A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Seville. It is located in the autonomous community of Andalusia and one of the largest cities in the country. Many travelers are drawn to Seville due to its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of things to do in Seville if you’re ready to explore this city from morning to night.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in the city is probably the Royal Alcázar of Seville. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its beauty and colorful past. It was once an Abbadid Muslim alcazar or residential fortress that was later destroyed and turned into a palace for the Christian king, Peter of Castile. Today, it is one of the best examples of Mudéjar architecture in the Iberian Peninsula. Its intricate design and lush garden also attract a lot of tourists. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
Located in Maria Luisa Park, Plaza de España is another attraction you shouldn’t miss while in Seville. This immense plaza was one of the best feats of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, designed by architect Aníbal González. Aside from its size, Plaza de España is also well-known for its design showcasing Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You can explore the museums located in the area or admire the filming locations of several Star Wars films shot here.
La Giralda is probably one of the most iconic attractions in Seville. The 104.1m structure serves as the bell tower of Seville Church, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral. At first glance, you’ll immediately see evidence of its Moorish origins as it served as a minaret for the former mosque. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by 34 ramps, not stairs, as horses were used to climb the tower. Once you’ve braved climbing this mighty edifice, you’ll be rewarded with a sensational view of the city.
Catedral de Sevilla or Seville Cathedral is another attraction that should be on the top of your things to do in Seville list. The vast church holds many titles under its belt, including the largest Gothic church and the fourth largest church in the world, as well as a UNESCO Heritage site, to name a few. Inside, you’ll find 80 different chapels, the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, and Capilla Mayor, where you can find the world’s largest altarpiece. The cathedral has a late opening time, so best to schedule your visit later in the afternoon.
Located at La Encarnación square is where you’ll find Las Setas De Sevilla, the world’s largest wooden structure. Also called the Metropol Parasol, it consists of six parasols that form one giant mushroom, hence the name ‘Las Setas’ (mushroom in Spanish.) The enormous attraction is a building organized on four levels. Here you’ll find the Antiquarium, a museum that houses the Roman and Moorish remains found during its construction, a central market, and a public plaza. If you’re looking for things to do in Seville at night, you can head here and watch it glow.
Another history-rich attraction in Seville is the Torre del Oro. This dodecagonal military watchtower is believed to have gotten its name from the golden shine that it projects on the nearby Guadalquivir river. From being a control tower during its construction in the 13th century, Torre del Oro also served as a prison, a chapel, and a naval office. Today, it now serves as a maritime museum with a viewing platform on its rooftop.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Seville, then a visit to Parque de María Luisa is a must. The 34-hectare oasis is located in central Seville and is the perfect place to unwind after days of exploring the city. Here you’ll find towering palm trees, various flora, as well as gorgeous ornaments, including a pond, tile fountain, and more. To make your day here extra special, you can join fun segway tours to explore the area or visit the nearby Plaza de España.
For history buffs, a visit to Seville would not be complete without a stop at Archivo General de Indias. The historic building houses important documents that illustrate Spain’s empire in the Americas and the Philippines. Inside, you’ll find over 7km-long shelves filled with over 43,000 paperwork, some dating as far back as 1492. Although most of it is in Spanish and not everything is on display, you can still appreciate the well-preserved maps and fascinating letters available for public viewing. In 1987, the Renaissance building became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a day of art appreciation while you’re in Seville and visit Museo de Bellas Artes or the Seville Museum of Fine Arts. The Mannerist palace contains exquisite Spanish and Sevillan paintings from the country’s most renowned artists. Here, you’ll find works of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Juan de Valdés Leal, and Francisco de Zurbarán from Seville’s Golden Age during the 17th century. After admiring the museum’s incredible display, you can also check its stunning courtyards for a breath of fresh air.
One of the things Seville is best known for is its bullfighting culture. Albeit a controversial tradition, bullfighting has been done in the Andalusian city for many centuries. If you’re keen to get to know this sport, you can visit Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla. It is the oldest bullring in the country that can hold up to 14,000 spectators. Here, you can join a guided tour to learn about the history of bullfighting in Seville without actually witnessing a fight.
Seville is known for many things! If you’re into art and history, the city’s iconic buildings alone are worth the trip. Seville is also popular for its colorful nightlife culture. A stay here wouldn’t be complete without watching a flamenco performance.
If you want to enjoy the city to its fullest, the best time to visit Seville is between February to June. The weather is perfect during these months, and you have the option to attend two of Seville’s much-awaited feasts: the Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril.
The best place to stay in Seville, especially if you’re a first time visitor, is Santa Cruz. It’s one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods or barrio, thanks to its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and adorable cafes. It’s also close to many of Seville’s top attractions including Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Plaza de Espana.