Things to do in Seville Spain:
Insider travel tips for this passionate city
Originally published September 29, 2021.
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.
Las Cubiertas, the roof of Seville’s massive gothic cathedral.
Passionate Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, is a popular destination on just about any Spain travel itinerary. And once you see it, you will understand why.
We at Spain Less Traveled love Seville for so many reasons!
Seville is one of the most authentic Andalusian cities in Spain. Those who visit can feel the city’s radiating deep southern Spanish culture. You will quickly understand why it is one of the top destinations in Spain!
Full of art, architecture, nightlife, food scene (and drink), history, and passionate locals, Seville is one of those places that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime (and hopefully more)
Take some time to truly get to know the city because there are so many things to do in Seville Spain! Make sure to build ample days for Seville into your Spain travel itinerary, at least 3-4 days is the minimum recommended time, but we’ve sent clients to Seville for weeks!
Where is Seville Spain?
Map of Andalucía, Spain showing Seville (in the pink section) Image courtesy of VectorStock.
Seville Spain is located in the south of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalucía. The city is both the capital city of Andalucía as well as the provincial capital of Seville province.
Seville is Andalucía’s largest city and the fourth largest city in Spain.
The province shares borders with Extremadura as well as the Andaluz provinces of Huelva, Córdoba, Cádiz, and Málaga.
The province is landlocked but the Guadalquivir River flows through and has an “interior port” in Seville.
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Top picks for things to do in Seville Spain
The Cathedral and the Giralda Bell Tower
Just a fraction of the exterior of Seville’s Gothic cathedral and Moorish bell tower.
Perhaps the top thing to do in Seville Spain is visiting the largest gothic religious structure in the world, by volume. And it is immense! You will quickly realize this due to the amount of time it takes to walk around the cathedral’s exterior, and once you’re inside, the massiveness will blow you away.
And it wasn’t always a cathedral. Like many Spanish cathedrals, the Cathedral of Seville was built on the site of the great mosque, from when Seville was under Moorish rule. It retains some of its moorish traits including an orange tree patio. When the Azahar (orange flower) is in bloom in the early spring, the entire area around the cathedral is bathed in the signature scent of Seville!
Another Moorish remanent is, La Giralda, the bell tower which used to be the minaret of the mosque (the bottom part at least). You can climb the narrow ramp all the way to the top for some of the best views of Seville.
(Side note: la Giralda is one of just two structures left remaining from Seville’s Moorish times. The other is the Torre del Oro)
The cathedral has 80 chapels, the royal chapel houses one of the most controversial figures in history: Christopher Columbus. Say what you want of that and the murky history behind it, but the cathedral is a true gothic masterpiece.
For those interested in the architectural history of the cathedral, a tour of the roof(s), Las Cubiertas is a must. How many times in your life can you say you’ve been on the roof of the largest gothic cathedral in the world? Tickets must be reserved in advance. (Note: as of September of 2021, this tour is only available in Spanish.)
Add this top cathedral in Spain to your list of things to do in Seville Spain!
Real Alcázar of Seville
Interior of the Real Alcázar of Seville.
Imagine a maze of patios, fountains, intricate tilework, carvings, and archways, playing with light, darkness, and shadows. You have the Royal Alcázar and it is one of Spain’s most impressive monuments.
Oh, and scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here too, just to add to its status as one of the most popular things to do in Seville Spain.
The Real Alcázar of Seville is perhaps Spain’s best example of mudéjar architecture, a uniquely Spanish form, built by the Catholics to mimic the style of palaces from when the Moors ruled Spain.
The palace is only part of the complex. There is a massive garden, also designed with Moorish elements in mind, including the advanced aqueduct systems. Keep on the lookout for the resident peacocks amongst other birdlife).
Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance online. The Alcázar can easily sell out. Mornings are best for visiting as it’s when this popular monument is at its least crowded. And plan for a good chunk of time here, especially if you want to explore the gardens.
The Alcázar, along with the cathedral, are two of Seville’s monuments on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain!
Take a tour around Spain at the Plaza de España
Plaza de España.
Take a trip around Spain without leaving Seville (kind of)!
Seville’s massive Plaza de España is unlike other plazas in Spain. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition to be held the following year. It combines neo-mudéjar style with baroque and renaissance revival.
