Warm golden light, fragrant orange trees, Muslim palaces and flamenco guitar, few cities capture the romantic spirit of Andalusia quite like Seville. Seville is a place where centuries of history blend seamlessly with modern Spanish living. Whether you’re wandering through winding medieval streets, taking in sweeping rooftop views or indulging in tapas late into the night, the city enchants at every turn.

To help you make the most of your visit, this guide explores the best things to do in Seville. Each offers something unique for culture lovers, foodies, photographers and curious travellers alike. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known experiences, here’s everything you shouldn’t miss in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.

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Explore the Magnificent Real Alcázar of Seville

Most cities have a flagship attraction, and the Real Alcazar is top of the list of best things to do in Seville. The Real Alcazar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking blend of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Originally a Muslim fortress, the Alcazar is a sprawling royal palace still used today by the Spanish monarchy. Inside, you’ll find intricate ceramic tiles, carved stucco walls, grand courtyards and serene, fountain-filled gardens that feel worlds away from the bustle outside.

Don’t miss:

• Patio de las Doncellas, the iconic reflecting pool surrounded by exquisite arches.
• The gardens, where peacocks roam beneath towering palms.
• The Grotto Gallery, offering elevated views of the grounds.

To avoid long queues, book a timed ticket in advance. If you visit in winter, check out the Naturaleza Encendida show. See the gardens in a new light (literally) illuminated with coloured lights and spectacular projections.

The Alcazar and Seville’s magnificent Gothic cathedral are close together. I combined them with this excellent tour giving access to both.

Learn about Bullfighting at Seville’s Bullring

Like it or loathe it (I’m in the latter camp), it’s impossible to understand Spain without learning about the traditions, culture and history of bullfighting.

If nothing else, Seville’s bullring, officially called the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is a magnificent building. Spain’s largest bullring, it can hold over 13,000 people during the regular bullfights held between April and September.

When coredos or novilladas are not being held, tours of the bullring and its excellent museum are available. You can do a selfguided tour with an audioguide, but I chose to be guided by a bullfighting officionado to get a deeper (if somewhat romanticised) view of all things bullfighting.

Experience the Modern Marvel of Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Breaking away from Seville’s traditional aesthetic, Metropol Parasol, universally known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms), is a striking wooden structure (the world’s largest) offering shade, architecture and panoramic views.

The highlight is the rooftop walkway, which winds around the structure and gives you a panoramic view of the city. Buy a ticket for the Aurora show, an AI-driven light show. Colourful LED panels light up around you as you walk along the rooftop. After, catch the 15-minute film of Seville displayed on an immersive 120-degree screen. The ticket allows you to return during the day to see the vista in daylight too.

There’s also a food market and archaeological museum beneath the structure, making it a well-rounded stop.

Marvel at Seville Cathedral, the Largest Gothic Cathedral in the World

Seville Cathedral is more than just an impressive building, it’s a monument to centuries of craftsmanship and religious devotion. Built on the former mosque site, the cathedral is a staggering architectural achievement with a soaring nave, ornate chapels and gilded altarpieces that glitter in the dim light.

Centuries after his death, Christopher Columbus’ remains arrived in the city, and the spectacular sarcophagus is a highlight of the cathedral. Incidentally, the Dominican Republic claims the remains never left Santo Domingo, but DNA analysis has proven that at least 20% of the explorer is in the cathedral.

Whether you’re an architecture buff or simply appreciate jaw-dropping spaces, the cathedral is one of the best things to do in Seville for first-time visitors.

The cathedral is the third largest in the world, and the largest Gothic cathedral. It’s even got a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records to prove it!

Cruise Along the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir has played a significant role in Seville’s history, especially during the Age of Exploration. Today, a river cruise offers a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.

You’ll glide past iconic bridges, waterfront promenades, the Torre del Oro and prestigious rowing clubs. It’s a refreshing break from walking and particularly pleasant on warm days.

Alternatively, hire a kayak or paddle board for a more active adventure.

Get Sweet Treats from a Nun

Spain is a very religious country, and has more than its fair share of convents. Many of these are cloistered, meaning that once a novice commits to life in the convent, they can never leave the confines of its walls.

A tradition has evolved from these convents of making and selling a variety of sweets, cookies, marzipan and cortadillos (pumpkin filled pastries).

