Sevilla is one of the most stunning cities to visit in Spain! Being Andalusia’s capital, it offers plenty of wonderful things to do. You can easily spend a few days exploring all the magnificent streets and plazas, decorated with architectural gems. Since the Moors ruled over Sevilla for more than 500 years, both Islamic and Catholic influences have heavily affected its architecture. This combination of styles is called Mudejar and is giving the city its unique look and feel.
Those who love to indulge in local cuisine will not be disappointed either, since there are plenty of options to enjoy local food and drinks! Sevilla is also the cradle of flamenco. So be prepared to encounter some passionate foot stamping and hand clapping! Even in the streets!
This city guide will include all the top attractions of Sevilla. So let it be your inspiration and the perfect help to plan your stay!
WANT TO EXPLORE MORE OF ANDALUSIA?
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TABLE OF CONTENT
- 14 Best things to do in Sevilla; the ultimate city guide for an epic stay incl. map!
- 2. Casa de Pilatos
- 3. Palacio de las Dueñas
- 4. Plaza de España, one of the most popular things to do in Sevilla
- 5. Parque Maria Luisa
- 6. Cathedral
- 7. La Giralda
- 8. Torre del Oro
- 9. Barrio de Santa Cruz
- 10. Metropol Parasol / Setas de Sevilla
- 11. Watch a flamenco show, one of the most epic things to do in Sevilla!
- 12. Eat tapas
- 13. Shopping
- 14. Get a hotel with a rooftop pool
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14 Best things to do in Sevilla; the ultimate city guide for an epic stay incl. map!
I am lucky to have already visited this dreamy city three times. Sevilla is a captivating place. As soon as you turn into a street, you cannot help but wanting to explore the next one. You just know there is a new treasure to be discovered behind every corner. I felt as if the city was my drug to keep going. Even though I was exhausted from the unbearable heat (when I was there, it was 45°C), I couldn’t stop exploring. The architecture in this town is so enchanting. At times it does not feel as if you are in Spain at all with all these Moorish influences. Which makes Sevilla all the more interesting!
The places and activities listed in this article are my personal favorite things to see and do in Sevilla! So you can be sure to have a great time!
Practical tips to plan your trip
- Book your flight to Sevilla airport (only 20 minute drive from the old city center) or Malaga airport (2 hour train ride from Sevilla)
- Reserve train tickets in advance via Renfe
- Book a hotel in the city center
- Best travel period: during spring and autumn the temperatures are pleasant, but the crowds will be bigger / during summer the temperatures are extremely hot (above 35°C, and lately above 40°C) and the crowds are smaller / winters are mild, but there is a bigger chance of rain
- Read excellent travel guides about Sevilla:
14 Best things to see and do in Sevilla
1. Real Alcazar
Its history
The most popular and famous attraction of Sevilla is the Real Alcazar. It is the oldest European palace that is still in use. It started as a fortified construction built in 913 by the first caliph of Al-Andalus. Later it expanded when several caliphs added more buildings and courtyard palaces all the way to the Guadalquivir river. Between 1171 and 1198 an enormous new congregational mosque was built by the Almohads on the north side of the Alcazar (later transformed into the current Cathedral of Seville). The land was taken by the Castilians in 1248-49, who gave it its current role; the royal seat and the city’s political center. King Pedro I constructed the Mudejar Palace between 1364 and 1366.
The Palace
There are no traces to be seen of the initial Islamic design. But there are plenty of Moorish influences. Actually the Real Alcazar is the place that inspired me to go to Istanbul and Morocco. All the detailed plasterwork, the colorful tiles, the intricate arches,… they all take your breath away. Especially Palacio del Rey Don Pedro with the Patio de las Doncellas, which is my favorite part of the Real Alcazar, is sublime. You will not know where to look at first. Your neck will suffer from looking up all the time. The ceilings contain details you have never seen before! I wish it was allowed to just lie on the ground for a while to be able to take it all in.
The Gardens
As if the palace itself is not beautiful and big enough, the Real Alcazar also contains a massive landscaped garden with several fountains. Do take your time to explore the gardens as there is a lot to discover. The gardens are a nice quiet escape. There is also a small café where you can buy beverages or an ice cream in case you need a refreshment.
Game of Thrones
Did you know that Game of Thrones used four parts of the Real Alcazar as a filming location? The Ambassadors’ Hall, Mercury’s Pool, the Baths of Maria Padilla and the gardens were used as the décor for the Water Gardens of House Martell of Dorne!
Important information
Keep in mind that the Real Alcazar is one of the most popular things to do in Sevilla, so it is best to buy your tickets in advance and arrive early. It is not allowed to use any kind op tripod, not even a monopod on a small tripod for smartphones. Do not forget to take a brochure at the entrance. It contains a map and will be of great help to find your way around this huge palace!
