the scenes views of the parades. 

Seville Holy Week Tours

• 2-Hour Holy Week Walking Tour 
• Holy Week Private Guided Group Tour

25+ Things to Do in Seville for an Unforgettable Visit

Discover the best things to see and do in Seville, Spain including the Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville which were inscribed by UNESCO in 1987.

Aerial view of Seville

Welcome to Seville, the Capital of Andalucia

If you're planning a trip to Andalucia, you won't want to miss the beautiful capital city of Seville. A city rich in culture, history, and architecture, Seville offers something for everyone. In this article, we've curated over 20 top things to do in Seville that will make your trip truly remarkable.

From iconic landmarks like the Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral to savoring the city's delectable tapas culture, we've got you covered. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for the best local haunts, this guide provides practical insights to ensure your trip is unforgettable.

Get ready to explore Seville's best attractions and immerse yourself in its vibrant spirit – let's make your visit extraordinary!

Best Things to Do in Seville: Quick Answer

Visit the real alcazar, marvel at the seville cathedral, explore the charming barrio de santa cruz, wander around plaza de españa, enjoy parque de maria luisa, take a walking tour of seville, discover seville on a bike tour, stroll along the guadalquivir, visit torre del oro, see a different side of seville at metropol parasol (setas de sevilla), eat your way through seville on a tapas tour, take a cooking class in seville, cross the guadalquivir to explore triana, experience an authentic flamenco show, see how spanish nobility lived at palacio de las dueñas, admire the architecture of casa de pilatos, visit seville’s museums, learn about the art of bullfighting, shop in seville, have a local shopping experience, indulge your inner child at isla magica, enjoy the nightlife in seville, relax at an arab bath, celebrate andalucian culture at the seville fair, take a day trip from seville.

• Real Alcazar

If you're interested in history, Seville is the perfect destination for you. The city is home to some of the most impressive historical landmarks in Spain. One must-visit historical attraction in Seville is the Real Alcazar.

Seville’s Real Alcazar is a stunning palace complex that has been in use for over 1,000 years. The Alcazar was originally built as a fortress by the Moors, but it was later expanded and renovated by Christian monarchs. Today, it’s a mix of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar, which makes it a fascinating monument to visit.

My favourite part of the Alcazar is the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens). This courtyard exudes romantic vibes with its blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles. Take some time to admire the intricate arches, delicate columns, and stunning tiled walls - the workmanship and level of detail are incredible!

Also notable is the Salón de los Embajadores, a grand hall adorned with magnificent golden domes, elaborate plasterwork, and intricate geometric patterns. The breathtaking ceiling, featuring a central star-shaped design, creates an atmosphere of celestial beauty and represents the pinnacle of Nasrid art.

Once you’re done touring the interior, don’t forget the palace gardens!

The Alcazar boasts enchanting gardens that are as beautiful as they are diverse. From the vibrant colors of the Jardín de la Danza (Garden of the Dance) to the tranquil ambiance of the Jardín de la Galera (Garden of the Galley), the gardens offer a serene escape. Each garden showcases distinct features, including fountains, fragrant flowers, intricate hedges, and secluded pathways, making them a delight to explore.

The Real Alcazar is one of the most popular attractions in Seville, and there’s almost always a long line to enter (yes, I’ve been stuck in that line before!). To save time, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance . And if you’re a history-lover like me, it’s worth investing in a guided tour so that you can learn more about the palace’s history and the personalities who lived in it.

Check ticket availability for your visit date below.

• Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world. It is, in fact, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world (Sevillianos will say it is the largest!).

Before entering, it’s worth it to circle around the building and take in its architectural details and sheer size. Built in the 15th century on the site of a former mosque, the Seville Cathedral is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus, as well as a stunning collection of religious art and artefacts.

The cathedral's bell tower, La Giralda, is also a must-see attraction.

The tower was originally built as a minaret for the mosque, but it was later converted into a bell tower. It also has an interesting feature: to ascend the tower, there are a series of ramps, not steps. This unique architectural feature was designed to allow the muezzin (the person who calls Muslims to prayer) to ride a horse to the top to perform the call to prayer, as horses cannot climb traditional stairs.

Today, these ramps make it easier to ascend the tower, which has been appreciated by countless visitors over the centuries. The ascent is relatively gentle, and the reward at the top is a breathtaking panoramic view of Seville's cityscape.

Like the Alcazar, the Seville Cathedral is hugely popular so I recommend buying your ticket online (includes entrance to La Giralda) or getting a guided tour of the Cathedral and Giralda .

Another great option is a combined tour of the Alcazar and the cathedral so that you can tick off both sites on your sightseeing checklist in one go!

Barrio de Santa Cruz is the historic heart of Seville. This neighbourhood is home to the Alcazar and Cathedral but beyond these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s still lots to explore.

Barrio de Santa Cruz is also Seville's old Jewish quarter and it retains its mesmerizing tangle of narrow lanes and quaint squares. Its historic essence is felt in every step. Meandering through the charming alleys, you'll stumble upon cozy plazas shaded by orange trees.

Highlights of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood include:

• Plaza de Santa Cruz: A charming square with a central cross and surrounding cafes.
• Hospital de los Venerables: A historic baroque building with beautiful courtyards and art exhibitions.
• Plaza de los Refinadores: A small square showcasing traditional Andalusian architecture.
• Jardines de Murillo: Gardens named after the painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, featuring statues and shaded walkways.
• Callejón del Agua: A picturesque alley known for its cooling effect during hot summers.

As evening sets in, the neighborhood's tapas bars come to life, serving up local flavors. Head to Calle Mateos Gago, choose a local restaurant to dine in, and join the vibrant atmosphere.

While it’s lovely to simply wander around Barrio de Santa Cruz and see what you discover, it’s also worthwhile to take a walking tour of the neighbourhood . I learned so much more about what I was seeing and heard many local stories and legends on the tour I joined!

Plaza de España

A visit to Seville wouldn’t be complete without seeing the iconic Plaza de España. Known for its stunning architecture and beautiful tile work, this beautiful square was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition. It was meant to impress… and almost 100 years laters, it’s still a sight to behold.

Simply put, Plaza de Espana is not like any other plaza in Spain. This semi-circular square is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival style mixed with elements of Moorish and Spanish architecture.

Its most striking feature is a semi-circular building with a series of bridges spanning over a moat, symbolizing Spain's historic embrace of its former colonies. This building is adorned with ornate tiles, depicting scenes from different Spanish provinces and showcases vibrant colors and intricate ceramic work.

The square's open space is adorned with lush gardens, decorative benches, and a central fountain, creating an inviting atmosphere for both tourists and locals. As the sunlight dances upon the ceramic tiles, the Plaza de España stands as a testament to Seville's architectural prowess and historical significance.

You can take a stroll around the square, rent a boat to paddle around the canal, or simply sit and enjoy the view. Plaza de Espana is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.

I stop by Plaza de Espana on every visit to Seville and it never fails to wow me.

Parque de Maria Luisa

Opposite Plaza de España is a huge park, Parque de Marie Luisa. In 1893, Princess Maria Luisa donated half the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo to the city. In 1929, again for the Exposition, they were modified to what you see today.

Kilometres of paths wind through formal and less formal gardens. There are orange trees that are 100 years old, masses of flowering shrubs and flowers, fountains, ponds and lakes. It seems that most of the pigeons of Seville call the park home, along with a surprising selection of other birds for a location in the centre of a city.

Keep your eyes open for the Roman style statues on 15-metre-high columns giving a real 'Imperial' feel to the area. They, together with the horse-drawn carriages, (no cars allowed), transport you back to a less frantic era.

One of my favourite ways to enjoy a new city is to take a walking tour and Seville is no exception! I use Guruwalk to find the best free walking tours that suit my interests and schedule.

A walking tour is an awesome way to orientate yourself to the city, get some historical context, and snag some insider tips from your local guide. It’s also a good way to see some of the city’s major sights in an efficient way, when you’re short on time.

Want to explore Seville on two wheels? Then a bike tour might just be the thing for you.

The advantage of a bike tour is that you’ll be able to cover more ground and see more than just the historic center. It’s also a fun way to be more active. There are several bike tour options that you can choose from. This 3-hour bike tour takes place every day and starts at 10.00am. There’s also a sunset bike tour if you prefer an evening timeslot. Want something equally fun but less strenuous? Check out this electric bike tour .

The Guadalquivir River, the lifeblood of Seville, has shaped the city's history and culture. From ancient trade routes that brought prosperity to the city, to being the backdrop of architectural marvels like the Torre del Oro, this river symbolizes Seville's vibrant spirit.

Today, it remains a highlight in Seville, popular with both locals and tourists. It’s relaxing and lovely just walking along the river and taking in the sights of the city. Along the way, you’ll find people just hanging out, some cafes and restaurants, and local parks.

There are many activities you can do on the river. Cruises on the Guadalquivir are a fun and relaxing way to see Seville. For more active travellers, you can try kayaking or paddleboarding .

In the evening, the riverbanks come alive with bars and restaurants, making it a great place to go for a night out.

Torre del Oro

When you’re by the river, you won’t miss Torre del Oro, an enchanting 13th-century tower that stands guard over the Guadalquivir.

Its distinct golden appearance and Moorish design highlight its significance as a former defensive structure and naval museum. Inside, exhibits unveil Seville's maritime history. You can also climb the tower for great views of the river and the city.

There’s a small fee to enter the Torre. The naval museum is disappointing considering Seville’s connection to the Americas so don’t expect too much from it. I’d say that seeing the tower from the outside is good enough.

Setas de Seville

After seeing the historic side of the city, this Seville attraction displays its modern site. Completed in 2011, the Metropol Parasol claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It consists of six parasols in the form of mushrooms, hence ‘Setas de Sevilla’. The intriguing shape of the structure and its sheer size is impressive!

The Setas are organized in four levels. The underground level houses the Antiquarium, where Roman and Moorish remains discovered on site are displayed in a museum. Level 1 is the Central Market. The roof of Level 1 is the surface of the open-air public plaza, shaded by the wooden parasols above and designed for public events. Levels 2 and 3 are the two stages of the panoramic terraces (including a restaurant), offering a view of the city centre.

The Setas have become a bit of a local hangout and it’s a nice place to just sit and relax. For a special experience, it’s worth going to the rooftop restaurant for a drink during sunset. But if not, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, if you need a bite or drinks.

Foodies, you’ll be glad to know that Seville is well-known for its delicious food and drink! The gastronomy in Seville is a mixture of traditional Andalusian cuisine and modern culinary trends. If you're a foodie, you'll love exploring the many different dishes and flavours that Seville has to offer.

One of the best ways to experience the gastronomy in Seville is by taking a tapas tour. A tapas tour is a guided tour where you visit several different bars and restaurants and sample a variety of tapas dishes. Food tours are a great way to learn more about a city’s culinary history while discovering local spots and specialities. If you’re travelling solo, it’s always a good way to meet fellow travellers!

I’ve taken this tapas and flamenco tour and loved the experience. I tried dishes I wouldn’t have otherwise and discovered new eating spots that I didn’t know of!

If you want just a purely food experience, then I highly recommend this tapas crawl . I've also done this tour and it was excellent. It was a lot of fun trying new food and drinks at 4 different local spots, learning more about Seville's food culture, and enjoying an evening with other foodie travellers. It felt more like a fun evening out with friends than a tour, and I loved it! You can read my tour review here .

If you want to learn how to make some of the delicious dishes that you've been trying on your tapas tour, then taking a cooking class is a great option. You get to learn the recipes and enjoy your favourite dishes once you're back in your own home!

This cooking class includes a tour of the Triana market where you’ll learn about local produce and common ingredients used in traditional Spanish cooking. Then you’ll prepare a menu of 4 local dishes (including paella) which you’ll get to enjoy (with 2 complimentary drinks) after cooking!

I've taken this market tour & cooking class, and I had a fantastic time ( check out my review here ). It was cool to learn interesting food facts about Spanish ingredients and products. The cooking class itself was accessible to everyone of all skills - and very fun! Plus, we got to eat what we prepared... and it was absolutely delicious.

A cooking class in Seville is a fantastic way to get hands-on and take a piece of Andalucia home with you.

Click here to learn more about Taller Andaluz de Cocina and their fantastic class offerings.

Once you’re done exploring the historic center, I highly recommend hopping over the river to visit Triana and discovering another facet of the city. Cross the Puente de Isabel II (stop to take in the views of the river!) to enter the neighborhood and enjoy its charms.

Triana is known as the artistic soul of Seville. It’s the birthplace of many flamenco artists and home to ceramic artisans and workshops. Stroll through its narrow streets to discover colorful houses adorned with ceramic tiles, reflecting its pottery heritage. The Triana Market showcases fresh produce, local products, and a lively atmosphere. Visit the Castillo de San Jorge, a historic castle with exhibits on the neighborhood's history.

At night, Triana comes alive with its tapas bars and flamenco venues, particularly along Calle Betis. Plus, the riverfront promenade offers stunning views of Seville's skyline.

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that originated in Andalucia, and Seville is one of the best places to experience this passionate and emotional dance form. There’s really nothing that compares to seeing a live flamenco performance; the artistry, passion, and soul of it will stay in your heart.

You can find several flamenco shows throughout the city, from small intimate venues to larger theatres. Casa de la Memoria puts up a great show that still feels intimate.

If you prefer a smaller venue, then I suggest going to a flamenco tablao in Triana. I’ve personally watched flamenco at Tablao Pure Essencia in Triana. It’s a one-hour performance in a small, intimate venue (one drink included) and it was a fantastic experience!

You can check out our top 5 flamenco show recommendations here.

Want to get hands-on? Try this 90-minute flamenco class and get a taste of the magic of flamenco.

Here’s a hidden gem in Seville that you should add to your itinerary after you’ve seen the main attractions.

Palacio de las Dueñas is a historic palace and a magnificent example of Andalucian architecture. The palace dates back to the 15th century when it was originally built for the Pineda family, and its name, "Dueñas," is derived from the Spanish word for "ladies-in-waiting," as it was once owned by the Duchess of Alba. In fact, the palace gained prominence as a residence of the Alba family, one of Spain's most prestigious aristocratic families.

The palace features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar influences. During your visit, you can explore the courtyards, gardens, galleries, and elegant rooms adorned with intricate details, beautiful tiles, and ornate ceilings.

Palacio de las Dueñas is not only an architectural gem but also a repository of art and culture. You’ll find a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and artifacts that reflect the palace's historical and artistic significance.

I visited Palacio de las Dueñas only on my third visit to the city and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the visit! A visit here allows you to step back in time and explore the opulent lifestyle of Spanish nobility and experience another piece of Seville’s cultural heritage.

You can buy tickets here (includes an audioguide).

Another architectural gem in Seville that you shouldn’t miss is Casa de Pilatos.

This well-preserved Andalucian palace is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles, combining Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Spanish Baroque elements. This fusion of influences creates a captivating visual experience that reflects the evolution of architectural trends over the centuries.

Casa Pilatos was constructed in the 16th century by the Enríquez and Ribera families and today it remains partly inhabited by the noble Medinacelli family. A visit here, similar to Palacio de las Dueñas, will give you a glimpse into the life of luxury of Spanish aristocrats.

Today, Casa de Pilatos is a designated cultural heritage site in Seville. You’ll understand why when you visit: the artistic and architectural details of the palace are stunning! There are intricate stonework, beautiful tiles, ornate ceilings, and a diverse collection of sculptures and artwork from various periods.

The patio at Casa Pilatos is beautiful and impressive and, for me, is the highlight of the palace. Also notable are the gardens that feature fountains, statues, and meticulously landscaped greenery, offering visitors a tranquil space to explore.

The palace's harmonious blend of styles, rich history, and captivating design make it a must-see attraction for those interested in art, history, and culture. Book your tickets online here .

PS. If you only have time for one, I recommend visiting Casa Pilatos over Palacio de las Dueñas.

If museums are your thing, here are the two best museums in Seville to visit.

Museo de Bellas Artes is one of Spain's most significant art museums, renowned for its exceptional collection of Spanish paintings from the Gothic period to the early 20th century.

Housed in a former convent, the museum features works by renowned Spanish artists such as Murillo, Velázquez, and Zurbarán. The collection encompasses religious art, portraits, still life, and more. The museum's elegant architecture and carefully curated displays offer an immersive journey through the evolution of Spanish art. Entrance is free for EU residents.

Archivo de Indias (General Archive of the Indies) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of historical documents related to Spain's overseas expansion and colonial history.

Housed in a stunning Renaissance building, the archive contains millions of documents, maps, and records that provide insights into Spain's colonial administration and interactions with the New World. It's a vital resource for historians and a fascinating exploration for visitors interested in uncovering the global impact of Spain's colonial era. Entrance is free for all.

Both of these museums offer unique experiences, shedding light on different aspects of Spanish history, culture, and art. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history buff, these museums provide captivating insights into Seville's rich heritage.

Want more museums? Within the Parque de Maria Luisa, there are a number of museums: Museum of Arts and Popular Customs , the Royal Pavilion and the Archaeological Museum . The latter has a magnificent display of gold jewelry and ornaments collectively called the Tartessian Treasure hoard and one of the best graphical 'timelines' with example artifacts covering the Prehistoric to Roman periods in Andalucia. These museums are free for EU residents.

Bullfighting is a controversial tradition in Spain, but it is an integral part of the country's culture. If you want to learn more about this tradition, you should visit the Bullfighting Museum in Seville.

