History, culture, tapas, architecture, flamenco – the list of things to do in Seville, Spain is almost endless.
Whether your wanderlust would have you get lost in quaint and colorful villages, be awed by historical architecture, or experience the excitement of a traditional bullfight with roaring crowds, Seville has something to offer everybody.
Here are 11 of our most unforgettable things to do in Seville, Spain.
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Spain (Travel Guide)
11 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
1. Visit the Plaza de Espana
Take a row boat, horse and cart, or rent bikes to explore the Plaza de Espana, a palace located inside Maria Luisa Park.
Often referred to as the “Venice of Seville,” the plaza offers a vast park, an astonishingly large semi-circular palace (complete with two towers, which are visible around the city) and an intricate pattern of canals, moats and bridges.
Explore with some ice cream from the street vendors during the day, or enjoy the romantic nighttime atmosphere. The Plaza was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exhibition and is a must see in Seville.
Our top recommended tours that includes the Plaza de Espana:
- Seville Sightseeing Tour: Royal Alcazar Palace, Plaza de Espana, Seville Cathedral and Santa Cruz Quarter
- Photoshoot in Plaza de España
2. Wander the Streets of Barrio Santa Cruz
High on your list of things to do in Seville should be to get lost among the narrow, Jasmine scented streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz.
Formerly the Jewish Quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz offers a labyrinth of cozy streets with tapas, restaurants, small artisan shops, art galleries, and palaces.
Take your time here; the locals are friendly, the tourists hail from around the world, and there are a plethora of streets to explore and get lost in.
Our top recommended city tours of Seville Spain:
- City Sightseeing Seville Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Seville Highlights Bike Tour (English)
- Guided segway tour
3. Marvel at the Seville Cathedral
For a bird’s eye view of Seville, climb “Giralda,” the bell tower located within the Seville Cathedral. Climbing the 34 floors of ramps to the top will reward you with stunning views of the city.
The Seville Cathedral is the largest gothic cathedral and the 3rd largest church in the world. Be prepared to be amazed at the high domes, ornate fountains, columns, and carvings.
Don’t miss visiting Christopher Columbus’s tomb, which is full of symbolism and detail. You also won’t want to miss taking in some shade at the Patio de los Naranjos, which is planted with 66 orange trees.
And you especially won’t want to miss (especially if you have children) finding the hanging stuffed alligator, (one of the Cathedral’s quirkier attractions,) which is near the southeastern corner of the patio.
“El Lagarto,” (the alligator) was a gift from the Sultan of Egypt, who unsuccessfully attempted to win the princess’s hand in marriage. The Cathedral is located in the city centre district of Seville, The Casco Antiguo.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes the Seville Cathedral:
- Early Access to Seville Cathedral
- Cathedral & Alcazar of Seville Guided Tour (Skip the Line)
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower Guided Tour
4. See the Real Alcazar
Game of Thrones fans might recognize some of the exquisite scenery that was filmed in this Moorish royal palace. You will be stunned by the wandering gardens, detailed mosaics, and mudéjar architecture.
A cool respite on a hot day is found at the enchanting underground bath, called “Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla.”
The underground bath is a lovely spot to take a group photo, and if the day is hot, you probably will want to stay here awhile. The gardens are fragrant and wandering, surrounded by orange and lemon trees.
Children will especially love the hedge maze found at the palace.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes the Real Alcazar:
- Cathedral & Alcazar of Seville Guided Tour (Skip the Line)
- Alcazar of Seville Early Access with Optional Seville Cathedral
5. See a Flamenco Show at Casa La Teatro
A visit to Seville wouldn’t be complete without a flamenco show. The city has many that are geared towards tourists, (that usually included expensive meals) however, the Casa La Teatro is a theater that focuses on the art and heart of the dance.
The theater is small and intimate, and the dancers, singers, and musicians are passionate. Each concert is an hour long and is one of the most budget friendly shows available.
