Famous for Moorish heritage, Seville features buildings with colorful painted tiles typical for this type of architecture. The marvelous Giralda tower, Seville Cathedral, as well as stunning palaces with lobed arches draw travelers to visit the capital of Andalusia.
But it’s not all about architecture when it comes to Seville. Other things that make this Spanish city attractive among tourists include tapas, toros, and flamenco dancing.
That’s not all! Whether you plan to visit the city in the summer or winter, there is a wide range of things to do in Seville. If you’re wondering what to see in Seville, keep scrolling down to get a better idea. Here are the 10 best things to do in Seville in no particular order for a memorable trip.
1. Visit the Seville Cathedral
Located near the Réal Alcazar, this enormous structure tempts every passerby to enter and check what’s inside. What makes the Seville Cathedral special? It’s the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral with eighty different chapels. This spectacular cathedral has been built for more than 100 years. It was completed about 500 years ago.
Today, the Seville Cathedral is included in the World Heritage List. What’s more, it is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in Spain. Visitors can spend hours winding their way through a labyrinth of chambers, tile-covered rooms, gardens, hallways, and towers. Be sure to see Christopher Columbus’ tomb while exploring the Seville Cathedral.
2. Head to the Royal Alcázar
The Royal Alcázar of Seville (also called Réal Alcazar or Royal Alcazar) is situated in the close vicinity of the Seville Cathedral. So once you get to the Seville Cathedral, all you need to do is keep walking until you encounter this UNESCO-listed palace. This huge complex mostly features Moorish architecture.
The rooms of this remarkable building are used by the royal family, including the staterooms, chambers, and halls. They are all located on the upper level. To view these rooms, visitors need to pay extra. While exploring the Royal Alcazar, visitors can access the Grutesco Gallery, marvel at carved ceilings, walk around the well-maintained courtyard and sprawling gardens, etc.
3. Enjoy Walking the Plaza de Espana, Seville
Plaza de España can be found in nearly every Seville guidebook. It’s presented as one of the must-see attractions of Seville even though it doesn’t have a great historical significance. So, what makes it worth visiting?
This famous plaza is the iconic landmark of Seville that was constructed in 1929. Plaza de España has been utilized as a filming location for many popular TV shows and films like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, and so on.
Today, it houses a few administration and government offices. Spanning over 50,000 m2, Plaza de España boasts Venetian-style bridges, numerous canals (they allow for romantic boat rides), colorful alcoves, and impressive fountains.
4. Climb the Giralda Bell Tower (La Giralda)
A Seville’s emblem, La Giralda is an impressive bell tower within the cathedral complex that is located close to the Réal Alcazar. This Moorish structure comprises over 30 ramps (instead of stairs) that lead to the top of the tower running around the interior wall.
On the way up, there’s an array of archaeological exhibits that are intended to make the climb more interesting. Keep in mind that there’s no lift. Once you reach the top of the 103-meter high Giralda tower, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
5. Explore Triana Neighborhood
This popular neighborhood is positioned opposite the old town on the Guadalquivir bank. What makes Triana popular is a plethora of shows throughout the year, including flamenco performances and other great venues. Locals regard it as the birthplace of flamenco.
How to get to this lovely district? The Isabel Bridge is the main way that will take you right to Triana. It’s located near the gorgeous bullfighting arena. If you go this way, the Plaza del Altozano will be the first site you’re going to arrive at. Keep walking and you will come across a flamenco dancer statue. Many visitors go there for azulejos tiles that can be purchased in many ceramics shops in Triana.
6. Tour the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold)
Torre del Oro is a twelve-sided ornate watchtower located by the Guadalquivir River. Originally, it was a defensive military watchtower erected in the 13th century; however, this awesome structure has been repurposed and rebuilt multiple times.
For example, it served as a gunpowder store, noble prison, and chapel. Torre del Oro is now the Maritime Museum that showcases a variety of items that belonged to shipyards and harbor. Visitors can climb the tower for spectacular views and enjoy watching beautiful displays.
7. Marvel at Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol (also known as Las Setas) is a tourist attraction in La Encarnacion square. Shaped as huge mushrooms, these timber-frame structures can easily catch the imagination of every tourist. Many tourists (and locals as well) climb Las Setas to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
You will be able to get to the top by catching the lift. On the caps of mushrooms, there are walkable winding pathways. Please note that there’s an entrance fee. Yet most people find it worth paying.
8. Spend an Afternoon Wandering the Jewish Quarter
Looking for tapas hotspots in Seville? Look no further. You can find some of the best tapas in the Jewish Quarter while wandering this wonderful area. As the name implies, this area was inhabited by the Jewish population. It’s now home to countless restaurants and bars where both locals and tourists create a big buzz during warm days.
The Jewish Quarter consists of many narrow streets that connect lots of plazas. You can easily get lost in this maze of streets, so it’s advisable to join a guided tour to explore this distinct with peace of mind.
9. Visit an Archaeological Museum
This remarkable museum is an integral part of an ensemble that has been created for the Exposición Iberoamericana. It houses a diverse range of artifacts that have been collected in the vicinity of Seville from several archaeological sites.
The Treasure of El Carombolo that dates back to the Bronze Age is one of the most important finds. This worthy hoard contains 21 jewelry pieces, each of which is made of gold. They belonged to the Phoenicians and Tartessians. These gold pieces, as well as various artifacts, are now displayed at Archaeological Museum in Seville.
10. Go On a Romantic Cruise on the Guadalquivir River (Guadalquivir)
Running through the city center, the Guadalquivir River brings Seville to life. It splits Triana and the old city on its way to the ocean. Guadalquivir is one of the main docking points for cargo ships that carry everything from tobacco to gold and silver. Thus, it also brings prosperity to this area.
Aside from that, the Guadalquivir River allows tourists to go on cruises and get a better feel for the city along the way. For example, they can see many iconic buildings while passing by the Santa Maria de las Cuevas, La Maestranza, etc. The river cruises start from the Torre del Oro and tourists can go on them every thirty minutes.
Additionally, if you like sports you can enjoy Guadalquivir Kayak Tour in Seville and make a journey through the history of the discovery of America, the Triana neighborhood, the Island of La Cartuja, La Maestranza, the Arenal neighborhood and the Universal Exhibition of 1992. All your questions can be consulted as well as your questions being in the Water, enjoying it.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do and see in Seville. From Seville Cathedral and La Giralda to Plaza de España and Royal Alcázar, this city offers plenty of tourist attractions worth visiting. So whether you are a solo budget adventurer or a traveler with deep pockets who want to explore Spain, the Seville trip is a relaxing and cultural experience that you shouldn’t miss. It will be one of the most memorable trips in your life.