Located in the Real Maestranza bullring, the museum is one of the oldest and most prestigious bullrings in Spain. It houses a vast collection of bullfighting memorabilia, including bullfighting costumes, paintings, and sculptures.

For those more inclined to shopping, then this city is a paradise. Walking a gentle spiral outward from the cathedral takes you through narrow streets, most are pedestrian-only, shaded at roof level by great swathes of muslin during the summer, in which you find all the 'big name' stores as well as smaller specialist and artisan shops.

In this area, you can’t miss Calle Sierpes , the main shopping street. It is an entirely narrow pedestrian street full of shops, many of which have preserved their appearance for years. This street is known for its fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops. You'll find everything from handmade fans to flamenco dresses to leather goods.

If it’s a shopping mall you’re after, then head to the Nervion neighbourhood for Nervion Plaza that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall is home to over 100 stores, including Zara, H&M, and Primark. You'll also find a cinema, a bowling alley, and a food court that offers both local and international cuisine.

If you're looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Mercado de Triana . Located in the Triana neighbourhood, it’s known for its fresh produce, seafood, and meat. You'll also find a variety of stalls selling ceramics, textiles, and other souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Another local market to explore is Mercado de la Encarnación located underneath Metropol Parasol which mainly sells fresh produce.

If you’re visiting with young ones or simply want to reconnect with your inner child, then head to Isla Magica, Seville’s theme park.

The park's design draws inspiration from the Age of Exploration, taking visitors on a journey back in time to the 16th century when Seville was a bustling port city. The park is divided into themed zones, like "Amazonia," "Puerto de Indias," and "La Guarida de los Piratas, each representing a different part of the world during the Age of Discovery. Each zone is meticulously designed to immerse visitors in the culture, architecture, and atmosphere of that era.

Here, you’ll find roller coasters, water rides, live shows, and interactive experiences. Some of the popular rides include "Anaconda," a thrilling roller coaster, and "El Jaguar," a river rapids ride. There are also street performances, and themed parades.

Adjacent to Isla Mágica is Agua Mágica, a water park that offers a refreshing escape with water slides, pools, and aquatic attractions.

Isla Mágica offers a blend of entertainment and education, allowing visitors to enjoy thrilling rides while also gaining insights into the historical context of Seville's past. It's a unique theme park experience that combines fun, history, and adventure in one captivating destination.

You can buy your tickets to Isla Magica online.

Seville is known for its vibrant nightlife, which is an essential part of the city's culture. Whether you are looking for a quiet drink or a wild night out, Seville has something for everyone.

Alameda is the most popular district for social gatherings and nightlife in Seville. This lively district is always full of young people, especially on weekends. Alameda offers a host of bars, both tapas and drinks, as well as a choice of dance clubs, sparking life into the nights of Seville.

Here are some of the best places to visit in the Alameda district:

• Bar Antojo: A popular bar that offers a wide range of drinks and tapas. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for a night out with friends.
• La Carboneria: This laid-back bar is famous for its flamenco shows and live music. It's a great place to experience the local culture while enjoying a drink.
• El Garlochi: A unique bar that is known for its unusual decor. The bar is adorned with religious statues and has a unique atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else.

Triana is another popular district for nightlife in Seville. This district has a more traditional feel than Alameda and it’s famous for its flamenco shows and traditional bars.

Here are some of the best places to visit in the Triana district:

• Casa Anselma: A traditional bar that is famous for its flamenco shows. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for a night out with friends.
• Blanco Cerillo: A popular bar that offers a wide range of drinks and tapas. The atmosphere is laid-back and perfect for a relaxing evening.
• El Faro de Triana: A seafood restaurant that is famous for its delicious food and stunning views of the river. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

All that sightseeing tired you out? How about some R&R with a historic spin?

Trying an Arab bath in Seville offers a unique and culturally rich experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the historical and soothing tradition of the Arab baths, also known as hammams. The Arab baths pay homage to Seville’s heritage by offering an experience that reflects the bathing rituals and traditions of the Moors who once inhabited the region.

If you’ve never been to an Arab bath before, Seville is a fantastic place for a first-time experience -- take it from me!

Arab baths are designed to promote relaxation, well-being, and rejuvenation. The combination of warm and cold pools, along with various thermal experiences and massages, can help release tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress. The ambiance of Arab baths, with their soft lighting, aromatic scents, and calming music, creates a tranquil and meditative environment. It's a space where you can disconnect from the outside world and focus on relaxation.

There are a number of hammams in Seville. I can personally recommend Aire Ancient Baths in Santa Cruz. On my visit, I chose the bath option that includes a massage and it was an absolutely decadent experience. The baths themselves were quiet, atmospheric, and very relaxing. The service was top-notch and the entire experience was absolutely rejuvenating.

Going to an Arab bath is a unique and memorable activity for visitors to Andalucia. It's a chance to do something out of the ordinary and create lasting memories of your time in Seville.

Capacity in the hammams is typically limited to preserve the quality of the experience and slots are often snapped up quickly. So if you’re keen to add this to your visit, be sure to make a reservation in advance!

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, come join in the Seville Fair, also known as the Feria de Abril, one of the most popular cultural events in Seville. The fair takes place in April and lasts for a week.

During the fair, the city is transformed into a colourful and lively spectacle, with thousands of people dressed in traditional Spanish costumes, dancing, singing, and enjoying the local food and drink. If you want to experience the true essence of Seville's culture, you should not miss the Seville Fair.

Read more about Feria de Abril here.

One last amazing thing to do is to take day trips from Seville . And the good news is that there are several easy Seville day trip options.

Here are 3 popular day trips from Seville.

Known for its splendid blend of Moorish and Spanish architecture, Córdoba is a cultural gem located just a short train ride away from Seville (just 45 minutes!). The star attraction is the Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning mosque-cathedral with its iconic red and white arches. Wander through the historic Jewish Quarter (Judería), explore the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and stroll across the Roman Bridge for panoramic views. Córdoba's charming streets, patios, and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination.

You can check out our recommendations for the best day tours from Seville to Cordoba for an easy, fuss-free way to visit Cordoba without having to plan anything.

Perched dramatically on a gorge, Ronda offers breathtaking views and a rich history. Its iconic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) spans the El Tajo Gorge, offering spectacular vistas. Explore the historic old town with its Moorish and Spanish influences, visit the bullring (Plaza de Toros), and immerse yourself in the town's romantic ambiance. Ronda's picturesque beauty and unique location make it a perfect day trip destination. Ronda is best visited by car.

The historic coastal city of Cádiz boasts beautiful beaches, charming streets, and a lively atmosphere. Explore the historic quarter, wander along the seafront promenade, and visit the cathedral and Torre Tavira for panoramic views. Cádiz's maritime heritage and vibrant culture offer a refreshing contrast to the inland attractions of Seville. There are frequent train and bus connections between Seville and Cadiz.

These day trips from Seville offer a blend of history, architecture, natural beauty, and local culture, providing you with a well-rounded experience of the region's diverse offerings.

Where to Stay in Seville

Looking for a place to stay in Seville? Here are 3 of my favourite neighbourhoods in Seville and suggestions on where to stay for different budgets.

Santa Cruz/Historic Center

• Budget Stay: La Banda Rooftop Hostel
• Mid-Range Stay: H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel
• Luxury Stay: EME Catedral Hotel | Gran Meliá Colón
• Budget Stay: Hotel Zenit Sevilla
• Mid-Range Stay: Ribera de Triana Hotel
• Luxury Stay: Hotel Casa del Poeta
• Budget Stay: Budget Stay: Hotel Patio de la Alameda
• Mid-Range Stay: Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana
• Luxury Stay: Ritual Alameda Suites

More on Seville

Need help planning exactly what to see and do on your Seville visit? Our itineraries can help guide you:

• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• 3 Days in Seville
• 4 Days in Seville

You can also read our other articles on Seville:

• Visitors Guide to Seville
• Where to Stay in Seville (Neighbourhood Guide & Hotels)
• Best Tours in Seville
• Best Food Tours in Seville
• Flamenco in Seville
• Isla Magica
• Almohad Hammam
• Archivo General de Indias
• Seville from the Guadalquivir River
• Seville Archaeological Museum

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16 Epic Things to Do in Seville (+Best Guides & Hotels)

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: June 1, 2023

There are so many wonderful things to do in Seville Spain that you won’t want to miss.

I have traveled to spectacular cities in Spain like Madrid and Málaga , as well as small towns like beautiful Ronda , but Seville is by far my favorite place that I have visited in Spain.

Sevilla has Moorish history and architecture, amazing food, fun activities, and did I mention the restaurant scene?

This article will cover the absolute best things to do in Seville, the top places to visit, and Seville attractions that you won’t want to miss.

Getting to Seville

There are a few ways of getting to Seville depending on where you are coming from. The Seville Airport, officially called San Pablo Airport, (code: SVQ) is incredibly close to the city center and in a taxi takes less than 10 minutes from door-to-door.

If you are flying in from major hubs around Europe like London, Paris, or Frankfurt, then you can get direct flights to Seville. You can also fly to Seville Airport from Madrid and Barcelona quite easily with budget airlines Vueling or Ryanair.

However, if you are coming to Seville from further afield, or like me, you’re coming from a country in Europe that perhaps doesn’t go to smaller airports, you will have to connect somewhere.

Seville is also very well serviced by the Spanish train network, Renfe. You can reach Seville from Málaga Airport , Madrid Airport , Barcelona , and Valencia to name a few.

Streets of Seville.

Where to Stay in Seville

There are so many wonderful hotels and apartments to stay in Seville. I have found accommodation in Seville to be generally higher than in other cities in Spain that I have visited.

Especially compared to Madrid, which surprised me considering Madrid is known as one of the most expensive cities in the country. However, if you book far enough in advance, you can definitely get great value for money in your hotels in Seville. These are our top picks.

• Budget Hotel : Hotel Patio de las Cruces is a gorgeous little family-run hotel with double rooms that start at a very affordable $45 per night. The patio area is a fantastic place to escape the Seville heat and the location is unbeatable for this price. Book a stay at Hotel Patio de las Cruces here .
• Mid-Range Hotel : Hotel Fernando III is an absolute bargain with rooms starting at just under $100 per night. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. A really nice breakfast is available each morning. There is a gym and a very nice rooftop pool. Book a stay at Hotel Fernando III here .
• Mid-Range Hotel : Hotel Macià Sevilla Kubb is another great mid-range hotel located just on the edge of the city center. They have a rooftop pool, a fantastic buffet breakfast, and clean and modern rooms. Watch the video at the bottom of this post to get a full tour of the rooms. Rooms start at $70 per night. Book a stay at Hotel Macià here .
• Luxury Hotel : Plácido y Grata which translates to placid and pleasant, is exactly what this boutique hotel feels like when you walk through the doors after a day of exploring Seville. The rooms are all decorated in calm and neutral colors. A fabulous breakfast is included in your stay and served out in the peaceful patio area. Rooms start at $174 per night. Book a stay at Plácido y Grata here .

If you want to book an apartment or house for your stay in Seville, I highly recommend doing a search on Plum Guide here .

Their apartments are more expensive than the ones you might find on Airbnb, but they support local businesses and families and they ensure that only the very best properties (approximately 3% of people who apply) are accepted. These are a few of my top apartment picks on Plum Guide :

• Rooftop Ready – A rooftop pool on the roof of this central city apartment makes it very appealing. It’s also very cute and stylishly decorated and one of the best prices you’ll find for the location at about $165 per night. Book a stay at Rooftop Ready here .
• Morning Hours – Another apartment in the center of Madrid with a rooftop pool (it gets so very hot in Seville, so you’ll be grateful for this option if you visit in the summer months). This apartment is very modern and has everything you need to self-cater while you are in the city. It’s well located and the lobby of the building will remind you that you’re in beautiful sunny Spain. The apartment costs $290 per night. Book a stay at Morning Hours here .
• Floral Plaza – While this apartment doesn’t have a rooftop pool, it does have a gorgeous balcony where you can look out over Seville each morning with coffee or in the evenings with a glass of wine (or cold beer!). It’s also fantastically priced at under $100 a night right in the center of Seville. Book a stay at Floral Plaza here .

Triana neighborhood, Seville.

Awesome Seville Tour Guides

While I was in Seville, I had the pleasure of working with two really wonderful tour guides, both of whom I highly recommend if you want to get under the skin of Seville.

Diana is a local to the city. She was born and raised in Germany (her mother is German, her father is Spanish), but after finishing school her family decided they would move to Spain and she followed.

She speaks excellent English, Spanish, and German and knows the city like a true local. You can book tours with her by visiting her website here or by emailing here at [email protected].

The other tour guide who was incredibly knowledgable about the history of the city was María. Born and raised in Seville, María is the go-to woman in the city for tours of the Alcázar, cathedral, and general walking tours to learn more.

In fact, about 80% of the facts that I am sharing with you below came from the notes that I took while touring with her. You can visit her website here or send her an email at [email protected]. She speaks excellent English and of course, Spanish.

Map of Things to Do in Seville

Awesome Things to Do in Seville Spain

There are so many fantastic things to do in Seville that you won’t want to miss. These are just a few of the best Seville attractions that I loved on my trip to the city.

1. Royal Alcázar

The Royal Alcázar, as the name suggests, is a royal palace in Seville. Visiting this is without a doubt a must for places to visit in Seville. The royal palace was built originally for King Peter of Castile by the Castillian Christians in the 14th century.

It was built on top of the site of a Moorish royal palace that was destroyed by the Christians in 1248. This is one of the best examples of Mudejar architecture in Andalusia and it continues to be a royal palace today for the Spanish royal family.

That means when they visit Seville, this is where they stay. Unfortunately, that means when they are visiting, it’s closed to the public, so always be sure to check ahead of time and pre-book your tickets so you don’t miss out.

Tickets to the Alcázar are €14.50 (about $15 USD) and can be purchased on the official website here . This ticket allows you to skip the ticket line and walk straight in.

See the location on Google Maps here.

Royal Alcázar, Seville.

2. Seville Cathedral

Officially known as Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, the Seville Cathedral is another of the very popular activities in Seville Spain that are worth adding to your list.

Much like the Alcázar, the cathedral was built over Moorish buildings. The cathedral of Seville actually used to be a mosque and if you look closely at the bell tower, you’ll see that it doesn’t look like your average bell tower.

That’s because the bell tower actually used to be the minaret of the mosque that sat on this site. One of the main attractions of the Seville Cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

While not much of his remains are actually inside (they opened it back in 2015 and realized much of his remains must still be on the island of Hispaniola where he was originally buried. The cathedral is actually one of the most important art collections in Spain with over 700 pieces that you will want to explore inside each of the chapels.

You can also take in the largest altar in the world. Just look for the large gold altar that sits behind the gates. The smaller silver altar is made entirely of silver that was mined in Mexico .

There are several ticket options available depending on how much of the cathedral and bell tower you would like to visit. It is highly recommended to pre-book tickets if you are visiting during the summer months or around school holidays. You can book your tickets here .

See the location on Google Maps here .

Sevilla Cathedral.

3. Plaza de España

The largest plaza in Spain, Plaza de España was built in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The entire plaza mixes Renaissance, Baroque, and Moorish styles to make it one of the most interesting plazas I’ve ever been to.

The plaza is without a doubt one of the most visited Seville attractions, but it is so large it never feels too busy. The best time to visit is around golden hour just before sunset. The sunset light over the plaza is absolutely stunning and perfect for photos.

There is usually a group playing music and dancing flamenco. Just be cautious of pickpockets here, especially when sitting or standing around crowds.

You can simply stroll along the walkway admiring the different cities of Spain and how they are represented in mosaics or you can rent a little boat to take along the river.

Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville.

4. Parque de María Luisa

Plaza de España is technically located inside this park, however, there is a lot more of it to explore so be sure to walk through and discover the duck ponds, the paths that wind through blooming flowers, and past more Mudejar architecture.

This park is the main green space in downtown Seville, so if you are looking for a quiet place to relax in the afternoons, somewhere to have a picnic where you’ll find some shade or nice running paths, this is where you’ll want to head.

The park actually used to be a private garden that was part of the San Telmo Palace (which we’ll talk more about below).

However, in 1893, the gardens were donated to the city and have been a public space ever since. Inside the park, you will discover more buildings that were built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition including the buildings that represented Argentina , Mexico , Colombia , Brasil , and Guatemala .

Setas de Sevilla.

5. Setas de Sevilla

Setas de Sevilla is a plaza with a beautiful and quite striking art feature that you cannot miss.

It is one of the more modern Seville attractions to check out while you’re in the city. This plaza has a lot of history that existed before it was modernized. I

t was actually home to Seville’s first-ever food market in 1832, Mercado de Encarnacion. At its peak, there were over 400 stalls selling produce, meats, and anything else the people of Seville might want or need.

In 1973, due to the arrival of supermarkets, the congestion of nearby roads, and the immense growth of the city, the market was moved to a different location.

It wasn’t until 2004, that the Seville city council began work to turn the plaza back into somewhere that Sillivians could gather.

They created an international competition and asked architects around the world to submit their ideas. Over 60 ideas were put forward, but the Metropol Parasol project was chosen.

Designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer, the design was inspired by the Ficus in the Plaza de San Pedro and the vaults of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede.

In 2010, Setas de Sevilla was unveiled with a brand new (and very modern and clean) Mercado de la Encarnacion beneath it. Climb up the steps to the top to take in some wonderful views of the streets below.

