15 Top Attractions in Seville: The Ultimate Seville Travel Guide
I’d go as far as saying Seville is Andalusia’s hottest destination. And I’m not just referring to the weather here. From delicious tapas to Moorish palaces, vibrant streets, and countless parks; Seville is a great destination to wander and has a way of capturing your heart. You may be here days before you see everything, so hopefully, this travel guide with a list of top attractions in Seville will help you plan your trip to the Andalusian capital.
Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain filled with beautiful architecture, vibrant history, and some of the most delicious food. I loved my visit to Seville. It is a big university town and is a more affordable destination than cities like Barcelona or Madrid.
From bustling plazas, orange-scented courtyards, and flamenco dancing, Seville is a city that should be on everyone’s Spanish itinerary. There are so many amazing things to do in Seville. A visit to the Andalucian capital means discovering rich architecture while also diving into Spanish tapas, flamenco, and toro. This Seville travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know from the best things to eat, top attractions, and best places to visit in Seville.
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Best Time to Visit Seville
Seville is a great city to visit year-round. However, it’s far more enjoyable to enjoy when temperatures are not as extreme as in summer.
- Shoulder seasons are a great time to visit Seville. The months 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.
- Winter in Seville is relatively mild compared to other places in Europe. This time of the year is also an excellent time to visit to avoid crowds and get a great hotel deal.
How Many Days in Seville?
While you could see some of the top attractions in Seville in a day, we would recommend at least three full days to see the best of Seville at your leisure.
There is so much to see and do in Seville; it would be a shame to rush your time in this magical city. Plan your days and book your tickets in advance, so you can optimize your time and make the most of it during your time in Seville.
Getting to Seville
The international airport in Seville is only 15 – 20 mins from the city center 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. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Seville from Madrid and around 6 hours from Barcelona.
Getting Around Seville
Seville is a compact and incredibly walkable city. You can easily get around Seville on foot. However, if the heat is too much for you, you can easily hop onto the tram that runs through the city.
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 top attractions in Seville within a day.
15 Top Attractions in Seville
Here are some of the best things to do in Seville. These are Seville’s top attractions and you should easily be able to cover these in three full days
1. Visit the Real Alcázar of Seville
The Réal Alcazar (Royal Alcazar) is a “must-see “in Seville. Within its walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a history that spans over a thousand years, from the Arabic, Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The Royal family still uses the upper rooms as a personal residence when they visit Seville. During your visit, you’ll come across beautiful tile-covered rooms, well-manicured gardens, fountains, towers, and an incredible palace. Make sure you don’t miss the decadent baths in the basement, the Labyrinth, and the English gardens. If you are lucky, you’ll see some beautiful peacocks around here
Allow at least 2 hours to walk through this famous tourist spot. If you are not visiting the Royal Alcázar as part of a guided tour, I would highly recommend purchasing an audio guide on the way in. You can hire one for roughly €2.
If there is one place you shouldn’t miss in Seville, it’s the Réal Alcazar. Not only is it one of the top attractions in Seville, but it’s also one of the top highlights in Spain.
Tip: As the Royal Alcázar is one of Seville’s most popular attractions, you can expect long queues. It is highly advisable to purchase skip-the-line tickets online in advance of your visit to avoid standing in large lines.
Tickets are purchased for an allotted entry time. We recommend booking the first-time slot and being first in line at the opening. It’s best to get in early and get ahead before the crowds so you can enjoy the palace and its grounds. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Seville.
2. Seville Cathedral
With 80 different chapels, Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located right next to the Alcázar.
With countless spires and arches and stained-glass windows, the architectural beauty of this cathedral is like no other. From the patterned floors to the spectacular ceilings and everything in between, you’ll spend a few hours admiring the sheer beauty and magnificence of this cathedral.
The cathedral is also the burial place of Christopher Columbus.
Tip: Seville’s cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, and Giralda Tower are amongst the top attractions in Seville, so I would strongly recommend investing a couple of extra euros in a skip-the-line ticket and booking this well in advance.
3. La Giralda
The Giralda Tower is one of the most recognized symbols of Seville and a top highlight of the city. You can go to the top of the Giralda Tower and admire the magnificent panoramic view over the whole city of Seville. There are a series of ramps that lead to the top of the tower, so no steps to climb.
Tickets can be bought jointly with the Seville Cathedral.
4. Barrio Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz district, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is the historic heart of the city. With its whitewashed houses, pretty little patios, and small squares, you’ll enjoy exploring this vibrant neighborhood. You’ll find a lot of the top Seville attractions located here. This area can therefore get quite busy and is filled with tourists throughout the year.
