11 Things to do in Seville, Spain

Seville is the sort of place that slows you down without even trying. Between fragrant orange trees, narrow lanes that open into secret plazas, and soaring Moorish palaces, it’s a city that grabs your senses and keeps them. Below is a practical, friendly guide for all the things to do in Seville, Spain, the places you really should not miss, plus the things I wish I knew before going.

Things to do in Seville: A Comprehensive Guide

1. The Alcázar: A Royal Oasis

The Alcázar is breathtaking. It features ornate tilework, shaded courtyards, and gardens that feel like an oasis. This royal palace has layers of history and is one of the city’s best photo spots. Plan to spend at least two hours here.

Tip: Aim for an early slot to avoid the hottest, busiest part of the day. We spent quite some time in the entrance queue. Buy your ticket here, or you can skip the queue with this ticket.

2. Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

The cathedral is massive and full of history. You can also see Christopher Columbus’s tomb here. Buy combined tickets or reserve slots to skip long queues. You can get priority access here. For everywhere in Spain, we found that buying tickets online helped quite a bit.

3. Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park

Plaza de España is theatrical in the best way. It has tiled alcoves, sweeping bridges, and a canal where you can paddle or watch rowboats. Rent a bike or cyclotron in Maria Luisa Park to cover more ground and keep the day breezy.

4. Santa Cruz Neighborhood: A Hidden Gem

This is Seville’s old Jewish quarter, and it’s made for wandering. Think narrow streets, shaded squares, and countless tapas bars. It’s the easiest place to get deliciously lost, and then find a tiny restaurant with the kindest people. Sometimes it pays not to have a plan!

5. Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Known locally as Las Setas, this wooden structure is an unexpectedly modern landmark. Walk the raised walkway for a different view of the city and enjoy a coffee on the plaza below. It’s a nice counterpoint to the historic architecture. Book here.

6. Torre del Oro + Guadalquivir River Cruise

Cross over to the riverfront for a relaxed cruise. It’s a calm way to see Triana and the city’s riverside life. Afterwards, stroll toward Torre del Oro for photos and a quick history lesson.

7. Flamenco: The Heartbeat of Seville

Seville is where flamenco lives. For the most authentic experience, book an intimate tablao in advance. The shows can be emotional and raw, and it's good to be prepared to immerse yourself. Flamenco isn't background music; it’s a performance that pulls you in.

8. Tour with Tapas: A Culinary Adventure

A walking tour is the best way to get to know a city in the shortest time. This one comes with tapas and taverns on your route! Alternatively, you can wander around in an eco-friendly tuk tuk!

Food is the most indulgent way to get to know a culture! We love cooking classes because they are fun and bonding. You also get to talk to others and learn in a fun way, and best of all, enjoy the fruits of your labour at the end! Book here.

9. Bullfighting: A Cultural Experience

Any movie set in Spain will tell you how big the bullfighting scene is. With this activity, you can get a tour and go onto the bullring itself!

10. Day Trip Options: Explore Beyond Seville

Great day trip options include Alhambra, Gibraltar, Cordoba, Italica, and White Villages & Ronda. There's quite a lot to see, but you can do two days in Seville itself and a day for a road/train trip.

11. Watch a Football Match

They say you should always leave the best for last, and our trip to Seville wouldn't have been complete without a football match. The vibe was truly unmatched: even though it was pouring cats and dogs, everyone was chanting the team song and we managed to catch it too! We do wish we had splurged a bit to get shaded seats, but we live and learn haha.

Practical Tips for Your Seville Adventure

• Book Early: Reserve as many activities as you can, especially during peak months.

• Beat the Heat: Seville gets very hot in summer. Sightsee early, rest at midday, and enjoy evenings outside.

• Comfort is Key: Wear comfortable shoes; the streets are beautiful but often cobbled, and you'll walk a lot.

• Siesta Time: Shops may close for siesta in the afternoon. Use that time to nap, eat, or linger in a garden.

  
  

Embracing the Soul of Seville

Seville is soulful and unapologetically relaxed. It’s a city that rewards slow mornings, long lunches, and late evenings. If you give it time, you’ll find its rhythm, and you’ll want to come back. We quite enjoyed the small-town vibes, the kindness of people, and how cozy everything felt compared to the bigger cities.

For the fastest way to get to all the spots, you can use the hop-on hop-off bus. Alternatively, use a segway or, even better, a horse-drawn carriage!