See the Google location here .

Mercado Triana is one of the best things to do in Seville if you enjoy food.

6. Triana Neighborhood

The Triana neighborhood of Seville is located just across the Guadalquivir River and is one of the coolest and most historical places to visit in Seville.

Triana used to be where the potters of the city lived. It was close to the river, which meant plenty of water for making the clay, however, the kilns made the air quality of the city quite terrible.

However, you can still learn a lot about the incredible pottery and indeed, those stunning tiles you saw inside the Alcázar, while you are visiting Triana.

Head to BarroAzul to learn all about how those gorgeous Mudejar tiles are made and try your hand at making them yourself. It’s a fun and educational experience and a great activity for both adults and kids. Check out their website here .

Me with the tile that I painted.

One of the must-see Seville attractions in Triana is the Triana Market or Mercado de Triana . Inside you’ll be able to purchase absolutely delicious local produce, some of the best Jamon Iberico in town, and purchase the freshest seafood.

There are also a few restaurants where you can have tapas , coffee, or a cold caña (a small beer). Besides the Mercado, Triana is a fantastic place to head by night to enjoy the bar scene. All along the waterfront bars line the street with tables spilling out along the sidewalks, and people sitting along the river’s walls with their drinks.

It’s a lively atmosphere, especially on a Saturday night. I also highly recommend heading to not only one of the best restaurants in Triana but one of the best restaurants in all of Seville. Alfarería 21 is located inside Casa Montalvan, home to one of the most important ceramics manufacturers in Seville.

They have completely refurbished the restaurant inside and out to maintain the stunning tiles and the food here is outstanding.

I recommend having a lot of tapas plates to share with some of my favorites being the pate, the octopus, the Iberico pork cops, and the croquetas. Make a reservation on their website here , especially if you are visiting on the weekend.

See the neighborhood’s location on Google Maps here .

Inside Alfarería 21.

The octopus was in a rich sauce that was decadent and delicious.

7. Plaza del Triunfo

You will likely pass through Plaza del Triunfo when exploring the Seville Cathedral, but it is well worth making a point of simply enjoying this plaza while you are here.

They say the plaza is called Plaza del Triunfo (Triumph Plaza) because on November 1, 1755, there was a very large earthquake in Lisbon that was felt all over the Iberian Peninsula.

Many buildings collapsed and many people were killed, however, the church remained completely unharmed and everyone that was worshiping inside of it that day was safe. That is why they call this Triumph Plaza.

Now you can sit in the shade, watch the horse-drawn carriages take people on tours around the center, and take in the stunning architecture and history of all that surrounds this plaza.

Plaza del Triunfo.

8. Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva is a very large space in front of the city hall building, called the Ayuntamiento in Spanish. The city hall building is really the reason to come to this part of town and to walk around the winding side streets that twist in every direction.

The plaza in front of the city hall building, Plaza Nueva, is usually home to different events throughout the year and it feels like there is always something different to see or experience while you are visiting here.

In the center of the plaza, you’ll spot a statue of Fernando III of Castile, he is called “the saint” and was kind of Castile, King of Galicia, and King of Leon during the 13th century.

While in the plaza, look for the Chapel of San Onofre. It still stands today and was built as part of the Convent of San Francisco in the 16th century.

Plaza Nueva is particularly beautiful around Christmas time where you will see plenty of  nochebuenas or poinsettias adorning the green spaces.

See the Google location of Plaza Nueva here .

Museum of Popular Art in the Plaza de America.

9. Plaza de America

Plaza de America is one of my favorite places to visit in Seville. If you are looking for a park to relax in that doesn’t get too busy but is absolutely stunning, this is the one I would recommend.

It’s technically located inside Maria Luisa Park, but it is right on the edge and feels like a completely different place. With a pond at the center, around you, you’ll find two museums that are well worth checking out.

The Archeological Museum of Seville is located here inside a neo-Renaissance-style building that was originally constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

On the other side of the plaza is the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions . Inside a neo-Mudejar-style building, this museum has some really interesting exhibitions on folk art and traditions of this region of Andalucia.

It’s a wonderful and visual place to come to learn more about Seville’s history.

See the location of the plaza on Google Maps here .

Seeing a Flamenco show is definitely one of the best things to do in Seville.

10. See a Flamenco Show

Perhaps this should be higher up on the list, but seeing a Flamenco show is one of the best things to do in Seville and should not be missed.

While it is unclear where exactly Flamenco was started, it’s certain that it began in the Andalucia region around Seville, Cadiz, and Granada. And while the style differs across the region, these days, Seville is one of the absolute best cities in Spain to immerse yourself in Flamenco.

There are a few ways you can do this. You can visit the Flamenco Dance Museum which is located right in the city center. They have several ticket options which include a tour of the museum where you can learn about the history of Flamenco and then watch a show afterward.

You can check out all of the ticket options on their website here .

Another option is to visit Palacio Andaluz . The show here is renowned as one of the best in the city and is absolutely fantastic. You can opt to have dinner while you watch the show, but I think there are far better restaurants in town.

You can simply get a ticket up front and have a drink from the bar while you enjoy the show and then head for dinner afterward.

What I love about going to a show at Palacio Andaluz is that you can learn a bit about the actual music from some of the dancers and musicians beforehand. They offer different classes such as dance and percussion. I took the percussion class which was all about learning the beats that they use for dancing.

It was quite the challenge, but so much fun. Then during the show, I really noticed the speed and skill the musicians had and I had a totally new respect for not just the dancing but the musicians, too. You can book tickets for the show at Palacio Andaluz here .

Plaza del Cabildo.

11. Plaza del Cabildo

This is a small stop on your list of places to visit in Seville, but it is well worth exploring as you wander the streets of Seville’s Old Town.

Tucked off of a side street, you’ll discover a small plaza, Plaza del Cabildo.

I came here on a bike tour (more on that below) and I was absolutely in love. If you are lucky enough to visit Seville on a Sunday, this should be one of your stops for the day.

There is a flea market here each Sunday morning where you can find all sorts of interesting antiquities.

See the location of Plaza del Cabildo here .

12. Palacio de San Telmo

The Palace of San Telmo is one of the grandest buildings in Seville and while visiting the interior isn’t possible, exploring the outside is well worth your time.

Built in 1682, this Baroque palace has incredibly ornate Ionic columns at the front. In its history, it has been used as a maritime academy and an orphanage for children whose seafaring parents never returned.

Then when Spain was occupied by France, it was home to the Count of Montpensier before becoming a hospital. In 1980, the palace underwent a 40-million Euro renovation and it is now home to the regional Andalucia government.

See the location of Palacio de San Telmo on Google here .

Seville by boat.

13. Mercado Lonja del Barranco

Mercado Lonja del Barranco is a local market that sits along the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Made of galvanized iron and originally built in the 19th century, this used to be the city’s local fish market. It looks and smells quite different these days. Now it is something of an upmarket food hall.

Head inside and choose from vendors selling thick slices of Spanish tortilla, freshly shucked oysters, fried calamari, thinly sliced Jamon Iberico, and ice-cold beers.

The food part of the market closes at 10 pm, but the party continues outside at the lower bar area where you can continue to enjoy the DJ and cocktail options along the river well into the early hours.

See the location of the Mercado Lonja del Barranco here .

Taking a boat tour along the Guadalquivir River is one of the wonderful things to do in Seville.

14. Tour the City by Boat

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the city by boat, book a tour with Guadaluxe .

They operate electric boats up and down the river right from the city center on absolutely stunning vessels that feel quite luxurious indeed.

There is an audioguide offered in several languages that share the history and importance of this river and the role it has played in the history of Seville over the last several hundred years.

You also get to learn about the different neighborhoods and monuments you are passing along the way. A drink is included in your journey to keep your refreshed or cool you down on those hot Seville summer afternoons.

For a cheaper option, this Get Your Guide tour is a nice alternative . It’s a one-hour tour for only €15 that takes you along a similar route. It’s slightly cheaper to pre-book on Get Your Guide than it is to book at the office (it’s €18 when booking at the office directly).

The boat is slightly larger and will therefore have more people on it. Book that tour option here .

Tiles inside the Royal Alcázar.

15. Watch a Football Match

Like many big cities around Spain, there are two teams in Seville – Real Betis and Sevilla FC. In the summer months, there is no season, but you may be able to watch a  partido amistoso  or a friendly match.

However, once the season starts in late August, you will be able to go to competitive, lively games to see not only top-quality football but to enjoy an amazing atmosphere amongst the fans.

You can check out the fixtures and try to purchase tickets for Real Betis here or for Sevilla FC here .

Sevilla FC also offers tours of the stadium including changing rooms and getting pitchside where you can learn about the club’s history and some of their biggest successes. You can book that tour through their website here .

16. Tour the City by Bike

A city bike tour may not appeal in the summer months when temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).

However, if you are visiting at any other time of year, a bike tour is one of the best ways to see lots of Seville attractions in a short period of time and get a bit of exercise in while you’re exploring.

I highly recommend See by Bike. The guys that run this company are absolutely fantastic. Born and raised in Seville, they know every little side street, fact, and story that you might want to know (and some you didn’t know you wanted to know!) about Seville.

They are passionate and funny, and make you feel safe riding in the streets of a busy city like Seville. They also simply offer bike rentals if you want to explore at your own pace or want wheels while you’re in Seville. You can check out their different tours on their website here .

Watch My Video About the Best Things to Do in Seville Spain

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Home » Europe » Spain » Seville

INSIDER SEVILLE ITINERARY (for 2024)

With buzzing Flamenco bars and plazas framed by orange trees, Seville is the kind of holiday destination that never fails to charm! Whether you’re crossing lively public squares towards UNESCO World Heritage Sites or soaking up the atmosphere as the sun sets, the activities on our Seville itinerary will set you up for an unforgettable vacation!

There’s so much to take in throughout the Andalusian capital but Seville’s gentle pace will constantly remind you to take things easy! Seville has been through the hands of the Phoenicians and the Moors before it joined Spain. All these cultures have left a mark of this sunny city, making this city an unassuming cosmopolitan melting pot in southern Spain!

With architecture galore and plenty of stops for local tapas, our itinerary is the kind that steals your breath away with its fabulous sites and easy pace much like Seville itself!

A Little Bit About This Seville Itinerary

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There are plenty of attractions in Seville to capture your attention and atmospheric parks to soak up the Spanish sun! Whether it’s just a weekend in Seville or much longer, we have the perfect Seville itinerary for you!

Note that the main attractions get very busy. It is always worth booking ahead for La Real Alcazar of Seville. 

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2 Day Seville Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Seville: Real Alcazar | Seville Cathedral | La Giralda Bell Tower | Cobbled Streets | Parque de Maria Luisa | Plaza de Espana

Day 2 in Seville: Metropol Parasol | Museum of Fine Arts | Torre del Oro | Restaurante La Casa del Tesorero | Royal Tobacco Factory | Flamenco Dancing

More Places to See in Seville: Archaeological Museum | Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija | Casa de Pilatos | Triana

Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and the capital of the beautiful Andalusia region. It’s a very popular destination for tourists and long-term visitors and has neighborhoods to suit all tastes! There are 11 districts that are further divided into 108 neighborhoods.

In the north, the neighborhood of Macarena is the commercial center with vibrant bars. It’s a trendy, hipster-style area that’s near the old Moorish walls. There’s also plenty of souvenir shopping to be done at the Mercado de la Feria and El Jueves!

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Triana and Los Remedios are the most trendy areas. They have tonnes of clubs, restaurants, and stores, making them full of fun and adventure! Despite the youthful atmosphere, it attracts people of all ages. Triana used to be a Roma neighborhood and remains energetic with flamenco clubs and bars. Los Remedios is very modern but quirky. It’s home to some of the best museums in Seville and some striking architecture!

The most popular neighborhood for visitors, though, has to be Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s the historic center of Seville that has most of the attractions on your Seville itinerary, such as the Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcazar. There’s a stylish, yet warm ambiance to this area. Narrow, cobblestoned alleys bypass towering Moorish-era landmarks, while orange trees are scattered around historic squares.

For more information, read through our AMAZING guide on where to stay in Seville in 2 days.

Best Hostel in Seville – Black Swan Hostel Sevilla

When you talk about quality for money, this is the place you should have in mind! The central location is top-notch and the hostel has a warm, stylish atmosphere. Each bed comes with a large locker, a powerpoint, and a lamp. Additionally, the hostel is also committed to eco-friendly practices!

There are some more INCREDIBLE options for hostels in Seville!

Best Airbnb in Seville – Room in renovated villa

This 500-year old beauty of a house is one of our favorite Airbnbs in Seville . It has three stories and is full of Spanish history and character. The room is your own private area, but the whole house is yours to explore and enjoy. Sit in the courtyard garden and enjoy your tea or coffee while listening to the trickle of the fountain. Enjoy a restful bath after a long day exploring the town.

Cook a meal in the rustic style, well-equipped kitchen. Take in the beautiful sunshine and orange-blossom-scented air of Seville on the rooftop terrace. From the house, you are a short walk to the major sights, such as Catedral de Sevilla (4 min walk), Jardines de Murillo (4 min), Museo del Baile Flamenco (6 min), Iglesia del Salvador (9 min), and many others – ideal base for a Seville City break.

Best Budget Hotel in Seville – Hotel Plaza

Hotel Plaza has to be the best place to stay in Seville if you’re on a budget! It’s centrally located, just 100m from the Plaza Nueva in Old Town. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with modern and clean bathrooms. These kinds of facilities will set you up for a wonderful vacation in Seville!

Best Luxury Hotel in Seville – Hotel Palacio De Villapanés

This breathtaking combination of modern luxury and traditional features is the absolute best place to stay in Seville! It’s a converted 18th-century palace in Old Town that really lives up to royal standards! There’s a lovely rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and an in-house restaurant serving Andalusian food.

Today’s all about getting to grips with the most awesome Seville landmarks and soaking up the relaxed vibe of this city! With mosques that became cathedrals and colorful Moorish tiles giving way to Renaissance marble, you’ll see how various cultures and periods have left their mark on Seville.

Today’s itinerary is a packed one. It is doable but we suggest starting early and paying to skip the line at Real Alcazar. 

9:30 AM – Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar may be a historic site, but it is also one of sublime beauty! It was decorated with plasterwork, mosaics, and wooden coffered ceilings. These original features can still be seen, alongside Renaissance features. These include a tiled altar and a collection of tapestries depicting the Spanish conquest of Tunisia.

Be sure to find the dazzling Patio de las Doncellas, a courtyard renowned for its tiled pillars. Another beautiful courtyard is Patio de las Muñecas which features various decorated capitals. At the end of your visit, linger a bit longer in the spectacular palace gardens which boast impressive water features! If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy shots, you’ll find them here!

Only 750 people are allowed inside the palace complex at a time and preference is always given to those who have booked ahead. Buy your skip-the-queue tickets online. It’s also advisable to book a guided tour or add the audio guide for $7USD as there isn’t much information provided inside the palace.

• Cost:  $13 USD for general admission and an extra $5 USD for entrance to the royal apartments
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  2.5 hours if you skip the line
• Getting There –  Metro Line M1 to Puerta de Jerez

12:00 PM – Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral was originally a mosque until Islamic Seville was conquered by the Christian King Ferdinand III in the middle of the 13th century. He had the mosque converted into a church but the orange tree courtyard that you can visit today is a remnant of the original mosque!

The church was built in the Gothic style and was later renovated during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The interior of the church is dark and spacious which gives it a serious hushed atmosphere! Your attention is immediately drawn to the dramatic vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. One stained glass window, of the four evangelists, measures 9m and dates from the mid 16th century!

One of the highlights of the cathedral has to be the chance to visit Christopher Columbus’ tomb. That’s right, the great explorer’s here, too! His coffin is carried by life-size pall-bearers made of stone. It’s quite an impressive site!

In the Treasury, you’ll be left breathless by the sheer extravagance of the items, if not their beauty! Gold, silver, rubies, diamonds…you name it, it’s all here!

• Cost:  $10 USD
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  1 hour will be plenty
• Getting There –  It’s a 4 minute walk from the Alcazar

1:00 PM – La Giralda Bell Tower

La Giralda was originally built in 1195 as the minaret of the Aljama Mosque but was later converted to Seville Cathedral’s bell tower. At 103m tall, it was the tallest building in Seville for over 800 years!

Look closely (perhaps with a camera zoom!) at the weather vane on the top of the tower. This is where this Seville landmark gets its name: girar means “to turn” in Spanish. This statue, called  El Giraldillo, represents faith. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Walk up the bell tower for spectacular views of Seville attractions and the cathedral’s architecture! Don’t be daunted by its height there are ramps inside which allow for a fairly comfortable ascent! The Giralda Tower is a marvel.

• Cost:  Admission is included in the $10 USD fee for the cathedral
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  30 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s next door to the Cathedral

2:00 PM – Lunch!

Just behind the cathedral you can’t miss the winding cobbled streets. Take some time explore this quaint area and duck in to a some of the boutiques and souvenir shops. You will also notice the fine aromas drifting out of the many cafe’s and taperia’s. Presuming you have worked up an appetite by this point in the day, sick one and dive in for some delicious lunch.

In case you need more specific direction, then I suggest yummy montaditos, small local sandwiches, at Bodega Santa Cruz. Go easy on the vino though as we still have more cool stuff to see! If it’s your first time in Seville then the culinary scene will blow your mind.

