25 Best Things to do in Seville Spain + Free Sightseeing Map

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Seville, a jewel of southern Spain, sits at the heart of Andalucía — a region rich in history and culture. The city is home to Europe’s largest cathedral, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and remarkable examples of Moorish and Christian architecture. It’s also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the city’s Bohemian spirit, timeless charm, and its beloved tradition of tapas—the true essence of Andalusian culture —and share all the best things to do in Seville, Spain.

25 Absolutely Best Things to do in Seville, Spain – Guide to What to see in Seville

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Seville’s story is one of layers — shaped by centuries of Moorish grace and Christian grandeur. You can still feel the city’s Islamic soul in its intricate architecture, aromatic dishes, and slow, sunlit way of life. That blend of old and new is what makes Seville so captivating.

And while its past whispers through every courtyard and cathedral, the city’s modern spirit came alive through the World Trade Fairs, which brought a fresh wave of creativity and progress to its timeless charm.

Two major Trade Fairs, one in 1929 and one in 1992, have given the city the much-needed infrastructural boost that it was previously missing. Many of the Trade Fair pavilions are Seville’s popular attractions today.  

Explore Seville in a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tour.

Map – What to see in Seville, Spain 

All of the sites mentioned in this – What to see in Seville, Spain post are pinned to this GoogleMaps here for you.
 

READ: A 2-day Seville Itinerary and travel guide

1. Royal Alcazar Palace of Seville

 The Royal Alcazar is the most visited site in Seville. It was the seat of the Andalusian royalty and had been serving the two prime dynasties – the Moors and the Spanish Christian rulers.

The palace complex began taking shape in the 10th century when the Umayyads built a Moorish fortress. Just a century before the Spanish Reconquista, that is, in the 12th century, the first royal palace came to fruition under the then-ruling Almohad Dynasty.

In the 13^th century, when the Christian rulers took over Seville, many additions and renovations were made. These additions included a mixed architectural style of Moorish, Renaissance, and Mudéjar designs, and they continued until the 19th century. So what you see today of the Real Alcazar palace is the result of those renovations over the centuries.

The upper floors of the Real Alcázar Palace are the Spanish royal family’s Seville residence. The interiors of the palace are stunning and are a reminder of the Moorish past.

The palace complex is grand with beautifully manicured gardens, water fountains, and lawns.

We highly recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Royal Palace of Seville to avoid waiting in line. TICKETS: Book skip-the-line tickets to the Royal Alcazar Palace of Seville. 

2. Seville Cathedral & Giralda tower 

Catedral de Seville is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site (together with the Royal Alcazar Palace and the General Archives of the Indies) and is home to the resting place of Christopher Columbus.

The Seville Cathedral in its current form was built in the 13^th century with the arrival of the Spanish Reconquista. Before the Christian rulers, the site of the cathedral belonged to a mosque. In the 16^th century, with additions and renovations, the cathedral became the largest one in Europe.

The Cathedral is very grand and is spread across a vast complex. The interiors of the cathedral are equally stunning and unlike many cathedrals that you will see in Europe. There are beautiful art, metal, and goldwork inside the cathedral.

Many of the façades and the ornate designs on the columns and ceilings will remind you of the city’s Moorish past, just like the Alcazar.  

Of all the Moorish remnants at the cathedral, the Giralda tower is the most striking. Believed to be a minaret at some point, the Giralda tower was converted to a church bell tower when the Christian rulers took over the city.

The Giralda tower graces the skyline of Seville, and you can access the top of the tower for some beautiful city views. There are no elevators to reach the top of the bell tower, so you have to climb 34 floors for that. But the effort is worth it.

Access to the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower is by the same entrance ticket. TICKETS: Get skip-the-line tickets for Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower here

3. Archivo General de Indias 

The Archivo General de Indias, or the General Archives of Indies, is home to a wealth of archival documents depicting the maritime history of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines.

The archives building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the site was an ancient merchants’ exchange office, called Casa Lonja de Mercaderes. 

Read: Kickstart your Spain bucket list

4. Wander the narrow lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Jewish Quarters 

The area near the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Seville is home to the city’s Jewish quarters, called the Barrio Santa Cruz. This neighborhood is super touristy and is characterized by colorful houses and small lanes.

