With opulent palaces, cosy hidden squares and a sun-infused culture, there’s a host of wonderful things to do in Seville. Find Spanish masters and trendy tapas in the heart of Andalucía.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
A long history has bestowed Seville with an intriguing mix of architectural styles, a vibrant, culture, and a host of wonderful things to do.
Witness the lavish displays of Christian wealth in palaces adorned with Islamic design. Explore works of art by Spanish masters, as sumptuous as the rooms they are displayed in. Roam green spaces, explore cobbled lanes and enjoy sundowners in hidden squares dappled in the shade of orange trees.
We love Seville. It’s the one place in Spain we’ve spent the most time, and it remains one of our favourite cities in Europe.
Read in conjunction with our Seville itinerary, which has recommendations for seeing the best of the city in three days.
IN THIS GUIDE
THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
SEVILLE MAP
Our map contains all the attractions listed in this guide. To help you organize them, read our 3-day Seville itinerary.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
1. REAL ALCÁZAR & GARDENS
Like the Alhambra in Granada, the Real Alcázar is an important site of Moorish Spain. It’s a royal palace built for the Christian King Peter on the site of an Islamic fort.
After the Christian conquest, future kings enhanced the complex to display their wealth. Intricately carved facades, lavish gold ceilings, richly decorated tiles, and orange-filled courtyards combine to make the Real Alcázar an exotic, opulent palace.
The most impressive building inside the Alcázar is the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro. It contains some of the best examples of Mudéjar architecture– a form of design with heavy Moorish influences – in Seville.
Tickets – Book Real Alcazar skip-the-line tickets.
2. SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
When it was completed in the 16th century, the Seville Cathedral surpassed Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world. Built to demonstrate the city’s wealth, the fifteen doors on the 4 façades depict scenes of the bible in exquisite detail.
Inside, Christopher Columbus and his son’s tomb takes up prime position under the vast gothic ceiling.
The highlight of Seville Cathedral is the Chapter House. This extraordinary domed chapel features paintings by the grandmaster, Murillo.
Roof Tour – One of the best ways to experience the cathedral is on the roof tour, which you need to book at least one week in advance as it sells out quickly.
When to go? – A great time to visit the cathedral is around 4:30 p.m. when the crowds are diminishing, and the light is better than during the middle of the day.
3. GIRALDA TOWER
The most obvious detail from when the cathedral was a mosque is the minaret, which is now the Giralda Tower.
As the cathedral’s bell tower, it provides the best vantage point to take in the immense scale of the cathedral while getting a bird’s-eye view of Seville.
Access to the tower is included in the Cathedral ticket price (€11). However, entry is timed to reduce congestion. There is no lift and 34 flights of stairs to the top.
Don’t miss the Mudejar carved wooden door on floor 9.
Tickets – This skip-the-line ticket includes the Cathedral & Tower.
4. CASA PALACIO DE LA CONDESA DE LEBRIJA
Casa Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is a historical palace containing one of the world’s most important collections of Roman mosaics.
The palace was owned by Doña Regla Manjón Mergelina, the Countess of Lebrija who became a self-taught archaeologist after being denied a place at university due to being a woman.
Today, the palace is packed with fascinating items from her global travels. The 6,000-book library with wood inlay ceilings is beautiful. Don’t miss the Murillo.
The most prized artefacts within the palace are the Roman mosaics, which the countess began acquiring from the Amphitheatre of Italica to prevent their destruction.
Tickets – Book online at Palacio de Lebrija.
Tours of the Palace – The entrance ticket provides access to the Roman Mosaics on the ground floor, allowing you to stroll around. Access to the first floor is via a guided tour (included in the ticket price.)
5. HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES SACERDOTES
Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes is a former hospice converted into an art gallery containing some of Seville’s most treasured paintings.
Our favourite section at Hospital de los Venerables is the ornate Baroque Church.
It’s a breathtaking display of craftsmanship with ornate frescoes on the vaulted ceiling and huge domes. Both Murillo and Valdez worked on the church.
Don’t Miss – Room 7 of the gallery contains 12 extraordinary masterpieces by Zurburán, Montanes, Murillo, El Greco, and Velázquez.
Tickets – The guided tour of Hospital de Los Venerables is one of our favourite things to do in Seville.
6. JEWISH QUARTER
The medieval Jewish quarter of Seville is a tangle of twisty laneways and tiny squares.
The best thing to do in the area is to wander around, find a local tapas bar (or a touristy one), and enjoy a late afternoon G&T in a courtyard framed by orange trees.