Walk through the streets or grab a coffee or drink at one of the many cafes or bars. If you are looking for souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of shops along the city’s main shopping strip.
5. Casa de Pilatos
The Casa de Pilatos is a beautiful palace that was built in 1540. Located in the historical center of Seville, Casa de Pilatos is characterized by its fusion of Italian Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudejar architecture.
The palace has a gorgeous courtyard at the center of the palace with grand columns, statues, and a beautiful fountain.
Tickets can be purchased on-site for access to the ground floor only or to both the ground and upper floors, which includes a guided tour of the palace’s fascinating past.
6. Plaza De España
With its gorgeous fountains, canals, and Venetian – style bridges, Plaza De España is a must-see attraction in the Andalucian capital. It is one of the most beautiful squares I have visited and was one of my top things to do in Seville It’s a visual feast with its colorful and incredible architecture which provides a very relaxing experience that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting Seville.
Running around the edge of the main building are colorful mosaic-tiled alcoves representing the 48 different regions of Spain. In front of the benches runs a curved 515-meter canal spanned by four bridges, each representing one of the ancient Kingdoms of Spain. Today, the plaza houses many government offices.
You can spend the day wandering through the plaza and even hire a rowboat if you would like to take a romantic boat ride down the canal. The stairs on the right side of the square lead to a terrace with a great panoramic view.
The best part, it’s free to walk around the Plaza and explore its beautiful and intricate architecture.
7. Parque María Luisa
Maria Luisa Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Spain located within walking distance from the center of Seville. If you are looking for some peace away from the city center, this is the perfect place to come to.
You can wander Parque de María Luisa’s beautiful tree-lined boulevards and explore the park’s monuments and pavilions. Carry a picnic to enjoy in the stunning gardens or if you are feeling up to it, hire a bike and take a ride. You won’t be disappointed.
8. Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza (Seville Bullring)
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza 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 ring can seat approximately 12,000 people. The best time to catch a bullfight is during Seville’s annual fair held in April. While the museum is open all year round, if you would like to see a bullfight, the season typically runs from April to September.
You can find the bullfighting schedule for Seville here. You can also take a tour around the backstage, the bullfighting museum, and a gallery filled with bullfighting art.
9. Visit the Torre Del Oro
Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River is the Torre del Oro, also known as the “Tower of Gold”. It gets its name from the bright shimmering hues that reflect from the river. The tower is within walking distance from Plaza de Toros.
The ornate watch tower was built in the early 13th century and it is believed that the Kings intended to use it as an escape route. Today the Tower is used as a maritime museum displaying miniature models and former navigation tools.
You can purchase a ticket and go to the top of the tower where you’ll get a nice view of the Cathedral, the river, and the Triana district.
10. Triana District and Mercado de Triana
One of the best things to do in Seville is to cross the Guadalquivir River for a visit to Triana District. This is probably still the most authentic part of the city where you’ll find true Sevillian culture. it’s famous for its flamenco and painted local craft stalls that line the streets. The main way in is via the Isabel Bridge close to the bullfighting arena.
Just at the end of the bridge, to your right, you’ll find the famous Mercado de Triana which is where you can find some of the freshest produce, authentic cured meats and cheeses, freshly caught fish, and plenty more.
There are a few restaurants and tapas bars here too, so be sure to pop in and sample some delicious Spanish cuisine. Pick up a few items from the market, especially if you plan to visit Maria Luisa Park. You can carry these items with you and have a lovely picnic. It’s a great way to save money when you are on holiday.
The best part of this market is the cooking school where you can learn how to make some delicious Spanish cuisine. I’d highly recommend taking an evening class once you are done with all your sightseeing. It’s well worth the money and an amazing experience. Nothing like going back home and being able to cook up an authentic Spanish meal for your family and friends. We still cook Paella at home to this day and are constantly reminded of our experiences in Spain.
The Mercado de Triana is open daily. Most shops and stalls will close by around 2-3 pm, though the restaurants will stay open later.
11. Watch a Flamenco show
Since the art of flamenco dance originated in Andalusia, there’s no better place to get an insight into Spanish culture than in Seville. There are three parts to the flamenco performance: the song, the guitar, and the dance. A flamenco performer will usually begin standing, at first, and then begin a steady beat of clapping and stamping with her foot. As the song progresses, she will break into a graceful dance. She may use both her feet and her hands for percussion. Sometimes folding fans are also included.
Whether you are into this kind of thing or not, I would highly recommend watching a show as the experience itself is just so fabulous. There are so many places you can catch a show. You can check out this flamenco show which includes only a ticket entry or this show which includes a drink. Check for reviews and see if you can get tickets for a show in the Triana district preferably. Don’t miss out on this, you’ll thank me for this later.
