Looking for the best things to do in Seville, Spain? Here’s our list of the best 13 attractions, activities, and must-visit spots in Seville.
When it comes to captivating destinations, Spain holds a special place in our hearts. From Barcelona and Madrid to Valencia, this European country has so many incredible cities to explore. Yet, among these Spanish gems, one city truly stands out for us: Seville.
Seville lies in the southernmost region of Spain at the heart of Andalusia. The city offers a rich history, fiery flamenco music, and stunning architecture. You can wander through Moorish palaces or marvel at its Gothic cathedral before dining your way through Seville’s tapas bars!
In this post, we’ll share the top 13 things to do in Seville. We’re sure that this city will capture your heart!
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Short on time? Our top recommendations for Seville include:
Real Alcázar – Explore the stunning fusion of Islamic and European architecture in a palace used by Spanish royalty for centuries. ↓ Jump to section
Boat Cruise – Cruise along the Guadalquivir River and see Seville’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. ↓ Jump to section
Seville Cathedral – Marvel at the third-largest church in the world and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic city views. ↓ Jump to section
Flamenco Show – Experience the passion and energy of this traditional Spanish dance. ↓ Jump to section
Setas de Sevilla – Watch a beautiful light show from the world’s largest wooden structure. ↓ Jump to section
13 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
1. Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar)
The Royal Alcázar of Seville, locally called the “Real Alcázar”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santa Cruz, the historic Jewish quarter of Seville. The complex features exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards.
Originally built as a fortress by the Moors in 913 AD, it later evolved into a royal palace. The Spanish King and other royal family members still use the upper floors when they visit Seville for official events.
Did you know? The Royal Alcázar is Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use today, with a history spanning over 700 years!
The palace complex has a unique blend of architectural styles. You’ll find elements of Moorish design, Gothic embellishments, Renaissance grandeur, and Baroque opulence.
What truly sets the Real Alcázar apart from other attractions in Seville is its beautiful gardens, which are filled with varied plants, vibrant flowers, arches, and mazes.
Our Top Tips for Visiting the Real Alcázar
- Purchase tickets online in advance if you want a specific time slot or day, especially during peak hours. Availability can be limited even during off-peak hours!
- Spend the extra fee to visit the Royal Bedroom (not included with general admission) – it’s absolutely worth it!
- Bring along a photo ID for the security check; we saw a few people without ID who were refused entry!
- Take advantage of free admission on Mondays for one hour (6-7pm from April to September, 4-5pm from October to March), but book your free Monday ticket 1-2 months ahead.
- Enter the palace via Patio de Banderas or Plaza del Triunfo. Google Maps may send you to the wrong place if you navigate to Alcazar de Sevilla (it did for us).
Admission and opening hours: General admission is €13.50 (≈ £12 or US$14), which includes access to the ground floor and gardens. For an additional €5.50 (≈ £5 or US$6), you can explore the Royal Bedroom. The Real Alcázar is open daily from 9:30am-5pm from November to March, and 9:30am-7pm from April to October.
You can buy your Real Alcázar ticket here.
2. Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
The Setas de Sevilla, commonly known as the Metropol Parasol, is an architectural structure atop Seville’s historic district. It consists of six giant mushroom-shaped wooden structures connected by winding walkways.
This massive structure was unveiled in 2011 and features 3,500 wooden pieces. Locals affectionately refer to it as “Las Setas” by locals, which means “The Mushrooms” in Spanish.
Did you know? Setas de Sevilla is the largest wooden structure in the world.
As you ascend the wooden canopy of Setas de Sevilla, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Seville’s skyline. It’s an ideal place to capture pictures of the cityscape, particularly during sunrise or sunset!
Our Top Tips for Visiting Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
- Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the queues and secure your desired time slot.
- Avoid midday and afternoon slots when the sun is strongest; there’s limited shade.
- We highly advise booking a slot for about 30-45 minutes before sunset for an unforgettable light show.
- Take the stairs near the gift shop instead of using the lift after your visit. As you descend, there are info boards with fascinating facts about Metropol Parasol’s history.
Admission and opening hours: Tickets to Setas de Sevilla cost €15 (≈ £13 or US$16). The structure is open from 9:30am-12:30am (30 minutes after midnight).
You can buy your Setas de Sevilla ticket here.