Plaza Alfaro and Plaza Doña Elvira are two beautiful squares to check out.
If you’re looking for something else to do, Casa de Murillo is the former home of the famous Spanish painter. There is a small exhibition about his life, and it’s free to enter. It’s not the best museum in Seville, but it’s worth a quick look.
7. PALACIO DE LAS DUEÑAS
Palacio Dueñas is a historical palace dating back to the 15th century. It was the residence of the Duke of Alba and contains beautiful, landscaped gardens, intricate tile work and ornate courtyards.
In Spring, the patios come alive with Bougainvillea vines creeping up marble pillars. Intricate carvings and arched doorways show off the distinctive Moorish style.
The palace is considered one of the world’s great gardens thanks to the rich Andalusian soil, which supports a variety of plants.
The centrepiece is the main courtyard, surrounded by arched terraces.
Free Admission – On Mondays at 4 p.m., you can visit Palacio de las Dueñas for free. At other times, tickets need to be booked in advance on the official website.
8. METROPOL PARASOL (LAS SETAS)
Metropol Parasol (locally known as Las Setas or Setas de Seville), is thought to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It takes the form of several giant mushrooms curving over La Encarnación square in El Centro.
Lifts run up to the panoramic walkway, and the views are unbeatable.
However, the price has tripled in recent years to €15. In our opinion, it’s getting a little hard to justify, but it’s probably something that first-time visitors to Seville will want to do.
Roman and Moorish remains are displayed in a small museum under the structure. A market is at street level, and levels 2 and 3 have outdoor terraces.
Tickets – It’s usually not necessary to purchase tickets in advance but you can do so on the Metropol Parasol website.
9. CASA DE PILATOS
Casa de Pilatos is a beautiful palace in the centre of Seville with strong Mudéjar influences.
The lower courtyard contains a remarkable Italian Renaissance fountain and sculptures, flanked by a gothic chapel.
Upstairs, where the owners lived until a few years ago, Mudéjar windows light up rooms decorated like a grand European house. The huge collection of Spanish tiles is one of the largest in the world.
It’s a beautiful place to stroll around and one of the many Seville attractions that blend various architectural styles.
Tickets – This skip-the-line ticket includes access to the ground floor, however the 30-minute guided tour of the first floor is extra.
10. SEE A FLAMENCO SHOW
Flamenco is now a defining marker of Spanish identity, and it was recently recognised by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Whatever that means, the art form that comprises poetry, song, guitar and dance is a cool thing to do in Seville.
The Museo del Baile Flamenco is both a museum dedicated to the Flamenco art form and a live performance venue.
Discover paintings, dresses, and interactive displays before settling in for a night of stomping, clapping, and swirling.
Tickets – Book your Flamenco Show here which includes the museum (optional and at no extra cost).
11. CALLE SIERPES
Calle Sierpes is the more commercial side of Seville, where you’ll find everything from tacky tourist souvenirs to authentic Spanish embroidery. It’s a bustling part of the city to explore.
Confitería La Campana is an institution that has been churning out pastries for generations. Papelería Ferrer is the oldest stationary shop in Spain. Sombreros Maquedano is a hat shop oozing with atmosphere.
The shopping hub around Calle Sierpes is pedestrianized and covered with canopies in summer to shelter you from the relentless Seville sunshine.
Start at Sierpes, then head down Calle Rioja, Calle O’Donnell, and Calle Velázquez.
12. PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the semi-circular Plaza de España is a lavish mix of Art Déco and Mudéjar designs.
Adorned with tiled alcoves depicting each of Spain’s provinces, the plaza is both a work of art and a nod to the country’s innovation successes.
Rowboats cruise under romantic bridges and along the 515-metre canal while tourists lean against columns, snapping selfies.
It’s a beautiful space spread over 50,000 square metres, and the building itself is a design masterpiece.
13. PARQUE DE MARÍA LUISA
María Luisa Park is a lush botanical garden with palm and orange trees and hundreds of exotic plants from all over the world.
The expansive gardens feature wide boulevards, small pavilions, ponds, and fountains tiled in Moorish designs. The most impressive are the Fountain of the Lions and the Monument to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
Stroll or bike through this lovely green space. The shady benches are ideal spots to take a break from the Seville heat.
14. BELLAS ARTES SEVILLE
The Museo de Bellas Artes is one of Spain’s premier art collections. The beautifully restored convent houses a few grandmasters from the 15th to 20th century, including El Greco, Velásquez, and Zurbarán.
The highlights are the towering paintings by Murillo that are dramatically hanging in the former church.
