22 Essential Things to Do in Seville
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Budget-Friendly | Historic Attractions & Museums | Food & Drink
Seville is under the radar compared to other big Spanish cities, but it was an unexpected standout for me. I spent nearly a month getting to know Seville, and it quickly rose to the top as one of the best places to visit in all of Spain, in my opinion.
Why? Well, the walkable Andalusian city is packed with an endless variety of high-quality (and affordable!) bars and restaurants that make it heaven for any foodie. I loved the impressive array of historical sites like Plaza de España and Torre del Oro.
It’s quite easy to find comfortable accommodations because there are so many amazing places to stay in Seville. Plus, it can be quite a budget-friendly city to visit since there are so many incredible free to cheap things to do.
After falling in love with Seville, I’ve narrowed down my favorite activities in the area. From the most well-known tourist attractions and museums to hidden gem eateries and experiences. Let’s get into it.
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Best Things to Do in Seville
Plaza de España
Take photographs at this massive and intricate palace-like square that totes almost 100 years of history.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
When you picture Seville, chances are you have an image of Plaza de España in your mind. Constructed in 1928, this square is located in Seville’s Parque de María Luisa and is a Spanish Renaissance-style of architecture. The government uses most of the buildings here, but it’s an absolute must-see for the ambiance.
To be honest, I wasn’t filled to the gills with excitement when heading over to visit Plaza de España. It was a brutally hot summer day, and I was worried that it was one of those tourist attractions that would leave me overwhelmed in the wrong way.
Once I got there, I was slightly shocked to be face-to-face with one of the more beautiful structures I’d ever seen in my life.
It’s also completely free to visit, so this is ideal for travelers on a budget in Europe. Since this is the crown jewel of the city, most of the Seville walking tours will make a pit stop at Plaza de España. I’d recommend this Seville Guided Small-Group Walking Tour specifically. It comes with a very knowledgeable guide who escorts you to Plaza de España and several other top sites for less than $25.
👉 Pro Tip: Plaza de España is conveniently located right next to some of Seville’s other inviting attractions. Such as Parque de María Luisa, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, and the House of Science Museum. To maximize your time, you can visit all these spots in one afternoon.
Royal Alcázar of Seville
Get a glimpse of the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still used by the Spanish royal family today.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-502-324 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: €15.50, adults, Free under 13 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
The Royal Alcazar of Seville is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the city’s best-known attractions. It’s actually one of the most-visited the entire southern Andalusian region, and one of the reasons Seville is among the top places to visit in Spain!
The Alcazar is so famous because it’s Europe’s oldest royal palace that’s still being used today. That’s saying something considering how many old palaces there are around the continent..
With culturally important places like this, I always recommend joining a tour to get the full experience and background on the location. For the Alcazar, go for this Cathedral, Alcazar, and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets. It gives you access to two of Seville’s other must-see sites, La Giralda and Catedral de Sevilla.
Seville Cathedral
This imposing gothic cathedral is a symbol of the city and houses Christopher Columbus’ tomb.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-214-971 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 2:30 pm – 7 pm Sun | Entrance: €13 general admission | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Known for being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Seville Cathedral is one of the most esteemed existing religious buildings. From the outside to the interior, only one word comes to mind when you visit: magnificence. Everywhere you look in the Sevilla Cathedral is another expertly carved sculpture or detail.
The cathedral is located right smack dab in the center of the city, too. So you’ll be close to lots of other interesting attractions from here, like Patio de Los Naranjos, La Giralda, and Archivo de Indias.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Stand beneath or head up to the walkway on top of this mind-blowing wooden sculpture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-561-512 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 11:45 pm daily | Entrance: €16
The Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas de Sevilla, is one of the city’s most recognizable structures.
Located in the Plaza de la Encarnación, this giant wooden masterpiece is hard to miss. When I saw it down the street without knowing of its existence, it completely blew me away.
