I spent nearly a month exploring Seville. While the city is not at the top of every Spain itinerary, in my opinion it should be. Actually, I think it’s one of the best places to visit in all of Spain.
Why? Well, you’ll find an endless variety of high-quality (and affordable!) bars and restaurants, plus an impressive array of historical sites like Plaza de España and Torre del Oro.
After totally falling in love with this Andalusian city, I’ve narrowed down the list of my favorite activities in Seville. Before you dive in, though, bookmark my list of places to stay in Seville if you still need accommodation.
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Best Things to Do in Seville
Plaza de España
Take photographs at this massive and intricate palace-like square that totes almost 100 years of history.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
When you picture Seville, chances are you have an image of Plaza de España in your mind. Constructed in 1928, this square is located in Seville’s Parque de María Luisa and is a Spanish Renaissance style of architecture. Most of the buildings here are used by the government, but it’s an absolute must-see for the ambiance.
To be honest, I wasn’t filled to the gills with excitement when heading over to visit Plaza de España. It was a brutally hot summer day in Seville and I was worried that it was one of those tourist attractions that would leave me overwhelmed in the wrong way. Once I got there, I had this moment of shock as I stared face-to-face with one of the more beautiful structures I’d ever seen in my life.
👉 Pro Tip: Plaza de Espana is conveniently located right next to some of Seville’s other inviting attractions. Such as Parque de María Luisa, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, and the House of Science Museum. To maximize your time, you can visit all these spots in one afternoon.
Royal Alcázar of Seville
Get a glimpse at the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still used by the Spanish royal family today.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-502-324 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: €14.50, adults, Free under 13 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
The Royal Alcazar of Seville is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and probably the most well-known attraction in the city. It’s actually one of the most-visited places in all of southern Spain’s Andalusia region.
The reason it’s so famous is that the Alcazar is Europe’s oldest royal palace that’s still being used today. That’s saying something when you think about just how many palaces there are in Europe.
With all important places like this, I always recommend joining a tour to get the full experience and background on the location. For the Alcazar, go for this Cathedral, Alcazar, and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets. It gives you access to two of Seville’s other most important sites, La Giralda and Catedral de Sevilla.
Torre Del Oro
Visit one of the best-known landmarks in the city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-222-419 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Fri, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free (€3 donation encouraged)
When I first arrived in Seville, my welcoming Airbnb host slapped down a map on the table to start giving us the standard newbie recommendations. Almost immediately she assumed we had already been or were planning on visiting Torre del Oro. That’s how popular of a destination it is: it basically forces itself on your itinerary.
The 13th-century tower is located on prime real estate in the El Arenal neighborhood right on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. You can purchase a ticket or enter for free on Mondays. At the top, you’ll be greeted with clear views around Seville.
Once you’re done at the Tower of Gold, there are a bunch of delicious spots for tapas nearby like Taberna del Arenal.
Casa de Pilatos
Stop by one of Seville’s most popular cultural attractions, which holds a variety of architectural styles inside.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-225-298 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: €12 (main floor), €6 (upper floor)
I met a fellow traveler who once told me “If you’ve seen one historical building, you’ve seen them all.” After a few years of traveling myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that she must have never visited Casa de Pilatos before.
The grounds of this museum are designed with focused craftsmanship that leaves you in awe. But, my favorite thing about it is the beautiful gardens, plant life, and orange trees that live in the courtyard. It’s the perfect place for photographers to snag a few shots.
Seville Cathedral
Wander one of Seville’s top attractions – an imposing gothic cathedral that houses Christopher Columbus’ tomb.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (902)-099-692 | Website | Hours: 10:45 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm Sun | Entrance: €13 general admission | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
The Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Garnering it a reputation as being one of the most esteemed religious buildings you can visit. From the outside in, only one word comes to mind when you visit Seville Cathedral: magnificence. Everywhere you look in the Sevilla Cathedral is another expertly carved sculpture or detail.
The cathedral is located right smack dab in the center of the city. So you’ll be close to lots of other interesting Seville attractions like Patio de Los Naranjos, La Giralda, and Archivo de Indias.
That’s the cool thing about the most famous Seville sights. It’s easy to see them all in just a day or two thanks to their conveniently clustered location.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Stand beneath or head up to the walkway on top of this mind-blowing wooden sculpture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (606)-635-214 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 12:30 am daily | Entrance: €15
The Metropol Parasol, also known as the Las Setas de Sevilla, is one of the most easily recognizable structures in the city. Located in the Plaza de la Encarnación, this giant wooden structure is hard to miss. When I saw it down the street without knowing about it, it totally blew me away.
One of the best parts about this attraction is that you can see it from below. Then, take an elevator up to walk along a walkway on top.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Go shopping in this cute, central neighborhood that’s near many of the city’s interesting sites.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily
There are quite a few different neighborhoods in Seville, Spain. But my top choice for where to stay in Seville is Barrio de Santa Cruz.
