Seville is one of Spain’s most iconic cities with a long history behind it. As the fourth largest city and the role of the capital of Andalusia, there’s always plenty of things to do in Seville and lots of historic buildings with beautiful architecture, and it’s incredible just to take a stroll around the city.
In this article, I have chosen my favorites when it comes to attractions and things to do in Seville as a tourist.
Plaza de Espana
In 1914 the architect Anibal Gonzalez began to design a series of buildings in preparation for the upcoming Ibero-American exhibition in 1929. Plaza de España is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful squares areas and a walk here, or a boat trip is a must when visiting Seville.
City tour
To wander around by foot is without a doubt the best way to experience Seville. Just as in many other European cities, there are guided tours where you walk around in the city by foot, but it is just as easy to explore Seville on your own.
However, if you want to be sure not to miss anything, I can recommend the guided city walk. The guides are both knowledgeable and professional.
Old Town
Seville’s old town is full of cozy neighborhoods with charming bars and restaurants. There are also several small hostels for those who travel on a lower budget. It is easy to spend a couple of hours here, surrounded by beautiful architecture. Old Town is an exciting area to explore, and some streets are vivacious, while it is peaceful and quiet at others.
Alcazar
Alcazar is the city’s most famous landmark and if you have seen the TV series Game of Thrones you probably recognize this majestic palace because this is where they recorded scenes from the Kingdom Dorne.
From the beginning, Alcazar was a Moorish fort, but the palace itself has changed its appearance several times, but the foundation was built in the 1100s. In the 1300s, the palace got a new look in Gothic style.
Even today the palace is used by the Spanish royal family and to visit this is something you should do in Seville, at least if you appreciate architecture and beautiful gardens.
Address: Patio de Banderas.
Barrio Santa Cruz
A traditional area of Seville, which many tourists have as a first stop. Barrio Santa Cruz is a quaint little area with cobbled streets and cramped, but cozy alleys with a large variety of restaurants and bars.
Barrio Santa Cruz was formerly the Jewish Quarter and has plenty of lovely architecture to look at while strolling around.
Iglesia del Salvador
A beautiful and evocative church located just a few streets away from the big cathedral. Iglesia del Salvador was built in the late 1600s, but not completed until 1712. This church is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in architecture and old buildings.
Here you can also buy a combination ticket to the Cathedral, which takes you past the queue.
Seville Cathedral
A magnificent cathedral with a stunning exterior as well as the interior. Seville Cathedral is just another proof of all the great places that Seville has to offer. I can recommend a visit to the cathedral no matter if you are religious or not.
Address: Avenida de la Constitucion.
Giralda Tower
The tower’s lower two-thirds are the remains of the mosque and the minaret of the late 1100’s. The top of the tower was built onto later so the church bells would fit.
The Giralda Tower is the only building that remains from the Arab era in Seville. Fun facts: Giralda Tower is 98.5 meters high and was once the world’s tallest building. Nowadays, though, the tower will have to be content with a place on the World Heritage List and to be the tallest building in Andalusia.
The view from here is fantastic!
Address: Plaza del Triunfo, Seville.
Casa de Pilatos
It is not only the Alcazar who will impress you in Seville. Casa de Pilatos is another palace in the city which also offer some stunning architecture. Even better is it that much fewer tourist go to Casa de Pilatos, which means that you can stroll around in peace without the crowds everywhere.
The Bearded Woman which you can see on the ground floor is a classical piece and will surely be one of the most remarkable paintings you’ve ever seen.
Address: 1 Plaza Pilatos, 41003 Seville.
Tapas & Wine
A visit to Spain is not completed without eating tapas and drinking wine or sangria. Everywhere you go in Spain the tapas experience will be different by local delicacies.
Seville is no exception and eating tapas and drinking wine or sangria is without a doubt a must thing to do in Seville.
Other things to do in Seville
Casa La Teatro
A small theater where the audience gets the chance to come closer and sit right in front of the performers. The shows on La Teatro are anything from Tango and Flamenco to both unique and traditional shows. If you like theater and dance, then Casa La Teatro is a must place to visit!
Address: Mercado de Abastos de Triana Puestos 11 y 12 | Plaza del Altozano s / n, 41010 Sevilla.
Maria Luisa Park
A tranquil park with ancient gardens in traditional style. The park has several lovely areas with fountains, flowers, trees and plants. The park is located right next to the Plaza de España and is perfect if you want to
A beautiful park with old classic gardens a la Sevilla. The roads are nicely landscaped with flowers, trees, and other plants. All around you will also see fountains and beautiful areas where you can relax and enjoy a picnic.
The park lies next to Plaza de España.
Museum
Going to a museum is not really my thing, although some museums around the world have been fascinating.
However, to visit a museum is an interesting and great way to learn more about the local culture and its history. Below I list some of Seville’s finest museum.
- Museum of Fine Arts – Art museum where the majority are religious art
- Museo del Baile Flamenco – Flamenco history and Performance
- Archaeological Museum – Fine collection of historical objects
- Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija – A beautiful palace museum with mosaics and Roman artifacts
Basilica de la Macarena
A beautiful church on the outside, but as a “regular” church on the inside. Have you seen other beautiful churches, it is perhaps nothing special, but the church is still very nice on the outside and worth a visit if you like churches.