Best Things to Do in Seville | Spain
Updated: 1 day ago
Seville is one of my favourite cities in Spain! Everywhere you go, you'll find beautiful architecture, well-maintained public spaces, and charming streets. I particularly love how much there is to see and do here, from historic landmarks and flamenco shows to incredible local food. It's a city I never get tired of exploring.
Short on time? Here is a list of my recommendations of the best places to visit and things to do in Seville:
Explore Plaza de España
Visit Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
Check out Las Setas de Sevilla
Watch a Flamenco Show
Explore Alcázar of Seville
Go on a River Boat Cruise
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
Try Out the Local Cuisine
Plan in a Seville Fair
Have Fun at Isla Magica Waterpark
Try Skydiving
In this article I will also cover the best ways to get around the city, best time to visit and will cover other important things you need to know before your trip to Seville in Spain.
Top Things to Do in Seville
My favorite - Plaza de España
Plaza de España is personally my favourite place in Seville! Located within María Luisa Park, this spectacular square is one of the city's most beautiful landmarks. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, its architecture combines Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival influences. Don't miss the colourful ceramic tiles representing different Spanish provinces, and take some time to explore the surrounding park.
Visit Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
Seville Cathedral, located in the heart of the historic centre, is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its enormous interior and impressive architecture make it one of Seville's most important attractions. I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
La Giralda is Seville Cathedral's famous bell tower and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Originally built as a minaret in the 12th century, it was later adapted into a Christian bell tower, with its Renaissance upper section completed in the 16th century. You can climb to the top for beautiful views over Seville. Unlike many towers, La Giralda has ramps rather than a traditional staircase for most of the ascent. Access is generally included with the appropriate cathedral admission ticket.
Check out Las Setas de Sevilla
Located in Seville's historic centre, Las Setas is an impressive modern wooden structure that opened in 2011 on Plaza de la Encarnación, an area historically associated with a food market. Today, it's one of the city's most unusual landmarks. I recommend heading up to the rooftop walkway for panoramic views and visiting the Antiquarium archaeological museum beneath the structure.
Watch a Flamenco Show
Seville is famous for flamenco, and attending a performance is one of the best cultural experiences you can have here! You'll find plenty of venues offering professional flamenco shows, as well as dance schools where you can book a beginner lesson. I particularly recommend exploring Triana, a traditional neighbourhood across the Guadalquivir River with deep connections to flamenco culture. You might also come across talented street performers while exploring the city. If you'd like to try dancing yourself, look for a dedicated introductory class rather than assuming flamenco bars offer free lessons.
I have been to this show twice now: Teatro Flamenco Sevilla: Live the Flamenco Experience, and I really enjoyed it and can recommend!
Explore Alcázar of Seville
With origins dating back to the 10th century, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is a spectacular palace complex combining Islamic, Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and later architectural influences. I particularly recommend exploring its beautiful gardens, fountains, courtyards, and intricate decorative details. It's one of Seville's most popular attractions, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Go on a River Boat Cruise
Another lovely way to experience Seville is by taking a boat cruise along the Guadalquivir River. Most sightseeing cruises last approximately one hour, passing landmarks such as the Torre del Oro and Triana Bridge. It's a relaxing way to admire the city from a different perspective, particularly around sunset. Prices and departure times vary depending on the operator.
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
One area I definitely recommend exploring is Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's historic Jewish quarter. It's a beautiful neighbourhood filled with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, hidden courtyards, and little squares. It's located close to the Cathedral and Alcázar, so you can easily combine all three in the same visit. I think one of the best things to do here is simply wander around without a strict plan!
Try Out the Local Cuisine
One of the best things about visiting Seville is the food! You'll find plenty of traditional tapas bars and restaurants, especially around the historic centre. If you enjoy meat, try secreto ibérico or presa ibérica. For a vegetarian option, I recommend espinacas con garbanzos, a traditional Andalusian dish made with spinach and chickpeas. Seafood lovers should try cazón en adobo, marinated and fried fish, and for dessert, don't miss torrijas, especially popular around Easter.