This is your ideal neighborhood for photography and a haven for those who love to wander and lose themselves in a new city. You will find something that will catch your eye or touch your soul.

The neighborhood was walled during the Christian rule and away from the humdrum of the royalty. But today is a beautiful place to enjoy a lovely afternoon or evening stroll.

Today, Barrio Santa Cruz is a touristy neighborhood, thanks to the cathedral and the many tapas bars in the area. Wander through the lanes of Santa Cruz – get lost, find your way while eating your heart out, and photograph hidden gems along the way.

Walking tours in Santa Cruz: the old Jewish Quarter

• 1.50-hour walking tour > Book this walking tour of Barrio Santa Cruz
• 1 hour walking tour of Santa Cruz quarters with Metropol Parasol at La Encarnación > Book this tour here

5. Admire the mushrooms – Metropol Parasol at La Encarnación

The Plaza de la Encarnación is a square located in the old center of Seville. The unique thing about the plaza is the wooden structure that surrounds it.

Lovingly called the mushroom –Las Setas de la Encarnación (I say waffle and mushroom), this is the largest wooden structure in the world. The wooden structure is called the Metropol Parasol and was designed by a German architect. 

There is a museum located on the ground floor of the plaza square called the Antiquarian. You can climb to the top of the Las Setas de la Encarnación to see great views of the city of Seville. 

Read: 10 days in Spain itinerary

6. Explore Parque Santa Maria Luisa 

Santa Maria Luisa Park is a huge public park in Seville. In the late 19^th century, the park grounds were given to the city to be rebuilt.

Post-1911 and closer to the inaugural time of the 1929 World Expo (with the Plaza de España), the park was completely re-done. What we see today at the Maria Luisa Park is the result of those renovations.

Today, Maria Luisa Park beams with a lovely walking path, sprinkled with ornamental creations like a pond, fountains, and beautiful sculptures.

7. Get wowed at the Plaza de España in Seville 

Plaza de España is a beautiful complex located in Maria Lucia Park. The plaza was built in a unique architectural mix of Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish Revival styles to commemorate the rich cultural history of Seville. 

Plaza de España was built as an inaugural site for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The grand complex is charming with a huge central monument flanked by two tall towers on each side (north and south), a river canal, and a stunning bridge.

The main structure has 52 alcoves that contain information on the southern provinces of Spain. Each alcove is designed like a bookshelf, and it looks absolutely gorgeous with the rich colors and details.

Although not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plaza de España is worth your time. And it is free to explore the plaza. 

Today, the plaza is home to government administration offices. 

Read: Spain Packing List Guide

8. Take a river cruise on the Guadalquivir

 Guadalquivir gives Seville its character and personality, whether it is the Torre del Oro or the bohemian quarters, you just cannot miss the river.

Take a yacht or a river cruise on the Guadalquivir, ideally in the evening to admire the city lights from both sides of the river – one on the bustling center and the other a little offbeat!

TICKETS 

• Guadalquivir River cruise with one-hour audio guide > Book a river cruise here
• Guadalquivir scenic cruise for one hour and 30 minutes > Book this eco cruise here

9. Go on a Tapas food tour

Food is such an important part of Seville’s heritage. And you should go on a tapas hopping tour in the city. The way the locals do tapas here is completely different from other parts of Spain – Barcelona and Madrid included. 

Tapas are small portions of food ranging from 1 to 3 euros per tapa and are a fantastic way to try out the local cuisine. Choose from sherry wine to beer, cheese tapa to pork cheeks and chickpeas, and the list here is endless. And everything is quite affordable. 

Taking a tapas tour will help you understand the origins of the food traditions and the ingredients, and the influence of the Islamic and Christian dynasties.

On a guided tour, you will be led by a local tour guide who will take you to 3-4 different restaurants serving authentic tapas and sharing stories about Seville. Here is our detailed post about tapas in Seville, Spain. 

10. Torre del Oro, or the tower of Gold 

Torre del Oro is a beautiful, ornate military watchtower, built during the days of the Almohad Caliphate in the 13th century. The watchtower literally means ‘tower of gold’, and it had suffered damage over the centuries, particularly during the Lisbon earthquake.

