20 Things To Do In Seville

Seville is a stunning ancient city in Andalusia, a southern region in Spain. The city is one of the most historic in Europe and is packed with Roman, Moorish and medieval architecture. The Guadalquivir River runs through the city centre, and across the river are many ornate bridges perfect for taking captivating photographs of the river and the surrounding architecture. One of the best things to do in Seville is to explore by wandering around its ancient streets and getting lost in its intriguing neighbourhoods.

Spend some time in Triana, a former gypsy quarter filled with ornate and beautifully decorated white and yellow buildings. Seville is a walled city and, as a result, can get incredibly hot during summer. If you’re visiting during July and August, you may find the streets quieter when the sun is at its highest and restaurants, and cafes spray cooling mists across their diners. The best times to visit Seville are on either side of summer when temperatures are much more pleasant while offering plenty of sunshine and little rain.

There are plenty of historical things to do in Seville, as the city was a key hub for many empires ruling over ancient Spain. Stunning buildings cover the city’s rich history, and many are remarkably well-preserved. Modern buildings and installations are a contrast to the ancient presence in the city. An iconic thing to do in Seville is to enjoy the view of the old city from its newest landmark, Las Setas, a mushroom-like sculpture that offers a high vantage point.

While in Seville, be sure to try the local cuisine. Join a tapas tour to sample local delights, from secret ibérico, a melt-in-the-mouth Iberian pork, to torrijas, a sweet French-toast style dessert dish. 

Seville, Spain

20 Things To Do In Seville

1- Explore Royal Alcázar de Sevilla

The Royal Alcázar de Sevilla dates back to the Middle Ages and is still used today as a Royal Palace.

Abd-ar-Rahman II ordered the palace to be built in 913 AD on the site of a former Roman fortress.

Since then, numerous rulers have added to the design of the palace, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and deservedly so.

The palace was designed in the Mujédar style, which takes influence from the Moorish and Christian rules over the city.

You’ll want to explore the palace and take in its ornately decorated courtyards with intricately carved archways looking out over small gardens and water fountains.

Unsurprisingly, the palace is a popular filming location and was used as the set for the Kingdom of Dorne in Game of Thrones.

Royal Alcázar de Sevilla is at Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004, Sevilla. Skip the line and reserve your entry ticket to the Seville Royal Alcazar in advance. 

2- Wander Around Plaza de España

Plaza de España is the most famous square in Sevilla and is instantly recognisable from dreamy photographs online.

Aníbal González designed the square in the Spanish Renaissance style, which in comparison to many areas of the city, is relatively new, having been built in 1929.

The buildings surrounding the square were constructed for the Ibero-American exhibition.

For the best photographic opportunities, head to the square around sunrise, the golden hour, and stand on one of its beautifully tilled blue and white bridges.

From here, the large water feature of the square curves with the buildings and the beauty of the square opens up.

It is possible to rent small row boats to take out onto the canal for a unique way to see the square.

Plaza de España is at Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004, Sevilla.

3- Visit Christopher Columbus’ Tomb In Catedral de Sevilla

Exploring Catedral de Sevilla is a great thing to do in Seville, as the cathedral is one of the largest in the world.

Not only is it massive, but its location is unique as the cathedral was built on a former Moorish mosque site. 

Parts of the mosque remain today; visit the Giralda tower and the Patio de los Naranjos to see the remaining Moorish influences.

Within the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, who was interred in the cathedral in 898.

When exploring the cathedral and its treasures, look up at the vaulted ceilings decorated with intricate patterns and carvings.

Catedral de Sevilla is at Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004, Sevilla. Skip the line and prebook your ticket to the Seville Cathedral and Giralda here. 

4- Climb La Giralda For An Amazing View

While exploring Catedral de Sevilla, make time to climb La Giralda, one of the last remaining Moorish elements of the cathedral.

The tower is the former minaret of the mosque that stood where the cathedral is today.

At 97.5m (319.88ft) high, it was once the highest bell tower in the world.

Uniquely for a tower, it is ascended not by stairs but by a series of ramps built to allow the Sultan to ride to the top of the tower on horseback.

Look across the city at the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic views of several key Seville sites. 

La Giralda is at Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004, Sevilla. Skip the line and prebook your ticket to the Seville Cathedral and Giralda here. 

5- Relax In Parque de María Luisa

Running alongside the Guadalquivir River is Parque de María Luisa, a welcome stretch of greenery in the city.

The park was once part of San Telmo Palace grounds.

Nicolas Forestier, a French landscape architect, and Aníbal González, a Spanish architect, redeveloped the park and added several pavilions to sit beneath and relax in.

The park is filled with lush trees from the region, brightly coloured flowers, fountains and plenty of shady spots.