3:00 PM – Parque de Maria Luisa

Alongside the meandering Guadalquivir River, French architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier cultivated a lush public park to be the setting for the Ibero-American Exhibition in the early 20th century. The exhibition was intended to boost morale following the loss (of independence) Spanish colonies suffered by promoting the Andalusian industry. Times have since changed but the Parque de Maria Luisa does remain a cheering stop on any Seville itinerary!

The expansive park is perfect for a Seville walking tour of your own! There’s a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere as you stroll beneath the orange and palm trees beside the river. Be sure to find the statue of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of  Don Quixote  who was imprisoned in Seville, on the Plaza de America.

Bypassing colorful flowers, choose your favorite tiled bench or pavilion for a short rest to appreciate the gushing of nearby water features. Sit back and relax as one day in Seville begins to wind down. If you’re really looking to add some indulgence to your Seville itinerary, hail a horse-drawn carriage!

• Cost:  Free!
• Getting There – Walk here –  It’s 15 minute walk from the lunch stop

4:30 PM – Plaza de Espana

It may sound like a public square but Plaza de Espana is actually the monumental building you see in the midst of the Parque de Maria Luisa. It’s such an iconic landmark that you cannot travel to Seville without a visit here!

The monument may look centuries-old but it was actually only built in 1929 as the centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exhibition! It was designed to showcase Spanish accomplishments to the world.

Around the building is a moat on which visitors can row hired boats. There are four bridges crossing the water, each representing the old kingdoms of Aragon, Castille, Leon, and Navarre. 48 pavilions represent the 48 provinces of Spain. These are decorated with ceramic tiles to display Spanish craftsmanship.

This monument has since doubled as a film set and you may recognize it from  Lawrence of Arabia  or  Star Wars: Attack of the Clones ! Regardless, it should definitely be on your Seville itinerary as a leisurely visit to it is one of the most  pleasant things to do in Seville, Spain!

• Cost:  Free admission; $6 USD to hire a rowing boat for 45 minutes
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  60 – 90 minutes
• Getting There – Walk here –  It’s 15 minute walk from the park

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With our itinerary in Seville, it’s time to admire some more city views and to get up close to the cultural arena. You heard right, it’s Flamenco time!

10:00 AM – Metropol Parasol

As thoroughly modern as the Seville cathedral is ancient, Metropol Parasol should be out of place in the historic Old Town. Somehow, though, it manages to fit right in! Its purpose is to provide shade but it’s also a popular monument in its own right that is a must see in Seville in 2 days.

It was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in 2011. Ever since,  Las Setas  (The Mushrooms), as the locals call it, has been dividing opinion over whether it should even exist! You’ll likely be convinced of its worth, though, as soon as you take the elevator to the top level of the structure. The panoramic views are a highlight of any two-day itinerary in Seville!

On the ground level, Roman ruins and mosaics that were discovered on the site are housed in the Antiquarium of Seville.

• Cost:  $3 USD
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  60 minutes
• Getting There –  Walk here

11:30 AM – Museum of Fine Arts

Spain’s been home to some of the world’s most famed artists in history and with two days in Seville, it’s time you paid homage to some of their masterpieces! The Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1835, and many think that the location alone is worth the entrance fee!

The museum houses a substantial collection of art from the Golden Age of Spanish painting in the 17th century. The most magnificent ones are hung in the former church. The star artist of this collection has to be Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Look out for his  Immaculate Conception  which is a prime example of the physicality that’s typically present in Baroque art. Another luminous work of his is  Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child .

Diego Velázquez, one of the most famous Spanish artists , was a local of Seville. Many of his early works can be found in the museum, most prominent of which is  Don Cristóbal Suárez de Ribera .

As if that’s not enough, Spanish masters El Greco and Goya also have paintings here! If you have a weekend planned in Seville, Spain, this is a must-see!

• Cost:  $2 USD
• Getting There –  It’s a 20 minute walk from Metropol

1:00 PM – Torre del Oro

Torre del Oro means “Golden Tower” but this ancient landmark in Seville, Spain, is made of the usual brick! It was, however, coated in a mortar which, when hit by the sun, gave off a gold color. Sadly, this can no longer be seen but there are other treasures at the Torre del Oro!

Like so many Andalusian monuments, Torre del Oro shares both a Moorish and Spanish past. The tower was originally built under the rule of the Muslim Almohad dynasty as a part of the defenses along the Guadalquivir River. It was later conquered by the Christian Spanish. It suffered significant damage from an earthquake in 1755 and was restored by the passionate pleas of locals.

Today it houses the Naval Museum of Seville. There’s an exhibition on the history of the tower but the focus is on Spain’s glorious naval history. The rooftop terrace also boasts some of the best city views you’re likely to see while on your Seville itinerary for two days!

• Cost:  $3 USD or free on Mondays.

2:00 PM – Lunch at Restaurante La Casa del Tesorero

By now you should be hungry. Happily, there are plenty of places to eat near to our destinations. These range from Burgee King & The Hard Rock cafe all the way to the sublime, Italian gem that is La Case del Tesorero. The risotto’s are not to be missed.

3:00 PM – Royal Tobacco Factory

It may seem like an unusual attraction to put on your itinerary but trust us when we say you’ll regret it if you don’t visit the Royal Tobacco Factory! It was Spain that introduced tobacco to Europe in the 16th century and the demand just kept growing. The factory even expanded to such an extent that it was the second largest building in the country! 75% of all cigars sold on the continent were produced here!

This is one of the most popular Seville attractions because of the beautiful architecture. It resembles a fortified palace, with a dried moat on three sides of the building. This was necessary since tobacco was such a valuable commodity. There was even a prison for tobacco smugglers!

The factory is also known as the setting of the opera  Carmen  where the leading character works and falls in love with a guard!

The tobacco factory was moved in the 1950s and today the building is home to the Hispalense University.

• How Long Should I Spend Here?  60 minutes is plenty

6:00 PM – Flamenco Dancing & Dinner

Flamenco originated in southern Spain and Seville offers visitors some of the best Flamenco dancing in the world! Originally, Flamenco involved only singing but it has since involved to include guitar and the flamboyant dance that’s loved around the world! Don’t fall for just any Flamenco show, though; make sure to follow our recommendations for an unforgettable celebration! This is one of the definitive things to do in Seville in 2 days.

Our favorite  tablao  has to be Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco. It’s one of the oldest in the city and is situated in a historic traditional house. This only enhances the authenticity of the Flamenco experience! For a modern twist, there are plenty of cocktails and sangria!

Casa de la Memoria is another sure bet for an epic Flamenco experience while touring Seville! The intimate environment is the setting for two shows daily and no day brings the same show! For those interested in learning, there are guitar and dance classes in Flamenco.

• Cost:  Around $21 USD
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  2 – 3 hours
• Getting There –  It depends which venue you choose

If you have 3 days in Seville or more, then there are a lot more must see’s. Let’s look at what to do with three days in Seville.

Archaeological Museum

This airy building allows its various antiquities to speak volumes to an often mesmerized audience. The Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans were all settlers of what is now Seville. Although the history of the area is traced through archaeological discoveries, the Roman period is the most well-documented.

Most of the Roman objects come from the nearby site of Italica. Look out for the Ecija Mosaic which dates from the 3rd century BCE! There are also sculptures of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian who were born in the region.

The Treasure of Carambolo is another popular collection in the museum. This dazzling collection replicates Phoenician gold artifacts made around 650 BCE!

Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Merging Roman mosaics with Renaissance masonry, this palace is one of the most charming places to visit in Seville!

The ground floor houses the countess’ Ancient Rome collection which includes some of the best-preserved mosaics in Spain! The masterpiece of the palace is the Pan mosaic which awes visitors with its size. There are also marble statues and Etruscan ceramics.

To see the upstairs, you have to join a guided tour that’s included in the price since the family still use these rooms from time to time. It’s totally worth it for the chance to see Arabic, Baroque, and Spanish-style rooms! A bit of family history is also on display in the form of jewels and military medals.

Casa de Pilatos

This large private residence was built between the 15th and 16th centuries for an Andalusian mayor after his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. His revitalized piety was the inspiration for much of the house’s decor!

As time went by, the family expanded the palace and today it offers prime examples of the different architectural styles that have influenced Seville.

Make sure to visit the Chapel of Flagellation which is considered to be the oldest room in the building. Although it’s a chapel, it often gives the impression of being a mosque or a pagan temple due to the intricate mosaics and Roman sculpture on the altar!

The Casa de Pilatos was the first private house in Seville to have a staircase. It’s situated beneath a magnificent dome and is a stunning representation of local craftsmanship!

Visit Triana

Start your Seville walking tour of Triana by crossing the Isabel II Bridge over the Guadalquivir River from Old Town. You’ll find yourself in Plaza Altozano. Here, a statue of local bullfighter Juan Belmonte stands before images of Virgin Mary painted on colorful buildings.

Triana’s home to a centuries-old ceramics industry  due to the abundance of clay along the Guadalquivir River. It started with the Romans and flourished under the Moors who invented the  azulejo,  the little tile that used decoratively in nearly every grand building in Seville.

The business has since dwindled but there’s a lovely museum that continues to honor the craft. Centro Cerámica Triana not only documents Triana’s ceramic industry but also explains how various tiles were made. The city’s finest tile shop, Ceramica Santa Ana, is just next door. Having been in business for over 150 years, there’s not much chance of you leaving empty-handed!

Much of Triana’s historical population was Roma who would gather in communal courtyards forfestivities. When people say Flamenco came from Seville, it’s this tradition that they’re talking about! Triana has produced many brilliant Flamenco artists so pull up a chair and order a drink if you hear the music from a nearby bar!

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

The weather in Seville, Spain, is generally quite lovely: think blissfully warm summers and mild winters. If you want to know when to visit Seville , bear in mind that the city’s sometimes called “the City for all Seasons” due to the mild climate!

Its inland location means that it’s one of the warmest cities in Europe. Come winter, many northern Europeans flock to the city, for this reason, Seville is seldom deserted.

Peak season tends to run from April to August, although July and August can be unbearably hot. Things calm down in winter, except around Christmas festivities. When Easter falls at the end of March/beginning of April, the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (a spring festival) cause crowds to swell and so do prices.

So, when should you visit Seville? Try to plan your trip to Seville so that you’re there in spring when the crowds aren’t too dense and the weather is pleasant!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Seville

Santa Cruz is one of Seville – and Andalusia’s – most iconic neighbourhoods and one of the best area to stay in Seville. It is home to Seville’s most famous attractions, including the Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral and the Plaza de Espana.

• Marvel at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (the Cathedral of Seville), an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral.
• Climb to the top of Torre Giralda and take in the incredible views of the city.
• Explore the exceptional Real Alcazar, one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain.

Adding to the charm of your Seville itinerary, you’ll have to get around on foot for the most part! The abundance of tight alleyways and one-way streets make driving such a nuisance that few tourists bother to put up with car rentals. If you do, you’ll find the usual array of Avis and Europcar at the airport. Be warned, though, that parking is a nightmare unless your hotel comes with a garage!

On the rare occasion that you can’t walk to an attraction on the Seville itinerary, turn to the city’s bus network. Tickets can be bought at stations, kiosks, or on the bus. It’s USD $2 for a standard ticket, but it’s more cost-effective to purchase a three-day pass for  USD $12. This will cover all your transport needs as you hop around and wonder what to do.

Taxis are another reliable option to get around the city. You’ll find them across the city. It’s a flat rate of $29 from the airport to the city center.

Don’t worry too much about safety when planning a trip to Seville! There’s generally little violent crime but there are common scams and pickpocketing that you should watch out for.

When you’re in crowded places like the Seville Cathedral or the Real Alcazar, keep your valuables close to your person. Forget your back pockets and only use your front pockets. Avoid deserted ATMs that look broken – they may be rigged to steal from you. These are just a few of our tips that will keep you safe on your Seville itinerary.

To prevent being completely stranded if you are robbed, keep copies of all your important documents, like your passport, apart from the originals. 

It’s also common for women to give you rosemary, offer to read your palm and then demand money. It’s rather a hassle, so say ‘no’ upfront if you’re not into it.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Seville

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Seville itinerary.

What should you include on a Seville 3 day itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Seville highlights: – Plaza de España – Metropol Parasol – Seville Cathedral – Real Alcazar

Where should you stay if you have a full Seville itinerary?

Home to great accommodation options and many top attractions, Santa Cruz is the ideal base for exploring Seville.

What are some unique things to do in Seville?

Seville is full of awesome things to do. Check out the Tobacco Factory, walk up La Giralda Bell Tower, and enjoy an original Flamenco show.

When is the best time to visit Seville?

March-May are the best months to visit Seville, offering great weather and smaller tourist crowds.

Seville revels in rich history which has both spectacular architecture and cultural traditions. From the lavish Real Alcazar to the soaring La Giralda Bell Tower, there are many beautiful sites to see this in Seville!

The magic of Seville, though, lies in its charming culture! Church bells ring out across squares and the iconic Flamenco clap calls many to the nearest bar. From the vibrant hues of Triana’s buildings to the abundance of flowers in the Parque de Maria Luisa, you’ll be struck by the volume of color.

As you eat your way through tapas and inhale the nutty Andalusian wines, you’ll often have views of the medieval cathedral or the modern cityscape. This kind of sensory experience is the real attraction that will make Seville your new favorite city! Start packing for Spain and book your accommodation.

Combining the rich history of Seville with its equally rich cultural scene is no easy task but our selection of what to do will make your trip as effortless as possible! For even more Seville inspo checkout this guide by The Spain Travel Guru !

Mathilde Magnier

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

This southern Spanish capital is famous for its historic churches and palaces, Moorish buildings, flamenco dancing, and more. Whether you're interested in tapas or history, there's no chance you'll get bored in this Andalusian city.

Wander Around Barrio Santa Cruz

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

Considered the heart of Seville's tourist district, Santa Cruz is easily one of the most beautiful barrios (neighborhoods) in the whole of Spain. This neighborhood is home to many popular tourist sites, including the Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcázar, an old palace with stunning gardens to explore. You can spend an entire day in this neighborhood alone, walking through the streets, visiting tapas bars, or jumping from shop to shop, looking for unique handicrafts and ceramics.

Visit the Seville Cathedral

TripSavvy / Angelina Pilarinos

Also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, the Seville Cathedral is one of the city's most beloved landmarks. The Roman Catholic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Don't skip a visit to the adjoining Alcázar palace, which has stunning gardens. The cathedral is typically open every day, but hours vary, especially during the summer months. General admission is 12 euros if you purchase at the ticket, as of September 2022.

Climb the Giralda Tower

The Giralda was once a minaret of a mosque that stood on the site of the Seville Cathedral. But now the minaret has been repurposed as the cathedral's bell tower and it's open to you to climb. In addition to the stunning views from the tower, the Giralda is also an excellent example of Seville's unique architectural styles: You can spot Moorish, Spanish, and even Roman influences. Admission to the tower is included as part of your ticket to visit the cathedral.

Visit the Alcazar

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If you're a fan of "Game of Thrones," you'll immediately recognize the Real Alcázar de Sevilla as the Water Gardens of Dorne. But even if you've never seen the show, this incredible royal palace is worth a visit. Built for King Peter of Castile, a Christian king, the Alcázar was constructed on the site of a Muslim fortress. You can still see blends of the unique cultures and design today. The Alcázar is open seven days per week, except for Christmas and a handful of other holidays. Admission is 13.50 euros as of September 2022.

Take a Day Trip to Cadiz

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Cadiz is an easy day trip from Seville , taking just under two hours by train. The ancient port city is home to the Spanish Navy and was once a bustling port for trade and exploration. Today, you can visit one of more than 100 watchtowers, the most iconic of which is the Torre Tavira. The city is also home to the 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral.

See a Flamenco Show

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Seville is famous for flamenco, but a few places are better than others for catching a performance. Each tablao has a different style, but regardless, you'll end the night feeling exhilarated. Casa del Flamenco is one of the most popular venues, set on an Andalusian patio. There is no food and drink available at Casa del Flamenco, so if you want to imbibe while watching a performance, head to Los Gallos instead.

Have Tapas Around Seville

A trip to Seville isn't complete without sampling some of the city's tapas. There are a variety of restaurants spread throughout the city, with the Plaza los Terceros and Paseo Cataline areas being especially popular. If you want to taste old-school Sevillan food, El Rinconcillo has been in business since 1670 and offers a traditional selection of tapas as well as an extensive wine list. Meanwhile, La Azotea adds a modern spin to its tapas menu.

Learn About Bullfighting

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You don't actually have to see a bullfight to learn about the controversial sport. If the history of bullfighting is interesting to you, visit the bullfighting museum at the bullring. The oldest bullring in the world, Real Maestranza , has an adjacent museum that includes costumes, photographs, and paintings dedicated to the spectacle.

Note: Bullfighting is deeply rooted in global historic traditions. But today, local public opinion leans against the tradition. Though the site includes information for tourists interested in attending the events, TripSavvy trusts its readers to make their own decisions on the ethics of bullfighting as an attraction.

Relax at the Plaza de España

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Plaza de España is easily the most beautiful and extravagant plaza in Seville. Situated in the Parque de Maria Luisa, it was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition. The landmark blends Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture styles. Today, it's a great spot for people-watching and general leisure.