One of the coolest parts about this attraction is that you can see it from below. Then, take an elevator up to stroll along a walkway on the top of it.
Casa de la Memoria
Catch a riveting performance of Flamenco in a home-turned-theater from the 15th century.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-560-670 | Website | Hours: Depends On The Show | Entrance: Depends On The Show
You can’t possibly come to Seville and not see a classic Flamenco show. It’s a rite of passage and a key piece of the city’s culture. There are quite a few places to catch a Flamenco show, with Casa del Flamenco and Casa de la Guitarra being popular options.
While those are great too, I’d highly recommend Casa de la Memoria. This famous theater puts on one of the best Flamenco shows in Seville. It’s also housed inside a cozy home from the 16th century, which is doubly intriguing.
This is a show you’ll remember forever, but it won’t cost you nearly as much as you’re likely estimating. For around $25 per person, you can book a ticket to a Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria.
Guadalquivir River Boat Cruise
Hop aboard a luxurious vessel and sip drinks along the river with options to see riverside monuments or enjoy a Flamenco show.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (661)-278-826 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Depends On The Package
The Guadalquivir River runs right alongside the city of Seville. After you’ve gotten your fill of appreciating it from land, you can join a riverboat cruise for a new perspective.
These fun outings are customizable to your preferences. It can include stops at historical sites along the river or even a Flamenco show.
Even though these boat trips can feel quite lavish, many of them are actually very budget-friendly. This Small-Group Yacht Cruise comes with tapas and music as you float along the river and costs less than $30 per person.
Budget-Friendly
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Go shopping in this cute, central neighborhood near many of the city’s sites.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily
Out of all the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, my top choice for where to stay in Seville is Barrio de Santa Cruz.
This central district is vibrant, filled with history, and conveniently close to shopping and top sites. In Santa Cruz, you’ll be within walking distance from the Alcazar, Murillo Gardens, and Plaza de la Santa Cruz.
Plus, you’re surrounded by about a hundred top-notch tapas bars here. One of my favorites (and lots of other people’s) is Bodega Santa Cruz. Make sure you try their signature Pringá, a delicious regional sandwich stuffed with roast pork, beef, or sausages.
Another reason why it’s one of the best places to stay in Seville is its abundance of hotels that range from budget to luxury. Hotel Rey Alfonso X offers what pretty much every traveler is looking for. Appropriate prices, comfortable rooms, and one of the top locations in all of Seville, right in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Parque de Maria Luisa
Spend the afternoon getting to know Seville’s largest park with lovely spots to relax, monuments, and even a museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-473-232 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free
I’m a firm believer that places like parks and markets give visitors a special glimpse into a new city. If you’re looking for a glimpse into Seville, then look no further than Parque de María Luisa.
This massive park is about triple the size of all the city’s other green spaces. Maria Luis Park is known for having giant trees and a variety of birds that roam freely such as ducks, parakeets, and swans. Along with a calm manmade lake and monuments dedicated to poets and historic figures.
It’s a simple solution to an empty afternoon once you’ve already hit all of Seville’s major attractions. Plus, entering the park is free, so it’s a great option for budget travelers.
Castillo de San Jorge
Step inside a medieval castle near Triana Bridge that was a headquarters and prison during the Spanish Inquisition.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-470-255 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Castillo de San Jorge gives visitors a peek into a critical piece of Seville’s history – the Spanish Inquisition. Lasting for hundreds of years, this was a brutal time that left a huge impact on Seville and Spain as a whole.
The castle served as a headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition and where individuals put on trial were imprisoned. Today, you can walk through this piece of history and learn about the impacts of this period at the same time. It’s free to enter, so there’s nothing stopping you!
Murillo Gardens
Relax in the beauty of this urban park that holds occasional Flamenco shows right near many of the city’s historic sites.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-471-232 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
If you’re going to be sticking to a strict budget while you’re in Seville, it’s always good to have a few free attractions ready to go. One of those places is the beautiful Murillo Gardens. It doesn’t cost a penny to visit, yet it is simply stunning.
