When visiting Spain, this city of passion and joy offers palaces, cathedrals, flamenco and opera — with culture and colour on every corner.
What to do in Seville
Some say that Seville was founded by Hercules, a legend taken so seriously that in 1574, a public garden was built to honour the Greek god of strength and heroes. A visit to this legendary city begins at the Spanish Square.
1. Plaza de Espana
Featuring in pop-culture films like Star Wars (Episode II - Attack of the Clones), this iconic square is built in the Spanish Renaissance style, spanning a diameter of 200 metres. Designed by Anibal Gonzalez and built in 1928, the exhibit aimed to symbolise peace with former American colonies for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.
The semi-circular shape represents Spain embracing its former colonies, with alcoves along the walls holding 52 ceramic tile murals depicting all 52 Spanish provinces. In the centre of the square is a large fountain and a round canal straddled by many bridges. Visitors may rent a boat and sail through these canals.
Plaza de Espana Seville, Spain by Christopher McCormack
2. Royal Alcazar
Royal Alcazar Garden Seville, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
The Royal Alcazar (Royal Castle) is a complex of palaces in the Mudejar style with many influences from Moorish and Christian culture. Still in use today, the Spanish Royal Family live here when residing in Seville. This site features in Game of Thrones and is compared to the Alahambra in Granada.
First constructed in 913, this palace was expanded over the centuries to spread across the grounds. With intricate decorations, extensive gardens with over 20,000 plants, arches and a magnificent dome made from carved cedar wood in the Salon de Embahadores (Ambassador’s Hall) this series of buildings is truly wondrous. There is a visitor limit, allowing sightseers to explore, view and enjoy the palace and gardens in depth.
3. Seville Cathedral
The largest Christian Gothic cathedral in the world, Seville’s Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede was declared a Well of Exceptional Universal Value in 1987. Built on a site that previously supported a Moorish mosque, the 104m high Giralda Tower remains from the previous mosque. Climbing the tower is via a sloping corridor rather than a staircase, which makes the corridor accessible by horse. Crowning the tower is a four-metre bronze statue which turns with the wind.
The cathedral is 127 metres long, 83 metres wide and 43 metres high. This cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus, whose remains have rested here since 1509. The cathedral houses many paintings by Murillo, Goya, Pedro de Campana and Luis de Vargas.
Giralda Tower Seville, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
4. Barrio St Cruz
The former Jewish quarter of Seville, Barrio Santa Cruz, is a beguiling place to explore. Narrow streets, tapas bars, beautiful plazas and even a hidden passageway — it’s a beautiful place to photograph and capture the atmosphere of Seville.
Barrio St Cruz Seville, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
Orange trees line many bars and shops, and you can see the Hospital de los Venerables, formerly a home for retired priests now displaying classic work by artist Diego Velazquez.
5. See a flamenco show
Seville, Spain by Roy Bisson
Flamenco dance originated in the Andalusian region, so there’s no better place to see flamenco than in Seville. This expressive dance style incorporates intricate hand, body and arm movements with rhythmic clapping and stomping, accompanied by guitars.
The Tablao el Arenal is the most emblematic flamenco scene in the city, with over 40 years of history. The “tablao”, or ‘floorboard’ is a place where flamenco shows are performed, with venues developed throughout the 1960s replacing cabarets in Spain.
6. Torre del Oro (Tower of gold)
The Torre del Oro is a 36-metre high tower built in the 12th century as part of the Moorish city wall which ran between Alcazar Palace and the rest of Seville. From this tower, shipping on the Guadalquivir River was controlled via a heavy chain running underwater from the tower to the opposite bank that aimed to prevent enemy ships from sailing further.
Visitors can climb the tower for impressive views across Seville. The name originates from Andalusia’s prosperous period during the Latin American colonies, locals also like to observe the golden reflection of the tower in the river at sunrise or sunset.
7. Triana neighbourhood
Famous for its brave bullfighters, flamenco dancers, markets and tapas, this neighbourhood was historically separated from the main city on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River. Referred to as ‘the most charming neighbourhood in Seville’, this authentic quarter provides a genuine experience of the local markets, small eateries and various churches.
“Barrio de Triana” was historically central to the major waterways of Seville, and famous for Azulejos tiles and pottery. It’s now a working-class district where residents attend to their daily activities. The fresh market offers plenty of options for a quick bite when visiting the grand sights across the river.
Several days in Seville will fill quickly with side trips and delicious cuisine
There’s plenty to see in Seville, from historical castles, monuments and museums to local markets, riverways and alleys. Once you’ve explored the city, there are day trips you can take to see nearby villages, natural wonders like the Tajo del Ronda, olive mills and sherry in Jerez. Exploring the south of Spain you can immerse yourself in the lively culture, floral aromas of the many gardens and the wondrous architecture of the palaces and churches. It’s time to start planning your trip!
Frequently asked questions
Is Seville a walkable city?
Seville is identified as the “most walkable city in Europe” with Alcazar Palace, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de Espana and Santa Cruz district all located within a 20-minute walk (or 2,100 steps, according to Preply).
What is the most beautiful street in Seville?
‘Calle Betis’ in the Triana district of Seville is a charming street along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, known for scenic views and a romantic atmosphere. Full of colour, terraces where you can enjoy a drink and pass by the Isabel II Bridge, seen on popular postcards of the city.
Why is Seville so famous?
As well as being one of the prettiest cities in Spain, Seville epitomises the essence of Spanish culture, with an expressive culture entwined with history, art, festivities and, of course, its saporous culinary scene.