The central neighborhood of Santa Cruz is a vibrant, history-rich district with plenty of shopping and sites close by. In Santa Cruz, you’ll be within walking distance from the Alcazar, Murillo Gardens, and Plaza de la Santa Cruz.
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by about a hundred top-notch tapas bars, like most areas of Seville, Spain. One of my favorites (and lots of other people’s) around here is Bodega Santa Cruz.
🛏️ Need a hotel? One of the reasons why Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Seville is its abundance of hotels that range from budget to luxury. Hotel Rey Alfonso Xoffers what almost any traveler is looking for. Appropriate prices, comfortable rooms, and one of the top locations in all of Seville.
Parque de Maria Luisa
Spend the afternoon getting to know Seville’s largest park with lovely spots to relax, monuments, and even a museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-473-232 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
I’m a firm believer that places like parks and markets give visitors a special kind of glimpse into a new city. If you’re looking for a glimpse into Seville, Spain, then look no further than Parque de María Luisa. This massive park is hard to miss as it’s about triple the size of all the city’s other green spaces.
Maria Luis Park is known for its giant trees and a variety of birds that roam freely such as ducks, parakeets, and swans. Along with a calm manmade lake and monuments dedicated to poets and historic figures. It’s a simple solution to an empty afternoon once you’ve already hit all of Seville’s other spots.
Museo de Bellas Artes
Peruse one of Spain’s most valuable art collections from geniuses like Zurbarán and Murillo.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-786-498 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Tue-Sat, 9 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €1.50
It’s always a good idea to stop at a museum or two when you’re getting to know a new city. In Seville, Spain, the first museum you should make a bee-line for is the Museo de Bellas Artes or the Museum of Fine Arts.
Located in the skeleton of an old palace, this museum gives visitors the chance to see one of the most impressive art collections in all of Spain. Including Spanish works from the Middle Ages all the way until the 20th century.
Mercado de Triana
Pick up the freshest ingredients or just check out the local fare at this market that even has a museum on-site.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (674)-074-099 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 3:30 pm Mon, 8 am – 3 pm Tue-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free
Remember my earlier statement about markets and parks? Well, when you’re done at Maria Luisa Park you can get a very intimate feel for Seville at Triana Market. Located on the opposite side of the Guadalquivir River, the Triana Market is an indoor bazaar. It has vendors selling all local produce, wine, and pre-made meals.
It’s one of the most affordable places to grab a bite to eat in the whole city, so it’s a terrific option for travelers on a budget in Europe. There are tons of places to grab a quick bite of tapas, a pastry, sangria, or even a handicraft souvenir.
The most unusual feature of Mercado de Triana is its museum complete with archaeological pieces in the basement.
Plaza de Toros
Stop by this huge traditional bull-fighting ring built over 250 years ago that still holds events today.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-210-315 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 3 pm Tue-Thu & Sun, 9:30 am – 7 pm Fri, Sat & Mon | Entrance: €10
Bull-fighting is a long-standing tradition across the country of Spain. But it is held in especially high regard in the southern Andalusia region where it originated. In Seville, you’ll find one of the oldest bull-fighting rings in the world – Plaza de Toros. Although the full name, Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, is much more of a mouth full.
Even if you’re not into the idea of attending a show, the ring itself is still a very cool site to see. It looks great on camera, too.
Castillo de San Jorge
Step inside a medieval castle near Triana Bridge that was a headquarters and prison during the Spanish Inquisition.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-470-255 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Entrance: Free
⚠️ Closure Note: Castillo de San Jorge is temporarily closed until further notice.
Castillo de San Jorge gives visitors a crucial peek into a critical piece of Seville’s history – the Spanish Inquisition. Lasting for hundreds of years, this was a brutal time that left a huge impact on Seville and Spain as a whole.
The castle served as a headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition and where individuals put on trial were imprisoned. Today, you can walk through this piece of Spanish history and learn about the impacts of this period. Plus, it’s free to enter so there’s nothing stopping you!
Murillo Gardens
Relax a while in the beauty of this urban park with occasional Flamenco shows right near many of the city’s historic sites.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-471-232 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free
If you’re going to be sticking to a strict budget while you’re in Seville, it’s always good to have a few free attractions ready to go.
One of those places is the beautiful Murillo Gardens. This sizable urban park is a lovely spot to relax on those hot Seville afternoons and there are sometimes even events happening here.
Casa del Flamenco
Catch a riveting performance of the famous local dance in a home-turned-theater from the 15th century.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-029-999 | Website | Hours: Depends On The Show | Entrance: Depends On The Show
You can’t possibly come to Seville and not see a classic Flamenco show. It’s a rite of passage and a key piece of the city’s history. There are quite a few places to catch a Flamenco show, with Casa de la Memoria and Casa de la Guitarra being popular options.