Take a Dance Class at Sevilla Dance Center

The Sevilla Dance Center is a successful dance school in Seville's old town. Here, you can learn about many popular styles of dance, including flamenco, of course, but all classes in jazz, ballet, modern, and more.

People Watch at Templo Omnium

Jose Luis Filpo Cabana/WikiCommons

This is one of many traveler's favorite parts of Seville. The square is home to Iglesia de Omnium Sanctorum, an understated 13th-century church, a lively market, and a number of modest bars full of families who spill out onto the streets to enjoy the afternoon.

See Fine Art at the Museo de Bellas Artes

Jesus Dehesa / Flickr /  CC BY-ND 2.0

Seville's fine art museum showcases art from the Gothic era to the present day. The museum is housed in a 16th-century building that was a convent in the past. Today, it includes works by many of the great masters, including the likes of Goya and Murillo.

See the Murallas de Sevilla

DavidCallan / Getty Images 

The Murallas de Sevilla is a series of defensive walls that are built around the city. The walls date back to Roman times but have been updated, destroyed, and repaired countless times over the past hundred years. They're among the oldest sights in Seville.

Take the Kids to Isla Mágica

CarlosVdeHabsburgo/Creative Commons/WikiCommons

If you have kids, it's worth a visit to Isla Mágica, a theme park built on the grounds of the World's Fair. The park opened in 1997 and includes roller coasters, entertainers, and more.

Drink Sherry in Jerez

Jerez is an easy hour drive from Seville, making it a great day trip. The city is well-known for its sherry wine, a fortified wine that is among the most popular aperitifs in Spain. A visit to  Bodegas Tradicion includes not only a tasting of four excellent varieties of sherry but also a tour of the on-site art gallery and snacks.

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• UNESCO Heritage Sites
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• Monuments & Museums Prices and Schedule
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• Free PDF Travel Guide
• Seville in 5 days
• Itineraries and Useful Information
• Blog about Seville

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Welcome to the Best city in the World

Visit Seville and explore the Best City in the World

Visit Seville and explore the rich, intimate streets of the city , become captivated by the immemorial culture surrounding you, and fall in love with heart of Andalucia . Discover a city brimming with life and history and learn how its evolved through the centuries and inspired the rest of the world. The city of Seville is a welcoming one and will captivate you immediately .

Seville UNESCO Heritage Sites

Timeless icons recognized by the entire world: this is what Seville is known for. These wonders should be your first stops.

+ Things to See in Seville

Whether you are here to learn, mentor, or just take a good picture, these are the cornerstones of history that can’t be missed.

Seville Guided Tours & Experiences

Hit every site and learn everything you could ever want about this illustrious city all while skipping the queues.

Best Day Trips from Seville

Stray outside the city and discover that the beauty of southern Spain is vast, ancient, and unlike anything else in the world.

Itineraries & Useful Information

Tips and Tricks: Use these maps and time tables to make your experience fun and easy.

Seville in 5 days Itinerary

A lively city with activities and events all year round, while here for even a few days you can still dive into rich culture and activities.

Flamenco in Seville

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Picture perfect proof. Seville’s beauty cannot simply be captured in pictures, however. You must see it for yourself.

Seville Tourist Map

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Why do you have to visit seville, a unique and different lifestyle.

Come to Andalucia and live like a Sevillano. Enjoy the tranquility of the city and wander the streets during the day, taking in the Guadalquivir river, followed by tapas and flamenco as you watch the city come to life.

An Incomparable Historical Heritage

The 22 hundred years of history of this city and its influencers are obvious in its structure and architecture. The Muslim and Christian occupation throughout its history has molded Seville into the accepting and intellectual city it is today. The city itself tells its own story of art, expression, and exploration unlike any other.

Seville and its Cultural Heritage

Seville and it’s geography make it a mixing bowl of people and culture. Influenced clearly by their neighbors to the south, African and Arab accomplishment and influence can be seen throughout all aspects of the city, especially from its inhabitants.

Andalusia a Privileged Natural Environment

There is more to see in Andalucia than just its timeless architecture. The Iberian peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular sites on earth, the most gorgeous surrounding Seville. Journey to the Rock of Gibraltar and through Morocco, or visit breathtaking beauties such as the Alhambra in Granada and the lush Doñana National Park.

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Seville Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

Originally founded as a Roman city, Seville came to prominence after the Islamic conquest in 711. Today, the city is known for its flamenco dancing (which originated in Andalucía), its beautiful architecture that blends Islamic and European styles, and its scorching summers.

Seville is a big university town and is extremely popular with people studying abroad, making it a more affordable destination than cities like Barcelona or Madrid (it’s not as crowded either).

This Seville travel guide will give you everything you need to know to eat well, save money, and see the best sights Seville has to offer!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Seville

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Seville

1. Tour Casa de Pilatos

Built in the 16th century, this beautiful Andalusian palace is a mix of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudejar styles. It houses a collection of 16th and 19th-century paintings, as well as a sculpture garden of Greek mythological figures. It’s also the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli (a hereditary title in Spain) and boasts the world’s largest collection of azulejo (a traditional glazed tile artwork). Numerous films have also been shot here, including Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven , and Knight and Day to name a few. Admission is 12 EUR.

2. Explore Parque de Maria Luisa

Located just in front of the iconic Plaza de España, this 100-acre public park offers the opportunity to browse gardens, patios, and sculptures. The park is Seville’s main greenspace and is situated near the Guadalquivir River. Created in 1911, it’s a relaxing place to lounge, picnic, and people watch. Don’t miss the monument to Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote (the monument used to include statues of Don Quixote on his horse and Sancho Panza on his donkey but they have since disappeared).

3. Visit the Royal Alcázar

The Royal Alcázar of Seville (also known as al-Qasr al-Muriq) is the oldest residential palace in Europe still in use today. Dating to the 14th century, it’s an important example of Moorish architecture. There are giant galleries, ornate rooms, and beautiful gardens. The palace was built for the Christian king Peter of Castile atop a Muslim fort after Christian armies reconquered the city in 1248. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. General admission is 14.50 EUR. Free admission is available on Monday afternoons/evenings. Check the website for specific times.

4. Walk through the historic Jewish Quarter

Seville’s Jewish Quarter is filled with small winding streets and is generally regarded as the most charming part of the city. The area gets pretty crowded but there are numerous small alleys and streets to explore where you can escape the crowds. Don’t miss this part of town.

5. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Seville’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Seville has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Seville

1. visit the catedral of sevilla.

This Roman Catholic cathedral dominates much of Seville’s skyline. Surrounded by Andalusian orange trees, the Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea) is one of Seville’s top tourist attractions. Lines can get long, partially because hours are limited around church services, so get there early. While you can just admire the stunning design and stained glass from outside, the Cathedral is where Christopher Columbus is buried, so it’s worth going inside. The bell tower also offers a panoramic view of the city. Admission is 11 EUR if you purchase online and 12 EUR in person. The audio guide costs 5 EUR (4 EUR if you use the app).

2. Check out Plaza de España

One of Seville’s most picturesque spots, Plaza de España was built at the northern edge of the Parque de María Luísa in the 1920s for the Ibero-American Exposition. The unique building mixes Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish architectural styles, and there’s a small canal with Venetian-like bridges and gondolas. The Plaza has gotten a lot of attention in the past few years because it has served as a backdrop in film and TV, such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones . The murals along the sweeping arc of the building depict the various regions and municipalities of Spain. It also has benches that depict the 49 provinces of Spain in ceramic tiles. Admission is free.

3. Visit the Iglesia de San Isidoro

While this church is less popular than the Catedral de Sevilla, the Iglesia de San Isidoro is considered one of Seville’s most impressive churches. The 14th-century church was built on top of a former Arabic fortification and its fusion of Gothic and Mudejar styles is a common example of unique architecture in Andalucía. The intricate design makes this worth a visit. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.

4. Enjoy some contemporary art

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) is a contemporary art museum located just across the river from the city center. Housed in a former Franciscan monastery that dates to the 15th century (and was later a ceramic tile factory), today the museum hosts a collection of Andalusian artists. There are rotating exhibitions so check the website to see what’s on during your visit. Admission is 3.01 EUR, though there is free entry Tuesday-Friday from 7pm-9pm and on Saturdays from 11am-9pm

5. Learn about Spain’s colonial history

The General Archives of the Indies is a 16th-century building and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Spanish Renaissance style, it contains a large collection of documents and artifacts related to Spain’s colonization of the New World. Highlights include the personal diary of Columbus and the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the New World between Spain and Portugal. Admission is free.

6. Visit the Flamenco Museum

Flamenco music and dance is an important cultural element of southern Spanish culture, and the Flamenco Museum in Seville is a great way to learn more about this unique style of performance. The museum features many intricately designed flamenco dresses and illuminates the history behind the dance’s origins. Admission to the museum is 10 EUR while live flamenco shows in the museum’s theater are 25 EUR.

7. Admire fine art

The Museo de Bellas Artes is a fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century. The museum lies in the Macarena neighborhood in a building that dates to 1594. Two floors in the building are full of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and crafts — many by artists from Seville or Andalucía. Admission is 1.50 EUR and free if you’re an EU citizen.

8. Take a Spanish class

Seville is a popular study abroad location for international students and there are a number of language schools catering to students from around the world. You can take Spanish courses for just a single week or longer. Many students choose Seville to study because of the big student population of the city, the affordability of the city, and the unique Andalusian culture. The CLIC language school offers a variety of courses for any number of weeks or months, plus affordable housing for those that want to stay with other students or in a homestay. A one-week intensive Spanish language course at CLIC costs as little as 205 EUR, though discounts are available depending upon a package or multi-week course.

9. Take in the view from the top of a mushroom

This large sculptural platform in the Plaza de la Encarnación used to be a car park but, in 2011, it was transformed into a massive public art project called Las Setas De Sevilla, or the Metropol Parasol. Resembling mushrooms (or more like a beehive in my opinion), the structure provides shade to the plaza below and there are two 85-foot panoramic platforms where you can take in the view. Admission to the platform is 10 EUR.

10. Hang out in Alameda

The best nightlife spot in Seville is in and around the Alameda de Hercules. The large, open-air plaza attracts many students and creative artist types who relax here drinking, playing music, and enjoying any of the tapas bars and outdoor seating that line the mall. Many of the restaurants and bars in the area offer live music and great deals on food & drinks too.

11. Relax on the Guadalquivir River

The first trip around the world originated in Seville when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed out along the Guadalquivir River in 1519. The river was the main maritime route for Atlantic traffic for over 200 years, making Seville the mercantile center of the western world in the 16th century. These days you can enjoy rowing and canoeing on the river or just simply relax by the shore and take in the scene.

12. Take a bike tour

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Barcelona Travel Guide
• Granada Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide

Seville Travel Costs

There are a few campgrounds outside the city, some offering private cabins with swimming pools for 40 EUR. For those with a tent, a basic plot for one person costs 5 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost 40-60 EUR per night, though prices are slightly higher (around 50-100 EUR per night) in peak tourist season and around Easter. Continental breakfast is usually included, as are basic amenities like TV and Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available here as well, with private rooms starting at 30 EUR per night (but averaging double that). An entire apartment goes for at least 70 EUR per night though prices double if you don’t book early. Many include air-conditioning — useful to have for the hot summer season.

Food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture, and Andalucía is no exception. Owing to its location on the coast, seafood is huge in this region, including shellfish and pescaito frito (fried fish). Gazpacho is also super common here, as is Iberian ham. Don’t miss trying some of the local sherry too (William Shakespeare apparently loved it).

You can eat very cheap in Seville. Tapas bars offer great deals and a number of takeaway stands with falafel, shawarma, or other late-night snacks can be found for under 10 EUR. Most tapas bars offer small plates for anywhere from 5-10 EUR depending upon the type of dish.

If you want to splurge, there are many nicer tapas restaurants with more elaborate meals and innovative takes on typical Andalusian-style foods. Mid-range tapas restaurants serve small plates between 7-15 EUR and, again, two or three plates is usually enough food for one person.

For a mid-range meal including an appetizer and drink, expect to pay at least 20 EUR. For cheap fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal costs around 8 EUR.

Beer costs as little as 2-3 EUR. A glass of sangria or wine costs 5 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR while bottled water is under 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, expect to spend about 40-45 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Seville Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Seville, expect to spend around 50 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation, and doing mostly free activities like relaxing in the park and seeing some of the churches. Add 10-15 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of about 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at cheap restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like and museum visits or Spanish classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 250 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis, and do as many guided tours as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Seville Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Food, drinks, and tours can add up in Seville if you aren’t watching your spending. This is one of the more expensive cities in Spain. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of free things to do here. Here’s how to save money in Seville:

• Get the Tarjeta TurÍstica pass – If you plan on using the bus or tram often, get this pass. A one-day pass costs 5 EUR and provides unlimited access to all public transport. A three-day pass costs 10 EUR.
• Visit the Royal Alcázar on Monday – The Royal Alcázar has free admission on Mondays, so plan accordingly to save money. Specific times vary by season so check the website for an up-to-date schedule.
• Buy your own alcohol – While drinks are hardly expensive at bars and restaurants in Seville (and in Spain as a whole), you can save yourself a lot of money if you buy your own beer and wine. Many locals buy their own bottles and drink in public at the Alameda de Hercules in the evenings, taking advantage of the street performers, buskers, and musicians that crowd the plaza on weekends.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money on accommodation while also getting some insight from a local. While hostels aren’t too expensive in the city, this is still the best way to save money and deepen your travel experience.
• Go on a free walking tour – Like most of Spain, there are many opportunities to take advantage of free walking tours. Seville has a number and many depart from Plaza del Salvador. You just need to tip your guide. My favorite is New Europe. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Visit the markets for groceries & cheap tapas – The Triana Market is one of the main food markets in Seville and has many fruit and vegetable vendors. There are food markets in each of the major Seville neighborhoods, and sometimes the smaller ones outside the main tourist trails even have small, local restaurants with great food deals. The Mercado de Feria is a favorite. Buying snacks, small meals, and groceries at the local neighborhood markets can cut down on your food budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Seville

Seville has a ton of hostel choices for any budget. My recommended places to stay are the following:

• Triana Hostel
• Black Swan Hostel
• Oasis Backpakcers Palace
• Sevilla Kitsch Hostel Art
• Onefam Catedral

How to Get Around Seville

Public transportation – There is an extensive bus network that operates in Seville and can help you get from one edge of the city to another. Tickets can be bought on board and cost 1.40 EUR per trip. A one-day travel card, the Tarjeta TurÍstica, costs 5 EUR (10 EUR for a 3-day card).

Seville’s tram system connects to some of the further out areas of the city (and it’s air-conditioned). The tram is part of the same public bus system so tickets are the same price.

Bicycle Rental – Bike rentals are a great way to save money while seeing the sights from a new perspective. Rentals in Seville cost around 15 EUR per day.

Taxis – Taxis start at 2.50 EUR, with normal tariff being 1 EUR per additional kilometer. Skip them if you can as the prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Seville but it won’t save you a ton so skip it and stick to the bus.

When to Go to Seville

Like most of southern Spain in Andalucía, Seville gets a lot of sunshine and has hot summers. I think the best time to visit is between March and May when crowds haven’t peaked but the weather is still warm and sunny.

The Easter season is especially popular in Seville because of the famous Feria (a large fair), which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and religious pilgrims. Part of the Semana Santa holy week, it’s a beautiful time to visit because of the colorful dresses and the many street activities and parades, but it does get crowded and expensive during the holy week.

In the summer (June-August), the weather is hot and sunny, with daily highs reaching upwards of 38°C (100°F). While the city is lively during the summer, it can be very taxing to explore in the heat.

The winter months (December-February) offer more comfortable temperatures, usually around 7-18°C (45-65°F). The city is much quieter, making it a nice time to visit if you want to beat the crowds and don’t mind some chilly days.

How to Stay Safe in Seville

Like most Spanish cities, Seville has a problem with pickpocketing and petty theft. The area around the Alameda de Hercules, a popular nightlife spot, was once very seedy and rife with crime and drug use, but that’s been cleaned up a lot in the past decade. Still, watch your bags when going out at night and avoid dark, empty streets if alone. Always keep an eye on your possessions when on public transportation as well.

If you go out at night, only bring the money you need and leave the rest locked up in your accommodation.

Tourist scams are prevalent as well so keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Additionally, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage. They may try to charge you a large fee.

When dining, keep your bags and belongings close and secure (especially when outside). Don’t leave your things on the table when going up to order. They can disappear quickly.

Read more about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct and make extra copies of your important documents.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Seville Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Seville Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Spain travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Things to do in Seville: Attractions

Top 25 sevilla sightseeing, tourist attractions & what to do in seville spain.

Top 25 most beautiful Seville tourist attractions, highlights and places of interest. An overview of all the sights, must see landmarks, tourism, things to do and tourist attractions during your visit to Seville. What to do in Sevilla Spain?

