Ready to Explore? These Are the Best Things to Do in Seville Right Now

Why Visit Seville?

Seville is one of those cities that charms you within minutes. With its grand Moorish architecture, palm-lined squares, flamenco rhythms drifting through the air, and plates of tapas that keep coming, it’s easy to see why so many travellers fall hard for this Andalusian gem.

It’s not just beautiful—it’s bursting with history, culture, and soul. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, some of Spain’s most iconic buildings, and a seriously delicious food scene, Seville makes the perfect base to explore Andalucía’s postcard-worthy towns and cities.

How Many Days in Seville?

You’ll want at least 3 to 4 days in Seville to really soak it up. That gives you time to explore must-see sights like the Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar, and Plaza de España, stroll through colourful neighbourhoods like Triana, and dive into the local food and flamenco scene without rushing around.

And trust me—you’ll want to take your time here.

Weather in Seville, Spain: When to Go

Seville is a bit of a sun magnet—it’s one of the hottest cities in Europe. That’s great if you’re chasing vitamin D, but less fun when it’s 45°C and your shoes are melting into the pavement.

August? Don’t. Most of the city shuts down as locals flee the heat, and you’ll be left sweating it out with the tourists.

For the best weather in Seville, aim for March to May or late September to October. Spring is especially lovely, with orange blossoms in bloom and fewer crowds. Early autumn is still warm but far more manageable—and you can often score better hotel deals too.

How to get around Seville

We found that Seville was an easy city to explore on foot.

• Walking: Seville’s historic center is compact and very walkable. Strolling through the city’s narrow streets and plazas is one of the best ways to soak in its charm.
• Public Transport: The city has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and a metro. The TUSSAM buses are convenient for reaching most parts of the city
• .Bike Rentals: Seville is known for being bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes. Consider renting a bike or using the Sevici bike-sharing system to explore.
• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, and rideshare apps like Uber are also an option for getting around quickly.

🤩 Recommended: Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Through Seville

Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Seville’s historic centre is made for wandering—literally. It’s mostly pedestrianised and packed with beautiful sights all within walking distance. With a little planning (and comfy shoes), you can tick off many of the top attractions in Seville without ever stepping foot on a bus.

If you’re short on time, start with numbers one to five—they’ll give you a solid taste of the city’s highlights.

Explore the Real Alcázar of Seville

Let’s start with the showstopper: The Royal Alcázar of Seville. This is hands-down one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain—and yes, Game of Thrones fans, it doubled as the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Originally built for King Pedro I of Castile in the 14th century, the palace stands on the site of a former Moorish fort dating back to the 10th century. It’s a glorious mashup of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—basically, if you like intricate tilework, carved ceilings, and ridiculously pretty courtyards, you’re in for a treat.

Don’t skip the gardens—they go on for ages and are perfect for a shady stroll after soaking up all that royal grandeur. This is one of those places you’ll remember long after your trip, and absolutely one of the top things to do in Seville.

🤩 Recommended: Royal Alcázar Entry Ticket

What to see at the Real Alcázar of Seville

This really depends on how much time you have available as there is so much to see, but here are some of the things that you should not miss. Information is limited once you are inside so unless you have an audio guide it is a good idea to take a guidebook with you. Booking a guided tour will make a huge difference to the experience.

You should also book your ticket in advance as they limit the number of people who can visit as they do at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This also means that you can skip the queue and save valuable time.

• Puerta de Léon
• The courtyard of the maidens or the Patio de las Doncellas
• The ornate Ambassadors Reception Room
• The Alcazar Gardens
• Upper Royal Apartments at the Alcazar –  Still home to the Spanish Royal Family when they visit Seville.

The Real Alcázar is one of the attractions in Seville Spain that you should not miss.

What is the best time to visit the Real Alcázar in Seville

Try to avoid weekends and holidays as these are some of the busiest times for visiting the palace. Early in the morning is probably the best time to visit the Real Alcáz as it gets very busy from around 11h00.

Alcazar Seville hours   

• Opening hours from October to March: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 17:00.
• Opening hours from April to September: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 19:00.
• Closed on 1^st and 6^th January, Good Friday and 25^th December.

Pro Tip: Bring your passport or another photo ID: You can be asked to show it for entry.