My personal favorite restaurant in Seville is El Pintón. It offers amazing Spanish dishes, also options for vegetarians and refreshing cocktails. The interior and atmosphere give lovely Spanish courtyard vibes. It is not a budget place but I think worth the price.
Plan in a Seville Fair
The Feria de Abril, or Seville Fair, is one of the city's biggest and most exciting annual celebrations! Its origins date back to 1846, with the first fair held in 1847. Today, it's a wonderful celebration of Andalusian culture, with traditional dresses, flamenco-inspired music and dancing, horse-drawn carriages, food, and a lively fairground. It is an absolutely incredible experience to be part of, so I highly, highly recommend visiting Seville while it's on! The fair usually takes place in April or May, with exact dates changing each year. One thing worth knowing is that many of the traditional casetas (fair tents) are private, although public casetas are available for visitors. Spring is also one of the best times to visit Seville because the weather is generally much more comfortable than during the extremely hot summer months.
Have Fun at Isla Magica Waterpark
For a fun day out, especially if you're travelling with children, visit Isla Mágica, Seville's theme park featuring roller coasters, attractions, and entertainment. During the warmer months, you can also visit Agua Mágica, its seasonal water park with pools and water slides. The parks don't operate daily throughout the year, so check the official website for seasonal opening dates, tickets, and whether Agua Mágica admission is included.
Try Skydiving
If you're looking for an adventurous experience near Seville, you can also find skydiving centres in the surrounding area. It's something to consider if you enjoy extreme sports and want to add a different activity to your trip. I did it with Skydive Spain on my Birthday and really enjoyed it!
How to Get Around Seville
Thanks to its fairly small size, there are multiple ways to enjoy Seville's beauty.
Walking - Walking is an excellent way to enjoy the architecture and history throughout the city. It only takes around half an hour to walk from one end of Seville to the other, which is why so many people choose to explore the city on foot. Consider booking one of the free walking tours in Seville. A great way to explore the city on foot!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a convenient option if you want to see several attractions without walking everywhere.
Bike Rentals - Seville is one of Spain's most cycle-friendly cities, with an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore areas beyond the historic centre, particularly along the river and through María Luisa Park. You can choose between private bike rentals and the city's SEVici bike-sharing system.
How Many Days Do You Need in Seville?
I'd recommend spending 2 - 3 days in Seville to explore the main attractions without rushing. Two days are enough for the Cathedral, Alcázar, Plaza de España, and historic centre, while a third day gives you more time for Triana, local restaurants, and some of the less touristy areas. If you're visiting during the Seville Fair, I'd definitely allow some extra time to enjoy the celebrations!
Best Time to Visit Seville
In my opinion, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Seville. The temperatures are generally pleasant for sightseeing, and spring is particularly beautiful when the city comes alive with flowers and festivals. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C and sometimes reaching over 40°C. If you're visiting in July or August, I'd recommend planning outdoor activities for early morning or evening and taking a break during the hottest hours.
More Spain Travel Guides:
FAQ: Visiting Seville, Spain
Is Seville worth visiting?
Absolutely! Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, with incredible architecture, historic landmarks, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. It's also one of my personal favourite destinations in Andalusia.
How many days do you need in Seville?
I'd recommend 2 - 3 days to visit the main attractions and explore the historic centre, Triana, and other neighbourhoods without rushing.
Is Seville a walkable city?
Yes! Seville's historic centre is very walkable, and many major attractions are located close to each other. However, you'll need public transport or taxis for some destinations outside the centre.
What is the best month to visit Seville?
April, May, October, and early November are generally good choices for comfortable sightseeing weather. However, spring festivals can make accommodation more expensive and popular attractions busier.
Do you need to book the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral in advance?
I would recommend it, especially during spring, weekends, and major holidays. Both attractions are extremely popular, and booking ahead helps avoid disappointment.
Is Seville expensive for tourists?
Seville is generally more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona for many everyday expenses, although accommodation prices can increase significantly during Semana Santa and the Seville Fair. You can also enjoy many beautiful areas of the city for free.
