Tailoring your visit to Seville in Spain? Interested in the very best things to do in Seville? I’ve been in your shoes. After visiting Seville, here are my recommendations of the top things to do in Seville!
Are you planning a trip to Seville? If so, hurrah and congrats!
Marvelous Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And if you ask me, irresistibly elegant Seville is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, along with Florence and Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Seville is one of the best cities in Spain worth traveling to.
Beautiful Seville comes with a unique mix of Andalusian, Islamic, Gypsy, and Jewish cultures with an aristocratic vibe that leaves no one indifferent.
If you are after an unforgettable time in Seville, heer’s the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Seville.
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WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE:
BUDGET:
For You Hostel Sevilla – is a fabulous hostel in downtown Seville. The hostel is in a beautifully renowned 18th-century old house. It offers both private and dormitory rooms.
MID-RANGE:
Puerta Catedral Indias Lofts – is a wonderful apartment complex in the heart of Seville and within walking distance to all famous Seville attractions. The apartments come with the best views of the Old Town of Seville.
UPSCALE:
Hotel Casa Del Poeta – is an exceptional 4-star hotel in the historic center of Seville. Staying in this luxury hotel grants lifelong memories of Seville.
Seville things to do
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
1. ADMIRE PLAZA ESPANA
The magnificent Plaza de Espana is most likely the first thought that comes to everyone’s mind when someone mentions Seville.
Amazing Seville’s Plaza de Espana is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. And one of the must-see Seville attractions, of course.
That’s why I’m starting this selection of the best things to do in Seville with a visit to the iconic Plaza Espana.
Extraordinary and unrepeatable Spain Square in beautiful Maria Luisa Park in Seville was built in 1928 on the occasion of the Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair that was held in Seville in 1929.
The spectacularPlaza de España complex was built in a fantastic mix of the Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Moorish Revival (Neo-Mudéjar) styles.
The complex was created in the shape of a large half-circle with the main Maison and several buildings, four bridges, and the central Vicente Traver fountain. But, the colorful tiles of the Alcoves of the Provinces are some of the most interesting and attractive parts of the complex are .
2. UNWIND IN MARIA LUISA PARK
The above-mentioned Plaza de Espana is located in arresting Maria Luisa Park.
Maria Luisa Park is an impressive public park and a botanical garden along the Guadalquivir River in the southern part of Seville.
Sevillanos are so proud of the stunning Maria Luisa Park. It’s their favorite place for relaxation among the greenery.
The most beautiful part is the central part designed in the Moorish paradisical style with beautiful pavilions, lovely ponds, tiled fountains, and areas with stylized flowers and oranges, palm trees, pines, and many other Mediterranean trees and plants.
3. VISIT ALCAZAR
Breathtaking Alcazar Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.
Royal Alcazar Palace is a landmark of Seville.
The gorgeous Alcázar of Seville was built for five hundred years in the incredibly beautiful Mudéjar style with some elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
Throughout history rulers of Seville were changed a few times (from Muslim-Arab Caliphs to Christians). So, the form, purpose, and architectural styles of the Alzacar palace changed with their residents.
The Alcazar Palace is located just a few steps from Seville’s Cathedral and in near proximity to the General Archive of the Indies. The complex of Alcazar Palace, the Cathedral, and theGeneral Archive of the Indies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Naturally, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Seville.
So, choose Royal Alcázar of Seville: Skip-the-Line Ticket or Seville: Alcázar Guided Tour with Priority Entrance to skip the long queues at the entrance to theAlcázar.
4. ADMIRE ALCAZAR GARDENS
Roaming the Alzacar Gardens is one of the most beautiful things to do in Seville.
Wonderful gardens connected to the Alcazar Palace include eye-catching green areas with fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables.
If you would like to see what fairytale gardens look like, roam the Alzacar Gardens. Let me remind you, royal Alcazar and the Gardens were a filming location for the Game of Thrones.
Book Game of Thrones and Roman Empire Italica Tour in Seville and check out Game of Thrones’ 7th and 8th season filming locations.
5. CHECK OUT SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
Majestic Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the fourth largest cathedral in the world overall.
Seville Cathedral was built in the period from 15th-19h century. It was built in the same place in Seville where the first cathedral, a converted mosque stood.
The Great Mosque of Seville was built in the 12th century duringAlmohad Caliphate at that time al-Andalus, but after the conquest Christians converted the mosque to a cathedral in the 13th century.
In the 14th century, earthquakes damaged the cathedral, and a new cathedral was built during the next 4 centuries.