• Top 25 Attractions
• Day trips from Seville
• Royal Alcazar
• More Seville sights

Top 25 Seville Tourist Attractions & Landmarks

What are the best things to do in Seville Spain? When on a trip to Seville, you will see a diverse range of highlights , sights and tourist attractions . Such highlights and landmarks include the sightseeing of the historic city centre with Moorish influences, the royal palace Real Alcazar and the large cathedral with the Giralda tower. In addition to these must see landmarks , the famous Plaza de España, the green parks and the delicious tapas make Seville in Andalusia one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Here are the 25 most visited Seville tourist attractions . What to do in Sevilla?:

More Seville landmarks and monuments

Real Alcazar

Cathedral & Giralda

Iglesia del Salvador

Casa de Salinas

Tobacco Factory

Hospital de la Caridad

Monastery La Cartuja

Palacio de San Telmo

Visit museums in Seville Spain

Museo de Bellas Artes

Archaeological Museum

Museum of Bullfighting

Flamenco Museum

Other Seville sights and tourism

Triana District

Semana Santa

Select one of the 25 best Seville attractions . Which of these sights and places of interest you want to know more about? Start your trip to the beautiful city of Séville on SevilleCityGuide.com. Read more about Seville sightseeing and best things to do in Seville Spain.

Video: Seville sightseeing

Where are the places to visit in seville.

FAQ Sevilla tourism and places to visit

Three important must see monuments and landmarks stand out from the sights in Seville Spain: definitely visit the Real Alcazar, or the beautiful Moorish palace of Seville. Furthermore, you do not want to miss the cathedral with the Giralda tower and also the famous square Plaza de España. Read more about the most popular Things to do in Seville Spain .

During high season the Royal Palace Real Alcazar often has huge queues because the palace has a visitor limit. We really recommend that you buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Read more about visits and tickets to the Alcazar de Sevilla .

A number of fun things to see in Seville are: visiting a flamenco show, taking a cruise on the Guadalquivir, taking a bike ride through the different neighborhoods or taking a day trip to the Roman excavations of Itálica. Read more ideas for Seville activities .

Sevilla has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers. Temperatures in Andalusia regularly rise above 40 degrees Celsius and winters are usually very mild. The months of May, June, September and October are the ideal months to visit Seville.

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Popular places to visit

Top 25 Things to do in Seville

Alcazar de Sevilla & Tickets

Seville Cathedral

The Perfect 2 or 3 Days in Seville Itinerary

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Seville itinerary is one of the top things to do when you’re mapping out a trip to Southern Spain . Known for its complex history, beautiful architecture, and perennial sunshine, the Andalucían capital is one of Spain’s premier destinations for tourists and you absolutely can’t go wrong with spending to 2 to 3 days in Seville.

There is a lot that Seville has going for it including some amazing historical sites, a vibrant food and bar scene, and a rich flamenco history that can keep you occupied for weeks.

Seville has a lot to offer visitors no matter what it is they happen to be looking for. It is also one of the best destinations in the country to experience the unique Andalucían culture, with its seemingly endless tapas bars and gorgeous squares in which to while away your time.

However, if you’re interest ed in figuring out what to do in Seville in 3 days, follow these suggestions to start planning your trip!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Seville?

Seville is the fourth-largest city by population in Spain and has enough attractions and points of interest to keep visitors occupied for multiple weeks. Unfortunately though, most people don’t have weeks on end to devote to this Andalucían city and want to know how many days to spend in Seville.

If you are keen to explore Seville as part of a longer itinerary through Spain, the city is an excellent base in Andalucía as it has many frequent transport links to other destinations throughout the region and the country in general. Therefore, it can be worth it to spend five or more days in the city, especially if you’re interested in going on a few day trips to neighbouring cities and towns.

However, if you’re pressed for time or want to visit the city as a quick city break or weekend away, then spending 2 days in Seville is the ideal amount of time to be able to see all of the sites.

If you are able to, though, we would recommend trying to spend at least 3 days so you aren’t rushed in your sightseeing and you can even go on a day trip to a nearby town or city like Córdoba or Cádiz .

However many days you spend in Seville you are sure to find a wonderful and welcoming city that will draw you back time and again.

Getting To & Around Seville

As one of Spain’s largest cities and the capital of Andalucía, Seville is quite well connected across Spain and to the rest of Europe.

If you’re travelling within Spain, you’ll find that Seville is connected by direct, high-speed train from just about every major city – including Madrid , Valencia , Málaga , Granada and Barcelona . If you want to save a bit of cash, you can also catch a bus from a range of destinations. You can view schedules here.

Seville is also home to its own international airport that connects the city to a number of different destinations across the continent and further afield. The Seville airport is situated about 10 kilometres from the city centre and its easy to reach.

Once in Seville, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to get around. The city centre is incredibly walkable and you can easily get around on foot. However, if you want to get a bit further afield or don’t feel like walking too much, there is also a great public transport system that consists of both a metro and a bus network.

2 to 3-Day Seville Itinerary

If you’re only planning on visiting for a short city break, then this is the ideal itinerary to follow. If you only have 48 hours in Seville, then the first two days of this itinerary will take you by some of the best sites and things to do in Seville. If you are planning a 3-day itinerary, the third day of this route will help you explore more of Andalucía using its biggest city as your base.

Day 1 – City Centre Sites

Day one will help you get the lay of the land and will see you checking out some of the most iconic sites in the Old City. Make sure you pack some good walking shoes , as you’re going to be on your feel a lot during your time in this Andalucían city.

Free Walking Tour

One of the absolute best ways to get to know any city in the world is to take a free walking tour, and Seville is no different. Going on a free walking tour is a great and affordable way to see the main monuments in Seville at an efficient pace and entertaining manner.

There are numerous free walking tours to choose from in Seville but we would personally recommend Pancho Tours . They meet every day at 10:30 AM at the fountain in the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, right in front of the Cathedral of Seville.

The tour will take you by all of the main sites in Seville including the Cathedral, Alcázar, Torre del Oro, and Plaza de España among many others.

Along with taking you by some of these amazing sites, you also get the opportunity to have a local Sevillano show you their home city. This way you can get some personal restaurant and activity recommendations that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you’re just going off the pages of a guidebook.

Though the tour is completely free of charge, the guides make their living only by collecting tips so it is good practice to pay what you think the tour is worth at the end of the tour.

Seville Cathedral

After your walking tour, it’s time to actually visit some of the amazing sites you just strolled by in the morning. And one of the most iconic sites in Seville is its giant and magnificent cathedral.

As one of the most notable structures in the Spanish city, the Catedral de Sevilla is in the top five largest cathedrals in the world (the criteria can differ depending on who is measuring!) and was, at the time of completion in 1528, the largest cathedral in the world.

The building itself has a fascinating history, like many religious buildings in the area of the world. The original structure of the Seville cathedral was first a mosque that was built during the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 12th century. After the Reconquista, however, the mosque was turned into a church and it has been this way ever since.

There are still some remnants of the cathedral’s Muslim roots, however, — most notably in La Giralda, or bell tower. This iconic structure of the Cathedral de Sevilla was once a minaret on the original mosque before height and bells were added to it.

The Seville Cathedral is also famous for having the remains of Christopher Columbus, although it is heavily debated if it is actually him.

It is worth noting that entry queues can be extremely long, so if you want to avoid waiting in line, you have a few options.

First, you can purchase your tickets in advance online and this will allow you to skip the line. Second, if you forgot to buy online and the queue is getting to precarious lengths, you can purchase tickets at the nearby Iglesia del Salvador.

Lines at the church are never as long as they are at the cathedral and entry to both churches is included in the fee. Finally, there is also the option to take a guided tour of the Cathedral if you want to learn more about the history.

Barrio Santa Cruz

After visiting the impressive Catedral de Sevilla, it is time to take a wander away from the area of the main monuments and through the narrow, romantic streets of Barrio Santa Cruz.

This area, located very close to all of the main attractions in Seville, is the city’s historic Jewish quarter. Today, however, it is much more well-known for its cluster of small lanes, tall, white-washed buildings, and small squares. These factors make it an ideal place to get lost and wander around for an hour or two.

If all that walking has caused you to work up an appetite, you can also get a snack in quite a unique way from the Convento de San Leandro.

There is a great tradition of nuns baking cookies in convents across Spain, but what makes the San Leandro convent unique is that the nuns are cloistered, so you can purchase some delicious cookies without ever seeing another person. It’s definitely a more off-the-beaten-path experience!

If you want to learn more about the history of the Jewish Quarter, it is possible to take a guided walking tour through the neighbourhood . This can help you gain more insight into Seville’s culture and history.

Metropol Parasol

After wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz, the last stop on day one should be at the Metropol Parasol , commonly referred to as Las Setas (the mushrooms) by Sevillanos.

Said to be the world’s largest wooden structure, this futuristic monument was completed in 2011 and is located in the Plaza de la Encarnación. The Parasol is situated atop some fascinating Roman Ruins and a wonderful market where you can purchase some delicious and fresh Spanish produce.

You also can pay a fee to go to the viewing platform at the top of Las Setas, which gives you excellent panoramic views of the city and is a fantastic place to watch the sunset and end your first day.

Day 2 – Triana & Historic Sites

Day two of this trip to Seville sees you exploring more of the highlights of this glorious city and maybe taking the time to get into the cuisine and culture as well.

Mercado de Triana

Your first stop on day two will take you across the Guadalquivir River to the vibrant, traditionally Roma neighbourhood of Triana. While there is a lot of Triana that is worth exploring (it has arguably the best tapas bars in Seville!), one of the highlights of this neighbourhood is its wonderful market.

One of the strongholds of Spanish cities are its large marketplaces where you can buy everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats and cheeses, delicious local olives and pickles, and freshly caught seafood all from small, local vendors. And the wonderful Mercado de Triana is no different.

While most markets in Spanish towns will include at least one little bar where you can grab a coffee, beer, or glass of wine after you’ve done your shop, the Mercado de Triana actually has a number of great restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a bite to eat. There is also a flamenco theatre (tablao) in the building and an excellent cooking school!

Another cool thing about the Mercado de Triana is the fact that it’s built atop the Castillo de San Jorge, a medieval fortress that was once used as the headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition in Seville. There is a small museum that is worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more and seeing the ruins of the fortress. It is also free of charge to enter.

If you want to get the most out of the market and make sure all of the stalls are open, it is worth making this your first stop of your day. The market stalls tend to start closing up around 2 PM.

If you’re eager to learn more about the food and tapas scene in this fascinating area of the city, then consider booking this tapas tour of Triana that will take you to a number of local bars!

Real Alcázar

After you’ve got your fill of seeing all of the traditional foods from Spain at the Triana market, it is time to visit one of Seville’s top attractions — the Real Alcázar . If you do nothing else in Seville on this list, please make sure you visit here.

This incredible royal palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was mostly constructed during the Moorish Almohad period in incredible Mudéjar style and it is an excellent and shining example of the Islamic-style architecture common throughout Andalucía and Spain as a whole.

Though the beautiful courtyard, patios and rooms within the Alcázar are exquisite and absolutely worth wandering through, one of the highlights for us was the vast gardens.

Filled with palm trees and orange groves, the gardens are a lovely, tranquil place to explore and you will surely feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Seville’s tourist centre, even though it is just on the other side of the walls.

The Alcázar is one of the most popular attractions in Seville and for good reason — it is breathtaking. It is also now becoming even more popular as it was used as a filming location for Dorne in HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Make sure to devote at least 2 hours to visiting this wonderful site, if not more.

Adult entry into the Alcázar is worth every penny. However, like the Catedral de Sevilla, the queues for entry can get quite long if you want to pay at the door. If you don’t want to waste your short time in Seville waiting in line, it is worth purchasing your tickets online in advance.

You can purchase for half-hour time slots throughout the day and we had no problem purchasing our entry online just one hour before we wanted to go. It saved us a lot of time and energy and we would highly recommend you do the same.

Another option if you want to learn about the complex history of the Alcázar is to book a guided tour which will also allow you to skip the queue. You can also book a combined guided tour of the Alcázar & Cathedral if you want to tour both sites and save money on individual tours.

Plaza de España

Another of Seville’s most iconic spots to visit is the beautiful Plaza de España, or Spain Square. This is one of the most memorable areas of this Andalucían city as it is used in almost every photo of the city. And it is absolutely beautiful.

Built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition, it is known for its impressive Regionalism architecture with beautiful elements of the iconic Mudéjar and Renaissance revival styles.

The plaza is lined with beautiful benches laid with classic Andalucian tiles, enchanting porticos, and a small pond winding its way around the square. It is even possible to hire a boat and put around the square!

Plaza de España is an incredibly popular spot with tourists, which also makes it an excellent place to grab a free bench and people-watch for a bit. It’s always fun to rest your feet and watch the world go by. You can also wander over to the María Luisa Park, located just next to the square, and chill out here.

After a busy day of sightseeing, it is time to do another thing that is famous in Andalucía and beyond — see a flamenco show! Though you can certainly see flamenco in other parts of Spain, the style of music and dance originates in Andalucía and there is arguably no better place to catch it in its most pure form than Seville.

Going to a flamenco show is an incredibly popular activity with foreign visitors to Seville and it can be difficult to make sure that you get an “authentic” experience. Basically, many places peddle overpriced flamenco experiences that pack 100+ people into a room with a dish of sub-par paella and call it a bona fide experience.

However, flamenco should be an intimate occasion and therefore you should not be in a room with more than a 30-person capacity. If you also want a truly local experience, you are going to need to go late at night, however, there is nothing wrong with finding a performance that happens earlier in the evening as it does help to keep the art alive.

Arguably the best area in Seville to see a flamenco show is the Triana neighbourhood. This area has traditionally been home to the city’s Roma population and therefore is where flamenco in Seville got its start. Some of the best bars for flamenco in Triana include Casa Anselma and T de Triana.

These places, however, can get very busy at night and if you want to ensure you get to see a show then booking in advance can be a good option. You can go on this tour which takes you to an intimate venue and also includes a glass of local wine.

Day 3 – Córdoba Day Trip or Cooking Class

If you have more than 2 days and want to know what to do in Seville for three days, these are some of our suggestions. We would recommend you only pick one of these, however, either choice is a great one.

Day trip to Córdoba

The charming and historic city of Córdoba was once the most important city in Western Europe and is an easy day trip from Seville. With frequent bus and train connections between the two cities, embarking on a Córdoba day trip is a great way to spend the last day in Seville. You can also go on a guided tour.

An absolutely beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors, some of the highlights of Córdoba include the impressive Mezquita-Catedral, its historic Jewish quarter, and its beautiful squares and tapas scene.

Spanish Cooking Class

If you don’t feel like taking a day trip, then a Spanish cooking class is a fantastic idea. Spanish cuisine is complex and delicious, however, it is widely misunderstood and it can be hard to know the facts about what makes something “authentic”.

There are lots of cooking classes available in Seville, but we would personally recommend Taller Andaluz de Cocina . Located in the Mercado de Triana, they offer a range of cooking classes and market tours (we recommend this cooking class & market tour! ) that will more than certainly expand your knowledge of traditional Spanish cuisine, even if you’re a seasoned home cook.

Have more time in Seville?

If you have more than three days, then it can be a great opportunity to use the city as a base to explore more of Andalucía. Some of the best and most popular day trips from Seville include visits to the coastal town of Cádiz or the stunning hill town of Ronda.

Both of these towns will give you different perspectives on Andalucian life, history and culture and are within easy reach by bus, train, or car from Seville’s city centre.

You also could spend more time exploring Seville itself and taking in some more of this city’s historic sites and museums. Want to visit another Moorish palace? Head to the Casa de Pilatos. And if you’re a fine arts fan, then make sure to visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla (the Fine Arts Museum of Seville).

Seville Restaurants & Bars

Though noted for its beauty, Seville is also famous for its fantastic cuisine. And there is no shortage of fantastic places to eat in Seville, especially if you’re looking for an authentic Spanish tapas experience.

While there are certainly a lot of great restaurants in the main area in Seville, we recommend checking out a lot of the restaurants in the Triana neighbourhood, which happen to attract more locals and fewer tourists. These are some of our top suggestions.

Casa Martín – This small bar in Triana isn’t something you will find listed in many guidebooks, but it is incredibly popular with locals. They serve up traditional Sevillano tapas and have an excellent deal on their menú del día.

Blanca Paloma – This bar became one of our favourites in Seville, and we didn’t eat a bad meal in the city. This small Triana bar serves some excellent tapas and raciones and is an excellent place to pop in for lunch or a bite to eat in the evening with a beer. Make sure to try their boquerones fritas (fried anchovies) and bocaditos de  mejillones (mussel morsels), they’re fantastic. Keep in mind that this place does get incredibly busy, so if you want to ensure you get a table, make sure to arrive early.

La Fábula – Another local Triana hidden gem, La Fábula serves classic tapas with a twist and some excellent craft and imported beers. Notable dishes here include their papas mojo picón (potatoes in a spicy cumin sauce) and mojama de atún (cured tuna). Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong.

Las Golondrinas – One of Triana’s most popular tapas bars, Las Golondrinas is an excellent place for a small bite to eat with delicious food. They’re famous for their pork loin, however, you can’t go wrong with ordering anything on their menu.

Taberna Álvaro Peregil – This place is a hidden gem amongst a lot of tourist traps in central Seville. Located a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral and Alcázar, this traditional tapas bar is famous for its vino de naranja (orange wine) and chicharones (slow-cooked pork belly). Other great dishes to order include their espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), a traditional Sevillano dish.

Where to Stay in Seville

Hotel Bécquer – This plush hotel in the centre of Seville is an excellent choice for those looking for a bright and comfortable stay. They have plenty of great rooms, a gorgeous outdoor terrace and pool, family rooms available and a superb breakfast each morning.

Monte Triana – If you’d like to stay on the Triana side of the river, this modern hotel is an excellent option. There are several modern rooms along with an inviting swimming pool and other great amenities.

