What to Do in Seville?
Seville is undoubtedly the most beautiful gem of Andalusia, that immense region in the south of Spain. The sunniest city in the country has been traversed by several civilizations that have turned it into a true beauty. It’s impossible to leave without having been completely dazzled by every corner and every monument. Guided by the scent of orange trees, you’ll discover a destination as lively by day as it is by night. What to do in Seville?
10 things to see in Seville Spain
Useful information to visit Seville:
Seville in a nutshell
The capital of the province of the same name and of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Seville is the fourth-largest city in the country, with a population of 685,000 inhabitants.
Crossed by the Guadalquivir River, it dominates the plain: the Sevillian countryside. It is also very close to other sublime Andalusian cities, such as Cordoba, Malaga, or Granada.
Founded by the Tartessians, it was later inhabited by Phoenicians and Greeks.
Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and finally the Muslims also passed through here, leaving magnificent traces of their culture.
Conquered by Ferdinand III of Castile, the city becomes Christian and new monuments are added to its already exceptional panorama.
Since then, it has known how to highlight its prestigious past, and tourists flock to admire it.
What to Do in Seville?
Visiting Seville entails admitting from the outset that you’ll want to immortalize every corner of the city.
However, there are monuments that will capture your attention more than others.
1. Cathedral and Giralda
It is the iconic monument of the city, and you won’t be able to miss it thanks to its tower that dominates the city and is visible from afar.
Therefore, it’s logical that it tops all articles about what to see in Seville.
The cathedral was initially a mosque. Today, it is the largest religious building after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
The former minaret of the mosque, the Giralda, is now the bell tower of the cathedral.
Standing almost 100 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking view of beautiful Seville.
2. Real Alcazar
Without a doubt, my favorite monument in this magnificent city is the Alcázar.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the oldest royal palaces.
Built in the 9th century, the building has evolved with changes in rulers.
It is considered the brightest example of Mudéjar architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.
From its sumptuous ceilings to its sublime gardens, the Alcázar will dazzle you.
Remember to book your ticket in advance to avoid the endless lines.
3. Plaza de España
Surely the most beautiful square in the country, the Plaza de España was originally built for the Ibero-American Exposition.
On its benches, the tiles represent all the provinces of Spain.
In addition to being an exceptionally beautiful place, it has also been the setting for several movies and series.
4. Parque Maria Luisa
The Maria Luisa Park is the green lung of the city.
In the shade of its trees, you can admire small peculiar places like the Fountain of the Frogs.
As you head to the Plaza de las Palomas, you can discover other important local monuments such as the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, the Archaeological Museum of Seville, and the Royal Pavilion.
5. Santa Cruz
The historic neighborhood of Santa Cruz is a must-visit. With its brightly colored facades, typical courtyards, and fragrant orange trees, every corner is a true delight for the eyes.
Get lost in its streets and enjoy its terraces to observe locals and tourists busy with their activities.
6. Triana
Another neighborhood to visit at a leisurely pace is Triana.
Immerse yourself in the true Andalusian life by imitating its inhabitants: have breakfast in one of its most typical bars, do your shopping in the market, and buy souvenirs in its shops.
It’s also the best place to enjoy flamenco, which fills both the streets and the performance halls.
7. Torre del oro
With a height of 36 meters, the Tower of Gold was built by the Almohads in the 12th century.
At that time, it was part of the Arab walls and controlled naval transportation on the Guadalquivir River.
On the top floor of the monument, you can visit the Naval Museum, which exhibits maritime instruments, models, and maps. The view of the river from above is magnificent!
8. Plaza de Cabildo
This semicircular plaza is extremely beautiful. It’s the perfect place to take a break during your visit to the city.
On Sundays, a market is held where stamp and coin collectors rush to find rare pieces.
It’s an opportunity to go and experience a true moment of local life!
9. Plaza de Toros
Far from me the idea of encouraging bullfighting, but Spanish bullrings often deserve to be visited for their beauty.
This is the case of the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza in Seville.
From the outside, it gives a clear idea: it is simply sublime! Inside, more than 12,000 seats await the spectators.
10. Las Setas
To conclude this article on the things to see in Seville Spain, I want to talk about a rather unusual monument.
In front of the historical monuments and the more classic heritage, it especially attracts the most curious tourists, it’s Las Setas.
Also known as Metropol Parasol, this 28-meter-high wooden structure offers a spectacular view of the sublime city of Seville.
Excursions around Seville
Seville is a charming city that you can explore over and over again.
It’s also an excellent starting point for discovering other nearby tourist destinations.
GRANADA
Known for its sublime Alhambra, the city is one of the country’s jewels. During this visit, you can also explore the Albaicín neighborhood.
Ronda and its white villages
From Seville, explore the charming city of Ronda and the beautiful white villages of the region aboard an air-conditioned vehicle.
