Planning a trip to Sevilla? You’re so right! The capital of Andalucia is packed with magnificent monuments, museums andactivities. You won’t be bored! Between the colorful facades of the historic center, the impressive Plaza de España and the peaceful banks of the Guadalquivir, we loved this city!
Renowned as the cradle of flamenco, Sevilla is also known for its major events (Semana Santa, Feria de Abril…). Festive, the town is lively all year round, even in winter. Don’t wait any longer!
In this article, you’ll discover a list of 15 ideas for things to do in Sevilla, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve added a few bonus activities!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Explore the Plaza de España
Why visit?
It’s our favorite! You’ve undoubtedly seen it many times in photos, but they don’t do justice to this magnificent square, so colorful and bright in the sun. We were simply dazzled. Contrary to what you might think, this must-see is not located in the city center, but in the south of the city, in the large Maria Luisa park. Although very busy, you can get around without suffering from the crowds, as the square is very large indeed. There’s even a canal in the middle where you can take a boat ride! Find out more in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h depending on your interest in the site.
- Pavilion floors accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- It is located in the south of Sevilla, in the Maria Luisa Park (Porvenir district). It’s a 20-minute walk from the cathedral.
- Next to the main entrance you’ll find a refreshment bar/snack bar offering take-away food, and the El 29 restaurant.
- You can visit the square on a guided tour of Sevilla’s main attractions.
- Free of charge (except boat rental, for which a fee is charged)
- Open from 8am to midnight. Find out more here.
2. Visit the Real Alcázar
Why visit?
Sevilla’s Alcázar is a monument not to be missed! Entrance tickets are booked well in advance, as the building is particularly busy. Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1987, the Alcazar is a complex of palaces, patios and gardens that have been renovated by various monarchs over the years. Construction began in the 10th century, but it was in the 14th century that the magnificent Mudejar-style ornamentation was added, which we took the time to contemplate. Don’t miss the Galería del Grutesco, offering superb views of the buildings and lush, exotic gardens. This is one of our favourites in Sevilla!
Practical advice
- Allow half a day for the visit.
- With the exception of the royal apartments, most of the rooms are on the first floor, and present no particular difficulties.
- It is located in the Santa Cruz district. The “Puerta Jerez” stop on metro 1 is a ten-minute walk away.
- A restaurant is located inside the site.
- Book your visit now.
- Admission is €13.50. An additional €5.50 is required to visit the royal apartments.
- Open Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 7pm (summer opening hours) or 9.30am to 5pm (winter opening hours) (see official website for updates ).
WHERE TO STAY IN Seville
Option 1: In the historic center
Convenient for visiting everything on foot, we recommend:
Option 2: El Arenal
Between quiet streets and riverside ambience, we recommend it:
See our complete selection of the best hotels and neighborhoods in Sevilla
3. Marvel at the cathedral and its Giralda
Why visit?
Along with the Alcázar, the Cathedral is Sevilla’s most visited monument. It is famous for its Giralda, a 104m tower. It belonged to a mosque dating back to the 12th century, when Andalucia was under Muslim rule. We found the building impressive, and for good reason! It is the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the widest of the Gothic cathedrals. We were captivated by the interior, particularly the high altar at the center of the building. With its 220m2 of gilded wooden figures at work, this altarpiece is the largest in the world!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on your level of interest.
- The tower is inaccessible to people with reduced mobility. It is also not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia. The staircase is narrow, the climb tiring and it’s usually very crowded.
- The cathedral is served by several types of public transport: metro 1 to the “Puerta Jerez” stop, streetcar T1 to the “Archivo de Indias” stop and buses C4, C3, 5, 41, 42, C1 and C2 to the “Jardines del Cristina” stop.
- You’re right in the center of Sevilla, so there are plenty of restaurants nearby. We recommend the Patio de Pali, less than a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
- Book your guided tour now.
- Full admission is €12 (online) and €13 at the on-site ticket office.
- It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm on Sundays (see official website for updates ).
4. Stroll through the historic center
Why visit?
Sevilla’s historic center is fairly sprawling, but easy to explore on foot. On the other hand, most streets are paved. With its well-preserved architecture, you can admire the colorful facades of medieval and Renaissance buildings, as well as numerous quaint, independent boutiques. If you want to go shopping, Calle Sierpes, which runs through the center, is very popular. It is covered by canvas to protect it from the heat. In this area, there’s a concentration of bars, restaurants and hotels. Along the way, you’ll often come across convivial squares with lively terraces. For example, we really enjoyed the Plaza de la Afalfa and the Plaza de San Andres.