However, if you have the chance, go to Casa del Flamenco. It’s a famous, cozy theater that puts on one of the best Flamenco shows in Seville.
Palacio de las Dueñas
Explore the greenery-covered courtyard of this lavish palace that boasts over 1,400 works of art and historic furniture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-214-828 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: €12
Another one of Seville’s little gems from history is the 15th-century Palacio de las Duenas. This building is just gorgeous. The palace in itself is worth visiting for its colorful gardens and pristine courtyard. But, it’s also a fun stop to check out the thousands of artworks and cultural items.
Hospital de Los Venerables
Get acquainted with the paintings of local legend Diego Velázquez in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-564-595 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 3 pm Sun | Entrance: €12
The name of this Seville attraction is a little misleading. It’s not a hospital at all and got its name from its original purpose as a care facility for the elderly and poor.
Today, it’s one of the coolest landmarks and art galleries in the city. Mainly featuring works by Sevillian painter Diego Velazquez and other local artists.
Guadalquivir River Boat Cruise
Hop aboard a luxurious vessel and sip drinks along the river with options to see riverside monuments or enjoy a Flamenco show.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (661)-278-826 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Depends On The Package
The Guadalquivir River runs right alongside the city of Seville. After you’ve gotten your fill of appreciating it from land, you can join a riverboat cruise for a new perspective.
These fun outings are customizable to your preferences. It can include stops at historical sites along the river or even a Flamenco show.
Sal Gorda Tapas Bar
Munch on a tapas spread with offerings like red tuna tartar and prawn risotto.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 4:30 pm & 8 pm – 11:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
One of the reasons I really fell hard for Seville was the abundance of delicious food. Out of all the incredible restaurants I ate at in Seville, my favorite by far was Sal Gorda Tapas Bar. It has a prime location right in the center of the city and some of the tastiest risotto I’ve ever had.
Be warned, though. This place gets super busy from opening until close. Arrive super early or late if you want to secure a table.
Dulcería Manu Jara
Make a dessert pitstop at this beloved bakery that’s known for its wild variety of sweet cakes and bread.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (675)-873-674 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free
I’m a sucker for a baked good in the middle of the day. If you’re also a fan of the sweet stuff, you’ll love Dulceria Manu Jara in the Triana neighborhood. This bakery is known for its sugary cakes filled to the brim with icing and its fluffy bread.
Le XiX
Dive into the Seville nightlife scene at this trendy cocktail bar in the heart of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (690)-135-880 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 1 am Mon-Thu, 4 pm – 3 am Fri & Sat, 4 pm – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Seville isn’t as much of a party central as its eastern neighbor of Barcelona, but it still has a nightlife scene in its own right. If you’re looking for somewhere to kick off an evening of dancing and cocktails, check out Le XiX in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It’s the ideal jumping-off point for an entire night of fun in Seville.
Make sure you order one of their outside-of-the-box house cocktails, too.
CaixaForum Sevilla
From indie film screenings and concerts to children’s workshops and cultural exhibits, this eclectic venue has it all.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-657-611 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: €6
If you’re looking for somewhere in Seville to entertain your kids for the entire day, CaixaForum Sevilla might be the answer. Check out their calendar – on a rotating basis, this cultural center puts on a wide variety of events from movie screenings to kid’s workshops.
👉 Read Next: Top Things to Do in Spain
FAQs About What to Do in Seville
Is Seville worth visiting?
The city of Seville in the south of Spain is absolutely worth visiting. Seville offers visitors a wide variety of attractions and some of the best food in the country. This Andalusian city is unique for its charming atmosphere that’s great for single people, couples, and families alike.
How many days in Seville is enough?
Three days in Seville is enough to get a good feel for the city. This is enough time to get acclimated and wander around freely. Plus, try the local specialties and a bunch of the local restaurants. However, there are a lot of things to see in Seville and visitors could easily spend a week or more in the city.
Is Seville expensive?
Seville is considered one of the cheapest Spanish cities. Compared to other big cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid, Seville is actually very affordable for visitors and locals. However, the prices in Seville are inflated during certain seasons. During April, for example, it gets more expensive because annual festivals happen around this time. That’s why it’s so important to research the best time to visit Spain for you.
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Where in Seville are you going first? Let me know in the comments below! Before you go, remember that you need to pack the right stuff to have fun at Seville’s many sites. Make sure you read my Spain packing listbefore you finalize the contents of your bag.
Have fun in Seville!
🖨️ Get a free, printable version of my Spain packing list here!
(Featured Image Credit: Mirko Kuzmanovic / Shutterstock)
– Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this article.