3. Casa de Pilatos
Casa de Pilatos (Pilate’s House) is an Andalusian mansion situated within Seville’s historic heart. It boasts an exquisite blend of Spanish and Renaissance styles and serves as home for the Dukes of Medinaceli.
As early as the late 15th century, when this house was constructed for a wealthy Sevillian family. Over time, various owners left their mark on the property.
Did you know? Casa de Pilatos is one of Seville’s largest private residences, covering over 10,000 square metres (108,000 square feet) and boasting extensive gardens, courtyards, and living spaces.
If you love Spain’s colourful azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles), this is THE place you have to see. The house has more than 150 different types of Spanish-glazed tiles – truly an impressive sight!
Our Top Tips for Visiting Casa de Pilatos
- Your entry ticket includes an audio guide you can access on your phone, so don’t forget your headphones!
- There are two types of tickets: a standard ticket that covers the ground floor and gardens, and a combo ticket that includes the standard ticket + a guided tour of the upper floor. We opted for the combo ticket, but we don’t think the upper floor significantly enhanced our experience. Save your money; the ground floor captures the essence of the house well enough.
- If you’re short on time in Seville and must choose between Casa de Pilatos and Palacio de Lebrija, our advice is to select Casa de Pilatos!
Admission and opening hours: Admission to Casa de Pilatos’ ground floor is €10 (≈ £9 or US$11). If you’d also like a guided tour of its upper floor, you have to pay an additional fee of €6 (≈ £5 or US$7). The house is open daily from 9am-6pm between November and March, and from 9am-7pm between April and October.
You can buy your Casa de Pilatos ticket here.
4. Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
Catedral de Sevilla, or Seville Cathedral, is an astonishing work of Gothic architecture in the famous Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. Right next to it is La Giralda, the iconic bell tower of the cathedral.
Did you know? Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world, surpassed only by St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and St Paul’s in London.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 15th century when it was built on the site of a former mosque. Its design reflects the transition from Islamic to Christian rule, with stunning elements like the Gothic vaults and Renaissance additions.
One of the cathedral’s most treasured features is the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. While the exact location of his remains is debated, this monument is a tribute to the explorer’s significance in Seville’s history.
In contrast, La Giralda is an exquisite example of Moorish architecture. It has an impressive height of 104 metres (342 feet). Instead of traditional stairs, you’ll climb it by a series of ramps, a unique design inspired by its former life as a minaret. Once at its top, you’re treated to panoramic views over Seville!
Make sure to visit Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees) within the cathedral complex. This historic courtyard is known for its peaceful ambience and rows of orange trees that date back to Moorish times when this area was part of Almohad Mosque.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Seville Cathedral
- Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.
- Your entry ticket to Catedral de Sevilla includes an audio guide. Just scan the QR code inside the cathedral with your phone, and bring your headphones!
- If you’d prefer to explore the cathedral with a local guide, we recommend this guided tour.
Admission and opening hours: Tickets to visit Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda (including audio guide) are €17 (≈ £15 or US$19). The cathedral is open daily from 10:45am-7:30pm, except on Sunday when it’s open from 2:30pm-7:30pm.
You can buy your ticket for Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower here.
5. Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park)
Parque de María Luisa is an impressive 100-acre park named in honour of Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda of Bourbon. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful parks in the world – and it should be on your Seville itinerary!
Did you know? The park gained international fame in 1929 when it hosted the Ibero-American Exposition. There are many iconic buildings and pavilions from this event in the park, including the Plaza de España.
Throughout the park, you’ll find numerous sculptures and monuments dedicated to historical figures and events. But one of the park’s standout features is, without a doubt, the Plaza de España, which we’ll cover later in this post.
Top tip: Here are a few spots you shouldn’t miss in the park: Fuente de las Ranas (fountain of the frogs), the building of the Museum of Arts and Popular Customs, Isla de los Patos (island of the ducks), Fuente de los Leones (fountain of the lions), Casa de los Pájaros (house of the birds), Plaza de América, and Estanque de los Lotos (water-lily pool).
Admission and opening hours: Parque de María Luisa is free to enter and open daily from 8am-10pm.
6. Flamenco Show
Flamenco is an iconic Spanish art form comprised of three components: singing, dancing, and guitar playing. UNESCO recognises it as one of the Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Whether dance is your passion or not, witnessing a Flamenco performance is sure to impress and offer insight into Seville’s history and spirit.