Practical advice
- Allow 3 hours to half a day to explore the historic center.
- Some streets feature small cobblestones.
- You can easily explore the city center on foot from the cathedral.
- A multitude of restaurants can be found in this district. Check out our article on the best restaurants in Sevilla to find your way around!
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
5. Along the Gualdaquivir: from Plaza de Toros to Torre del Oro
Why walk there?
We highly recommend a stroll along the Guadalquivir, the river that flows through Sevilla. More specifically, we recommend you visit the landscaped promenade that runs along the edge of the historic center. You’ll be able to walk in complete safety and come across a large sculpture of a flamenco dancer! We began our walk at the Plaza de Toros, Sevilla’s bullring. This magnificent white and yellow building also conceals a bullfighting museum open to visitors. Then it took us ten minutes to discover the Torre del Oro. Built in the 13th century, it features a maritime museum. We loved the view of the Guadalquivir from the top!
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h for the walk, 30min for the visit to the Torre del Oro and 1h for the visit to the Plaza de Toros.
- There are no particular difficulties on the promenade. However, the first floor and top of the Torre del Oro are not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The promenade runs along the historic center. It’s a ten-minute walk from the cathedral.
- Excellent restaurants can be found in the nearby El Arenal district. See our article on Sevilla’s best restaurants here to find out more.
- Book your ticket now to visit the Plaza de Toros.
- The Torre del Oro is accessible by donation, while entry to the Plaza de Toros costs €10.
- The Torre del Oro is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm and from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm at weekends. The Plaza de Toros is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (see the official Torre del Oro website here and the Plaza de Toros website here for updates).
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
6. Discover Casa de Pilatos
Why visit?
This superb palace was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is typical of the Mudéjar style so prevalent in Sevilla. This style came into its own in 13th-century Iberia. It is the result of various architectural influences (Christian, Muslim and Jewish), following Muslim domination of the country between the 8th and 15th centuries. The Casa de Pilatos appealed to us for its rich ornamentation, with azulejos in the patio, mosaics and Roman statues dotting the various rooms. From the first floor to the 1st floor, you’ll be amazed!
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit.
- The floor is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The museum is located in the Afalfa district, a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
- There are many restaurants nearby, but we recommend “La Escaloná”, a 5-minute walk away.
- To save time, buy your ground-floor ticket with audioguide.
- Full adult admission: €12 for the first floor and €6 for the 1st floor.
- Open daily from 9am to 6pm (see official website for updates ).
7. Admire the Iglesia del Divino Salvador
Why visit?
Don’t miss a visit to this magnificent church, which is included in the general cathedral ticket. The building stands on the site of an ancient Roman basilica, a mosque and a Baroque temple that collapsed at the end of the 17th century. It wasn’t until 1712 that the monument we know today was completed. The result is breathtaking! We fell in love with this impressive building. You’ll be captivated by its altarpieces, marked by the profusion of decorative elements characteristic of the Baroque style. The main altarpiece, 21m high and richly colored, particularly caught our eye. It’s known as the country’s last great Baroque altarpiece! Don’t miss the patio and sacristy, where several religious works are on display.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h for the visit.
- This tour includes a few stairs. We do not recommend it for people with reduced mobility.
- The church is within easy walking distance. It’s a ten-minute walk from the cathedral.
- You’re in the heart of Sevilla. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your restaurant! See our article on the best restaurants in Sevilla to find your way around.
- 6€ online and 7€ at the cash desk (11€ online and 12€ at the cash desk with admission to the cathedral).
- Open Monday to Saturday from 10.15am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 2.30pm to 5pm – (see official website for updates ).
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8. Stroll through the Palacio de las Dueñas
Why visit?
This palace, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, has the unusual feature of being inhabited on the 1st floor. Since 1612, it has belonged to the House of Alba, an aristocratic Spanish family. Century after century, she has collected superb works of art, which are displayed throughout the visit. Our first stop was the stables, followed by a lemon garden leading to the main patio. There, we were impressed by the profusion of columns, stuccos, antique sculptures and azulejos. Don’t miss the tapestries and portraits on display on the 1st floor landing. The other rooms (poster room, flamenco tablao, library…) are a real immersion in the family’s intimacy, with many personal objects on display.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit.