🤩 Recommended: Combined ticket – Seville: Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar Guided Tour

Visit Seville Cathedral

You can’t miss this one—literally. The Seville Cathedral dominates the city skyline and holds the title of the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Inside, it’s absolutely vast, with soaring vaulted ceilings, golden altarpieces, and the (controversial) tomb of Christopher Columbus.

The cathedral was officially completed in 1517, though a lot of the intricate details inside—especially the lavish chapels—weren’t finished until much later. Fun fact: when it was built, it actually dethroned the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as the largest church in the world.

Step inside and you’ll find a jaw-dropping 80 chapels, each more ornate than the last, plus the tomb of Christopher Columbus—a source of ongoing debate over whether he’s actually buried there or not.

Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the snaking queues that wrap around the square—trust me, standing under the blazing Andalusian sun is not the way you want to start your day.

Recommended: Skip the line tickets to avoid the queues for the Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar Guided Tour OR Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Skip-the-Line Ticket

Pro Tip: Remember that you are visiting a church so dress appropriately. The rule is to have your shoulders and knees covered then you won’t be refused entry.

Climb the Giralda for Sky-High Views of Seville

You can’t visit Seville without heading up La Giralda—the city’s iconic bell tower and one of the best viewpoints in town.

The tower itself is a fascinating blend of cultures. It was originally the minaret of the Great Mosque of the Almohads, used for the call to prayer during Moorish rule. When the cathedral was built on the mosque’s foundations, the minaret stayed—and eventually got topped with a bell tower and a very sassy weather vane.

That weather vane? It’s called “El Giraldillo”, and here’s one of my favourite fun facts about Seville: “girar” means to turn in Spanish, so Giralda literally means “she who turns.”

But the real magic? Climbing La Giralda, the cathedral’s iconic bell tower. Instead of stairs, there’s a series of ramps—designed so horses could trot to the top (true story). There are a few steep steps at the very end, but the views over Seville’s rooftops, orange-dotted courtyards, and the distant hills of Andalucía make it well worth the effort.

It’s one of the top places to see in Seville, and trust me—you’ll want your camera for this one.

Wander Around the Plaza de España

Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most jaw-dropping public spaces. It’s grand, theatrical, and slightly surreal—like something straight out of a film set. (And yes, it’s featured in Star Wars: Episode II if you’re wondering why it looks familiar.)

The semi-circular building is lined with beautiful tiled alcoves, each one representing a different province of Spain. You’ll spot couples rowing boats along the canal, horse-drawn carriages trotting past, and maybe even a flamenco dancer or two busking under the arches.

Pro tip: Come back at sunset for golden hour photos—it’s pure magic.

🤩 Recommended: Have some fun and book a Professional Photoshoot at Plaza de España. It’s inexpensive and a great way of getting some really good photos and memories at one of the top Seville landmarks.

Stroll Through Maria Luisa Park

Need a break from sightseeing? Head straight to Maria Luisa Park, Seville’s most beautiful green space—and the perfect place to slow the pace a little.

Originally part of the gardens of the San Telmo Palace, the park was gifted to the city in the late 19th century and redesigned for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo. Think wide boulevards, tiled benches, fountains, duck ponds, shady palms, and enough romantic corners to make your camera roll burst.

It’s not just pretty—it’s huge, so give yourself time to explore. The park is home to several pavilions, statues, and even the Archaeological Museum of Seville, housed in one of the old Expo buildings.

Grab an ice cream, rent a bike or tandem (yep, that’s a thing), or just wander with no plan—Maria Luisa Park is where you go when you want to escape the heat, the crowds, or just give your feet a break. Bonus: it’s right next to Plaza de España, so it’s easy to do both in one outing.

Real Maestranza Bull Ring and Bullfighting Museum

Visit the Real Maestranza Bullring & Museum

Even if you’re not into bullfighting, a visit to the Real Maestranza is worth it for the history alone. This elegant 18th-century bullring is one of the oldest and most iconic in Spain. The small on-site museum gives you a glimpse into the traditions (and controversies) of bullfighting, with costumes, posters, and stories of the matadors who once ruled the ring. A fascinating, if complicated, piece of Andalusian culture.