There are brooding works from the Middle Ages to 20th-century modern art, including an excellent Baroque section.
Tickets – The museum is free for EU residents or €1.50 for non-residents. More details on Museo de Bellas Artes.
15. MERCADO DE TRIANA
The Mercado de Triana (Triana Market) was built on the site of the Castle of San Jorge, the seat of the Inquisition since 1481.
Today, strolling through the network of stalls is a sensory experience. Packed with local produce and Spanish hubbub, it’s a lively market and one of the most authentic in Seville.
There are traditional Spanish stalls alongside artisanal suppliers, each with its details hand-printed on ceramic panels. Try a coffee and a pastry, a local beer, or a Spanish take on pizza at Obrador la Osa.
Details – Visit Mercado de Triana for the latest opening times.
16. HOSPITAL DE LA CARIDAD
Originally a hospice for the poor and the elderly, the Hospital de la Caridad is home to superb works of art by Golden Age Painters, including Murillo, Zurbarán, and Valdes Leal.
The star attraction is the opulent, gilded 17th-century chapel, one of the city’s finest baroque masterpieces.
Napoleon’s troops stole four of Murillo’s paintings from the Hospital de la Caridad which later resurfaced in the National Galleries of London, Washington DC, and St Petersburg. See if you can spot their replicas hanging in the church.
Free Entry – The museum is free from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Sunday. At other times, book tickets at Hospital de la Caridad.
17. TRY SEVILLE’S INCREDIBLE TAPAS
Tapas is taken very seriously in Seville, and rightly so.
Traditional old haunts co-exist with trendy new joints, serving innovative alterations to classic Sevillian staples. Here are some of our favourites.
Bar Alfalfa – It’s a tight squeeze at Bar Alfalfa, but it is worth it for the traditional tapas (try the solomillo and the croquetas) and bustling Spanish atmosphere.
Bar el Commercio – Widely regarded as serving up some of the best churros in town, Bar el Commercio is brimming with Seville atmosphere from breakfast to sundown.
Duo Tapas – Step away (slightly) from tradition and try innovative tapas with an Asian twist at Duo Tapas Bar. Go early to get a table outside in front of the old church.
Casa Morales – An old-school favourite, enjoy traditional tapas at high tables outside or in the atmospheric interior with wood panelling.
El Rinconcillo – Serving Spanish staples since 1760, El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in Seville. It’s more of a tourist spot now, but worth trying at least once.
La Cacharreria – Breakfast at La Cacharreria in El Centro is about toasties, sandwiches, bagels and waffles. It’s a good, wholesome breakfast.
EME Catedral Hotel – The cocktails at EME Catedral Mercer Hotel are twice as expensive as everywhere else, but it’s worth one for the stunning views of the Giralda.
Ovejas Negras – It’s modern, a bit noisy and the service is sharp, but it’s some of the best food in Seville, even after 3 or 4 visits.
NIGHTLIFE | ALAMEDA DE HÉRCULES
The coolest part of Seville for nightlife is the area around Plaza Alameda de Hércules, just north of the centre. There are plenty of quirky places to grab a drink and excellent little tapas. bars.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
We like to carefully select the attractions in our city guides, providing what we think are the very best things to do. However, if you have more time in Seville, here are a few more attractions to consider.
TORRE DEL ORO
Set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the Torre del Oro is the last remnant of the Moorish walls that once enclosed the city. Inside, there is a small naval museum, which is frankly not worth the €3 entry fee. However, the viewing platform on the roof terrace is good.
PLAZA DE TOROS DE LA REAL MAESTRANZA
Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería is the oldest bullring in Spain. With a capacity of 14,000 bullfighting fans, it’s also one of the biggest. Tours operate in both English and Spanish, and while they are a little disorganized, they take you into the depths of the arena.
ANTIGUA FÁBRICA DE TABACOS
The Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos was a former tobacco factory that is now the home of the University of Seville. It’s a whopping Renaissance building with detailed cut-stone facades, inner courtyards, and palatial halls. It’s free to wander in and have a look around.
ARCHIVO GENERAL DE INDIAS
While Archivo General de Indias contains important documents relating to Spain’s history, the grand Renaissance architecture is the only reason to visit. The upper floors, with ornate vaulted ceilings, wood panelling, and marble floors, are impressive.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Seville is very walkable, so we recommend staying as central as possible to take full advantage of it.
Fortunately, Seville is a very cost-effective city. You can easily find a bargain in the compact centre of the old town or splash out on luxury in a modern resort-style hotel.