This sizable urban park is a lovely spot to relax on those hot Seville afternoons, and there are sometimes even events happening here. It’s places like Murillo Gardens that make Seville such an amazing and affordable vacation destination for families.
Museo de Bellas Artes
Peruse one of Spain’s most valuable art collections with pieces by geniuses like Zurbarán and Murillo.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-786-498 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €1.50
It’s always a good idea to stop by a museum or two when you’re getting to know a new city. In Seville, the first museum you should make a bee-line for is the Museo de Bellas Artes or the Museum of Fine Arts.
Located in the skeleton of a 300-year-old palace, this gallery gives visitors the chance to see one of the most impressive art collections in all of Spain.
It’s two full floors of Spanish works from the Middle Ages all the way until the 20th century. This includes works by famous artists like Velaquez, Zurbarán, and El Greco. You can see it all with your own eyes for just €1.50 per person.
CaixaForum Sevilla
From indie film screenings and concerts to children’s workshops and cultural exhibits, this eclectic venue has it all.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (955)-657-611 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: €6
If you’re looking for somewhere in Seville to entertain your kids for the entire day, CaixaForum Sevilla might be the answer. Check out their calendar – on a rotating basis, this cultural center puts on a wide variety of events from movie screenings to kid’s workshops.
👉 Read Next: Top Things to Do in Spain
Historic Attractions & Museums
Torre Del Oro
Visit one of Seville’s best-known landmarks on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-222-419 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6:45 pm Mon-Fri, 10:30 am – 6:45 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free (€3 donation encouraged)
When I first arrived in Seville, my welcoming Airbnb host slapped down a map on the table to start giving us the standard newbie recommendations. Immediately she assumed we had already been or were planning on visiting Torre del Oro. That’s how popular of a destination it is: it basically forces itself on your itinerary.
The 13th-century tower is located on prime real estate in the El Arenal neighborhood right on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. At the top, you’ll be greeted with clear views around Seville.
Admission is technically free, although a voluntary donation is encouraged to keep the building up and running. Once you’re done at the Tower of Gold, there are a bunch of delicious spots for tapas nearby like Taberna del Arenal.
Casa de Pilatos
Explore the variety of architectural styles inside one of Seville’s most popular cultural attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-225-298 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: €12 (main floor), €6 (upper floor)
I met a fellow traveler who once told me, “If you’ve seen one historical building, you’ve seen them all.” After a few years of traveling myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that she must have never visited Casa de Pilatos before.
The grounds of this museum are designed with focused craftsmanship that leaves visitors in awe. My favorite thing about it is the beautiful gardens, plant life, and orange trees that live in the courtyard. It’s the perfect place for anyone learning how to shoot travel photography to snap a few captivating shots.
Plaza de Toros
Stop by this huge traditional bull-fighting ring built over 250 years ago that still holds events today.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-210-315 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm daily | Entrance: €12
Bull-fighting is a long-standing tradition across Spain, but it is held in especially high regard in the southern Andalusia region where it originated.
In Seville, you’ll find one of the oldest bull-fighting rings in the world – Plaza de Toros. The complete name, Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, is much more of a mouth full.
Even if you’re not into the idea of attending a show, the ring itself is still a very unique site to see. It looks great on camera, too.
Palacio de las Dueñas
Explore the greenery-covered courtyard of this lavish palace that boasts over 1,400 works of art and historic furniture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-214-828 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: €14
Another one of Seville’s little gems from history is the 15th-century Palacio de las Duenas. This building is just gorgeous. The palace in itself is worth visiting for its colorful gardens and pristine courtyard. But it’s also a fun stop to check out the thousands of artworks and cultural items inside.