Today, the Torre del Oro stands tall on one side of the river  Guadalquivir and is home to a maritime museum.

11. Visit the Las Dueñas Palace

What to see in Seville other than the Royal Alcazar Palace? Well, there is another palace that is worth a visit – the Las Dueñas Palace. Often not very visited, the Las Dueñas Palace is a beautiful palace built in Moorish and Renaissance styles of architecture. 

You can take a guided tour or visit the palace on your own (with an audio tour) to learn about its history. Don’t forget to admire the stunning staterooms, the courtyards, gardens, and the fountains. 

The intricate details of the palace’s architecture are full of charm and character, creating a luxuriously royal atmosphere. This palace had served as a residence for Queen Victoria, Jackie Kennedy, Raniero III of Monaco, and his wife, Grace Kelly, and many more. 

The palace also has a diverse collection of artworks to be admired, including paintings and sculptures. There are over 1450 pieces of artwork on display to explore. TICKETS: Get entry tickets for Las Dueñas Palace.

12. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes 

Museo de Bellas Artes is an art museum that houses a beautiful collection of religious art by local and other Spanish artists. The museum is set in a lovely Baroque-style building, and it has courtyards and gardens.

13. Admire the San Salvador church

The second important religious site in Seville is the San Salvador church, or the La Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador. It is a Roman Catholic Church of El Salvador and quite a popular site with tourists and locals alike.

Being located in the central Seville area with markets and tapas bars around, the San Salvador church is always bustling with people.

The San Salvador church was built on the ruins of a 9th-century mosque – Ibn Adabba – the Great Mosque of Muslim Seville. Get your entry tickets to the San Salvador Church. 

14. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride across town 

Imagine living like royalty in a city that is so gorgeous. Yes, enjoy the city of Seville and its iconic landmarks by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride across town. It is a tour where you are picked up from the hotel and dropped off after the completion of the tour.

It is a perfect way to celebrate an occasion or a romantic getaway, or an evening in Seville. 

BOOK: Horse-drawn carriage ride across Seville’s landmarks, with hotel pick up and drop off 

15. Cross the Isabelle Ponte II or Triana Bridge 

Seville’s unique personality and character come from the river Guadalquivir and the many bridges built over it. Of them all, the Isabelle Ponte II is a fine example of the rich cultural heritage that Seville brings in.

Called the Triana bridge, as it connects the center of Seville to the independent neighborhood of Triana, the bridge offers amazing views of the city from one end of the bank. Take a stroll here, admire the river views, and soak in your moments in Seville.

16. Tour the offbeat quarters of the Triana neighborhood 

Triana is a fiercely independent neighborhood of Seville. Connected by the Triana Bridge, Triana was home to the bohemian quarters of the city with colorful lanes, artsy corners, flamenco, and the meeting areas of sailors, artists, and dancers.

Triana remains blissfully under the radar, offering a more authentic glimpse of Seville away from the usual tourist trails. This charming riverside neighborhood is perfect for strolls, romantic evenings, and lively flamenco nights — it’s all part of Triana’s irresistible charm!

TICKETS 

• Triana Market Tour with tastings – Check out the tour here
• Take a walking tour of Triana – Book Triana tour here

17. Explore the oldest market in Seville food market, and discover the old castle remains 

Triana was a strategic stronghold for the Moors. São Jorge Castle guarded Triana on the west bank of the river Guadalquivir. When the Christian rulers came to power, this castle was demolished and made way for a traders’ paradise – in the form of a food market.

Underneath the food market, the remains of the São Jorge castle can be seen. Take a walk down the city’s memory lane here at the Triana food market. 

São Jorge Castle was a medieval fortress built as a military headquarters and a prison. It was later demolished in the 19th century. There is a food market that sits on the ruins of the castle. Today, there is an underground museum – Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge –  to explore the ruins that focus on the castle and life in Triana in the Middle Ages.

18. Watch a flamenco show 

Flamenco is a dance and an art form that originated in Seville in its bohemian quarters.