The pavilion buildings are used to house mostly government agencies. But the plaza itself is worth a visit. Cross the bridges over the little canal. You can even rent a boat to paddle the narrow waterways.
Pay close attention to the benches and enclaves in the plaza. Each one is a tribute to a different Spanish province. It is a tradition for Spaniards visiting Seville to get a photo in from of the monument of their home province, or their ancestral lands.
You can truly go all over Spain in a short visit to Plaza de España! Yet another reason this plaza should be on your list of things to do in Seville Spain.
Triana Neighborhood
Barrio de Triana.
Just across the Guadalquivir River from the historic center is the bustling neighborhood of Triana, .
The market of Triana is one of the best in all of Andalucía. Not only is it where locals do their shopping, but you can sample many of Seville’s local tapas at the food stalls. Here are some of our other favorite markets.
And speaking of tapas, if you’re hungry head to Calle Bétis, right on the river. Have a bite to eat and some drinks, and take in the views of the Guadalquivir.
Triana is also known for its ceramics. There are plenty of shops to buy a locally-made piece (just make sure it really was made locally!) And don’t stress, they ship worldwide. For those interested in learning a little more about the history of Sevillana ceramics, a quick stop by the Centro Cerámica is a must!
Many say flamenco was born right in the alleyways of Triana historically home to a large Romani community.
Catch a flamenco show
Flamenco in Plaza de España. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
And speaking of flamenco, yes Seville is the perfect place to catch a show! This is where you should see flamenco, not in Barcelona, not in Madrid, but in Seville.
“Where was flamenco born?” is a controversial question.
Some say in the caves of Granada.
Some say in Jerez de la Frontera or San Fernando: both in Cádiz province. But many say that Seville is flamenco’s birthplace.
There are many options of where to watch (and feel) this passionate Andaluz artform.
There’s a tabalo for every taste and budget. Some include dinner, some attract more tourists and visitors. Some are hidden in secret alleyways. Advanced reservations are usually required. Shows can (and do!) sell out and occupancy is limited. Do your research to find the most perfect flamenco show in Seville for you.
This piece of Spanish culture is a must on the list of things to do in Seville Spain!
Check out some of Seville’s other palaces
Casa de Pilatos.
Seville has historically been a city of great wealth. In the 1500s it received an official monopoly on all the riches coming in from the colonies in the Americas. And as such, many wealthy families resided in Seville during that time and built their own palaces.
Some of these historical palaces are open to visitors.
Casa de Pilatos is a favorite of many. Considered by many to be the prototype of Andaluz palaces, it’s a mixture of Italian Renaissance style with many Mudéjar elements. There are over 1500 ceramic glazed tiles!
Palacio de las Dueñas also has plenty of Mudéjar influences, mixed with gothic and renaissance styles. With its beautiful bougainvillea-filled facade, this palace is one of Seville’s most visited monuments.
Lovers of palaces will want to put both on their agenda of things to do in Seville Spain!
Take in the views from the top of the largest wood structure in the world
Top of Las Setas at sunset time.
Now for something more quirky and more modern: El Metropol Parasol or Las Setas as it’s more commonly called.
Sevillanos either love it or hate it! But there is no doubt that it is unique. And that is why it should be on the list of things to do in Seville Spain!
Las Setas is the world’s largest wooden structure. In the rough shape of a mushroom (seta is mushroom in Spanish), taking the elevator to the top always offers impressive views of Seville.
Sunset is a good time to go. But if you are looking for an almost psychedelic experience, the nocturnal visit with the lights show is the time to go!
Book a timeslot in advance as queues can sometimes be long (and it can sell out on occasion).
Alameda de Hércules
The Roman Columns at Alameda de Hércules.
Legend has it that Seville was founded by a demigod. A god who broke the mountain range that links Europe (Spain) and Africa (Morocco) to create the Straight of Gibraltar. And that god is Hercules.
True or not, Hercules is a beloved figure in Sevillano history. And he has his own Alemeda (or mall) named after him to mark just how significant he is here!
Flanked with Roman columns that represent Hercules and Julius Caesar, the Alameda de Hércules is a large square in Seville. Although these days it is mostly concrete, it was (at the time) one of Europe’s oldest public gardens.