Did you know? Flamenco originated in Andalusia in southern Spain. Seville and the city of Cádiz are particularly recognised for their flamenco heritage.
Not sure if a Flamenco show is for you? We recommend starting your Flamenco journey by watching street performers, for example, in front of Plaza de España. Here, you can enjoy their performance for free. And if it strikes a chord with you, consider attending an authentic Flamenco show.
Many venues offer dinner packages that allow you to indulge in local cuisine while watching a live performance. Some highly recommended Flamenco bars are Casa de la Memoria and Pura Esencia Flamenco.
Admission: Tickets for Flamenco shows vary based on the venue and the show’s reputation. They typically range from €10-50 per person (≈ £9-43 or US$11-53).
You can check the availability and pricing of Flamenco shows here.
7. Palacio de las Dueñas
Palacio de las Dueñas has been the residence of the Dukes of Alba for more than 500 years, making it one of Spain’s most significant noble houses.
As you step through the palace’s gates, you’ll enter an oasis of luxury, from the elegant courtyards to its grand, gorgeous rooms filled with art and antiques.
One of the most remarkable features of Palacio de las Dueñas is its beautiful gardens, covering almost 10,000 square metres (108,000 square feet). You’ll walk along these manicured landscapes by centuries-old trees, fragrant blossoms and tranquil fountains.
Top tip: Unlike many other attractions in Seville, your entry ticket here includes a physical audioguide device, so you don’t need to bring your headphones.
Admission and opening hours: The Palacio de las Dueñas ticket is €12 (≈ £10 or US$13). The house is open daily from 10am-6pm October to March, and 10am-8pm April to September.
You can buy your Palacio de las Dueñas ticket here.
8. Plaza de España
Plaza de España, an architectural gem within Maria Luisa Park, is one of the most photographed spots in Seville. This iconic spot is undeniably one of the best attractions in Spain!
Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this expansive semi-circular square combines Renaissance and Moorish Revival architectural styles. Interestingly, the square’s circular design is said to represent Spain’s hug to its former colonies.
The central element of the square is its canal, connected by four magnificent bridges. Additionally, this plaza features over 7,000 ceramic azulejos (ceramic tiles) depicting scenes from Spanish history and literature – one of the world’s largest tile collections!
Did you know? Plaza de España gained international fame as the filming location for scenes on the planet Naboo in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”.
As you stroll along the canal, you can rent rowboats to paddle beneath the bridges.
Top tip: Visit the plaza early in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight beautifully illuminates its tiles and architecture.
Admission and opening hours: Plaza de España is free to visit and open daily from 8am-10pm.
9. La Maestranza Bullring
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla (also referred to simply as “La Maestranza”) dates back to the 18th century. This bullring has been the stage for legendary matadors and fierce bullfights for centuries.
Did you know? La Maestranza can accommodate around 14,000 spectators and is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
Although its tradition may be controversial, we found visiting the bullring on a tour to be an invaluable cultural experience!
Our Top Tips for Visiting La Maestranza Bullring
- Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of bullfighting in Spain. Explore key sites like Patio de Caballos, Capilla de los Toreros (Bullfighters’ Chapel), and the bullring itself.
- Purchase your tickets in advance; there’s typically a long queue in front of the ticket office.
- Enjoy a self-guided tour with an audio guide on your phone. Simply scan the QR code near the entrance and bring your headphones.
- If you prefer to explore the bullring with a local guide, join this 40-minute tour, which is available in Spanish or English.
Admission and opening hours: A ticket for a self-guided tour of La Maestranza costs €10 (≈ £9 or US$11). The bullring is open daily from 9:30am-7:30pm.
You can buy your ticket for a self-guided Real Maestranza tour here or check the availability and pricing of a guided tour here.
10. Plaza del Cabildo
Plaza del Cabildo is a hidden gem in Seville’s historical centre, El Arenal. The small square has a semicircular shape and boasts beautiful architecture with marble columns, frescoes, and arcades.
The name of Plaza del Cabildo comes from its former use as the location of the College of San Miguel, administered by the Cathedral Chapter, which in Spanish is called “Cabildo”. Therefore, Plaza del Cabildo can be translated to “Plaza of the Chapter House”.
Admission and opening hours: Plaza del Cabildo is free to enter and open daily from 10am-11:30pm.