There are many flamenco museums and theatres across the city, which organize evening shows of an hour. The flamenco shows with music, color, and dance will completely steal your heart, and they are worth the time.

• Flamenco show, with tapas and a night lights tour in Seville – Check it out here
• Go for a flamenco show in the Triana neighborhood – Book a flamenco show here

19. Go on a Game of Thrones Tour in Seville 

The fifth season of the popular TV show “Game of Thrones” was shot at the Royal Alcázar Palace in Seville. It was used as the Water Gardens in the fictional city of Sunspear – the seat of the House Martell and capital of Dorne.

If you are a GoT fan, go on a Game of Thrones tour in Seville. Check out the tours below

• 2-hour Game of Thrones tour in Seville – Check out the GoT tour here
• Other than the Royal Palace in Seville, GoT was also shot at the Roman ruins of Italica. You can combine both sites and explore Italica on a day trip from Seville. Learn more about this day tour from Seville here 

20. Cross the Alamillo Bridge 

 Of the many bridges in Seville, the Alamillo Bridge deserves special attention. The bridge was built for the 1992 World Expo and was created as a symbolic entity for the city’s rich past.

The Alamillo Bridge connects the Canal de Alfonso XIII and goes over the Guadalquivir River. The bridge is visible from the Giralda bell tower and sits at 250 meters high.

21. Admire the church of Lady Mary of La Macarena 

La Macarena is the oldest neighborhood of Seville, and it is located on the north end of the city center. This neighborhood is home to the Virgin of Hope of Lady Macarena. Remember the Spanish song, La Macarena? Macarena is a common Spanish name for girls/women.

La Macarena is characterized by colorful houses, some dilapidated and some now restored, which are slowly welcoming tourists.

La Macarena has been tucked away from the touristic areas of the UNESCO Heritage sites or Santa Cruz, and has been hidden and ignored for a long time. But renovations are ongoing to give a facelift to the neighborhood. 

Explore Le Macarena while you are on a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tour. 

22. Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla  – Bullring Arena 

The Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is a bullring arena in the central part of Seville. The arena has around 12,000-capacity and has been the site of one of the most well-known bullfighting festivals in the world. 

Guided tours are available for the bullring arena. 

23. Visit Seville Tower – the Tallest building in Seville

Seville Tower, or the Torre Seville, is the tallest building in the city at 592 feet. The tower has 40 floors, apparently all empty, but you can access the top floor for some amazing views of Seville. 

The tower is located in La Cartuja, where the Universal Exposition of 1992 took place in Seville.  

24. Visit the Seville Aquarium: Family Travel Tip

Wondering what to see in Seville that involves sailors and sea voyages? Head to the Seville Aquarium and follow the footsteps of the Portuguese explorer Magellan. In the Aquarium, you can experience the same environments and ecosystems through which Magellan and his expedition traveled.

The Aquarium is also home to the most intimate jellyfish exhibition, where you can immerse yourself in the depths of the ocean. There are nighttime guided tours available as well as special dining tours.  

Here are some Seville Aquarium Tours to consider

• Here is a guided tour exploring the Aquarium, a minibus tour, and a cruise – Check out the tour here
• Here is an admission ticket to the Seville Aquarium – Book it today

25. Stroll by the river promenade

The river Guadalquivir is the fifth-largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, and it is what gives the city its charming character. On one hand, there is the bullring plaza and the central area of Seville with the three UNESCO Heritage sites, and on the other is the offbeat neighborhood of Triana and the newly developed areas of the World Fair Exposition.

There is a long pedestrian promenade near the Guadalquivir River, with the Torre del Oro at its end, guarding the area and making it very historic and beautiful.

Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breeze, and this is where you can see the river beautifully. This is also the spot from where you can take a river cruise – go on and enjoy your time in this lovely city of Seville!

We hope you enjoyed our What to see in Seville guide. If you are planning a trip to Spain, read our travel guide below

• Guide to the best hotels in Seville
• Read all about the best places to visit in Spain
• Incorporate Seville into a 7-day trip in Spain
• Get a planning guide for your first trip to Europe

Pin: 25 Incredibly Best Things to do in Seville, Spain – What to see in Seville, Spain

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