OUR PICK
UNIQUE & HOMELY
HOTEL AMADEUS & LA MUSICA
This family-run hotel has a unique design, beautifully appointed rooms, and an interest in classical music. Breakfast is on the roof terrace which has views of the Cathedral.
BOUTIQUE
EME CATEDRAL HOTEL
The interior of this stylish modern hotel is beautiful throughout. The rooftop terrace has the best views of the city.
LUXURY
HOTEL ALFONSO XIII
Hotel Alfonso is not cheap. But such a beautiful old hotel has rarely managed to modernize so elegantly. Rooms are individually decorated and supremely stylish.
DAY TRIPS FROM SEVILLE
Perfectly placed to take advantage of the Andalusian region, there’s a host of great day trips from Seville. Whether you’re looking to sample a local Jerez (sherry) or explore the famous pueblos blancos (white villages), here is our pick of the best outings.
ITALICA
Just 7 kilometres from the centre, Itálica is an easy day trip from Seville. The incredibly well-preserved ruins were once part of the world’s most important and advanced Roman city. Guided tours can be arranged with or without transportation from your hotel.
CÓRDOBA
Córdoba is a fascinating Andalusian city and our favourite day trip from Seville. Visit the Mezquita-Catedral, one of the most remarkable buildings in the world, and stroll through beautiful patios. If you only do a one-day trip from Seville, this would be our choice. All the details are in our day trip to Córdoba from Seville guide.
JEREZ
Jerez de la Frontera is part of the sherry triangle in southern Spain. With 10 trains per day and just over an hour travel time, it’s an easy day trip from Seville. Join a sherry tour, take tastings in a square and sit down to some of the best food in the Andalucía region.
CÁDIZ
Cádiz is an ancient town by the sea with wide boulevards flanked by imposing terrace houses. It has a relaxed charm, a sense of worn grandeur, Roman history, and excellent local tapas bars. The train from Seville to Cádiz takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. See our guide to Cádiz for more information.
CAMINITO DEL REY
The Caminito del Rey is a 7-kilometre hike through a stunning gorge suspended 100 metres above the ground on an aerial path. The mostly flat trail can be completed by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Our guide to the Caminito del Rey walk provides all the details.
WHITE VILLAGES
Set amongst rolling green hills and rocky outcrops, the White Villages around Andulcía are a joy to drive around. Arcos de la Frontera is one of the best and is only a one-hour drive from Seville. Read more in our guide to the White Villages of Spain, including a driving route.
HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE
Seville is a very accessible destination in Spain with good flight connections from other European cities and a great local train network.
BY AIR
Sevilla International Airport (or San Pablo Airport) is a 20-minute taxi ride to the town centre. A taxi will be around €22 (+ €1 per bag), and the taxi rank is just outside the main terminal.
A bus (€4) runs from the airport to town roughly every 20 minutes from around 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. It makes several stops, including the Sevilla Santa-Justa train station and Plaza de Armas. The journey time is around 35 minutes.
BY TRAIN
The Spanish rail network is excellent, with high-speed trains connecting most of the main centres. If you’re already in the country, taking a train is the best way to get to Seville.
The main train station is Sevilla-Santa Justa Train Station which is well connected to other Spanish cities, including Córdoba (45 minutes), Madrid (around 2 hours 30 minutes), and Málaga (2 hours).
| TRAIN FROM | HOW LONG | GUIDE |
|---|---|---|
| Córdoba | 34 min | 2-day Córdoba itinerary |
| Madrid | 2 hr, 30 min | Things to do in Madrid |
| Málaga | 2 hr | Things to do in Málaga |
| Granada | 2 hr, 45 min | Things to do in Granada |
HOW MANY DAYS IN SEVILLE
We recommend three days in Seville; however, you could easily stay longer.
If you only have a weekend—and Seville is a great European weekend break—two days would allow you to see most of the main attractions.
In three days, you could catch most of the main sights, plus allow some time to amble the streets, try a selection of tapas bars, and enjoy more of Seville’s incredible art scene.
We have a full itinerary for 3 days in Seville, including how to see everything as efficiently as possible.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Seville is from March to May when fresh growth makes the trees and gardens lush green, the temperatures are not too high, and the winter rains are beginning to ease.
In particular, a weekend to Seville in March and April can be a cheap way for northern Europeans to get some winter sun while enjoying a historically interesting place.
Seville is the hottest city in Europe, and summer temperatures reach into the forties. Therefore, it’s best to avoid June to September.