Hospital de Los Venerables
Get acquainted with the paintings of local legend Diego Velázquez in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954)-564-595 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 3 pm Sun | Entrance: €12
The name of this Seville attraction is a little misleading. Hospital de Los Venerables is not a hospital at all and actually got its name from its original purpose as a care facility for the elderly and poor.
Today, it’s one of the greatest landmarks and art galleries in the city. It mainly features works by Sevillian painter Diego Velázquez and other local artists.
Food & Drink
Drinks at Querencia de Sevilla’s Rooftop Bar
Appreciate an expansive view of the city from the roof of one of Seville’s best hotels.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (954) 051-399 | Website | Hours: 4:00 pm -12:00 am Mon-Thu and Sun, 4:00 pm -1:00 am Fri-Sat
If you read our guide to where to stay in Seville, you know Travel Lemming is in love with the Querencia de Sevilla hotel.
Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy drinks from its rooftop offering some of the best views in all of Seville.
On a clear day around sunset, lines do form in front of the hotel, so factor that in and come early. Drinks are on the pricier side for Seville, but worth it for the epic views.
Mercado de Triana
Pick up the freshest ingredients or just check out the local fare at this market that even has a museum on-site.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (674)-074-099 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free
Remember my earlier statement about markets and parks? Well, when you’re done at Maria Luisa Park, you can get a very intimate feel for Seville at Triana Market next.
Located on the opposite side of the Guadalquivir River, the Triana Market is an indoor bazaar. It has vendors selling all local produce, wine, and pre-made meals.
It’s one of the most affordable places to grab a bite to eat in the whole city. So, make a note of it if you’re trying to stay on budget while traveling. There are tons of places to get tapas, a pastry, sangria, or even a handicraft souvenir.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Spain’s rich food culture, definitely check out this Spanish Cooking Class and Triana Market Tour. It’ll give you the full insider run-down of the market, and then a chef will teach you how to prepare a three-course meal as you drink sangria.
Sal Gorda Tapas Bar
Munch on a tapas spread with delicious offerings like red tuna tartar and prawn risotto.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12:30 pm – 4 pm & 7:30 pm – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free
One of the reasons I adore Seville is the abundance of delicious food. Of all the incredible restaurants I ate at in Seville, my favorite by far was Sal Gorda Tapas Bar. It has a prime location right in the center of the city and some of the tastiest risotto I’ve ever had.
Be warned, though. This place gets super busy from opening until close. Arrive either very early or late if you want to secure a table.
Dulcería Manu Jara
Make a dessert pitstop at this beloved bakery that’s known for its wide variety of sweet cakes and bread.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (675)-873-674 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 3 pm Mon-Sat | Entrance: Free
I’m a sucker for a yummy baked good in the middle of the day. If you’re also a fan of the sweet stuff, you’ll love Dulceria Manu Jara in the Triana neighborhood.
This bakery is known for its fluffy bread and sugary cakes filled to the brim with icing.
Le XiX
Dive into the Seville nightlife scene at this trendy cocktail bar in the heart of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (690)-135-880 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 1 am Mon-Thu, 4 pm – 3 am Fri & Sat, 4 pm – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Seville isn’t as much of a party central as its eastern neighbor of Barcelona, but it still has a nightlife scene in its own right.
If you’re looking for somewhere to begin an evening of dancing and cocktails, check out Le XiX in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It’s the ideal jumping-off point for an entire night out in Seville.
Make sure you order one of their outside-of-the-box house cocktails, too. They’re currently serving a Kinder egg drink and another one called ‘Chilled Monkey Brain’ that’s literally served in a cup that looks like a monkey’s head.
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Have any of these activities in Seville caught your eye? Let me know in the comments below!
Before you go, remember that you need to pack the right stuff to truly enjoy Seville’s many sites. Make sure you read my Spain packing list before you finalize the contents of your bag.
Have fun in Seville!
🖨️ Get a free, printable version of my Spain packing list here!
–Lea Rose Allbaugh & Nate Hake contributed to this article.
