15 Best Things to Do in Seville (Spain)

Visit the Alcazar

The Alcazar is a stunning palace located in the heart of Seville, and it’s one of the top attractions in the city. Visitors will be amazed by the intricate detail and beauty of the palace, which features a mix of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance. The Alcazar was originally built in the 14th century as a palace for the Muslim rulers, but it was later expanded and renovated by the Christian monarchs. The palace is adorned with beautiful gardens and fountains that are a must-see.

One of the most impressive parts of the palace is the Hall of Ambassadors, which features a stunning ceiling decorated with golden stars. It’s also worth taking a stroll through the gardens, which are full of hidden corners, beautiful fountains, and exotic plants.

Explore the Cathedral

The Cathedral of Seville is one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world, and it’s a must-visit attraction in the city. The cathedral was built in the 15th century on the site of a former mosque, and it’s home to numerous works of art, including paintings by Murillo and Goya. Visitors will be amazed by the sheer size of the cathedral, which covers an area of more than 11,000 square meters. One of the most famous attractions in the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which is located near the altar.

Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower, the Giralda Tower, for stunning views of the city. The climb is not too difficult, as there are ramps instead of stairs, and the views are worth the effort. It’s also worth taking a stroll through the beautiful Patio de los Naranjos, a peaceful courtyard filled with orange trees and fountains.

Climb the Giralda Tower

The Giralda Tower is a symbol of Seville and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It was originally built as a minaret for the mosque that once stood on the site of the Cathedral, but it was later converted into a bell tower. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the city. The climb is not too difficult, as there are ramps instead of stairs, making it accessible to almost anyone.

The tower offers panoramic views of the city, including the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Plaza de España. The tower is also home to 25 bells that chime every quarter hour, making for a unique auditory experience.

Walk through the Santa Cruz neighborhood

The Santa Cruz neighborhood is one of the most charming and picturesque areas in Seville. It’s located in the historic center of the city and it’s full of narrow streets, beautiful squares, and lovely patios. Visitors will feel as if they’ve been transported back in time as they walk through the winding streets and admire the white-washed houses with wrought-iron balconies.

Some of the most notable attractions in the neighborhood include the Plaza de los Venerables, a beautiful square surrounded by restaurants and bars, and the Casa de Pilatos, a stunning palace that combines Gothic and Mudéjar architectural styles. Visitors can also explore the many hidden courtyards, called patios, which are full of colorful plants and flowers.

See the Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is one of the most iconic sights in Seville. It was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, and it’s a beautiful example of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. The plaza features a large central square, a canal, and beautiful tiled alcoves representing different provinces of Spain.

Visit the Metropol Parasol

The Metropol Parasol is a modern architectural marvel located in the old quarter of Seville. It’s a massive wooden structure designed to resemble a giant mushroom, and it’s the largest wooden structure in the world. Visitors can walk on top of the structure for stunning views of the city. The structure is especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated with colorful lights.

Visitors can also explore the Antiquarium, an archaeological museum located beneath the structure that displays the remains of a Roman settlement that once occupied the site.

Watch a Flamenco Show

Flamenco is an essential part of Seville’s cultural heritage, and watching a live performance is a must-do experience. There are many venues in the city that offer Flamenco shows, from intimate bars to large theaters. Some of the most famous Flamenco shows in Seville include the Tablao El Arenal and the Casa de la Memoria.

Visitors will be mesmerized by the passionate music, dance, and singing that make up this unique art form.

Enjoy the Park of Maria Luisa

The Park of Maria Luisa is a beautiful green space located in the heart of Seville. Visitors can take a stroll through the park’s winding paths, admire the beautiful fountains and sculptures, and relax in the shade of the trees.

The park is also home to several museums and attractions, including the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, the Archaeological Museum of Seville, and the Plaza de España.

Explore the Triana neighborhood

Triana is a historic neighborhood located across the Guadalquivir River from the city center. It’s known for its traditional ceramics, lively bars, and flamenco culture. Visitors can take a stroll through the streets to see colorful houses and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Some of the must-visit attractions in the neighborhood include the Triana Market, a bustling indoor market that’s a great place to sample local food, and the Ceramics Museum, which displays the history of ceramics in Seville.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Seville is home to one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in Spain. The museum features exhibits from the prehistoric era to the Middle Ages, including Roman mosaics, Islamic ceramics, and medieval weapons.

Visitors can also see the famous “Treasure of El Carambolo,” a collection of gold jewelry from the Tartessian civilization that dates back to the 8th century BC.

Admire the Fine Arts Museum

The Fine Arts Museum of Seville is one of the most important art museums in Spain, featuring works by famous artists such as Murillo, Zurbaran, and Valdes Leal. The museum is housed in a former convent and includes a collection of religious art, as well as paintings from the Golden Age of Seville.

Visitors can see works such as Murillo’s “The Young Beggar” and Zurbaran’s “Saint John the Baptist.”

Take a bike tour

Biking is a fun and efficient way to explore the city. There are many bike rental companies in Seville, and guided bike tours are also available. The city has a well-developed bike lane network, making it easy and safe to explore. Some popular bike tours include the Seville Bike Tour and the Seville Electric Bike Tour.

Eat Tapas

Tapas are small plates of food that are a staple of Spanish cuisine. Seville has a vibrant tapas culture, with many bars and restaurants offering delicious options. Some must-try tapas include Iberian ham, tortilla de camarones, and salmorejo.

Visit the Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro is a historic tower located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It was built in the 13th century by the Almohad dynasty and served as a watchtower and defensive fortification. The tower gets its name from the gold tiles that used to adorn its exterior.

Today, it houses a maritime museum that displays the history of navigation in Seville, including models of ships and navigational instruments.

Go to a bullfight

Bullfighting is a controversial tradition in Spain, but it’s still a popular form of entertainment in Seville. The bullfighting season runs from April to September, with the biggest event taking place during the Feria de Abril festival.

Visitors can watch as matadors face off against bulls in a spectacle that’s both thrilling and controversial. It’s important to note that bullfighting is a divisive issue, and some visitors may prefer to skip this activity.