- The first floor is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The Palacio de las Dueñas is located in the Regina district, a 5-minute walk from Sevilla’s Setas.
- You’ll be spoilt for choice for your meal, but we recommend La Mala Brunch, a ten-minute walk away!
- Save time by booking your guided tour.
- Full adult price: €13 (free on Mondays from 4pm to 7pm).
- Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm from April to September and from 10 am to 6 pm from October to March (see official website for updates ).
9. Visit the Hospice des Vénérables
Why visit?
We really enjoyed our visit to the Hospice de Vénérables. To get there, we wandered through the maze of white alleyways of the Santa Cruz district, adjacent to the Alcazar. We then fell under the spell of this former hospice dating back to 1699. At the time, it took in destitute or retired priests. Today, it’s a pleasure to stroll through its verdant azulejo-covered patio, before entering its magnificent Baroque church. The frescoes painted by the Valdès fathers and sons will leave you speechless. Don’t miss the trompe-l’œil ceiling in the adjoining sacristy! You can also admire masterpieces from Spain’s Golden Age (Diego Velázquez) and a collection of contemporary art.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit.
- The tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- The Hospice des Vénérables is located in the Santa Cruz district, a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral and the Alcazar.
- As the monument is located in the city center, you’ll have no trouble finding a restaurant. We recommend Patio de Pali, a 5-minute walk away.
- Save time, buy your ticket with audioguide.
- Full adult price: €12
- Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm (see official website for updates ).
10. Imagine yourself in Rome at the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija
Why visit?
The last palace in our selection, the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija has an eclectic style, blending Mudejar and Renaissance styles. Built in the 16th century, it was extensively remodeled in the early 20th century by its last owner, the Countess of Lebrija. We were won over by the rooms on the first floor, all of which have been fitted with superb Roman mosaic floors. They come from Itálica, Spain’s first Roman city, 12km from Sevilla. In the summer dining room, we could also see beautiful azulejos and a coffered ceiling decorated with representations of several Spanish cities. On the 1st floor, you’ll find numerous works of art (Murillo, Zurbarán), Empire-style furniture and porcelain.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit.
- The first floor is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- This palace is located in the heart of Sevilla, just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
- We recommend La Mala Brunch, less than a 5-minute walk from the palace.
- Full adult price: €12
- Open daily from 10am to 5pm, except in July and August (10am to 2.30pm) – (see official website for updates here).
11. Observe the masterpieces of the Musée des Beaux-Arts
Why visit?
In our opinion, the Musées des Beaux-Arts is a must-see if you appreciate art. It is one of the most important museums of its kind in Spain, with a collection of 2,000 works. The chronological tour spans the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. This enabled us to discover the Sevillian Baroque school, particularly well represented by artists such as Velazquez, Murillo and above all Zurbarán. Most of the paintings are on show, but a few sculptures and drawings are also on display. We were also enchanted by the refined architecture of the building, which is a former convent. It features a verdant cloister and a superb church!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.
- The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The museum is located in the Museo district, a 10-minute walk from the city center.
- You’ll find great places to eat in the city center and the nearby El Arenal district.
- Save time and book your guided tour!
- Free for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU citizens.
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm and Sunday, 9am to 3pm – (see official website for updates ).
12. Go to Itálica
Why visit?
Are you an archaeology enthusiast? This tour is for you! 7km from Sevilla, in the Santiponce region, lie the remains of a Roman city built around 206 BC. We were stunned by the sheer size of this 52-hectare complex. This testifies to the city’s economic and political importance during the High Roman Empire. It’s also the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian! Itálica is also famous for its splendid mosaics. Although some of them have been extracted and reused in palaces such as La Condesa de Lebrija, there are still some left on site! We were astounded by their excellent state of preservation. The Bacchus and Ariadne mosaic is particularly striking for its finely executed figures.
Practical advice
- Allow half a day on site.
- The tour, which includes stairs and dirt paths with a few pebbles, is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- It’s a 25-minute drive from Sevilla (1h by public transport).
- There are no restaurants on site.
- Book your guided tour including transport from Sevilla now.
- 39€ for a guided tour with transport, 21€ for a tour without transport.
- Guided tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. in July and August and 10.30 a.m. the rest of the year – (see official website for updates here)
13. Attend a flamenco show
Why visit?