Location: Puerta del Leon, Sevilla / Opening hours: October 29 to March 31: daily 9:30 to 17:00 / April 1 to October 28: daily 9:30 to 19:00 / Entrance fee: 13.5€ / Buy your ticket in advance & skip the line
2. Casa de Pilatos
The Courtyard
I expected this place to be well known by now. But to my surprise, at my arrival, no one else was there. Casa de Pilatos is an absolute dream to visit though and it will always be one of my absolute favorite things to do in Sevilla. The first courtyard you will encounter when you enter, will captivate you with its overwhelming gloriousness. Picture this: a white fountain in Italian Renaissance style serves as the centerpiece. It is surrounded by a gallery formed by white marble columns with arches, beautifully carved using the yesería* technique.
24 busts of Spanish kings, Roman emperors and other important people are gracing the gallery’s walls. These walls are tiled with countless multicolored azulejos in a wide variation of shapes. The impressive wooden doors and the window shutters are decorated with carvings of flowers and stars. The windows are adorned with columns and intricate stucco carved arches. Four lifesize statues are placed in each corner of the main patio. Three are from ancient Rome and one is from ancient Greece.
I could sit on one of the benches and stare at this courtyard forever. Simply because there are so many details to admire. Every time I come here, there is something new I discover!
*yesería: geometric and Islamic-influenced motifs carved in plaster
The rooms
Several rooms surround the courtyard. The Judges’ Rest Room (El Salón de descanso de los Jueces) is a beautifully decorated room that leads to the Chapel of Flagellation. I don’t know why there were giant golden balls placed at the tables, but it looked just right! The Praetor’s Study has a coffered ceiling with ornate bows on the lintel and is made up of wheels of 10 bows with a ten-pointed star in the center. The Praetor’s room dazzles you with all its Mudejar grandeur. The ceiling of this room is amazing. It is carved with coats of arms of the family (Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones and Catalina de Ribera) who built this palace starting in 1483. The room leads to the small garden of the palace called Jardin Chico.
The Gardens
The Jardin Chico actually isn’t small at all. Here you can find palm trees, a pond surrounded by flower pots, beautiful terracotta flooring decorated with azulejo tiles (yes, even here!) and cute fountains. I loved the relaxed vibe of this garden. It was as if I was far from everything else in the world. Which was strange, because the Casa de Pilatos is located in the center of Sevilla.
On the opposite side of the courtyard you will find the Jardin Grande (large garden). When you walk into this garden is seems as if you were beamed to Italy. This garden is designed by Benavenuto Tortello who built Italian style loggias surrounding the garden. It looks totally different, but still blends perfectly with the rest of the palace. The loggias display many ancient statues.
The Staircase
At Casa de Pilatos you can also find “Sevilla’s first and most magnificent staircase”! It is completely made of marble and surrounded by thousands of azulejos. It leads to the upper floor of the palace. Even if you do not have a ticket to visit the upper floors, you can still climb the stairs and admire the room it leads to.
Location: Pl. de Pilatos, 1 / Opening hours: daily 9:00 to 18:00 / Entrance fee downstairs: 10€ / Buy your ticket in advance (upper floor temporarily closed)
3. Palacio de las Dueñas
The next palace is even lesser known than Casa de Pilatos! I like to combine these two on the same day. First I go to Casa de Pilatos and then to las Dueñas, because it never gets too crowded. Palacio de las Dueñas was built between the 15th and 16th century and named after the monastery that used to be here. The palace lacks the details of the Real Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos, but it has a beautiful garden (Jardin de los Limoneros) and I absolutely love the courtyard! The courtyard is more lush, covered with flowers and plants and palm trees rise up surrounded by carved arches. In the middle of the courtyard you can find a small fountain, used by birds to take a refreshing bath.
The walls are not tiled, but painted in a warm yellow tone, giving the palace a distinct appearance. The rooms surrounding the patio can be entered through massive wooden doors with beautiful detailed carvings. These rooms display a variety of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture and antique objects that are of great aesthetic and historical importance. I am less interested in these kind of things, but I still think it is worth to visit the palace, since the gardens and the courtyards are stunning!
Location: C. Dueñas, 5 / Opening hours: April to September: daily 10:00 to 20:00 / October to March: daily 10:00 to 18:00 / Entrance fee: 12€ / Buy your ticket in advance
4. Plaza de España, one of the most popular things to do in Sevilla
A ten minute walk south from the Barrio de Santa Cruz will take you to one of the most magnificent squares in the world; Plaza de España. This semi-circle square with buildings in Spanish Renaissance style was built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929. The exhibition’s purpose for Spain was to achieve symbolic peace with its former American colonies.