Hostel One Catedral – A centrally-located hostel, this is a good choice for budget travellers looking for a social place to stay. There are dorms and private rooms, great shared spaces and a good atmosphere for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse for more hotels in Seville!

Best Time to Visit Seville

If you want to get away from the short, cold, and dreary winter days that plague most of Europe, then visiting Seville in winter is an excellent choice. Due to its southern location, the days in Seville are fairly long, even in the heart of winter, and you will likely be blessed with a number of sunny days and average high temperatures of around 16-20°C (60-68°F).

Summer, though arguably the most popular time to visit Seville, might be the worst season to come to the city. Temperatures can soar to well over 40°C (102°F) on many days and the average highs land around 35°C (95°F). Therefore, if you’re sensitive to the heat, it may not be the best idea to visit Seville between the months of June to September.

Like many destinations, one of the best times to visit Seville is in the shoulder seasons. The months of March-June and September-November are blessed with some of the best weather on the continent and just a fraction of the visitors that come during the much hotter high season.

If you do happen to visit in the month of April, you also have the opportunity to attend the Feria de Abril. Literally translating to the April Fair, this is a festival celebrating Andalucían culture that is fascinating to take part in.

Whether you plan to spend 2 days in Seville or 3, there is no denying that there are ample things to keep you occupied in this wonderful Spanish city.

Are you planning to visit Seville? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, Maggie.

Nice article about my favorite city, but you missed something very important….the Roman ruins of Italica.

Italica is in the nearby town of Santiponce, and it’s the place where three different Roman emperors were born (including Hadrian). The theater (opened recently) and the amphitheater are used for live events as well. Further, the amphitheater was used in the final season of Game of Thrones.

I think that the inclusion of Italica, as opposed to a trip to Cordoba (which should be its own location) would be good. 🙂

My daughter recommended your website!We enjoyed the Seville 3-day itinerary which you published! The tours were wonderful! I enjoyed the recommended chick peas with spinach! Yummmy! We had a very nice stay in Seville!

Thanks for your comment, Rene! I’m so glad you found our tips helpful and that you had a great time in Seville 🙂

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Everything you need to know before your trip to Seville: when to dine, what to pack and where you have to prebook

Mar 27, 2022 • 6 min read

Make your next Seville vacation even better with our key things to know before you go © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images / Image Source

Andalucía ’s enchanting capital embodies the best of Spain: scorching sun, passionate flamenco, citrus trees and romantically colorful buildings. 

Spain’s third most-visited city behind Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is easy to fall in love with. The city’s picture-perfect maze of tiny cobbled streets and large elegant plazas are home to a fascinating array of attractions, from remnants of its Moorish past to magnificent palaces, grand monuments and an impressive bullring. Generally a very safe city, it’s best explored on foot. Before you head to Seville, here are a few things to know that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your trip to Seville

Book tickets to the real alcázar in advance.

While Seville is not as packed with tourists as Barcelona or Madrid, some of the more popular attractions can book up fast. This is particularly true of the Real Alcázar , the city’s magnificent Moorish palace. Since the complex only allows a limited number of people at a time, and you can only visit during a specific time slot, you should book tickets online a few weeks in advance, and guided tours even farther ahead. This is one sight in Seville you definitely shouldn’t miss.  

If you want to see a flamenco show at one of the more popular venues, you may also want to book tickets in advance, as these can sell out quickly during high season.

Etiquette in Seville

Don’t go out to eat too early.

Spaniards eat at rather precise times – and usually late in the day, particularly in Seville, where temperatures can stay elevated throughout the night. Restaurants will usually open for lunch from around 1pm, although most locals won’t be eating until at least 2pm. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat at midday, you’ll find most kitchens won’t be serving yet.

In the evening, restaurants will open around 8–8:30pm; again, you’ll find that most locals won’t arrive until around 9pm or even later. Like most Spaniards, Sevillians typically eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime, followed by generally lighter, tapas-style dishes for dinner.

Seville has a wealth of nightlife options, from buzzing bars and pumping clubs to lively flamenco shows. Remember that like restaurants, Seville’s nightlife doesn’t get going until late at night (or very early in the morning). Don’t even think about arriving at a club before 1am.

Dress to impress

Sevillians love to dress up and are very fashion-conscious. Even on an evening stroll, you’ll see that whole families will be dressed in their best. While tourists are not expected to pack formal attire, if you’re eating out at a nice restaurant, you may want to dress smartly to fit in. 

Remember that if you want to visit the Seville Cathedral , you’ll have to abide by the strict dress codes. This means no bare shoulders, knee-length-or-longer shorts and skirts, and no flip-flops. You will also have to remove any hats or baseball caps. You may want to bring a light wrap with you in summer in order to cover any bare shoulders. 

Tipping is optional, but always appreciated

Tipping in Spain isn’t expected as in the US and some other countries, and it’s not common among locals unless they’re dining out at a particularly nice restaurant. You don’t need to tip for drinks at cafes or other snacks – but if the service impresses you, consider rounding up and leaving your change as a tip. You may want to leave a little more at high-end restaurants; around 10 percent is perfectly fine. 

To kiss or not to kiss?

When being introduced to someone for the first time, it is customary to give them one kiss on each cheek. As a foreigner being introduced to a local, you will be expected to do this as well. While COVID-19 put a temporary stop to this custom, it is likely to return once the pandemic has subsided.

Health and safety in Seville

Keep cool and stay hydrated.

Seville is one of Europe’s hottest cities, with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s°F (30s°C) or even low 100s°F (40s°C) in July or August. Remember to always carry a bottle of water with you when walking around, and don’t forget sunscreen. You may even want to invest in a portable fan, as the locals routinely do. It’s also important to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day – so keep cool in shady parks, cafes or museums.

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Seville, avoid the hottest times of the year in July and August when sightseeing can be quite uncomfortable and many locals leave the city for the coast. Instead, visit the city in spring or autumn when temperatures are warm but mostly comfortable. Visits in winter bring temperatures around 60°F (16°C), with skies are typically blue and sunny.    

Is Seville safe for tourists?

Seville is generally a very safe city, even late at night when it’s typically still buzzing with plenty of people out and about. Solo women travelers shouldn’t need to worry and can safely travel around on their own. With low crime rates, you’re unlikely to encounter problems; as in any busy urban area, though, you should still keep your wits about you.

While the narrow web of streets around the famous Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood are generally very safe at night, they can get quite noisy. Families traveling with children may prefer to stay around the areas of El Centro, El Arenal or Sur instead – still close to everything but more peaceful. 

Seville has far fewer pickpockets than Barcelona or Madrid, but as with any major city, petty crime is not unheard of. You should particularly be aware in crowded areas or around popular tourist attractions such as Plaza de España and outside the Cathedral. Be aware of the ladies who try and offer you sprigs of rosemary and palm readings, as they’ll often demand money afterward or try and distract you while an accomplice attempts to snatch your belongings. 

Use common sense and don’t leave your bag unattended when dining at a restaurant, and avoid leaving your phone or camera on the table or in your back pocket.

Remember that you should always report any incident of theft at the nearest local police station as soon as possible. It’s likely you will need a police report in order to try and claim any items back on your travel insurance.

You might also like: The 9 best day trips from Seville    How to explore Seville with kids    Top 20 free things to do in Seville   

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My 10 best Seville travel tips

This guide covers my 10 best Seville travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip. They will prove helpful if you’re traveling to Seville for the first time .

This practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your time and budget.

But first, let me confess something…

I was not born in Seville.

Neither was I raised here.

However, after more than 10 years living in this beautiful city, my appreciation for Seville has evolved slowly from lust, during those first few hot days, to deep love thanks to finding pieces of the city that felt exclusively mine.

Seville is a city that’s easy to fall in love with on the surface. The Moorish architecture, the riverfront, the romantic horse carriages… It’s hot, vibrant, traditional and beautiful.

Food, traditions, history, architecture – all these and more blend in a vibrant Southern fusion, which leaves you speechless with every step you make.

You are going to love it!

Table of Contents

About my 10 travel tips for exploring Seville

For obvious reasons, what you will find here is just that, travel tips, advice or recommendations. I am not here to to tell you how you should prepare your trip or how you should enjoy Seville. So take my advice as a bunch of ideas that you can use to prepare your trip to Seville.

However, if you have already taken all this information into account while planning your trip or you prefer to do things differently, that’s great as well.

I hope that all these ideas and advice your trip to Seville will be a lifetime experience you will never forget.

1. Find out when is the best time to visit Seville

The first question you should ask yourself when planning your trip is “ When is the best time to visit Seville? “.

Seville has a climate and a location that allows you to explore it almost all year round. Its climate is a dream with mild winters, and over 300 sunny days annually.

That being said, take into account a couple of things :

• If there is one word that arises when it comes to Seville travel, that word is “April”. The popular Feria de Abril occurs in the last week of April, and Semana Santa (Easter) often falls earlier in the month (or occasionally in late-March). Both events have a full guide on their own so you can make the most out of them and benefit from my first hand travel tips.
• Mind the heat! If you decide to visit Seville amidst the summer months, prepare yourself for scorching hot temperatures. It’s not a good idea to explore the stone streets of the city center during midday hours, as the heat is almost intolerable. Hydrate as much as possible and treat yourself to a scoop or two of ice cream.

2. Keep an eye on airline ticket prices

Do you intend to fly to Spain ? In all likelihood, you’ll be flying here, unless you’re coming overland from Portugal or France.

The plane ticket is one of the most important expenses of your trip to Spain. Without it, there’s no trip!

So don’t think twice and book your flights as soon as you see a good fare .

Fortunately, with the appearance of low cost carriers in the market the chance to get cheap air flights to Spain has seriously increased. On top of it, very cheap international flights are also available from other parts of the world. It’s just a question of time to do some research and organize your trip in advance.

Seville is linked by air with the main cities of Spain and capitals of Europe. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the center and it is very easy to get there.

3. If you don’t fly to Seville, book your train tickets in advance

Are you considering train travel in Spain ? Seville can be easily reached by train, especially from Madrid and Barcelona where you can catch a high speed train. Some suburbs and surrounding towns are also connected by train.

Whereas local trains (Cercanías) have very affordable fares, high speed ones (AVE) are considerably more expensive. Nevertheless, you can access lower fares particularly if you buy your tickets in advance .

Seville has one train station called Santa Justa and it’s located in the northeast area of the city, not very far away from the center.

4. Book your accommodation online

When you are traveling to one of the most visited destinations in Spain, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance. I always find that the sooner you book, the cheaper and better they are!

That’s why I recommend you to book all your hotels online .

This is particularly true in busy tourist times like the Semana Santa or the Feria de Abril that I mentioned earlier, both events drastically drive up hotel rates.

For the lowest rates, travel in July or August (if you can cope with the heat). October and November are also a good month for hotel rates, and March and June are good mid-range months.

You can start by checking out where to stay. There are different areas within the city center, each one with its own character and charm. To help you decide what neighborhood of Seville is the best for you, have a look my neighborhoods of Seville quick guide.

5. Purchase a good travel and health insurance

The most important piece of advice I can offer among my Seville travel tips is to purchase good travel insurance .

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

6. Get a travel debit card

Ensure you have your travel money set up , especially if you’re traveling from a non-euro country.

Some people prefer changing the money in their home country while others prefer changing on-site or relaying in their debit or credit cards.

I suggest you forget both options immediately and consider getting a travel debit card .

A travel debit card lets you access cash in your destination’s local currency, which is the euro in the case of Seville, without the risk of using your debit card. They also let you avoid the high fees of credit card cash advances or the hassles of having to exchange currencies before you depart.

7. Decide what to see in Seville

Most of my readers are surprised when they start to discover how many monuments and attractions Seville offers. And this should not be the case considering its long history…

Between the orange-scented courtyards, stunning Mudéjar architecture, and joyful, impromptu flamenco dancing in cozy plazas after dark, Seville is a dream come true. But that’s just a first impression… There are so many things to do in Seville !

With that in mind it’s very important to think ahead about what you want to see in Seville and how much time you can spend in the city . It’s not the same spending a weekend or having a full week to explore all the amazing corners.

To truly experience Seville, leave 3 or 4 days and bring good walking shoes. The city center – one of the largest in Europe – is flat, largely pedestrian-friendly and made for walking. That’s why you should have a look at my itineraries .

On top of it, I have created a very complete map of Seville that you can add to your own Google Maps. This map has all the practical information and Seville travel tips you need. In the post I just linked you can find step by step instructions to use them on any device whether you’re still at home or you’re already in Seville.

8. Buy tickets to the main attractions in Seville in advance

It’s easy to visit Seville without any advance planning whatsoever.

You’ll still see a lot.

In my experience, however, people often arrive in Seville with a wish list, only to discover that what they wanted to see/do needed to be booked ahead, and is now sold out.

That’s why you should definitely buy tickets to the main attractions in Seville in advance .

One reason to book in advance in Seville is simply due to high demand and limited availability.

Another reason is to skip the lines.

But, how far in advance should you book the main Seville attractions?

There is no definitive answer, as it depends on the specific attraction and time of year. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should book at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist season.

9. Enjoy the city like a local with my Seville travel tips

Don’t stick to the regular Seville experiences. Enjoy it like a local instead. Few European cities can compare to Seville when it comes to spoil visitors with an incredibly good time.

While Seville is full of plenty of tourist attractions, there are endless opportunities to have an authentic experience during your stay.

With its great vibe, authentic traditions, and delicious cuisine, few cities can compare to the things that you can live while in Seville. And while locations like the Cathedral , Plaza de España , and the Alcázar usually top visitors’ bucket list, oftentimes it’s the lesser-known spots that create the richest experiences.

In the spirit of channeling your inner wanderlust, I set out to discover the best places in Seville that fly under the radar. This isn’t your ordinary travel guide: read on to discover my picks for some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Seville – and experience the city like a true Sevillano.

10. Check out what, where and when to eat

Eating in Seville is one of those things that make the trip to this country doubly worthwhile. Spanish cuisine is rich, varied, different and even cheap if you know where to go.

I always like to remember to my readers that Spain is much more than paella, so be prepared to eat very tasty and special local specialties everywhere you go. And this is particularly true in Seville: don’t miss going to a few of its tapas bars .

Oh, one last thing… Eat when the locals eat.

At the times when you may typically be eating lunch or dinner at home, the doors to Seville’s restaurants may not even be open yet.

At lunch bars may be open earlier, but kitchens generally open anytime between 13:00 and 14:00 and close around 16:00 or 16:30.

As for dinner, don’t expect to find a good restaurant open until about 20:30!

• Find the cheapest flights to Madrid
• Book the best hotels at the lowest rates
• Find the cheapest train tickets ( tutorial )
• Save by choosing the best Seville city pass for you with my exclusive discounts. My favorite is the Seville Pass ( review )
• Book the best tours and day trips in Seville in English
• Pay in Euros and avoid commissions with your Wise debit card ( tutorial )
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• Get your  travel insurance to avoid bad surprises ( review )
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• Book your Seville Airport transfer

Things to Do in Seville In 3 Days

Things to do in seville spain – 3 days in seville itinerary.

S eville is one of the most interesting places in Spain’s Andalusia. It is a city teeming with beauty and passion, whose history is as rich as anything you could find out there. But how can you spend 3 days in Seville?

Given the many things to do in Seville, Spain, it can be hard to decide on the essentials. So I’ve compiled this itinerary for 3 Days in Seville for you — the must-see and must-do to make sure you get the best Seville experience!

Seville Alcazar Cathedral

This is a collection of tourist spots within a tourist spot! The Seville Alcazar Cathedral is the third largest in Europe, after St. Peter’s in the Vatican and St. Paul’s in London. It’s also the largest Gothic church anywhere. That alone means there’s a lot to explore inside and should be on your “what to do in Seville” list. 

Once inside, visitors are surrounded by artworks from all sides. Dominating everything is the altarpiece, the largest in the world, which depicts Jesus’ life from birth to His Crucifixion. There’s also a massive pipe organ here, which is played every 10AM mass (except on Saturdays).

The great explorer, but controversial figure of history Christopher Columbus is also entombed here. There are lots of historical and religious relics, from jewels to old paintings. Don’t miss the Torre Giralda, the Cathedral’s bell tower and the remains of the mosque that once stood in the exact same spot! Finally, there’s the Court of the Orange Trees which was also once part of the mosque.

Seville Attractions: Real Alcazar

Seville likes its superlatives — this one is the oldest royal palace on the continent that is still in use and one of the must see Seville attractions! Real Alcazar Seville was once the home of the Muslim rulers from the 10th century. Today, the Alcazar stands as a showcase both of Christian and Islamic architecture.

And don’t forget it’s latest claim to fame as a Game of Thrones Film location . The Real Alcazar should definitely be on your things to in Seville in 3 Days itinerary. 

One of the most historic places here is the Admiral’s Hall, where it is said that Columbus first reported his discovery of the New World to Queen Isabel. Of course, the throne room itself (called the Hall of Ambassadors) is not to be missed.

There are several courtyards worthy of note, along with huge gardens worthy of any royalty. And did you know that there’s an underground pool below the Alcazar? Apparently the royals of old didn’t want others to see them when lounging off at the poolside!

A separate ticket is needed for the Upper Royal Apartments, which is still in use by the current King of Spain. Since these World Heritage sites are always teeming with tourists, it’s wise to book your skip the line tickets online first .