Numerous tablaos, or flamenco venues, dot the city. To learn more about this culture, we recommend visiting the Museo del Baile Flamenco, and attending a performance. We really enjoyed the show! Every evening, different dancers, singers and guitarists perform on this stage. We don’t regret this visit, as it gave us a better understanding of this discipline. We enjoyed the show all the more! Flamenco scenes are not only to be found in the historic center. The Triana district is home to a large number of such venues.
Practical advice
- Shows last about 1h30, so allow an extra 1h to enjoy the museum and store!
- Museum accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The museum is located in the heart of the city, a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
- We recommend La Escaloná restaurant, a 5-minute walk away.
- Book your admission to the museum and the show now.
- 10€ for the museum visit and 25€ for the show.
- Shows take place at 7pm and 8:45pm. The museum is open daily from 11am to 6pm.
14. Andalucia’s gastronomic delights
Why take advantage?
Andalucia is renowned for its gastronomy. You’ll be able to taste exceptional products, such as jamón de bellota. In the restaurants, you’ll find a majority of meat dishes, with a special focus on the tasty parts of the Iberian pig. If you like fish and shellfish, you can try gambas al ajillo (king prawns with garlic), chipirones fritos (fried cuttlefish) and paella. Cold soups are also very popular in Andalucia, withajoblanco (made with breadcrumbs and almonds) and our favorite, salmorejo (a cold tomato and breadcrumbs soup). To find your way around, see our article on the best restaurants in Sevilla.
Practical advice
- Time to plan: meals are important in Spain, and we take our time eating. Allow at least 2 hours for your tasting.
- Times: lunch is taken between 1pm at the earliest and 3:30pm, and dinner from 8pm at the earliest. If you want to eat at other times, choose a brunch restaurant like Mala Brunch.
- Bread and water are available at an additional cost.
15. Take to the skies at las Setas
Why visit?
Sevilla’s “Las setas” is a nickname given to the Metropol Parasol, due to its mushroom-like shape. The 150m x 75m, 28m-high wooden structure, supported by six pillars, was designed by German architect Jürgen Hermann Mayer. Completed in 2011, this wooden architectural complex is one of the largest in Europe, covering no less than 11,000m2. We enjoyed wandering around this large pedestrian square and discovering its 5 levels of stores, restaurants, bars and the Encarnación market. In the basement, you’ll find Sevilla’s antiquarium, where the remains discovered during construction are on display. However, it’s the viewpoint for which Métropol Parasol is famous. You can climb to the top of the building (day or night) and enjoy an unobstructed view of the city!
Practical advice
- For a simple visit, allow 1 hour.
- The site is suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- The Metropol Parasol is within easy reach. It’s a ten-minute walk from the cathedral.
- There are a number of restaurants in the building, including Mala Brunch Setas de Sevilla.
- Book your guided tour now.
- General admission is €15.
- Open Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – (see official website for updates )
VISIT Seville
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Best hotels in Sevilla
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Excursions from Sevilla
- Visit the cathedral
- Visit the Alcazaba
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 1 week (coming soon)
Other things to do in Sevilla
Experience one of its events: Semana Santa, Feria de Abril…
Many festivities take place in Sevilla. However, 2 highlights mark the year. They usually take place in April. This is Holy Week, before Easter. Religious processions can be seen all over Spain, but those in Sevilla are reputed to be the most impressive. On this occasion, magnificent statues are brought out of the churches, such as that of the Virgen Macarena, kept in the basilica of the same name and much venerated. The Feria de Abril is held after Easter. On this occasion, Sevillians dress up in traditional costumes and come together to party in private booths. Bullfights and horse parades also take place. A funfair has also been set up.
Other museums in Sevilla
Are you a culture buff? Sevilla is packed with museums! Here are some other ideas for your stay, which you can find in our article on Sevilla’s best museums:
- Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions: located in Maria Luisa Park, this magnificent building houses reconstructed workshops where you can discover the region’s know-how!
- Musée archéologique: opposite the Musée des Arts et Traditions populaires, you’ll find the Musée archéologique, closed for renovation until 2026. A significant collection of Roman antiquities and mosaics from the Itálica site will be housed here.
- Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art: housed in a former monastery in the Isla de la Cartuja district, this center showcases indoor and outdoor art installations.
Other churches in Sevilla
Sevilla is marked by a profusion of churches, most of them Baroque. We were seduced by these monuments! Here are other ideas for visits in addition to our selection:
- Basilica de la Macarena: this white-and-yellow church north of the historic center is home to the Virgen de la Macarena, particularly venerated and the subject of processions during Holy Week. Don’t miss the treasure tour to find out more!