These days, the area is known to be one of Seville’s most popular local spots for eating and drinking. Tapas bars, cocktail bars, and restaurants line the promenade, many with outdoor seating. On weekend nights, this area can get quite busy!
From time to time there are free concerts and other performances in the plaza. Chilling in the Alameda de Hércules is one of those things to do in Seville Spain that will truly make you feel like a local.
Barrio Macarena
Barrio Macarena.
Adjacent to the Alameda de Hércules is one of Seville’s hippest neighborhoods: Barrio Macarena.
Once a slum, this neighborhood has been transformed to attract young professionals from all over Spain. These days, you will find many boutique and vintage shops, restaurants, and galleries that cater to the local population.
The old Renaissance hospital (Cinco Llagas) is where the Andalucían parliament is housed, making Barrio Macarena the capital of Andalucía!
Calle Feria has one of Seville’s best food markets as well as flea markets (Thursdays). If you love flea markets make note of this for your things to do in Seville Spain list!
Those interested in Seville’s Moorish history will want to note that the most intact portion of the Almohad city walls can be found in Barrio Macarena.
And the Thursday of Semana Santa, the area around Basilica de la Macarena is a key point to catch a glimpse of the float honoring one of Seville’s most beloved virgins, La Macarena de la Esperanza, who the neighborhood is named after.
Seville’s Jewish History
Seville’s popular Barrio de Santa Cruz. This is the old judería and so many secrets are hidden here. Get a tour guide to learn more about them all!
Everyone who visits Seville falls in love with Barrio de Santa Cruz. Exploring this neighborhood is one of the top things to do in Seville Spain. Its narrow alleyways make it so charming. But it can get crowded with visitors.
If you divulge into the history of the barrio, you will learn that this was the part of Seville’s judería (old Jewish neighborhood).
Like many other cities in Spain, Seville has a rich Jewish history.
But unlike Toledo and Córdoba for example, the Sephardic heritage sites in Seville are much more hidden. Today the old synagogue is a church, Iglesia de Santa María la Blanca. And unfortunately, there are not any remnants of the synagogue left.
But what does remain are the stories and the legends. They really are something! And specialty Jewish-themed private walking tours are a great way to learn more about Seville’s interesting Jewish history. Here at Spain Less Traveled, we have access to some of the best tour guides that we work with in designing customized itineraries for our clients.
A tour through Jewish Seville is a must for anyone interested in Sephardic Spain!
Rent a bike
Sevici, Seville’s bike share scheme.
Seville is a big city - there are many sights outside of the historic center, and things are spread out. While there are buses and a small light-rail metro system, they can be slow. One of the best ways to see the city, get from point a to point b, (and get a workout in too!) is to rent a bike.
Seville is very bike-friendly. There are shops offering rentals around town, and the bike-share scheme is so easy to use, even for visitors. Grab a bike, and find those bike lanes and paths! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can get all over the city, even to some of the places a bit further afield!
Having a bike will really help you get through your list of things to do in Seville Spain!
Cruise down the Guadalquivir River
Puente de Triana (Puente de Isabel II) on the Guadalquivir River.
Seville is a city where the river is an intrinsic part of its history. Though it does not have beaches or a port like Málaga, Seville is located on the Guadalquivir River, and is one of the only cities in Spain with an inland port. The river that runs through Seville is very much part of the city’s identity.
There are several ways to explore the river on the river! Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular pastimes with Sevillanos.
And for the less adventurous, you can leisurely ride the river and soak in all of the sights that line the riverfront on one of Seville’s river cruises.
The Guadalquivir River offers many options for things to do in Seville Spain!
Tapeando in Carmona
The patio of the parador of Carmona.
Less than an hour east of Seville (city) is Carmona, a smaller Sevillana city known for its palaces and smaller monuments. Rich in history, Carmona makes for a great day trip from Seville.
Here you will find some old gates to the city such as Puerta de Sevilla and Puerta de Córdoba. The fifteenth-century tower was built to imitate Seville's Giralda. Another point of interest is the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción, a gothic church with stunning architecture, not unlike Seville’s cathedral.
