If you are planning a visit to the beautiful city of Seville, you are in the right place. In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide to everything you can do and see in Seville, an area steeped in history, culture and tradition. From iconic monuments to flamenco shows, Seville has something for everyone, so get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this city!.
Things to do in Seville, Spain
The song says that ‘Seville has a special colour’, but the truth is that it doesn’t just have one colour, but a whole rainbow. Every corner of the city has a different personality and every street hides a surprise. But there are places that you should not miss under any circumstances during your visit to the capital of Seville.
The must-see sights in this sunny city are the Real Alcázar, the Plaza de España and Seville Cathedral. We also recommend you attend a flamenco show and feast on tapas. Here we present in detail all the plans for what to do and see in Seville.
1. SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
Seville Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic monuments in the world, stands imposingly in the heart of the city. Its façade is simply beautiful and is worth contemplating for its unparalleled beauty. This majestic construction, full of porticoes and with a sumptuous interior, was built on the site of a former Almohad mosque in 1401.
Despite the magnitude of the work, construction took more than a hundred years. Don’t miss the main chapel, the impressive collection of jewellery and paintings, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. No wonder it has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco – discover the history and beauty of Seville Cathedral!.
2. THE GIRALDA
The Giralda tower, next to Seville Cathedral, rises 104 metres above the city. It was originally the minaret of the Arab mosque that stood on the same site. Over the centuries, the Giralda has undergone several transformations, especially during the city’s transition from Moorish to Christian. The addition of the upper section with 24 bells makes it the bell tower with the most bells in Spain. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. At the top is the famous ‘Giraldillo’, a weathervane of more than three metres that symbolises the victory of Christianity over Islam. Located on Avenida de la Constitución, s/n. Don’t miss this architectural marvel!.
3. EXPLORE THE REAL ALCÁZAR OF SEVILLE
Right next to the Cathedral, you will find the Real Alcázar, a dream palace that combines different architectural styles and will transport you to another era. Don’t forget to take a stroll through its lush gardens!
4. SEVILLE’S PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Seville’s Plaza de España, built in 1928 to commemorate the Discovery of America during the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, is notable for its circular shape and navigable canals.
This iconic public space has four bridges representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain, arcades, fountains and 48 benches symbolising the Spanish provinces.
In addition, the Plaza de España has been the setting for numerous series and films, such as ‘Star Wars’, and its decorative tiles are world-renowned.
5. THE MARÍA LUISA PARK IN SEVILLE
The María Luisa Park, located opposite the Plaza de España, is Seville’s most outstanding green lung. It has been recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Garden and was inaugurated in 1914 as part of the private gardens of the San Telmo Palace. The Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda donated these gardens to the city, which today enjoys its charming fountains, such as the Fountain of the Frogs, the Fountain of the Lions and the Islet of the Ducks. Inside are the Archaeological Museum of Seville and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. An essential place to visit in the Andalusian capital.
6. THE GOLDEN TOWER
The Torre del Oro, known as the ‘pretty girl of Seville’, is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and was built in the 13th century as part of the city’s military defences. During Moorish times, it was used to control ship traffic by means of a huge chain that connected it to another tower on the other side of the river.
Today, the Torre del Oro houses the Naval Museum, where models and old navigational tools are on display. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Triana neighbourhood, the Cathedral and the Guadalquivir River. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this emblematic monument on Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n. Discover the history and beauty of the Torre del Oro in Seville!.
7. SANTA CRUZ QUARTER
The Santa Cruz neighbourhood in Seville is one of the most emblematic and picturesque places in the city, and without a doubt, a destination not to be missed if you visit the Andalusian capital. With its narrow cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and the magic that permeates every corner, this historic quarter will transport you to another era and leave you in awe of its unique charm.
It has its roots in the old Jewish quarter of Seville, when the Sephardic Jews lived in this area during the Middle Ages. After the expulsion of the Jews in the 15th century, the neighbourhood was inhabited by the city’s nobility and upper classes. Over time, however, the neighbourhood lost its splendour and became one of the poorest parts of the city.
One of the main attractions of the Barrio de Santa Cruz is its unique architecture, with Moorish and Mudejar influences reflected in its narrow, labyrinthine streets, whitewashed houses and courtyards filled with flowers and tiles.
8. METROPOL PARASOL
The Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas, is a peculiar viewpoint built in 2011. Its avant-garde architecture simulates six large mushrooms or umbrellas, with a wooden structure that contrasts with the traditional Andalusian style, bringing originality and modernism to the city. From the top of the building, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. Located in the Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n.
9. THE ISLAND OF LA CARTUJA
Although its appearance does not correspond to that of an island, this site on the banks of the Guadalquivir River was the site of the 1992 Universal Exhibition, and still preserves some of the pavilions built for the occasion. A wooden walkway leads to the Jardin Americano, an exotic botanical garden with more than 300 species from the American continent.
