TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE, SPAIN

Soak up the Andalucian sunshine and enjoy the scent of orange blossom as you wander Seville’s historic streets and grand plazas.

This regional capital of southern Spain sits inland on the Guadalquivir River. Shaped by various cultures over the centuries, Seville’s highlights include the grand Gothic Cathedral and Giralda tower, the ornate Moorish Alcázar palace, and the lively Triana and Santa Cruz neighbourhoods.

If you’ve always wanted to visit Seville, joining an escorted tour with Just You makes discovering the city fun and stress-free for solo travellers.

Our Costa de la Luz holidays include a full day in Seville, with plenty of free time to explore this historic Spanish city.

WHAT TO DO IN SEVILLE

Seville’s city centre is small and walkable, so you can see a lot – even in one day. Our Seville guide will help you choose the must-see sights and experiences.

Alcázar de Sevilla, Patio de las Doncellas

1. Real Alcázar (Royal Palace)

The Real Alcázar of Seville is a must-see. Built for King Peter of Castile, Europe’s oldest royal palace is still in use. Along with the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Plaza del Triunfo.

The palace began as a 10th-century Islamic citadel and later became a residence for Christian monarchs. The architecture is a beautiful mix of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, with some of the finest Mudéjar design in Spain.

Highlights include the Palacio de Don Pedro, with its gold-tiled dome, geometric plasterwork and decorative wooden ceilings. Also look out for the Lion’s Gate, the Hunting Courtyard, the Courtyard of the Maidens and the peaceful baths of María de Padilla. Outside, the extensive gardens charm with shaded patios, fountains, tall palms, a myrtle maze and peacocks.

The Alcázar is also famous as a filming location for the TV show Game of Thrones.

2. Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral, officially called Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, is the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral.

Built in the 15th century on the site of a former 12th-century Almohad mosque, it symbolises Seville’s wealth and power. The complex includes La Giralda bell tower, and inside you’ll find Christopher Columbus’s tomb in a carved catafalque.

The Cathedral has multiple doors across four façades, each richly decorated with detailed biblical scenes. Art lovers will appreciate the Gothic and Baroque ornamentation, including artworks by Goya and Zurbarán and an intricate gold-leaf retablo (devotional artwork). The Chapter House, or Capilla Mayor, has a domed chapel with paintings by Murillo.

3. La Giralda Tower

Built initially as the mosque’s minaret, La Giralda now serves as the Cathedral’s bell tower and a defining symbol of Seville.

When visiting, be prepared to walk up to the top, as there is no lift. However, the ascent is made via a series of ramps rather than stairs, with window lookouts along the way. A notable Mudéjar carved wooden door sits on the upper level. You’ll enjoy sweeping views over the city and the Cathedral from the top.

The best time to climb is in the morning, when it is cooler and there are fewer visitors.

4. Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro, or Tower of Gold, is a 13th-century riverside watchtower. It was once part of the Moorish city wall and served as a lookout, a storage place for gold and later a prison.

Today, it houses a small maritime and naval museum. The roof terrace offers views of the sprawling cityscape below as you peer between the battlements. The tower sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir, a short walk from the Cathedral, and is easy to see from river boat tours.

Seville Barrio Santa Cruz

5. Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is Seville’s old Jewish quarter, next to the Alcázar and Cathedral. It is a maze of narrow cobbled alleyways with whitewashed houses and small shaded plazas filled with orange trees.

As you wander, you’ll spot parts of the old city wall and several Baroque churches. Notable spots include Plaza Doña Elvira, Callejón del Agua and Casa de Murillo, once home to the painter. The area is best experienced by walking and stopping for tapas – ask your Holiday Director for tips on authentic Spanish dishes to try.

6. Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

The Metropol Parasol or Las Setas (‘the Mushrooms’) is a giant wooden canopy over Plaza de la Encarnación. Designed by Jürgen Mayer, it is considered the world’s largest wooden structure at 28 metres tall.

Its design was inspired by local trees and the Cathedral’s vaults, providing a stunning contrast to Seville’s historic buildings. Lifts take you to a rooftop walkway and terrace with expansive city views.

Underneath is the Antiquarium museum, which houses Roman and Moorish ruins. At street level, there is a market and terraces, and the surrounding square has plenty of great tapas bars.