The cathedral has 15 doors on the 4 sides, 80 chapels … and it represents an architectural masterpiece.
UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. So, it’s obvious why visiting one of the greatest cathedrals is one of the top things to do in Seville.
Get your priority access to Seville’s Cathedral and book Alcázar and Cathedral Guided Tour & Priority Access in Seville
6. CLIMB THE GIRALDA TOWER
Famous Giralda Tower is the Seville Cathedral’s bell tower.
It is actually the former minaret of theGreat Mosque of Seville. The graceful Giralda Tower represents one of the finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in Spain.
The Giralda Tower has been a landmark of Seville since the Middle Ages. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cathedral, Alcazar Palace, and the General Archive of the Indies.
Besides that, the tower provides some of the most impressive panoramic views of Seville. Climbing Giralda Tower for the panoramic views of the city is one of the best things to do in Seville.
The queues in front of the Cathedral and Giralda Tower are often extremely long.
Book in advance your tickets to skip the lines and save your precious time in Seville:Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Skip-the-Line Ticket
7. SEE TOMB OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Seville was the place from where Christopher Columbus and the Spanish conquistadors departed to discover the New World more than five hundred years ago.
Inside the Seville Cathedral stands the tomb of Christopher Columbus, one of the most famous explorers in the world’s history.
The tomb is a unique monument depicting four kings of the four regions of Spain (Castilla, Leon, Navarra, and Aragon) carrying the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
The tomb holds the remains ofChristopher Columbus, although there is a certain controversy around the true resting place of the explorer. Some researchers claim Seville to be the place, some Dominican Republic.
However, the tomb is a unique and impressive monument well-worth seeing.
8. VISIT CHURCH OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR
Iglesia Colegial del Salvador Seville stands in the Plaza del Salvador in Seville and just next to the Cathedral.
In fact, the ticket for the Cathedral includes a visit to the Iglesia Colegial del Salvador as well.
The Church of the Divine Saviour is the second most important church in Seville and the second largest church in Seville, after the Cathedral.
The church is decorated in beautiful Baroque style. If you appreciate sacral art, you will enjoy visiting theChurch of the Divine Saviour in Seville.
9. HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES AND VELAZQUEZ CENTER
The Hospital de Los Venerables is a former shelter for venerable priests (old, disabled, and poor) built in the 17th century.
The residence represents one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. It has a typical Seville courtyard with marble columns, tiled decorations, and a central fountain.
Besides that, there is a jaw-dropping Baroque church with incredible frescos and beautiful paintings within the complex.
Today residence hosts the Velázquez Center. The center exhibits masterpieces of Diego Velázquez, a genius Baroque painter.
The Hospital de los Venerables is located in the Barrio de Santa Cruz.
10. EXPORE BARRIO DE SANTA CRUZ
The Barrio de Santa Cruz is well-known as the prettiest neighborhood of Seville.
The lovely Santa Cruz neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood in Seville. It was a medieval Jewish neighborhood until 1492 when Jews got expelled from Spain by the infamous Edict of the Expulsion of the Jews.
The Barrio de Santa Cruz, or the Neighborhood of Holy Cross, is a charming neighborhood with many cozy tapas bars, cafes, elegant restaurants, and trendy shops in the center of Seville.
Wandering the picturesque medieval twisting streets, and narrow alleys with white-washed houses and orange-trees-shaded plazas of Barrio Santa Cruz is one of the most romantic things to do in Seville.
The Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, Alcazar Palace and Gardens, and the General Archive of the Indies are located in the Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville.
11. EXPLORE AMAZING TAPAS BARS IN SEVILLE
Spanish cuisine is well-known for its flavorsome tapas. Take a tapas bar tour in Seville and sample traditional and modern tapas in different bars and learn about traditional Andalusian food.
Discovering the best tapas bars is the yummiest thing to do in Seville! 🙂
12. TAKE A FABULOUS BOAT TOUR ON THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER
The Guadalquivir river that flows through Seville is the only navigable river in Spain.
Historically speaking, it’s one of the most important rivers in Spain as well. Many battles and conquests were held on the river in history. Even grand Ferdinand Magellan sailed theGuadalquivir river from Seville when starting his first trip around the world.
Today Guadalquivir riverfront is one of the main streets in Seville. Strolling the Guadalquivir riverfront is one of the most enjoyable and free things to do in Seville.
For the ultimate experience take the fabulous Guadalquivir Yacht Tour w/ Drink & Food Options in Seville.