Parque de María Luisa is easily reached from Plaza de España at P.º de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla.

6- Tour Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan

Football fans should head to the home of Sevilla FC, Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, which has been in use since 1958.

This is the smaller stadium in Sevilla, with a capacity of 43,883.

Tour the stadium and explore some of the most exclusive areas of Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, including the VIP boxes and player dressing rooms.

You can even run out onto the pitch from the player’s tunnel.

On display inside the stadium are trophies from the club’s history, including their La Liga trophies, Spanish Supercup and European Supercup.

Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan is at C. Sevilla Fútbol Club, s/n, 41005, Sevilla.

7- Watch A Game At Benito Villamarín Stadium

Benito Villamarín is the larger of the two football stadiums in Sevilla and is home to Real Betis Balompié.

The stadium is brightly coloured in the club’s signature white and green and features decorated seats to depict former club players.

The stadium can hold 60,270 fans and during the La Liga season, if Real Betis happens to be playing at home, try to get a ticket.

The club creates an incredible atmosphere pre-match with a light show and often live musical performances.

Guided tours of the stadium allow football fans to see the dressing rooms, trophy room, and the opportunity to head out onto the pitch.

Benito Villamarín Stadium is at Av. de Heliópolis, s/n, 41012, Sevilla.

8- Admire Art At Hospital los Venerables

Hospital los Venerables is a beautifully designed 17th-century building in the city’s heart, a short walk from the cathedral.

Leonardo de Figueroa designed the hospital in the baroque style, mirroring some of his other buildings in the city, including many of its baroque churches.

When it was first built, the hospital was an infirmary for elderly priests, but it has now been converted to house an impressive art gallery.

Inside the art gallery are many paintings by Velazquez, who was an important artist during the reign of King Philip IV.

Hospital los Venerables is at Pl. Venerables, 8, 41004, Sevilla.

9- Climb Metropol Parasol

Metropol Parasol is one of the newest architectural pieces in Seville.

This unusual walkway is often called ‘Las Setas de Sevilla’ for its likeness to mushrooms.

Jürgen Mayer, a German architect, won a design competition to revitalise and renovate Plaza de la Encarnación.

His unusual structure opened in 2011.

The structure is made from wood and integrates part of a Roman building into its design.

Climb to the top of Metropol Parasol and walk along the winding walkway to enjoy some of the most spectacular views across the city.

Linked to Metropol Parasol is an archeology museum dedicated to the Roman ruins discovered at the site.

Metropol Parasol is at Pl. de la Encarnación, sn. 41003, Sevilla. Join the Las Setas Guided Tour & Optional City Tour.

10- Mercado de Triana

Food lovers should take the time to explore the fascinating Mercado de Triana, a market built in 1823 on the ruins of Castle San Jorge. 

As is typical with many Spanish markets, the building is attractively designed with many mosaics and a decorated roof pattern.

Inside the market is an overwhelming array of produce.

Everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meats and ready-to-eat snacks and meals are available under one roof.

If you have more time in the city, book a cookery course at the markets cookery school where you can learn to make paella or a range of Andalusian tapas dishes.

Mercado de Triana is at C. San Jorge, 6, 41001, Sevilla.

11- River City Cruise

See the city from the water on a river city cruise as you glide gently along the Guadalquivir River past some of the city’s most important and beautiful sites.

Your knowledgeable guide will share facts about Sevilla’s maritime past as you cruise past the docks where gold ships unloaded their treasures.

You will also see other monuments and sail under some of the city’s historic bridges.

A river cruise is one of the best ways to explore the city and will reveal hidden areas of the city. 

Find out more about a cruise on Sevilles Guadalquivir River. 

12- City Bike Tour

Another fun thing to do in Seville if you are feeling energetic is to explore the city on a bike tour.

Most tours begin at Plaza Santa Cruz, where you pick up your bike and uncover the history of this famous city square.

Your guide will weave through the city, pausing at important sites such as the Jardines de Murillo, Parque María Luisa, and the Torre del Oro bullring.

You’ll learn local tips on your journey, including the best spots in the city for a bite to eat and where to go to experience the city’s nightlife.

Find out more here. 

13- Catch a Flamenco Show

Watching a Flamenco show is a must-do in Andalusia because Flamenco originated in the region, and its cities are fiercely proud of this heritage.

Flamenco is an intricate dance featuring elaborate dresses, music and a series of claps and whistles to coordinate the dancers.

There’s a range of options when booking a Flamenco show that offers add-ons to your experience beyond simply watching this passionate dance.

Select front-row seats to see the action up close, or for a more luxurious experience, arrange for a VIP box.

You can also meet and greet the dancers and musicians and enjoy tasty tapas plates. 