7. Parque de María Luisa

The Parque de María Luisa has been Seville’s central public park since 1893, when it was gifted from the grounds of San Telmo Palace. It has winding paths under pine, palm and orange trees, lily ponds and Moorish-style fountains. Glorietas, or rotundas with fountains, are dedicated to artists and poets such as Goya and Bécquer.

Don’t miss the Fountain of the Lions and the Monument to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. Also, look out for the nearby Plaza de América pavilions. The park is popular for strolling, cycling and resting in the shade, and entry is free. It’s a pretty spot for free time on your trip.

plaza de espana sevilla

8. Plaza de España

You will also find the Plaza de España inside the Parque de María Luisa. It was built as the centrepiece of Seville’s 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Architect Aníbal González designed it to highlight Spain’s ties with Latin America and to give Seville a modern landmark that mixes Andalusian tradition with early 20th-century style.

The square is a large, semi-circular complex with a canal and ornate bridges representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain. Its style blends Art Déco and Mudéjar, with a central fountain and tiled benches representing Spain’s provinces, decorated with colourful azulejos (ceramic tilework). Plaza de España is especially good for photos at sunset or in the early morning, when there is a calmer atmosphere.

9. Triana Neighbourhood

The Triana neighbourhood lies across the Guadalquivir River, linked to the city centre by the Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge), a National Historical Monument since 1976.

Traditionally associated with flamenco dancers, bullfighters, sailors, and artisans, this area maintains an authentic local atmosphere.

Ceramics have been made here since Roman times. While the old factories have long since closed, the Centro Cerámica Triana museum explains the history, techniques and traditions. Shops and workshops still sell tiles, particularly around Calle Antillano Campos and Calle Alfarería.

You’ll also find the historic Mercado de Triana on the site of the Castle of San Jorge, once the seat of the Inquisition. Locals and tourists come here for fresh local produce, authentic tapas and artisan crafts.

Famous for its colourful houses, Calle Betis runs along the riverside, lined with colourful houses and fabulous views across the water.

10. River Guadalquivir

The Guadalquivir is Spain’s only major navigable river and a big part of Seville’s history as a port. In the 1500s and 1600s, it was the main route to the Americas. Portuguese explorer Magellan set sail from here, and the Basque explorer Elcano completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. Ships carried conquistadors and supplies outward and returned with precious metals and spices, bringing wealth that funded Seville’s baroque buildings and churches.

For a fantastic riverside walk, follow the route between the main bridges past the Torre del Oro, with views across to Calle Betis.

Are you considering a trip to Spain? Our ultimate guide to solo travel in Spain is a great place to start.

THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE – FOOD AND FLAMENCO

When it comes to experiencing the culture in Seville, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Things to do in Seville Food

Enjoy Local Cuisine and Tapas

Seville lives on tapas, and the city has thousands of spots to enjoy these traditional small plates. Try salmorejo (tomato-bread soup with ham and egg), solomillo al whisky (pork in whisky sauce), and the local star – jamón ibérico de bellota. Vegetarian options include patatas bravas, espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and pimientos de Padrón (fried green peppers). Delicious!

Step back in time with a visit to one of the historic bars near the Cathedral, such as Cervecería Giralda (in a former Moorish bathhouse), Casa Morales, known for albóndigas (meatballs) and Antigua Taberna de Las Escobas, which has been open since 1386.

Spending time in smaller squares and neighbourhood tapa bars is part of the experience of visiting Seville. Your Holiday Director can share their insider tips to help you taste the best of the city.

Read more about the Spanish foods you must try.

Experience Authentic Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional Andalucian art form recognised by UNESCO. It combines guitar (toque), clapping and calls (jaleo and palmas), singing (cante) and dancing (baile).

Seville and Triana are flamenco heartlands, and performances here are often intimate and intense. You’ll find performances most nights, and street performers are often near the Alcázar and Cathedral.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SEVILLE?

Spring is a great time to visit Seville as the orange trees bloom. May and June bring warm, sunny days without peak summer heat. Autumn stays warm and comfortable, with smaller crowds than the hot summer months.

If you’re considering a solo holiday to Seville, joining an escorted Just You tour means you won’t have to navigate the logistics alone, and you can enjoy spending time with a group of like-minded fellow travellers.

To learn more, explore our escorted solo trips to Spain for solo travellers, request a brochure or speak with an advisor.

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