13. CLIMB TORRE DEL ORO
The Torre del Orro was a Moorish military watchtower on the bank of the river Guadalquivir.
Imposing Torre del Orro, or Tower of Gold was built in the 12th century. Today this strategically important medieval watchtower is a landmark of Seville.
Torre del Orro provides some of the best views in Seville. Climbing Torre del Orre for impressive views of the mighty Guadalquivir river and grandiose Seville is one of the top things to do in Seville.
14. EXPLORE TRIANA QUARTER
Triana is Seville’s historic neighborhood of potters, artisans, flamenco artists, sailors, and the working class.
Seville’s Triananeighborhood is located on the right bank of theGuadalquivir river, opposite the city center.
The heart of the Triana neighborhood is the Mercado de Triana set in the building of the historical inquisitional court. The market has market stalls with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats, but also shops and bars for sampling traditional Andalusian food. Besides that, some of the best of Seville’s tapas bars and cervecerías are in Triana!
Check out the3.5-Hour Spanish Cooking Class & Triana Market Tour in Seville and taste some local food with a glass of classic Sherry wine!
But remember, Triana is famous for pottery production. If you want to buy an authentic souvenir in Seville, choose some Andalusian pottery in one of the amazing ceramics shops in Triana!
15. WATCH AN AUTHENTIC FLAMENCO SHOW
There’s no proper visit to the capital of Andalusia without watching an authentic Flamenco show.
Take your seat, grab a glass of Sangria along with tasty tapas and watch an exciting Flameco show at the famous Baraka Sala Flamenca in Triana in Seville!
The show and the setting are something to write home about!
16. ENJOY THE SUNSET VIEWS FROM METROPOL PARASOL
Bizzare Metropol Parasol is a one-a-kind wooden structure made in the form of a giant mushroom.
Sunny Seville is well-known for its unbearable summer heat. Quirky Metropol Parsol was built to provide some shade in summer and to make some additional shaded parking places in Seville.
Metropol Parasol is one of the largest wooded structures in the world, along with the Great Eastern Temple in Japan, Kizhi Pogost in Russia, and the Tillamook Air Museum in the USA.
The panoramic terraces of the upper levels of Metropol Parasol provide unbeatable 360-degree sunset views of Seville.
Admiring the views of Seville in a sunset from the top of the Metropol Parasol is one of the best things to do in Seville.
17. REAL MAESTRANZA BULLRING AND MUSEO TAURINO
Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is the iconic bullring in Seville. It is the oldest bullring in Spain and a landmark of Seville.
The bullring was built in the 18th century. However, some final touches were done over the next hundred years. The spectacular white and yellow bullring hosts 18.000 people. Seville’sPlaza de Toros is considered to be the most beautiful bullring in the world.
The bullfighting season in Seville goes from March to September, with the peak during Feria de Abril.
The Museo Taurino (Bullfight Museum) shows the history of bullfighting from the 18h century to modern times. There is also an annexed chapel where matadors pray before the fight.
Check out Seville: Bullring Skip-the-Line Ticket and 1-Hour Tour
18. CASA DE PILATOS
Seville’s Casa de Pilatos is an extraordinary 16th-century palace built in the Italian Renaissance style with Roman mosaic floors and exquisite Mudéjar decorations.
The Casa de Pilatos represents the finest example of the Andalusian palace. The palace features elegant salons, gorgeous patios, exciting gardens, beautiful fountains, and one of the largest azulejo tiles collections in the world.
Seville’s Pilate’s House is the largest private palace in Spain. It has been a residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli for centuries.
Today one part of the palace is a museum open to the public.
The Pilate House is located in the Casco Antiguo neighborhood in Seville.
If you are an art lover or architecture enthusiast, you will enjoy visitingSeville’s Casa de Pilatos.
19. ARCHIVO GENERAL DE INDIAS
The General Archive of the Indies is the main Spanish archive with historical documents (maps, photos, drawings, diaries…) related to the colonial Indies, or the New World.
The archive holds documents associated with the New World from the 16th to the 19th century (from the Tierra del Fuego to the southern US and the Philippines) in Seville.
The archive has about 9 km of shelves and 80 million pages of documents and it’s set in a monumental building of ancient merchant’s exchange in Seville.
The entrance and visits to the archive’s exhibitions are free.
If you are looking for the top free things to do in Seville.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, the Alcazar Palace, and the Gardens.