Italica
The Roman ruins of Italica await you on this half-day guided tour. Discover the Traianeum, the statues of Diana and Venus, the public baths, and the amphitheater.
How many days to visit Seville?
While it’s possible to discover the city in 2 days, I recommend spending at least 3 days, not only to explore everything the city has to offer at your own pace but also to enjoy the relaxed nightlife.
Of course, you can also choose to make this beautiful Andalusian city your base for a week.
This allows you to discover the local life and visit the region and its charming villages.
If you have more time and enjoy traveling slowly, there’s nothing stopping you from spending several weeks or even a few months here.
Things to see in Seville in 2 days
If you only have 2 days to spend in Seville, don’t worry, you can still see the most iconic places in the city.
Day 1:
Use this day to discovering the main monuments of the city.
- Real Alcazar
- Cathedral and la Giralda
- Torre del Oro
- Plaza de Cabildo
- Plaza de Toros
Day 2:
Take advantage of this second day to discover the atmosphere that reigns in its neighborhoods.
- Triana
- Santa Cruz
- Plaza de España
- Parque Maria Luisa
Things to see in Seville in 3 days
If you spend 3 days in this beautiful city, you can add to the 2-day itinerary 2 more must-see places and enjoy the afternoon to stroll at your leisure.
Day 3:
- Casa de Pilatos
- Setas
When to go to Seville?
In the south of the country, temperatures can be very, very high in summer. They can even be difficult to bear for some people.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the months of July and August, which are the hottest.
Spring is the best time to discover the city, as temperatures are mild and rainfall is scarce.
However, prices may be slightly higher than usual. In fact, in spring, two of the most popular festivals are held: Holy Week and the April Fair.
The city can also be visited in autumn, but rainfall is more frequent, and in winter, if lower temperatures do not bother you.
How to get to Seville?
The city has an international airport that connects with the main European capitals and even other large cities.
Simply take a shuttle bus to get to the city center.
If you are already in Spain, trains and numerous buses will allow you to reach this beautiful Andalusian city.
If you prefer a bit more freedom and also want to explore the region, you can also opt for a car.
There are several options for parking in Seville. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can rent one.
How to get around in Seville?
The points of interest in Seville are quite close to each other, so you can explore the city on foot without any problem if your accommodation is well located.
If not, you can rely on the city’s public transportation system. In fact, there are many buses that cover the city and can take you almost anywhere. Click to check the routes and schedules.
If you prefer public transportation, you can also rely on taxis and Ubers to get around the city.
Where to stay in Seville?
Seville is a fairly large, safe, and well-connected city with public transportation, so you have many options when it comes to neighborhoods to stay in during your visit.
However, I’ll lend you a hand by presenting you with 4 neighborhoods to consider:
1. Santa Cruz: The famous neighborhood is full of accommodations in old typical houses. It’s also perfect because the main tourist attractions are located here.
2. Triana: The other tourist neighborhood in the city is also an excellent option for travelers who want to experience a more local and authentic city.
3. La Alameda: If you enjoy exploring the nightlife of the places you visit, this neighborhood is perfect. It’s full of bars and restaurants. If noise bothers you while sleeping, it might not be the best option.
4. La Macarena: This neighborhood located to the north of the city is quite economical. If you’re traveling on a limited budget, it’s a good option. However, it’s quite far from the main tourist attractions.
Be a digital nomad
Seville is a city that attracts tourists from all over the world, but it’s not yet a hub for digital nomads.
However, there are several coworking spaces or cafés where you can work, as well as some co-living options. The expatriate community will also allow you to easily meet new people.
Although the extremely hot weather can be a challenge for remote workers who fear the heat, it’s a city worth considering due to its cultural offerings and spectacular heritage.
It’s also an excellent base for exploring one of the most beautiful regions of Spain: Andalusia!
Be a responsible traveler in Seville
As in Spain and elsewhere, traveling responsibly is important as environmental protection becomes increasingly relevant.
Here are some ideas for adopting eco-friendly behaviors:
- Respect local recycling rules.
- Don’t buy bottled water, as tap water is drinkable.
- Avoid large hotel chains.
- Decline daily towel changes at your hotel.
- Choose restaurants that cook with local products.
- Avoid ordering food delivery.
- Shop at local markets.
- Don’t feed animals in parks or squares.
- Prefer public transportation over taxis.
- Use air conditioning responsibly.
Spain faces water-related issues, so pay attention to your consumption!
Be a POC in Seville
Each person will have a different experience, of course, during their visit to the Andalusian city. I’m of South Asian origin, and I didn’t encounter any problems during my stay.
What to do in Seville? One of Spain’s most beautiful cities will transport you to another world where colors are brighter and life, in general, is more cheerful. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Seville!
I hope this article on what to do in Seville helps you plan your next trip. Feel free to share it on Pinterest to help other travelers!