- Parroquia Santa María de Magdalena: built in the 18th century, this church is a skilful blend of neo-classical, Baroque and Mudejar styles, and boasts some very fine altarpieces.
Things to do in Sevilla with children
Are you on vacation with your family? Here are some ideas for visits you can make with your children:
- The aquarium: designed around Magellan’s 16th-century voyage. Here you can discover the marine life of the Guadalquivir, the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon and the Pacific Ocean. Book your ticket now.
- The Museum of Illusions: have fun in this museum designed to stimulate your mind with all kinds of optical illusions! Book your ticket now.
- Pabellón de la Navigación: we highly recommend this immersive, sound-based tour to discover the history of navigation with the whole family. Don’t miss the panoramic tower!
Things to do in Sevilla when it rains
If it rains in Sevilla, you’ll be spoilt for choice! The city has many museums, churches and monuments, so you can do almost as much as you would in the sun. Why not visit the cathedral? You can even visit the Alcázar, although its gardens are more pleasant in fine weather. If you want to explore the city without getting wet, you can opt for a sightseeing bus tour .
Excursions around Sevilla
Sevilla is ideally located in the heart of Andalucia. You can easily reach most of the region’s major attractions by train. For simplicity’s sake, you can also opt for a day trip:
- Ronda: discover the famous white villages of Andalucia and the magnificent town of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain, built into the side of a cliff – see prices, availability and bookings.
- Cordoba: discover Cordoba’s mosque-cathedral with this tour including entrance to the monument and transfer from Sevilla – see prices, availability and booking.
- Granada: take a guided tour of the Alhambra architectural complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monument is fragile, so be careful of your movements and don’t touch the walls – see prices, availability and bookings.
- Cadiz: in the mood for a bit of freshness by the sea? Take a trip to Cadiz, and Jerez de la Frontera for a wine tasting! – see prices, availability and book.
Useful tips for visiting Sevilla
Where is Sevilla?
- Sevilla is located in southern Spain.
- Madrid to Sevilla = 5h drive
- Málaga to Sevilla = 2h30 drive
- Sevilla’s main attractions are within easy walking distance, concentrated in the historic center. Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Sevilla?
You can get to Sevilla by train, which is well connected to Spain’s other major cities, including Madrid (2h40) and Barcelona (5h20). You can book your tickets on the Renfe websitehere. If you’re travelling from France, trains now run between Barcelona and Paris, and Madrid and Lyon. Visit the official scnf website here to find out more. To get to Sevilla Santa-Justa station from Sevilla city center, we recommend you take a cab.
Sevilla airport is served by major European cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam and Vienna.
Sevilla is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as the A-4 and E803.
Parking in Sevilla
Getting around Sevilla’s historic center can be difficult. We advise you to opt for paid underground parking. Prices are quite affordable. On weekdays, some parking lots offer 3 hours free parking.
Getting around Sevilla
It’s easy to get around Sevilla on foot in the historic center. Why not opt for a bicycle? Find out more about sevici‘s self-service rental service. You can also take public transport. There are several bus routes, a streetcar line and a metro line. Visit the official public transport website here. Finally, the cab network is very efficient and inexpensive, making it a good alternative for long journeys! Alternatively, you can opt for a sightseeing bus tour.
Where to eat in Sevilla
You’re in for a treat in Sevilla! Here are some of our favorite restaurants, which you can find in our article on the best restaurants in Sevilla:
- Restaurant Lalola (bib Michelin): we were won over by this high-quality, affordable restaurant. We particularly recommend it for meat lovers.
- Restaurant Maestro Rufino: we loved spending time on the very pleasant terrace of this tapas restaurant, where we enjoyed specialties such as salmorejo, a cold tomato soup.
- Restaurant Petit Comité: beautifully decorated, this restaurant offers an elegant setting for tasting typical Andalucia dishes.
Visiting Sevilla in winter
It’s perfectly possible to visit Sevilla in winter! You’ll find it quieter than in spring, which is the peak tourist season. As well as being less crowded in the monuments, the weather has been rather kind. Temperatures range from 6° to 8° in the morning to 15° to 18° in the afternoon. Finally, many festive events take place in winter. To find out more, read our article on visiting Sevilla in winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