Here are some flamenco shows you will love:

• Tablao Flamenco Las Setas
• Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket
• Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show
• Seville Flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz with optional dinner

14- Dine at El Rinconcillo

If sampling some of the best Andalusian cuisine is on your Seville bucket list, look no further than El Rinconcillo.

This restaurant is the oldest in the city. Its doors opened in 1670 and perfectly pairs its centuries-old style and decor with fresh and tasty dishes.

Visit the restaurant for meals from its extensive menu.

Sample a range of charcuterie, including a wide selection of Iberian ham, local cod, pig cheeks and sea bass dishes.

Spend some time in the bar to enjoy the restaurant’s legendary tapas.

Here you can try a range of cheeses, cured meats, shellfish and delicate sweet treats to round off your meal.

The food served at El Rinconcillo is Andalusian-Mozarabic, taking influence from both the city’s local and Moorish histories.

El Rinconcillo is at C. Gerona, 40, 41003, Sevilla. Alternatively, you may prefer to go on a tapas crawl with a foodie guide to visit several places. 

15- Visit Italica Roman City 

Explore Sevilla’s Roman history through an Italica Roman City and Medieval Monastery tour that takes you from the city’s centre on a half-day trip to the Roman ruins of Italica.

General Publius Cornelius Scipio founded the city in 206 BC. It was originally designed as a place where wounded soldiers could recover.

Italica was the birthplace of Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian.

This Roman city is well-preserved, with many elements of its structures still intact.

As you explore the city look at the floor to see delicate mosaic patterns.

It is possible to head out into the large Roman amphitheatre and see where up to 25,000 people would have sat to watch epic gladiator battles.

The ruins were also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The amphitheatre was used to depict the Dragonpit.

Italica Roman City Tour departs from C. Rastro, 41004, Sevilla. Find out more about a day trip to Italica Roman City here. 

16- Explore Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is Sevilla’s old town and was once home to the Jewish quarter.

The buildings are colourfully painted in yellows and pinks and the streets are narrow and cobbled.

Within Barrio Santa Cruz is the Royal Alcàzar and La Giralda.

This region of the city has become increasingly popular with tourists, and as a result, there are many shops and restaurants to visit.

Take your time to wander around the streets lined with fragrant orange trees and ancient houses or join the Santa Cruz Old Jewish Quarter Walking Tour.

17- Palacio de las Dueñas

Another important palace in Sevilla is the Palacio de las Dueñas, which dates back to the late 15th century.

The palace is still privately owned by the 19th Duke of Alba, however, many of its rooms are open to the public.

Marvel at the ornate and intricate tapestries as you climb the main staircase, explore its impressive arts and furniture collection and look out for its small poetry tile.

This small tile pays tribute to poet Antonio Machado, who was born in the palace.

Palacio de las Dueñas is at C. Dueñas, 5, 41003, Sevilla. Skip the line and reserve your tickets here. 

18- Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts

Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the most important collections of fine arts in Spain, after the Prado Museum in Madrid.

The museum’s collection includes works of art from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century and largely features works from Spanish artists, including Velázques, José García Ramos and Murillo.

The museum was originally a monastery, which went through an extensive renovation during the mid-1600s to incorporate the Mujédar style.

It opened as a museum in 1839.

The museum’s architecture is beautiful, so take some time to enjoy its interior patio spaces for fresh air and tranquillity.

The Museum of Fine Arts is at Pl. del Museo, 9, 41001, Sevilla. Skip the line and pre-book your tickets to the museum and guided tour. 

19- Have Fun At Isla Magica

Open from April to the end of October each year, Isla Magica is a must-visit destination and the perfect thing to do in Sevilla if you are travelling with children.

The theme park is split into six areas to explore and focuses on Spain’s history through its 16th and 17th-century themed parks.

Each area reflects a key part of Spain’s history, including lands dedicated to El Dorado, Puerta de América and La Guarida de los Piratas.

There are numerous rides across the park and an extensive waterpark with its own beach, waterslides and pools.

Isla Magica is at Pabellón de España, s/n, 41092, Sevilla. The Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus will get you there. 

20- Visit Casa de Pilatos

Another palace in Sevilla is La Casa de Pilatos, the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceil.

Don Pedro Enriquez had the palace built during the 16th century and it remains as one of the best-preserved buildings from this period in the city.

Its style emulates the house of Pontious Pilate and the architectural inspirations gathered during Enriquez’ pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The palace features Gothic, Mujédar and Italian Renaissance architecture in its style packed with ornately tiled floors, arches supported by marble columns and immaculately manicured patio gardens.

The 18th Duchess of Medinacelli and her family reside at the palace however, certain rooms are open to the public to explore.

Casa de Pilatos is at Pl. de Pilatos, 1, 41003, Sevilla. Skip the line and reserve your tickets here. 

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