The nuns of Convento San Leandro have been making yemas for four centuries, and the traditional recipe for these handmade sugar, egg yolk and lemon juice remains the same.

But how can you buy them if the nuns can’t have contact with the outside world?

When you enter the convent’s outer courtyard, you’ll see a wooden cupboard. Ring the nearby bell, and a nun behind the wall will ask how many yemas you want. Put the money in the cupboard, and it’s whisked away on a torno (a type of lazy Susan). You can trust them, they’re nuns after all. A few minutes later, the cupboard spins again and a box of sweet treats appears.

Admire the architectural wonder of Plaza de España

Arguably one of the most photogenic places in Spain, Plaza de España is an extravagant semicircular complex framed by Renaissance-style buildings, bridges and a wide canal. Its colourful tiled alcoves represent each Spanish province, making it a popular spot for both travellers and locals.

You can even hire a small rowing boat and glide along the canal!

Visit early morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Watch a Top Class Football Match

Football is the beating heart of Spain, and nothing will bring you closer to understanding the country and its people than attending a match.

Seville has two sides playing in LaLiga, Spain’s top division, Sevilla and Real Betis. You can usually find one or the other playing at home on a Sunday during the season. If you’re lucky enough to be in Seville when they are playing each other, watch out for fireworks!

If your visit isn’t during the football season, or you can’t get a ticket to a game, an excellent alternative is to take a stadium tour. Sevilla play at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, a 30 minutes walk from the centre (10 from the train station). Real Betis’ Benito Villamarín Stadium is about a 35 minutes walk south from Plaza de Espana.

Climb the Giralda Tower for the Best View in the City

Rising above Seville’s skyline, the Giralda Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque in the 12th century, the tower now forms part of the adjoining cathedral.

What makes the Giralda especially unique is the ramp system instead of stairs, designed so that horses could carry riders to the top. The climb is gentle and rewarding, with panoramic views that stretch across the old town to the Guadalquivir River.

On top of the tower, stands ‘El Giraldillo’ which means ‘She who turns’. El Giraldillo is a 4 metre tall statue of a woman carrying a shield which acts as a weathervane, turning with the wind. The Renaissance masterpiece was installed in 1568 when the minaret was turned into the cathedral’s bell tower.

If you want a closer look at El Giraldillo, a replica can be found at ground level near one of the entrances to the cathedral

Entry to the tower is included in the general cathedral ticket, but queues tend to be long, so you’re better booking online.

Enjoy a Live Flamenco Performance in the Neighbourhood of Triana

Seville is the heartland of flamenco, and no visit is complete without witnessing this passionate art form up close. For an authentic experience, cross the river to Triana, a neighbourhood long associated with flamenco dancers and musicians.

From intimate tablaos to atmospheric bars offering nightly shows, flamenco in Triana feels raw and deeply emotional. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the expressive guitar, rhythmic handclaps and powerful movements speak for themselves.

After watching the professionals, why not give flamenco a go at a dance class?

Eat Tapas – Sample Seville’s Superb Cuisine

No visit to Seville is complete without indulging in the local food culture. Tapas are a way of life here, and famous dishes such as salmorejo, jamón ibérico, grilled prawns, spinach with chickpeas and croquetas are well worth seeking out.

Head to traditional taverns like El Rinconcillo—the oldest bar in Seville—or explore the lively food scene in Alameda de Hércules. Ordering small plates means you can taste a bit of everything, from classic Andalusian flavours to more inventive modern tapas.

Pair your meal with tinto de verano or a crisp glass of local manzanilla sherry.

Take a Daytrip to Cordoba or Jerez

While Seville offers more than enough to fill several days, its surrounding region is equally rich in culture. Two particularly good day-trip options include:

Cordoba

Just 45 minutes away by high-speed train, Cordoba is home to the mesmerising Mezquita, one of the most extraordinary buildings in Spain. The Jewish quarter and Roman bridge add further charm.

Jerez de la Frontera

Known for its sherry bodegas and equestrian traditions, Jerez offers vineyard tours, tastings and visits to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

Final Thoughts on Seville

Seville is the beating heart of Andalusia. It encompasses the history, culture, cuisine and sheer passion of one of Spain’s most fascinating regions.

Seville is a city that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Whether it’s the sound of flamenco lingering in your memory, the taste of a perfectly seasoned tapas dish or the sight of golden light washing over the Giralda Tower, the city leaves a lasting impression.

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