WHAT TO BOOK BEFORE YOU GO TO SEVILLE
Seville is a popular place for a good reason. Many attractions will have long queues, and some must be booked in advance.
- Real Alcázar – We highly recommend booking before you go. Make sure you stand in the queue for pre-purchased tickets.
- Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower – Both are less busy, but the roof can fill up fast, so it’s still advisable to book in advance.
- Cathedral Roof Tour – The roof tour is not included in the regular ticket price and it must be booked at least 1 week in advance.
- Flamenco performances can also be very popular. Book online before you travel, otherwise head directly to the venue the first day you arrive in Seville.
MORE ANDALUCÍA GUIDES
- Spend a glorious 3 days in Seville, the capital of Andalucia.
- How to plan a day trip from Seville to Córdoba.
- Our guide to Málaga includes the best things to do, top beaches and great day trips.
- See the Alhambra with our guide to visiting Granada.
- Take a road trip through these beautiful white villages in Andalucía.
- How to visit Ronda on a day trip from Seville or Málaga.
- Read up on the best things to do in Cádiz.
- See the incredible history of the region in our 2-day itinerary for Córdoba.
- Hike the stunning Garganta Verde.
- Find secluded beaches near Tarifa ideal for kite-surfing or bum-sitting.
- Visit more interesting places in Andalucía.
- Read about all the best things to do on the Costa del Sol.
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This is one city which I have missed and I really want to get to. I know of the main sigths but you have gone a bit deeper and I noticed some places on here which I never heard of before which I really want to check out, like the Torre del Oro and the Casa de Pilatos. Would defo want to check out a flamenco show as well, I am sure my kids would find it a good experience as they both learning to dance right now. 🙂
Seville is one of our favourite cities in Spain, with so much great food and interesting things to do. Hope you can make it there soon Danik.
Seville is my favorite city in Spain. I made the mistake of not visiting the Cathedral or Giralda Tower and regret it now. I did visit as many palaces as possible and saw a flamenco show. Both were incredible and I don’t think it is possible to get better tapas than the ones in Seville
Sounds like a good excuse to get back to Seville then.
I love the variety of architecture around Seville! I cannot imagine seeing all of this in only 3 days, I feel like I would need to stay much longer to soak it all in. Great times for pre-booking to avoid lines, I want to be gazing at the incredible ceilings not stuck in line for them. I cannot wait to book a trip to Seville and visit each and every one of these!!
You could easily spend longer in Seville, just strolling around soaking it all in is a pleasure.
I have been wanting to put together a Spain itinerary since it’s one of the popular European countries that I have yet to visit. Seville has definitely made it on the list, and your guide was very helpful. I have to say, the food and drinks look amazing and made my mouth water when reading. Thanks for sharing!
Nice one. Yep, the food in Seville is amazing. Hopefully, you make it here someday soon.
I am really keen on exploring Andalusia region of Spain. I missed exploring it during my last visit to Spain. I remember seeing FLAMENCO show in Barcelona and really loving it.
Well, hopefully you can get back someday soon.
Wow that cathedral looks beautiful. I will definitely plan for it. I have never been to Spain and I have been making a list of places to visit when I am in Spain. I must say that your pictures are stunning and it surely convinced me to visit Seville. I will now add Seville to my list.
Glad to hear it. Hope you make it to Spain soon, it’s a wonderful place to visit.
A road trip to Seville has been long in order for us! We’ve been wanting to take our campervan and do a roadtrip through this area. We’ve only been to Barcelona so far but we know there is so much more to Andalusia than that. Your pictures are great, we hope to be taking the same when we get to go, possibly this summer! And of course eating all the amazing Spanish food, an absolute fave!
Ah! This makes me miss Europe SO much. I’ve never been to Spain, but this looks like the perfect place to explore. I love the Jewish quarter and how quaint it seems, but I’m always up for a beautiful cathedral, too. You were so thorough with your suggestions of what to do – thank you!
Thanks, Jennifer – glad you found it useful. I’m sure you’ll love Seville once you get there.
I am in love with Sevilla. Thanks to your blog. I loved how you listed down all the places to visit. They are really interesting. Especially climbing up the Parasol and soaking yourself into the views of the city. Alcazar is incredibly beautiful, the best among all.
Awesome! A city full of culture, history and beautiful architecture! – Parque De Maria Luisa looks heavenly! – I can just imagine myself strolling through there now! I had no idea Seville had so much to offer! – A 3-4 day trip will definitely be on the cards! Thanks for sharing ?
Nice job presenting this information in a visually pleasing and entertaining way! Love the layout, and Spain is definitely on my list.