11. Torre del Oro
Torre del Oro is an iconic landmark representing Seville’s maritime history and culture. Its name, which translates to “Golden Tower” in English, is believed to have come from its initial covering with gold tiles.
Constructed in the early 13th century, this 36-metre-high (118-feet-high) tower served as both a watchtower and defensive structure during medieval times.
Today, the Torre del Oro is home to Seville’s Naval Museum. Here, you can learn about the city’s maritime past through models, maps, and nautical artefacts.
You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the Guadalquivir River, the Triana district, and Seville’s historic city centre.
Top tip: While the entry fee is quite affordable, the view is quite limited and not worth the money. Instead, plan your visit on Mondays when entry is free.
Admission and opening hours: The Torre del Oro ticket is €3 (≈ £3 or US$3), and there’s free entry on Mondays. The tower is open from 9:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday, and 10:30am-6:30pm Saturday and Sunday.
12. Boat Cruise
As you glide along the Guadalquivir River, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like Torre del Oro and Triana Bridge (also known as Puente de Isabel II), while enjoying panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
We opted for this eco cruise, which was a delightful way to spend an hour in Seville.
Of course, there are a range of options available, from yacht tours to two-deck boats – and you can even kayak along the Guadalquivir River!
Check availability and pricing of boat tours & other water activities here.
13. Calle Sierpes
Calle Sierpes is one of the oldest streets in Seville. It dates back to Roman times when it was a bustling commercial centre. It spans about 400 metres (1,300 feet) and is lined by shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
Did you know? The street’s name, “Sierpes”, derives from the Spanish word for serpent. The serpents depicted on the street’s historic shields represent the twists and turns of the winding street.
At Calle Sierpes, you’ll come across various items, ranging from flamenco dresses and handcrafted ceramics to souvenirs. There are also street performers, like flamenco dancers and guitarists, who bring an element of Andalusian culture into the street.
Top tip: Enjoy a coffee or traditional Andalusian sweets in one of the historic cafés that line Calle Sierpes while people-watching.
Admission and opening hours: You can visit Calle Sierpes free of charge 24/7. Most shops are open from 10am-1:30pm and 5pm-8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-2pm on Saturday.
Interactive Map: 13 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
We’ve put together an interactive map for you to enhance your visit to Seville. It features all of the must-see spots and activities mentioned in this article.
How to use this map: To access the list of locations, click on the top left corner. For a larger view, click on the top right corner to open the map in a new tab. Alternatively, save our map to your Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
Other Sights & Activities in Seville
For our city guides, we carefully select only those activities we feel offer the highest value experience and sightseeing opportunities. However, if you have more time in Seville, consider these additional attractions:
El Rinconcillo – This is Seville’s oldest tapas bar, founded in 1670.
Mercado de Triana – We love to visit local food markets when visiting new cities because they allow us to experience authentic life in a city, such as Borough Market in London or the Great Market Hall in Budapest. While Mercado de Triana might not boast as grand an atmosphere as these acclaimed markets, it still gives a genuine glimpse of Seville’s culinary scene.
Museum of Fine Arts – This museum houses an expansive collection of Spanish art from the medieval period through the 20th century.
Sightseeing Tour by Bus – There are multiple vendors that offer tickets. We booked a ticket with City Sightseeing, which we’ve used in multiple cities all over the world. However, due to Seville’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets, we recommend this option only if your feet need a break.
Festivals and Events – Spring is the ideal time to experience Seville’s major celebrations: Semana Santa (Holy Week), a celebration with elaborate religious processions, and Feria de Abril (April Fair), with flamenco shows and lessons, horse parades, tapas vendors, and much more!
Palace of the Countess of Lebrija – This 16th-century palace is a beautiful historical residence in Seville. However, we prefer Casa de Pilatos and Palacio de las Dueñas over this palace.
Eurostars Torre Sevilla – This restaurant is located in Andalucia’s highest building and offers breathtaking views of Seville’s skyline and surroundings.
General Archive of the Indies – This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses an expansive collection of documents related to Spain’s overseas territories.
Day Trips – Seville’s central location is perfect for day trips to other cities: Unwind in coastal Cádiz (1.5 hours from Seville), visit Granada with its Alhambra Palace (2 hours) or explore Ronda with dramatic cliffs and an ancient bridge (1.5 hours). Gibraltar (2 hours) is another fun option with its unique British-Spanish blend and playful monkeys!