On the Isla de la Cartuja is the monastery of La Cartuja or monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas, which dates back to the 15th century and now houses the Andalusian Centre of Contemporary Art. Also located here are Isla Mágica, a theme park, and Agua Mágica, a water park. Both are ideal destinations to enjoy Seville with the whole family.
10. BASILICA OF LA MACARENA
The Basilica de la Macarena, officially known as the Basilica of Santa María de la Esperanza Macarena, is located on Calle Bécquer in the Macarena district of Seville. It is the place where the procession of the brotherhood of La Esperanza Macarena takes place during the early hours of Good Friday, with the images of the titular virgin of the temple and Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Sentencia. It was built in 1941 and blessed in 1949 to house these images, which were previously housed in the chapel of the Parish Church of San Gil, which burnt down in 1936.
The architect in charge of the work was Aurelio Gómez Millán, who designed a Baroque style building with a single nave, barrel vault and four side chapels. In 1966, Pope Paul VI granted it the title of minor basilica. Its façade is majestic, with an entrance door supported by marble columns. Inside, the marble decoration and the fresco paintings by Rafael Rodríguez, centred on the Virgin Mother, stand out.
The gilded wooden altarpieces in the presbytery and side chapels, made in the workshop of Juan Pérez Calvo, are another of its charming features. The main altarpiece houses the Santísima Virgen de la Esperanza in a camarín made by Fernando Marmolejo Camargo. The side chapels are dedicated to Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Sentencia, the Virgin of the Holy Rosary, Christ of Salvation and the Patron Saints of Hispanoamerica.
11. PALACE OF DUEÑAS
The Palacio de Dueñas is an essential place to get to know the typical Andalusian architecture and enjoy the luxury that has surrounded it over the centuries. In the 20th century, this palace has been home to or visited by such distinguished personalities as the Empress Eugenia de Montijo, Alfonso XIII, Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Rainier of Monaco, Edward VIII, George VI and the English politician Lord Holland. Not forgetting Antonio Machado, who lived there for eight years in the 19th century, as his father was the administrator of the property.
The origins of this palace date back to the 15th or 16th centuries, taking its name from a nearby monastery that no longer exists. The palace originally belonged to the Pineda family, lords of Casa Bermeja, one of Seville’s most prominent lineages. It later passed as an inheritance to Fernando Enríquez de Ribera, 2nd Marquis of Villanueva del Río and father of Antonia Enríquez de Ribera, who married Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the future 6th Duke of Alba, in 1612. The history of these surnames explains why the palace currently belongs to the House of Alba.
12. HOUSE OF PILATOS
Known as the House of Alcalá de los Gazules, this impressive palace is located at number 1, Plaza de Pilatos. Its origins date back to the 15th century, the result of the union of the Enríquez and Ribera lineages, who maintained close ties with Italy and had a great passion for Renaissance art. The real driving force behind the House and the social rise of the family was Per Afan de Ribera ‘the Elder’.
In the mid-19th century, the Palacio de los Adelantados Mayores de Andalucía, as it is popularly known, underwent extensive remodelling, incorporating elements and forms typical of Romanticism. Don’t miss the magnificent coffered ceilings and the collection of classical sculpture of the 1st Duke of Alcalá.
13. SEVILLE TOBACCO FACTORY
This iconic building, which recalls the famous story of the cigarette-maker Carmen from Bizet’s opera, was erected in the 18th century to house the first tobacco factory in Europe. Since the mid-20th century, it has been occupied by the rectorate of the University of Seville and various faculties.
Located in the vicinity of the Puerta de Jerez and the Convent of San Diego, the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville has a rectangular structure and is considered the most prominent industrial building in 18th-century Spain, second only in size to the Monastery of El Escorial.
Richard Ford even described it as the Escorial of tobacco during his visit to Seville. The complex is surrounded by a moat on three sides, isolating it from the outside, and its main façade is influenced by the Baroque style. It features an entrance with twin columns on each side and a statue of Fame at the top. Since 1959, it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Historical Monument.
14. PALACE OF THE COUNTESS OF LEBRIJA
The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, located on the busy Cuna Street, is one of the most beautiful buildings to visit in Seville. Built in the 16th century, this palace has an Andalusian-style façade that captivates all who visit it. It was in 1901 when the Countess of Lebrija undertook a major refurbishment of the palace, turning it into a place full of charm where she housed her impressive collection of antiques. Its incredible Roman mosaics stand out, decorating the ground floor and adding a touch of history and beauty to this unique place.
Flamenco Performances: A Must See In Seville
Flamenco performances in Seville are distinguished by their authenticity and their connection to the history and culture of the city. Visit the birthplace of flamenco in Triana, where you will enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Flamenco is characterised by the diversity of its styles, known as ‘palos’. Each palo has its own rhythm, melody and lyrics, which makes it unique and exciting. In Seville, you can enjoy a wide variety of palos, from the joy of bulerías to the melancholy of soleás.
If you want to live an authentic flamenco experience in Seville, you can’t miss the city’s tablaos flamencos. These intimate and cosy venues will allow you to enjoy first-class shows, with renowned dancers, singers and guitarists who will make you vibrate with their art.