The square contains four bridges over a moat, which represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain, and the Vicente Traver fountain in the middle. At the foot of the building you can find tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. You can immediately spot the Spanish tourists at this square; they are the ones looking for their province so they can take a photo with it!
There are so many elements to discover at this square! Even the handrails of the bridges are made of azulejos. You can easily walk around for 2 hours at this square photographing the details or rent a boat and float around the canal. How much more romantic can it be?
The photo opportunities at this place are endless. I recommend visiting either early in the morning to beat the crowds. During summer the square will also be empty in the afternoon, since it will be too hot. But the light will be harsh. In the evening the light is stunning at sunset, but it also gets more crowded then. Chances are higher to encounter some flamenco dancers at the square though!
Location: Av. Isabel la Católica / Opening hours: April to October: daily 8:00 to 0:00 / November to March: daily 8:00 to 22:00 / Entrance fee: free
5. Parque Maria Luisa
After visiting the Plaza de España you definitely are in need of some shade and drinks! Good news! You could visit the neighboring park Maria Luisa. There are some stalls where they sell drinks near Plaza de España, so you could get a drink and then start exploring!
A part of the park used to be the garden of the San Telmo palace. It is quite big with several fountains and seating areas, often decorated with azulejos. It is a nice escape from the sun and the city. But there is more! The park also houses the Museo Artes y Costumbres Populares, Pabellon Real and the Museo Arqueologico. These are all incredible pieces of architecture!
So stroll around and slow down your pace for a while. I dare you to find the waterfall in the park!
Location: P.º de las Delicias / Opening hours: April to October: daily 8:00 to 0:00 / November to March: daily 8:00 to 22:00 / Entrance fee: free
6. Cathedral
The cathedral of Sevilla is enormous, so hard to miss. La Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is the third largest church in the world. Like I mentioned earlier, first the Almohads built a Moorish mosque here. Which, apart from the Patio de los Naranjos and the Giralda tower, was destroyed in the 13th century. In 1403 the construction of the cathedral began. It took 104 years to finish it. The cathedral contains 80 chapels.
The most popular reason to visit this cathedral is probably the tomb of Christopher Columbus. His remains were transferred from Cuba in 1898 to Sevilla, since his journey started here! Not many people know, but king Ferdinand of Aragón and queen Isabella I of Castile financed his journey and he left for South America (even though he thought he was going to Asia) from Sevilla! Sevilla had one of the most important harbors of Spain back in the days. A lot of people flock around the tomb.
I strolled around the cathedral for a while, but since I am not a church person, I did not check out every single chapel and statue. However I have to say I was impressed by Pierre Dancart’s altarpiece! It consists of thirty-six gilded relief panels, depicts scenes from the Old Testament and the lives of various saints. It was so detailed! I know nothing about the bible or Catholicism (I did not grow up religiously), but you cannot deny this was impressive!
Location: Av. de la Constitución / Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:45 to 18:30 / Sunday: 14:30 to 18:30 / Entrance fee: 12€ / Buy your ticket in advance
7. La Giralda
La Giralda used to be the minaret of the mosque. Which you can still clearly see. The surfaces of the minaret are nearly totally covered in exquisite yellow brick and Moorish-style stone cladding. You can still climb it to have a wonderful view over Sevilla. Interesting to know; this tower has no stairs to climb up, but 35 ramps! This way the Muezzin (the one who proclaims the call to prayer) or the Sultan could ascend the tower mounted on their horse instead of walking! The tower is 97.5m high, so wear comfortable shoes to climb it. Since there are no longer horses taking you up there!
Location: Av. de la Constitución / Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:45 to 18:30 / Sunday: 14:30 to 18:30 / Entrance fee: 12€ / Buy your ticket in advance
8. Torre del Oro
If you cannot get enough of climbing towers, you can visit the Torre del Oro. It is not that high (only 36 m), but it still offers nice views on the Guadalquivir River. There is a small maritime museum inside the tower that you can visit as well!
The Almohad Caliphate built this military watchtower to restrict access to Seville across the Guadalquivir River. Seville owed its strength and fortune to the treasures brought in from the New World colonies. To emphasize their richness, the tower was decked with gold colored tiles, earning the name Torre del Oro.
Location: P.º de Cristóbal Colón / Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 to 19:00 / Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 to 18:45 / Entrance fee: 3€ / Start a 1 hour city cruise on the river from here!
9. Barrio de Santa Cruz
The Barrio de Santa Cruz should not be missing from this list of things to do in Sevilla! This former Jewish quarter is the tourist center housing all of Sevilla’s landmarks. But do not let this discourage you! It still kept its charm. There are countless tapas bars to choose from, souvenir shops selling fans, ceramics, perfumes and clothes, narrow streets and orange tree–lined squares with clattering fountains. This quarter is actually a maze of narrow streets, intended to keep the heat bearable.