20. THE THREE KINGS PARADE IN SEVILLE
The Three Kings Day (Día de Los Reyes Magos), also known as the Epiphany, is one of the most important holidays in Spain.
It happens on January 6 every year. The holiday commemorates the day when according to the Bible three kings (Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) brought their gifts to baby Jesus.
In line with the Catholic heritage and tradition, kids in Spain receive their Christmas gifts on the Three Kings Day (just like baby Jesus did) and not on Christmas.
The Three Kings parade (Cabalgata de Los Reyes) in Seville is one of the most spectacular and must-see events in Spain. It happens on January 5, one day before the Epiphany. The Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) arrive on enormous floats in a grandiose procession to the old city of Seville. The parade with the Three Kings, their pages and ladies, floats, and carriages go through the streets of Seville for 6 hours. The crowds (adults and children) cheer to the Three Kings who throw candies at them.
The 6-hour Three Kings parade in Seville is a joyful and colorful event. The Three Kings Day (Día de Los Reyes Magos is one of the most festive fiestas in Spain.
The Three Kings Parade in Seville is an event you need to see in Seville!
21. HOLY WEEK IN SEVILLE
Experiencing the Holy Week in Seville is one of the top things to do in Seville, Andalusia, and beyond.
Celebration of the Holy Week in Seville is one of the two top annual events in Seville.
Semana Santa de Seville, or Holy Week in Seville, is observed by spectacular processions during which sensational sculptures and masterpiece images are carried. Various religious brotherhoods dressed in unique robes organize distinctive processions from their churches to the Seville Cathedral and back. The peak of the Holy Week’s processions happens on Holy Thursday night until Good Friday dawn.
The tradition of the Semana Santa de Seville dates back to the Middle Ages.
If you are looking for unique things to do in Seville, check out the outstanding Semana Santa in Seville.
Celebrating Semana Santa in Seville means having an unforgettable Easter in Spain.
Check out 3-Hour Holy Week History and Church Tour in Seville.
22. FERIA DE ABRIL
The Feria de Abril, along with the Semana Santa, is the most important event in Seville.
Sensational Seville April Fair takes place two weeks after the Holy Week and it lasts for seven days. This massive fair features a thousand ‘casetas‘(celebration tents), horse carriages’ parades, and an amusement park with roller coasters … and of course,people gathering, singing, dancing, eating, and having fun!
The Seville April Fair is set along the bank of the Guadalquivir River in Seville.
Book Private Luxury Tour of Seville Easter Fair and enjoy the Seville Fair.
23. SEVILLE TO GRANADA DAY TRIP
Beautiful Granada is home to glorious Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, the famous old Arabic quarter of Albayzin, and popular caves of the gypsy quarter of Sacromonte.
It takes only about 3 hours by car, 2 hours and a half by train and about 5 hours by bus to Granada from Seville.
But if you are time-limited, the wisest choice is to opt for a day tour from Seville to Granada.
Check out Granada: Full-Day Trip from Seville with Transfers or Day Trip to Granada from Seville: Alhambra and Albaicín.
24. SEVILLE TO CORDOBA DAY TRIP
Charming Cordoba is one of the most beautiful places in southern Spain.
Lovely Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site), beautiful Juderia, thehistorical Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river, splendid Roman mosaics, captivating Arab courtyards with gorgeous fountains and exotic flowers, trees, and aromatic plants.
It takes only 45 min by train, and about 2 hours by bus or train from Seville to Cordoba.
But if you are short on time, the best is to go for a day tour from Seville to Cordoba:Cordoba Day Trip from Seville
This tour From Seville: Full-Day Tour of Córdoba and Carmona goes to amazing Cordoba and beautiful Carmona( one of the oldest towns in Europe).
25. SEVILLE TO MALAGA DAY TRIP
Sunny Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol.
Vibrant Malaga is famous for sandy beaches, Michelin-star restaurants, elegant tapas bars,the 11th-century Gibralfaro Castle, the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba,Ataranzas Market, and 30 museums (especiallyPicasso Museum andPicasso Museo Casa Natal), and beautifulLa Manquita cathedral.
It takes 2 hours and 20 min by car, 2 hours by train, and about 3 hours by busfrom Seville to Malaga.
But you could take a private transfer from Seville to Malaga with a visit to incredible Ronda and kill two birds with one stone.
26. SEVILLE TO RONDA DAY TRIP
Gorgeous Ronda is the most spectacular white-washed town in southern Spain.Ronda is best known for its mountaintop setting above a deep gorge.