If you are looking for things to do in Seville at night, put a flamenco show on your itinerary. No matter the time of year you can be sure that there will be flamenco shows happening across the city on any evening. It makes for a perfect romantic evening.
12. Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol, also known as the Mushroom, is the largest timber-frame structure in the world and offers some of the best views in Seville. Be sure to take a stroll through the upper levels, it’s definitely one of the top attractions in Seville and certainly is a hit with tourists.
The Parasol is one of the world’s largest wooden structures and is essentially a giant art piece. It’s about 150 meters long and about 25 meters high and is made from six connected parasols.
The wood is crossed together to form a shape and texture that looks a lot like a collection of mushrooms, earning it the nickname “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms).
There’s a small museum in the basement with some ruins and artifacts from the Roman and Moorish periods. The ground level has a local market where you can snack on some tapas and drinks.
It costs €3 to get to the top of the Metropol Parasol and enjoy a 360-degree view of Seville.
13. Hop on Hop off Bus
If you are short on time in Seville or need to give your feet a break, the hop-on-hop-off bus is a great way to get your bearings and see the city at your own pace without having to plan a thing. I love this option which includes the hop-on hop-off bus, scenic cruise, and guided walking tour through the main districts such as Santa Cruz, Triana, Maria Luisa Parc, and Plaza España.
The bright red, open-air, double-decker bus is one of the fun things to do with kids in Seville. The bus passes by some of the top attractions in Seville, from the cathedral, Plaza de España, and Maria Luisa Park.
14. Take a Tapas Food Tour
This one is great for all those foodies visiting Spain. Seville is world-renowned for its tapas. With hundreds of tapas bars found throughout the city, tapas culture is an integral part of life in Seville. And one of the best places to take a tapas food tour is in Seville where you’ll be able to sample everything from traditional tapas and wine to classic Andalusian dishes.
There are plenty of options when it comes to food tours. You can choose from three-, four- or five-hour tours which will lead you through busy city streets, hidden alleyways, as well as local marketplaces. This tapas tour showcases the best tapas on offer in Seville and includes a tasting of at least 10 tapas and 5 drinks. It’s a great way to make plenty of stops and taste your way through Seville.
15. Enjoy Tapas at The Oldest Bar in Seville
If you don’t make it on a tapas tour, make sure you pop into El Rinconcillo. El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in Seville and holds its title with great pride. You’ll find some of the most traditional tapas in town here. So be sure to swing by and grab some delicious tapas while you are in Seville.
Things to Eat in Seville
Seville is the home of tapas, and you’ll find plenty of tapas bars in the alleys and winding streets around the city center and along the riverside.
Each joint tends to have its specialty so you can crawl from one bar to another and try something delicious everywhere you go.
It’s important to know that the definition of tapas varies all across Spain. In Seville, tapas are small plates of food and you usually pay for your tapas unlike in cities like Granada. You’ll usually find 3 variations:
- Tapas
- Raciones (full plates)
- Media raciones (half plates)
If you’re unsure what tapas to dive into first, here are a few things to try while you are in Seville
- Secreto ibérico: Delicious pork that melts in your mouth
- Carrillada de credo: Pork cheek, usually cooked in a wine reduction, is tender and full of flavor
- Patatas Bravas: Roast potatoes in a spicy sauce
- Chipirones: Deep-fried baby squid
- Cazón en adobo: Fried fish, usually shark that has been marinated in cumin, oregano, vinegar, and lemon
- Salmorejo soup: A cold tomato soup typically topped with bits of cured ham and hardboiled egg. Perfect on a hot summer day
- Manzanilla: Delicious sherry wines.
- Montaditos: Small sandwiches that can be had with a beer or a glass of sherry
- Oxtail Stew
- Pulpo: octopus
- Croquetas:
- Churros: Churros in Seville are also known as Calientes and they are typically airy and dipped in
More time in the Andalucian capital, here are a few more things to do in Seville
Visit Museums
- Museo de Bellas Artes has a collection of paintings by great Andalusian and Spanish painters
- Museo del Baile Flamenco, where you can attend a performance
- Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, displaying traditional Andalusian clothes
- Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija with its mosaics, paintings, and tapestries
- Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo showcasing a collection of paintings and ceramics
- Museo de la cerámica: showcasing ceramic art
Seville Churches
While the cathedral will leave you speechless, Seville has a few beautiful churches that you must visit.
- Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
- Iglesia de Santa Ana
- Parroquia de San Lorenzo
- Basilica de la Macarena
- Parroquia de Santa Catalina
Things to do in Seville with kids
Here are some of the top attractions in Seville that are great for kids
Seville Aquarium
The aquarium is a great place to take kids. There’s plenty to see here and you can keep kids occupied for hours at a time. A great way to cool down during the hotter hours of the day.
La Isla Mágica
La Isla Mágica is an amusement park that is divided into rides as well as a water park with slides. The park offers a wide array of rides and games, water activities, 4D cinema, and live shows. Plus, it has plenty of restaurants to grab a quick bite. The Isla Magica is very close to the historic city center of Seville so you can easily walk there.
Just be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the line at the ticket counter. The park is suitable for all ages but, as in all parks, there is height restrictions for some of the attractions.
Best Day Trips from Seville
- Cordoba: Cordoba is one of the easiest day trips to take from Seville. It takes only 40 minutes by train. The city is known for its magnificent Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, as well as the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and its beautiful gardens. There are plenty of guided tours that leave from Seville to Cordoba.
- Ronda: Ronda is built on top of a rocky mountain and is one of the most beautiful villages to visit around Seville. It offers great panoramic views over the surrounding valleys.
- Cadiz: Cadiz is only about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Seville and makes a great day trip if you have the time. You can visit Cadiz cathedral, Plaza de San Juan de Dios, The castle of San Sebastian, and The Roman Theatre
- Malaga: Malaga is a beautiful coastal city in Andalusia. Famous for the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, The Roman Theatre of Malaga, and the Cathedral, there’s no shortage of things to do in Malaga.
- Granada: While Granada is a bit further away from Seville, it’s definitely a city where you need a few days to explore. Rather than rushing with a day trip from Seville, I’d highly recommend you add Granada to your Spanish itinerary and spend 2 to 3 full days there. You’ll be able to visit the world-famous Alhambra, The Albaicin district, and the “Miradors” amongst other attractions.
If you have only 1 day in Seville, I would highly recommend you focus on these top attractions in Seville:
- Visit Seville Cathedral
- Explore the Real Alcazar
- Walk in the Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Have lunch at a local establishment
- Be awestruck at Plaza de España
- Take a stroll through Maria Luisa Park
If you want to make the most out of your day in Seville, you can also take the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. It includes guided visits to the Plaza de España, Triana district, and Sant Cruz district. Click here to book your tour now.
2 days in Seville
With 2 days in Seville, you can cover a few more attractions in addition to the first day described above.
- Climb to the top of the Torre del Oro
- Walk through the Triana district and Mercado de Triana
- Enjoy a traditional Paella for lunch
- Then go to the Casa de Pilatos
- Climb to the top of the Metropol Parasol in the late afternoon
- Attend a flamenco show.
3 days in Seville
With 3 days you can finish discovering the top attractions in Seville and still have time to relax at a park or even revisit some of the other attractions.
- Visit Plaza de Toros de Seville
- Visit a museum
- Lunch break
- Go back to Plaza de España, because it’s that amazing.
- Enjoy a cooking class at Mercado de Triana
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
Seville FAQ
1. What is Seville famous for?
The most popular attractions in Seville are the Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and Plaza de Espana. Catching a flamenco show is also considered one of the top attractions in Seville.
And then of course there is the food in Seville that you must try. Within hundreds of tapas bars, there is no shortage of places to dine at.
2. What can you do for free in Seville?
- Walk through the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz
- Visit Mercado de Triana
- Walk by the Guadalquivir River and enjoy the view from Giralda Tower (free to enter on Sundays)
- Have a picnic at the gorgeous María Luisa Park
- Explore the colorful Plaza de Espana.
3. What is good to buy in Seville?
- Handcrafted ceramics
- Olive oil
- Hand-painted foldable fans
4. What is there to do in Seville at night?
There are so many things to do in Seville at night. You’ll never be short of a way to fill your evening. Like most cities in Europe, Seville is magical after dark.
- You can grab a meal or head out for a drink as most Spaniards eat and drink quite late.
- Catch a flamenco show at one of the well-known establishments.
- Take an authentic Spanish cooking class at Mercado de Triana.
- Head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for a cocktail and a view of the beautiful Saville Cathedral at night
15 Top Attractions in Seville: The Ultimate Seville Travel Guide
- Visit the Real Alcázar of Seville
- Seville Cathedral
- La Giralda
- Barrio Santa Cruz
- Casa de Pilatos
- Plaza De España
- Parque María Luisa
- Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza (Seville Bullring)
- Visit the Torre Del Oro
- Triana District and Mercado de Triana
- Watch a Flamenco show
- Metropol Parasol
- Hop on Hop off Bus
- Take a Tapas Food Tour
- Enjoy Tapas at The Oldest Bar in Seville
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