Plaza de España in Seville

This is a park within a park, and is located within the confines of the grand Parque de María Luisa (a must-visit for lovers of the green space). The Plaza de España was originally built as a monument, celebrating the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. And boy, what a grand “monument” this is! There are several buildings, a palace, canals, and images that commemorate the country’s national figures and various provinces.

Of course, once your eyes have consumed the grandiose structures here, head back to the María Luisa for more eye-popping views. This is the largest green park, and is a good place for a walk or a quiet moment of admiration and contemplation on Seville holidays. The botanical garden is also quite a sight, with unusual flowers!

Guadalquivir on Seville Holidays

Speaking of walks, make sure to take a stroll at the right bank of Seville’s Guadalquivir river. Aside from being a perfect place for people-watching, this side contains a lot of interesting sights.

There’s the Plaza de Toros and Museo Taurino. The former is a 250-year old bullfighting arena, and the latter is a detailed museum dedicated to this custom. If you’re not fidgety, walk amongst mounted bull heads which include the famous Islero, known for killing Spain’s best bullfighter Manolete in 1947. There are also the bullfighting clothes ( traje de luces , suits of light) worn by legendary matadors.

Also on the banks of the Guadalquivir is the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), which is a military structure hailing from the 13th century. Aside from helping safeguard Seville, the watchtower was also the start and end point of all of Seville’s trade to the New World. Today, it is a maritime museum showing murals and artifacts from Spain’s expansive seafaring history.

Things To Do in Seville: Flamenco Shows

Seville is the home of the flamenco, and you can’t be truly here without watching a show! These flamenco shows happen every evening in various tablao venues, where you can watch while dining or munching some delicious tapas . One great choice is the Tablao El Arenal , where both the flamenco and the food are good (in contrast, some tourist traps offer mediocre fare).

If, like many, you were captivated by the intensity of the dance, you may want to visit the Museo de Baile Flamenco. This is the first such museum in the world, and is located in an 18th-century mansion. There are workshops and performances, traditional displays, and a hightech exhibit that shows the evolution of the dance.

Markets of Seville

Mercadillo del duque la magdalena.

Plaza del Duque / Plaza de la Magdalena, Seville, 41001, Spain

Located in the Arenal area of Seville, the Mercadillo del Duque la Magdalena is where shoppers go to find fashion and handmade jewelry, hats, scarves, bags (I’ve found some wonderful leather goods there), sunglasses, soaps and perfumes (among other things). 

Though I’ve only been in the summer, I’ve heard that around the holidays, the market expands to accommodate other seasonal vendors and becomes the perfect place to do some one-stop Christmas shopping.

Thursday to Sunday – 10 am to 9 pm

Mercadillo Filatélico

Plaza del Cabildo, Sevilla, 41001, Spain

This energetic open-air market is the perfect place to spend a Sunday morning in Seville’s historic center. It is an antique lover’s paradise with plenty of old coins, stamps, postcards, and other collectibles.

Sundays 8 pm to 3 pm

Mercadillo de los Jueves

Feria, Alameda de Hércules, Seville, 41002, Spain

Mercadillo de los Jueves, located in the Calle Feria, is one of Seville’s oldest open-air markets. You can find a variety of collectibles and antiques here, as well as art and used books.

Thursdays – 7am to 3pm

Christmas Markets

Seville celebrates the Christmas holidays with music, parades, and all-out light displays. There are also lots of Christmas markets that spring up in the city, selling Christmas decor, foods, and crafts. Christmas is a magical time in Seville.

What To Do in Seville: Museum Hopping

Aside from flamenco, the more traditional museums here are also worth visiting. There’s an Archaeological Museum, which like the Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Exposition. There are also Bronze Age artifacts, such as a 21-piece gold jewelry set from the 8th century!

For more of Seville’s history , check out the Museum of Arts and Traditions which offers an insight on the city’s traditional trades such as forging and tile-making. If you’re on the artsy side, don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts which showcases a lot of beautiful works! Interestingly, many of these came from convents and monasteries. Don’t miss the picture-worthy courtyards of the museum, too.

And if you really want to dig deep in history, head over to Italica which was the birthplace of Emperors Hadrian and Trajan, now a massive archaeological dig!

3 Days in Seville – Tours To Take in Seville

• Seville” Alcázar Guided Tour with Priority Entrance
• Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda Tour
• Tapas and Wine Tasting Seville Tour
• Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour of Seville
• 2-Hour Guadalquivir River Kayaking Tour

Places To Stay in Seville

• Luxury: Hotel Mercer
• Luxury: Hotel Alfonso XIII – A Luxury Collection Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn Sevilla
• Mid-Range: NH Collection Sevilla
• Family: Puerta Catedral Suites
• Family: Apartamentos Murillo
• VRBO: Apartment’Catedral’. Magic in the heart of Seville
• VRBO: Alameda Penthouse. 2 bedro o ms, 2 bathrooms, private terrace
• Budget: La Flamenka Hostel
• Budget: The Architect
• more Seville boutique hotels

Aside from these, Seville is also home to cultural events such as the Feria de Abril (a five-day event) and the Semana Santa during Holy Week . If you plan to visit Andalusia during those events, plan well ahead, as hotel prices skyrocket and ticket sell out well in advance. Also keep in mind that some Seville attractions might not be open during that time or have different opening hours. 

Feel free to wander around and get lost in the city, taking in slices of the whole that Seville has to offer, even if you cannot be there during these times.

3 Days in Seville itinerary was written by Karina Angela Ramos

Things to do in Seville in 3 Days – Pin for Later:

Ultimate Seville travel guide

• April 8, 2024
• curious goose

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Table of Contents

Plan your perfect trip to seville with this handy guide.

Seville is one of the most popular city break destinations in Southern Spain. It is a great place to visit for a long weekend, or as part of a Spanish road trip. In this guide, I’ll cover all the key things you need to know about planning your perfect trip to Seville, including when is the best time to visit Seville, how to get there and some of the best things to see and do in Seville. 

How many days do you need in Seville?

Many people choose to visit Seville on a long weekend, or a city break. However, Seville is also a great destination to include in your itinerary for a longer trip touring around the beautiful region of Andalusia, in Southern Spain. 

I would recommend spending 3-4 days in Seville. This will give you a good amount of time to visit all the main sights and attractions of Seville without having to rush around to fit it all in. If you want to extend your stay, there’s also some great day trips from Seville .

How to get to Seville

By Plane: Seville airport is very small, and although it does have a handful of flights everyday, it is most likely that you will fly into either Madrid or Malaga. 

By Train: The most convenient way to travel to Seville is by train . Seville’s Santa Justa Train Station is located on the edge of the Centro neighbourhood and main tourist area of the city. From Malaga, you can take a 2 hour train direct to Seville. A one way journey will cost approximately €46. From Madrid, the train to Seville takes 2 hours 45 minutes and will cost approx. €26. 

From Seville train station, it is a 30 minute walk (approximately 2km) into the centre of Seville. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi which will take 20 minutes.

Getting around Seville

Seville is a very walkable city. In fact, much of the El Centro area is pedestrianised, or has one way roads. So the best way to get around Seville is on foot. 

If you are staying in the El Centro area, in the heart of the tourist neighbourhood, then you can walk to most of the sights and attractions in around 20 minutes. If you are not able to walk far, then another great option is the Hop on, Hop off sightseeing bus. 

If you are staying further away from the attractions, in the outskirts of Seville, there is a public tram and bus network which you can use to travel to the centre.

Where is the best place to stay in Seville?

As I mentioned above, most of Seville’s main sights and attractions are located in the El Centro neighbourhood, in the centre of the city. El Centro is definitely the best place to stay in Seville if you want to be in the middle of everything. Although, as you would expect, accommodation in El Centro is more expensive than on the outskirts of the city. 

Surrounding El Centro is the Santa Cruz (Jewish) neighbourhood and the La Macarena neighbourhood. 

Santa Cruz is known as Seville’s Jewish quarter. This pretty neighbourhood is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and pretty buildings. It’s great to spend an hour or so exploring this area. There’s also lots of small cafes and tapas bars to be found here. 

The area of La Macarena is becoming quite a trendy part of Seville. It is popular with a younger crowd and you’ll find a good mix of bars, clubs and restaurants. Staying in La Macarena is a great choice for finding more budget-friendly accommodation in Seville. 

Across the river from El Centro is the neighbourhood of Tirana . In this area, you’ll find more family friendly tavernas and restaurants. You’ll also find cheaper accommodation on this side of the river. Tirana has less of a buzz, so if you are looking for somewhere quieter, this could be a good option for you.

When is the best time of year to visit Seville?

Seville is a large, bustling city. And as you would expect from any big, modern city, the attractions, bars and restaurants stay open all year round. This makes Seville a great city break destination to visit at any time of the year.

Seville in Summer

The average daily high in Seville throughout the peak summer months of July and August is 36 degrees Celsius. However, Summer in Seville can see temperatures reach up to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius! This has caused Seville to be named as the hottest city in Europe during the summer. 

Even if you are someone who enjoys the sun, Seville can be quite unbearable in the summer heat. Not all accommodation has air conditioning, especially in the more budget friendly hostels and guesthouses, and there are not lots of accommodation options with a pool. 

Personally, I would avoid visiting Seville in the heat of the summer, and instead, choose to visit in the Spring or Autumn months.

Seville in the Spring and Autumn

The Spring months of March – May or the Autumn months of September – November are both great times to visit Seville. During the Spring and Autumn seasons, the temperature is mild and the days are lovely and sunny. 

During September, average temperatures are still quite high at 32°C, so this is a great time to visit if you like it quite hot. Even in May and October, average temperatures are around 26°C. 

I visited Seville towards the end of November, which I would really recommend. The weather was still warm and mild during the day. Accommodation prices were lower as it was officially the ‘off-season’. However, there were still lots of tourists around, creating a good atmosphere, without it feeling too busy.

Seville in the Winter

Spain is a great destination to visit in the winter months and I’ve spent time in Malaga and the Costa del Sol during the winter and loved it. Visiting Seville in December, you will be able to experience the Christmas market and enjoy the Christmas decorations which are all around the main El Centro neighbourhood. 

January and February are the cheapest months to visit Seville. This is also the least crowded time of year to visit. Even in January and February, you will still get average temperatures of 16°C during the day.

Best things to do in Seville

Here’s some of the best sights and attractions to see whilst you are in Seville:

Cathedral de Sevilla

Opposite the Royal Alcazar is the city’s other most visited attraction – the Cathedral of Seville. This impressive gothic cathedral is an absolute must-visit when in Seville. The intricate detail of the decor and carvings on the inside is incredible. You can also visit the Giralda (bell tower) – which I would highly recommend. The steps up to the top will be worth it as you’ll be rewarded with fantastic skyline views over the city. In fact, this is the best city view in Seville!

As with the Alcazar, I would highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to avoid long queues. It is also slightly cheaper to purchase online, at €12 per adult (instead of €13 at the ticket office)

Plaza del Triunfo

This small Plaza sits in between the Royal Alcazar and the Cathedral. It can get quite busy here during the day, but in the morning you can enjoy it whilst it is a bit quieter. This is also a great meeting spot if you are travelling with others and need to arrange a rendezvous point!

Royal Alcázar of Seville

The Royal Alcazar is one of the most visited attractions in the centre of Seville. A wander around the 16th century palace and its landscaped gardens is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. The gardens are particularly beautiful, especially between the Spring and early Autumn months. 

There can be a very long queue to enter the Alcazar, especially during peak season and in the middle of the day. Even in November, I experienced long queues! I would definitely recommend booking in advance if you can. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets at the official ticket office in the Patio de Banderas, which is a small square around the corner from the main entrance to the Alcazar. Once you have purchased your tickets, head back to the main entrance (identified by the red Puerta del León gates) and join the queue to enter. Tickets are €13.50 for general admission.

Avenue de la Constitución

This is one of the main streets, running right through the centre of the city, past the Alcazar and Cathedral. The tree-lined street is lined with shops and cafes, with tram stops along the way.

Plaza de España

You can’t go to Seville and not visit the Plaza de Espana! It has become one of the most photographed and recognisable sights in Seville. This famous plaza has an impressive curved building, holding various government offices. Several bridges curve over a shallow water feature and small rowing boats can be hired out to take out onto the water for a photo opportunity. You can wander around the Plaza for free, however there is a small charge to hire the rowing boats. 

This is a great place to sit and enjoy watching the world go by. You can also see the various colourful tiled benches which have been created as part of the main building.

Parque de María Luisa

In front of the Plaza España is the sprawling Maria Luisa park. In the hot summer months, this is a great place to cool off under the shade of the trees. There is an abundance of paved walking trails all over the park, as well as benches, and small squares with water fountains. At the far end of the park, you will also find several historic landmarks and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, which houses various exhibitions on arts, local traditions and costumes.

Jardines del Prado de San Sebastián

Tucked behind the Plaza Espana, and often overshadowed by the Parque de Maria Luisa, are the San Sebastian gardens. This is another great place to find some peace and quiet in the city. There are a couple of cafes with outside seating here, and in the winter months, you can often find a pop up ice skating rink.

Paseo del Rio Guadalquivir

The Rio Guadalquivir is a pedestrian walking path that runs alongside the canal skirting the edge of the El Centro neighbourhood. You can follow it from the Parque de María Luisa all the way to the Del Cachorro bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass various cafes, kiosks and landmarks, including the Torre del Oro – a defensive watchtower, dating back to 1220.

Centro Comercial Torre Sevilla

If you want to do some shopping, then you can head to the Centro Commercial. Located on the opposite side of the canal, you can cross the Del Cachorro bridge. There are also various well known fast food outlets here

Go shopping on Calle Sierpes

This is a busy shopping street which runs right through the centre of the El Centro neighbourhood, eventually joining up with Avenue de la Constitución. You will find mainstream brands alongside local, independent shops. With lots of cafes, restaurants and food outlets. 

Wander the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is actually a neighbourhood rather than a single sight or attraction, but it is worth mentioning as it is a really charming area to wander around. The Jewish Quarter is a pretty area of the city, with a maze of narrow streets and historic and interesting churches, landmarks and buildings with little cafes tucked away inside. 

Setas de Sevilla

This giant wooden sculpture is hard to miss! Hang out underneath the structure or purchase a ticket to access the raised walkway and viewing platform . Tickets are also available to visit at night, when the sculpture is illuminated with bright colours. 

During the day, you can also visit the Encarnación food market , which sits underneath the sculpture to pick up some tasty local produce.

Day trips from Seville

I’ve visited Andalusia several times in the last few years and I absolutely love it. It is such a beautiful region of Spain. If you have longer than 3 days to spend in Seville, I would highly recommend taking a day trip to explore the wider area of Andalusia.

There are many organised tours you can take from Seville. Or, if you prefer to have more flexibility, then another great option is to rent a car for the day.

Cordoba is one of the most popular day trips from Seville, due to its proximity and ease of travel.

What is there to do in Cordoba?

The main attraction in Cordoba is the La Mezquita mosque-cathedral . The impressive building and complex is a must-see when in Cordoba and tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Other sights in Cordoba include the Alcazar of Cordoba, Roman Bridge, Plaza des Tendillas and the Jewish quarter.

Travel from Seville to Cordoba

The quickest and best way to get to Cordoba from Seville is by train. The direct train takes just 45 minutes and costs approximately €20 each way. There are also many organised tours that will leave to Cordoba from Seville if you prefer.

Cadiz is known for being the oldest city in western Europe. Situated on the Andalusian-Atlantic coast, it is home to the Spanish Navy and was an important Port city, with over 100 watchtowers. 

What is there to do in Cadiz?

The historic city of Cadiz is a perfect day trip destination from Seville. The largely pedestrianised Old Town of Cadiz is great for exploring on foot, with plenty of cafes and tapas bars to rest and enjoy some local cuisine. Visit the Cathedral , and the castle of Santa Catalina and San Sebastian . Stroll along La Caleta beach and through the Genoves park. 

Cadiz is only 80 minutes by car from Seville, so renting a car for the day is the most convenient option.  However, if you prefer, you can also take a bus from Seville to Cadiz . The journey will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Malaga is a fantastic city to visit and is one of the most popular city break destinations in Southern Spain, alongside Seville. If you have more time, I would recommend spending 3 days in Malaga . If you arrived in Seville via Malaga airport, make sure you have at least one night in Malaga either before or after your trip to Seville.

What is there to do in Malaga?

Malaga is a vibrant city with beautiful historic buildings and a charming old town. Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga , and see the Roman Amphitheatre . Stroll around the ruins of Gibralfaro castle with sweeping 360 views over Malaga’s mountain range, city and sea. 

Have a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants in Malaga’s Port , walk along the seafront promenade and relax on Malagueta beach . Go shopping in the old town, visit the impressive Malaga Cathedral and enjoy a drink in one of the many tapas bars.

Travel from Seville to Malaga

There are two main ways to travel to Malaga from Seville. Either by train or by car. The train takes approximately 2 hours and costs around €46 each way. Driving will take 2 hours 20 if you take the toll road, or 2 hours 45 mins if you choose not to take the route with tolls.

Other day trips from Seville

There are so many great places to visit in Andalucia , it is hard to include them all! Other worthy places to visit, which are a little bit further away from Seville include Granada, where you can wander around the famous Alhambra Palace . 

Ronda is another great option, where the impressive Puente Nuevo bridge straddles a 120m deep gorge which has split the historic town in half. 

Or, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, join a trip to hike the famous Caminito del Rey – once known as Europe’s most dangerous hike!

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