The theater is off the beaten path, inside Mercado de Triana, a food market that also has lunchtime tapas, which would go well with an afternoon show.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes a flamenco show:
- Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria Admission Ticket
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal in Seville Ticket
- Seville Tapas & Flamenco Tour
6. Take a Feel the City Tour
Really discover what seville has to offer by joining a FREE guided “Feel the City” tour.
The tour guides are freelancing locals who are passionate about their city, and whose goal is to make you feel like “sevillians” by the end of your 2.5 hour walking tour.
The tour costs nothing to book, but the guides are paid by tips at the end of their tour.
Our top recommended city tours of Seville Spain:
- City Sightseeing Seville Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Seville Highlights Bike Tour (English)
- Guided segway tour
7. See the Metropol Parasol
When sightseeing in Seville, it will be hard to miss the Metropol Parasol, a unique modern sculpture, designed by German architect Jurgen Mayer. This structure is often referred to as Las Setas, (the mushroom) by locals.
This attraction is a polarizing structure; many love it for the amazing views and interesting wooden structure, however, many locals dislike it’s modernness, compared to it’s historical surroundings in old world Spain.
The cost is 3 euros to get to the top, where you will receive a free drink. The views are said to be particularly beautiful at sunset, although you may want to arrive early to get a good spot in line.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes the Metropol Parasol:
- Setas de Sevilla virtual guided tour (Skip-the-like)
- Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems™: Best of Seville PRIVATE Tour
- Seville Rooftop Experience
8. Visit the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza
Bullfighting is a large part of Seville, Spain’s cultural history. The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seville.
The Seville Fair marks the beginning of the bullfighting season which runs through September. You can watch actual bullfights, which while not for the faint of heart, are an important part of local tradition.
Tours regularly run throughout the year, with free tours available every Monday from 3-5.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza:
- Bullring-bullfighting museum with Official Guide & Direct Entry
- Seville Afternoon Tour: River Cruise, Bullring, Triana and Basilica Macarena
9. Eat Tapas at La Brunilda
A trip to Seville wouldn’t be complete without an amazing tapas experience, like what you’ll find at La Brunilda.
La Brunilda’s tapas have a modern menu, using traditional Spanish ingredients, and you wont find many more highly praised restaurants. Traditional tapas are a Seville attraction that you won’t want to miss.
Our top recommended tapas tours in Seville Spain:
- Seville Tapas & Flamenco Tour
- Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
- Tapas Like A Local: Triana Neighborhood Tapas Tour
10. Attend a Show at the Sevilla de Ópera
The Sevilla de Opera is a hidden gem in Seville, located right on the river.
The theater strives for high artistic quality, and guests (both opera lovers and opera novices alike) enthusiastically agree, as the Sevilla de Opera is one of the highest rated operas Seville has to offer.
The theater seats 160 guests at tables and has a full menu available. The circular stage helps to make everyone feel like they are part of the show.
Our top recommended tours in Seville Spain that includes the Sevilla de Opera:
- Sevilla, Opera Settings– Romantic tour in the former Jewish section
- Magic Seville
- Romantic Horse & Carriage Tour with Local Spanish Champagne
11. Soak Up the Sun at La Caleta Beach
La Caleta Beach in Cadiz is the closest Seville beach that you’ll find. Located just outside the City Centre, it provides gorgeous sunsets, rentable umbrellas, chairs, and cabanas.
The beach is one kilometer long, and has two forts to visit, Castillo San Sebastián and Castillo Santa Catalina.
Although this list is hardly exhaustive, these 11 things to do in Seville will move you from “tourist” to “Sevillian” as you experience Seville’s rich and unique history.
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Lina and David, your guide to Seville is wonderfully comprehensive! I loved the balance between popular tourist spots and hidden gems, giving a real taste of the city’s rich culture and vibrant life. Your tips on where to eat and the best times to visit each site are especially helpful for first-timers trying to maximize their experience. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights and making it easier to plan a memorable trip to Seville!