But perhaps what Carmona is most known for these days is its culture of “tapeando” (tapas hopping). In fact, the tapas scene in Carmona is so world-class that the local government set up a ruta de tapas (tapas route). The tourist office can point you in the right direction with current opening times, so come hungry.
For those wishing to spend a night or two outside of the bustle of Seville city, Carmona’s parador is one of the most impressive paradores of Spain. It sits on the ruins of a Moorish fortress guarding over the city.
One of the oldest Roman settlements in Seville’s suburbs
Roman ruins in Itálica. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.
Just a few minutes outside of Seville city is the suburb of Santiponce. But this suburb has something most suburbs don’t: Roman ruins.
Itálica, located in Santiponce, is said to be one of the most antiquated Roman settlements in all of Spain. Because several Roman emperors were born here, Itálica quickly gained a high social class.
Like the fall of Rome, Itálica fell too. But travelers can view some interesting Roman ruins there including a huge amphitheater, which was one of the largest in the entire Roman empire! It’s not hard to imagine the gladiators in the past. And this amphitheater was used in Game of Thrones.
There are also a few other points of interest including Roman baths and a reconstructed Roman-style home.
If Roman ruins are your thing be sure that a visit to Itálica is on the list of things to do in Seville Spain!
(For more Seville day trips to some of the smaller surrounding cities, see our ultimate guide to Andalucía off the beaten path!)
Semana Santa in Seville
Semana Santa imagery. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.
Semana Santa is perhaps Seville’s (and Andalucía) biggest festival. Religious by nature (but plenty of rabble-rousing too), Semana Santa (or holy week) is always the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
During this week, the streets in the evening into the night are full of parades of processions of church-brotherhoods carrying elaborate floats. The processions start in the churches and snake through Seville’s narrow streets and alleyways and eventually arrive at the cathedral, often in the wee hours of the morning.
It is a spectacle that needs to be seen and can not really be described. Expect large crowds, closures, and delays getting around Seville. Just about every Spanish city, especially in Andalucía, celebrates Semana Santa. But Seville’s is the largest and the most next-level.
(Please note: some of the imagery can be triggering, mostly to people from the United States, as it closely resembles a key element of American racism. In Seville, and at Semana Santas throughout Spain in general, these outfits and customs are not linked to white supremacy. It can still be very jarring, especially at first)
Book far in advance if you want to experience Semana Santa in Seville. Accommodations and transportation fill up and sell out months beforehand.
Feria de Abril (April fair)
Feria de Abril. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro
It doesn’t get more Andaluz than Feria de Abril.
“April fair” in English, this festival is held every spring in Seville city (but not always in April).
Seville’s Feria de Abril traditionally happens two weeks after Semana Santa. So depending on when Easter is, the fair is either held in April or May.
It’s a week of traditional debauchery Sevillana style. Socializing, lots of sherry (jerez), Sevillanas music, dancing, eating, more drinking at parties that go late into the night. Everyone dresses up in traditional dress. While visitors will get a glimpse of it all over the city, most of Feria de Abril is private parties, held in casetas (stripped tents) on the fairground.
During Feria de Abril, you will find women dressed in colorful and elaborately patterned flamenco dresses (called “faralaes”), accessorized with shawls (mantón), big earrings, and flowers in their hair. And men get to join into the fun too, donning boots, a short jacket, and tight pants (called “traje corto”) along with a hat typical of Andaluz horse culture.
To access a private caseta, you must have an invite, which can be hard to get unless you have ties with a local organization or are friends with wealthy Sevillanos. But if you are lucky enough to score a much sought-after invite, be sure to enjoy this traditional slice of Sevillano life to its fullest.
That said, the city does open some public casetas where you can get a taste of Feria even if you do not have a caseta invite.
The perfect Seville Spain trip just for you
Where to stay in Seville Spain? How many days should I spend in Seville? How should I structure my days there? What is the best way to include Seville in a Spain travel itinerary?
Well, we can’t answer that for YOU since we don’t know you (yet). There are so many options.
What’s your budget? What kinds of amenities do you want? What kind of vibe are you looking for?
We offer Spain Travel Consultations for exactly this reason; to learn more about you and your unique travel style. Then we can give you personalized ideas, tips, advice, and recommendations for your trip to Spain.
You might also like to check out our other in depth guides by region.
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