Ronda is home to the oldest bullring in Spain.Ernest Hemingway and Alexander Dumas especially loved Ronda.
It takes less than 2 hours by car from Seville to Ronda.
If you are short on time and you would like to visit authentic whitewashed villages in southern Spain, along with Ronda, take From Seville: Pueblos Blancos and Ronda Full-Day Trip
27. SEVILLE TO CADIZ DAY TRIP
Cadiz is the oldest city in Spain and the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe.
In addition, Cadiz is a wonderful seafront city with lovely sandy beaches, great tapas bars with yummy Spanish seafood tapas, a charmingBarrio El Pópulo neighborhood, a monumental cathedral, andSan Sebastian Castle (a UNESCO site), and Santa Catalina Castle.
It takes about one hour and 20 min by car, an hour and a half by train, and an hour and 40 min by bus from Seville to Cadiz.
But Cadiz Full-Day Guided Excursion from Seville provides the ultimate comfort if you are not traveling by car and you don’t prefer depending on public transport.
28. SEVILLE TO PUEBLO BLANCOS DAY TRIP
Visiting authentic pueblo blancos (white villages) in Andalusia is one of the most amazing things to do in southern Spain.
Some of the most beautiful Andalusian white villages are in proximity of Seville and they can easily be visited on a day trip from Seville. The majority of people who visit Seville choose to tour Ronda and pueblos blancos in one day: Pueblos Blancos and Ronda Full-Day Trip From Seville
29. SEVILLE TO JEREZ DAY TRIP
Jerez de la Frontera is the city of flamenco, Sherry wine, Andalusian horses, and well-preserved Andalusian culture and traditions. Jerez is the heart of Andalusia.
Touring bodegas and tasting Andalusian wines with some toothsome Andalusian tapas inJerez de la Frontera is one of the best things to do in Andalusia.
People who are short on time, usually choose a combo tour of visiting Jerez and Cadiz: Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera Day Trip From Seville or Jerez, Cádiz, and Andalusian Horses From Seville.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Booking.com
BUDGET:
For You Hostel Sevilla – is a fabulous hostel in downtown Seville. The hostel is in a beautifully renowned 18th-century old house. It offers both private and dormitory rooms.
MID-RANGE:
Puerta Catedral Indias Lofts – is a wonderful apartment complex in the heart of Seville and within walking distance to all famous Seville attractions. The apartments come with the best views of the Old Town of Seville.
UPSCALE:
Hotel Casa Del Poeta – is an exceptional 4-star hotel in the historic center of Seville. Staying in this luxury hotel grants lifelong memories of Seville.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SEVILLE
The best seasons to visit Seville are spring and autumn. The air temperatures in summer (June-August) go above 40ºC in Seville. Pleasant air temperatures for touring Seville are from February to May. April and May are great months for visiting Seville for the amazing events (Holy Week and Feria de Abril).
The best months to travel to Seville are the spring months (March, April, and May) and the autumn months (September, October, and November).
HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE
San Pablo Airport Seville Airport serves the city of Seville and southern Spain.
The airport connects Seville with 42 European and North African destinations. The EA city buses connect the airport with Seville’s downtown.
A bus ride from Seville Airport to Plaza de Armas in downtown Seville takes 35 minutes on average.
A taxi ride from Seville Airport to downtown Seville takes about 20 minutes on average.
However, there’s no train between Seville Airport and downtown Seville.
Check out flights to Seville Airport: Search Skyscanner!
HOW TO VISIT SEVILLE FROM MADRID
Seville from Madrid by train
The best way to travel from Madrid to Seville is by train.
The high-speed train Renfe AVE connects Madrid and Seville. 20 trains a day run from Madrid to Seville. A train ride between Madrid and Seville lasts 2 h and 30 min on average. The average train ticket from Madrid to Seville costs € 50.
Seville from Madrid by bus
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Seville is by bus. A bus ride between Madrid and Seville lasts about 6 h and 20 min. The average bus ticket from Madrid to Sevilla costs around € 34.
Seville from Madrid by bus
The distance between Madrid and Seville is 330 mi (530 km).
Rent a car in Madrid and head to Seville. Seville is within 5 hours by car from Madrid.
By car, you get the freedom to see Seville and Andalusia at leisure without depending on public transport.
Seville from Madrid by plane
Madrid and Seville are connected by 8 flights every day. The average flight between Madrid and Seville lasts 1 h and 10 min.
Check out flights from Madrid to Seville: Search Skyscanner.
