If you love cultural cities full of stunning architecture, you’re in for a treat. Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. You will definitely have enough to see here to keep your feet moving.
I recommend three days to see Seville with a day trip on the third day. But check out how many of these things you’d like to see, take into account your travel pace, and decide how many days are best for you.
What to do in Seville
Stroll the streets of Santa Cruz and Triana
Is there a better way to get to know a city than to get completely lost? Who needs a map? In Seville’s case, it will be extra easy because many of the interior streets are built like mazes–thank the Moors for that one! So okay, maybe bringing a map isn’t a bad idea. I highly recommend strolling through the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana.
Visit La Catedral
They were not playing games with this one. The Sevillanos wanted to build a cathedral as opulent and beautiful as was humanly possible–which apparently took 101 years to achieve (Go big or go home, am I right?). But SUCCESS because this Cathedral is the 3rd largest in the world (the first one being the literal Vatican), and it’s also an UNESCO heritage site! It’s impossible to walk around the Santa Cruz area and NOT see it. During Seville’s Semana Santa processions, the largest and most famous in all of Spain, this cathedral takes center stage.
Tour the Alcazar
While you’re in the neighborhood, head over to another MUST SEE: the Alcazar of Seville. If it’s Summer, buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid standing in the sun. If you didn’t think ahead, it’s okay.
The line moves quickly, but bring water and a hand fan like a true Española. Inside this ancient palace, you’ll find an architectural masterpiece started by the Moors in the 10th century with a mix of mudajar and gothic styles. V fancy and a great spot for Instagram shots.
Have a photoshoot at Plaza de España
No visit to Seville is complete without a visit to Plaza de España. This spot is iconic and has appeared in many films–including Star Wars! It has four bridges that represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain and 48 benches for each province in the country. You can paddle around the plaza or simply take a nice stroll. But watch out, there’s a ton of horse-drawn carriages here and with horses comes something you wouldn’t want to step in.
Relax in Parque Maria Luisa
Just across the way from Plaza de España you’ll find Parque Maria Luisa overflowing with exotic greenery, fragrant orange trees, moorish fountains, and decorative benches. (AKA tons of places to sit under shade in the Summer). It will also take you right along the Guadalquivir River.
Stroll along the Guadalquivir River
If you come in Summer and it’s too hot to deal or if you simply want a nice area to stroll away from the center, head down to the river area. Next to the Puente de Triana behind Mercado Lonja del Barranco you’ll also find tons of people laying out with picnics and beverages. Bring a bocadillo and a bottle of wine to do as the Sevillanos do.
Check out the Real Plaza de Toros
On your walk along the river, you’ll find many famous stops like the Real Plaza de Toros. It is home to one of the most famous bullfighting festivals in the world, but you don’t have to watch that to check out the cultural icon. (In fact, if you’re not ready to see many bulls die, it’s best if you don’t.) If you’re interested in the tradition without the gore, there is a museum you can visit to learn about bullfighting in Spain, and you can also tour the grounds. This costs about 8 euros.
Watch the sun set behind Torre del Oro
Another spot you’ll pass on your walk along the river is the Torre del Oro, or the Tower of Gold. Some say it has this name because of its golden reflection along the river, others say it was once covered in gold tiles. I recommend a visit at sunset when it’s golden hues shine against the turning sky. Inside you’ll find a small museum about local maritime folklore. If this is not something you’re interested in, it’s enough just to see it from the outside.
Watch a flamenco show
Flamenco was born and raised in Andalusia, and Seville is one of the best places to watch a flamenco show in Spain. Check out popular venues like Museo del Baile Flamenco, Tablao Flamenco, or La Casa del Flamenco for a show.
Chase some views on the Metropol Parasol
This mushroom shaped icon is the largest wooden structure in the world and offers great aerial views of Seville for just 2 euros!
Suggested Day Trip to Cadiz or Ronda
We recommend Cadiz during Summer if you’re looking to hit the beach in a colorful city or in February if you want to enjoy the biggest Carnaval in continental Spain.
We recommend Ronda if you’re looking for a charming mountaintop town or a nice hike during Fall.
When to Visit
No matter when you visit Seville, you will fall in love, but different months are great for different activities.
So what are you looking for?
Mild weather, less tourists, and cheaper prices? Try November-March but bring a jacket because it can get chilly.
Lively crowds?
You’ll see tons of people out in the Summer months. BUT BEWARE THE HEAT. It is like a hot, wet blanket and is the worst during 2-5 (siesta time). So if you visit during this time bring cool clothing, a hand fan, drink tons of water, and go indoors during siesta to rest and have lunch.
For a cultural tradition? Come in April!
First off the month kicks off with Semana Santa. A week-long religious celebration with traditional processions dating back to the medieval times. Even if you are not religious, this is an iconic cultural event to witness and the biggest one in all of Spain. From morning to night you will witness traditions and processions throughout the streets of Seville. IT. IS. INCREDIBLE. A few weeks after Semana Santa is La Feria de Abril (The April Fair), a celebration of Spring. Locals will don their traditional Sevillano attire, and you can join in the fun. This is also one of the most emblematic ferias in Spain.
Warning: It is expensive to stay in the area during this time. So booking far in advance is recommended.