Best Time to Visit Seville
Perfect month to visit: September
For the best time to visit Seville, consider September. With low rainfall and plenty of sunshine, this month provides ideal conditions for exploring Seville’s activities.
Our second choice would be June and November, as shown by our graphic. February, April, and May usually also offer favourable weather conditions.
We would avoid July and August as Seville becomes very hot and dry during this period, with temperatures often surpassing 38°C (100°F). If you can handle the heat, this might be a good time to visit, as hotel rates and airfare tend to be cheaper. However, many locals leave Seville during these months, so some shops and restaurants might close earlier.
October sees the highest number of visitors, leading to longer queues. The other months typically bring more rainfall but may still provide rewarding experiences within the city.
How Long to Stay in Seville
Perfect duration to visit: 3 days
The ideal duration for your visit to Seville depends on your travel preferences and planned activities. We recommend 3 full days to experience Seville’s main landmarks. This also gives you time to experience some of the city’s culture, such as flamenco and tapas.
With 4-5 days, you have more time to explore Seville’s history and culture, take a day trip (we suggest heading over to Gibraltar!), or simply relax and take in its atmosphere.
Visiting Seville: FAQ
To help you plan your visit to Seville, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ):
What is Seville best known for?
Seville is well-known for its stunning architecture, blending Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Visitors flock to see Real Alcázar Palace and Seville Cathedral, the third-largest church worldwide! Seville is also famed as the birthplace of flamenco dancing and boasts a vibrant tapas scene, with countless bars and restaurants that serve these small plates of Spanish cuisine.
Is Seville worth visiting?
Absolutely! Seville is the perfect mix of history, culture and charm. You can discover its winding streets lined with orange trees, relax in its many plazas, and experience passionate flamenco performances. And as a foodie, you shouldn’t miss tapas! For us, Seville is easily one of the 20 most beautiful cities in Europe.
Is Seville a walkable city?
Seville’s historic centre is compact, and the major attractions are within walking distance. The narrow streets and alleyways of Seville’s old town are perfect for exploring the city on foot. For attractions located further out, buses and trams are available.
Why does Seville have so many orange trees?
When visiting Seville, you quickly notice the large number of orange trees. In fact, there are over 40,000 orange trees, making Seville the city with the most orange trees in the world. The oranges you’ll find in Seville are mainly of the bitter variety, which are typically not consumed but instead used decoratively. There was once a widespread belief that planting this type of orange tree would bring happiness to its owner.
Has Seville got a beach?
No, Seville isn’t located on the coast, so it doesn’t have a beach. However, you can easily access several beaches within 1-2 hours from Seville. Cadiz, Huelva and Malaga are popular beach destinations near Seville that you can visit to take advantage of sandy shores, clear waters, and various beach activities.
What food is Seville known for?
Tapas are an integral part of Sevillano life. Indulge in small plates featuring fresh seafood, cured meats, creamy cheeses, and local vegetables. Try iconic dishes like gazpacho (chilled tomato soup) and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpea stew).
Plan Your Seville Trip
Final Thoughts on Seville as a City Break Destination
As passionate explorers of Spain’s gorgeous cities, we find ourselves constantly drawn back to Seville.
After reviewing our list of must-see activities and attractions in Seville, perhaps you now understand why we love Seville so much! Whether it’s a European city break or part of an Andalusian road trip, Seville is a perfect destination.
If you’re looking for more city break ideas in Europe, check out our list of the 20 must-visit European cities that deserve a spot on your travel wishlist!
📸 All pictures captured with our Panasonic Lumix S5
14 comments
You showed all the beautiful angles of Seville with your captivating photos! I’ve heard about this city, now I know the reason why. It’s really lovely! How many days would you recommend to spend in Seville?
Thank you for your kind words about the photos, Gladis! For a memorable Seville experience, we recommend staying in Seville for at least 3 days to soak in the city’s main attractions.
I visited Sevilla in just a day trip and saw the Plaza de Espana and a few other places, but I missed the Metropol Parasol! Looks so cool. Guess I’ll need to go back (:
It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed your day trip to Sevilla, Taylor! The Metropol Parasol is definitely worth a visit, and we’re sure your next visit will be even more memorable with its inclusion.