You should definitely take a stroll through the Callejón del Agua, along the walls of the Alcazar. This part of the wall had two pipes running through it that carried water from the Caños de Carmona to the gardens of the Real Alcazar, hence its name. Also Plaza de Doña Elvira, Juderia and Plaza de la Alianza are beautiful parts to explore.
10. Metropol Parasol / Setas de Sevilla
If you love views and you still have not enough after climbing the two towers, you can visit Metropol Parasol, or as they call it in Sevilla; Setas de Sevilla. It is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world and it looks like six giant mushrooms connected to each other. For only 5€ you can take the elevator up and walk over the wooden complex to get to various viewpoints to see the city from different perspectives.
Location: Pl. de la Encarnación / Opening hours: April to October: daily 9:30 to 0:30 / November to March: daily 9:30 to 0:00 / Entrance fee: 5€ / Buy your ticket in advance
11. Watch a flamenco show, one of the most epic things to do in Sevilla!
One of the best things to do in Sevilla is to watch a flamenco show! I went to the flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos in Barrio Santa Cruz. This is a small establishment that does not use any sound amplification devices. The modest size of the room gives the show an extra intimate vibe and you can feel the passion from the stage flowing right through your own veins.
While watching the dancers and musicians there were moments I did not even dare to sip from my sangria. It just felt wrong. I could not stop watching them and I felt the uttermost respect for them. There was so much going on on that stage! The footwork, the hands, the shoulders, the skirts, the hips, the guitars, the singing, etc… it was all so impressive! I highly recommend Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos, if you want to see a true traditional flamenco show with honest authentic feels! It brought tears to my eyes because it really touched me!
Location: Pl. de Sta Cruz, 11 / Daily shows: 19:00 to 20:15 / 20:45 to 22:00 / Entrance fee: 35€ / Buy your ticket here
12. Eat tapas
The tapas culture in Sevilla is one of the best in Spain! For those who do not know what tapas are; they are generally tiny savory meals, nibbles, or appetizers of Spanish cuisine. There are countless tapas bars to indulge in these traditional delicacies. To get a good introduction I recommend to do this Tapas Crawl tour. You will visit some of the best tapas restaurants and will get to taste some typical tapas from Sevilla!
My personal favorite tapas in Sevilla:
- Gazpacho: a cold soup and drink made of raw, blended vegetables like tomato, peppers, onion, cucumber, vinegar
- Salmorejo: cold tomato soup garnished with a number of toppings like Iberian ham and cubes of boiled egg
- Jamón Iberico de Bellota: ham from the free range black hoofed Iberian pigs which are fed on a diet of acorns
- Berenjenas fritas con miel: fried aubergines with honey
- Patatas bravas: cubes of potato in a spicy, tomato sauce
- Fried fish plate: a mixed fish plate
- Grilled squid
13. Shopping
There are plenty of shopping streets in Sevilla. The main shopping area is situated around Calle Tetuan and Calle Sierpes, north of Plaza Nueva. Here you will find a lot of local boutiques and the big famous ones like Zara, Stradivarius and Desigual. The souvenir shops are more situated in Barrio Santa Cruz.
14. Get a hotel with a rooftop pool
Especially when you are visiting Sevilla during the summer period, you will be in desperate need of a swimming pool! Temperatures can get crazy high! The best location to stay is Barrio Santa Cruz where you not only find the most important sights to see, but also some authentic hotels with swimming pools!
If you are looking for a hotel with traditional looking rooms, I recommend Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia. The hotel actually consists of 27 typical Sevillian residences that are linked by numerous passages and patios. It has a nice rooftop pool surrounded by small towers where sun beds are set. I wrote a complete review about my experience in 2016 on this blog!
This year I stayed at Hotel Fernando III. This hotel is more modern and luxurious and is situated in the same street. I loved my stay here. The staff was extremely friendly and the rooftop bar was a nice extra. The food served there was delicious! You should definitely try the salad with avocado, nuts and beetroot dressing! If you arrived at the pool around 13:30 you could still find a lounge bed.
Find more fantastic hotels in Sevilla to plan your trip here!
Watch the top things to do in Sevilla on YouTube!
Pin these top attractions in Sevilla for later!
So that is it! I hope you enjoyed this “14 Best things to do in Sevilla; the ultimate city guide for an epic stay incl. map!” blog post and that it will help to plan your own trip! I really tried to cover everything you need to know. Do not hesitate to leave your comments or questions down below! That way I can add more information if necessary!
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