A quick note: Bullfighting remains a deeply controversial tradition, and not everyone agrees with it. While it’s a significant part of Andalusian history and culture, many visitors choose to learn about it from a distance or skip it altogether. If you prefer, there are plenty of other amazing things to see and do in Seville that celebrate the city’s rich heritage without the controversy.

🤩 Recommended: Bullring Guided Tour & Skip-the-Line Ticket

Cross the Bridge into Triana

Head across the Puente de Isabel II (just call it Triana Bridge) and you’ll enter one of Seville’s coolest, most characterful neighbourhoods: Triana. Historically known for its pottery workshops and flamenco legends, it’s now a mix of bohemian charm and local vibes.

Wander along Calle Betis, grab a drink by the riverside, or shop for hand-painted ceramics at the Triana Market. It’s less polished than the old town—and that’s exactly what makes it special.

🤩 Recommended: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater

Explore Seville’s Local Markets

If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that hitting up a local market is one of the first things I do in any city—and Seville did not disappoint.

There are two markets I absolutely loved. First up is Mercado Lonja del Barranco, just across the bridge as you head into Triana. It’s packed with mouthwatering food stalls and has a few small restaurants along the riverfront—perfect for a lazy lunch or early evening bite. A guide on one of our food tours tipped us off, and honestly, it turned out to be one of my favourite finds in the city.

The second market is just as easy to visit—Mercado de la Encarnación, tucked right underneath Las Setas (the mushroom-like Metropol Parasol). It’s smaller and a bit more local, but well worth a wander, especially if you’re already in the area for sunset views.It is also where the fabulous food tour we went on started.

Castillo San Jorge: Seville’s Inquisition Museum

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem—easy to walk right past without realising what’s there. Tucked beneath the Triana Market, just to the right as you cross the bridge from Seville, the entrance is marked by a simple glass door and a small staircase leading down.

What you’ll find is the Castillo San Jorge, the former headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition from 1481 to 1785. The museum explores one of the darkest chapters in Spanish history, right on the original site of the old fortress. It’s quiet, eerie, and incredibly thought-provoking—and when we visited, we had it almost entirely to ourselves. Definitely one of the more unusual (and fascinating) things to do in Seville.

Climb the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold)

The Torre del Oro is one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, perched right on the edge of the Guadalquivir River next to the Maestranza bullring. Originally built in 1220 as a military watchtower, it played a key role in protecting the city and keeping an eye on river traffic.

Its name—“Tower of Gold”—has a few theories behind it, but the most popular is that it once shimmered with a golden glow reflected in the river (some say it had golden tiles, others just blame the Andalusian sun).

The tower has a 12-sided base, a nod to its Moorish roots, and later additions brought it up to its full 36 metres (118 feet) in height. It’s also worn a few hats over the centuries—watchtower, prison, and customs post when Seville was a major trading port.

Climb the 91 steps to the top for sweeping views over the river and city rooftops—it’s one of the best spots to see Seville from above. And if you’re out exploring at night, don’t miss it—the Torre del Oro looks magical all lit up against the dark sky.

Join a food tour

One of the tastiest ways to get to know Seville is by joining a food tour. You’ll eat your way through hidden tapas bars, sample local favourites you might otherwise miss, and learn all about the city’s rich culinary traditions. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet locals and fellow travellers—think of it as dinner with a side of stories .We spent a morning exploring the old town of Seville with Devour Tours which was an incredible way to experience some of the best food in Seville.

🤩 Recommended: Tapas, Taverns and History Tour

Sip Some Sherry Like a Local

Seville is the perfect place to get a taste of sherry, especially the crisp, dry Manzanilla that locals love to sip in the summer heat. The Jerez wine region, just 90 km away, is where it all comes from—so you’re drinking it almost at the source. You’ll find sherry on nearly every menu, but for something truly special, pop into Casa Morales (Calle García de Vinuesa, 11). It’s one of the oldest bars in Seville, and sipping a chilled glass in its atmospheric back room—surrounded by giant wine barrels—feels like stepping into another era.

🤩 Recommended: Jerez, Cádiz and Andalusian HorsesFrom Seville – Taste the sherry wines of Spain and learn how Andalusian horses dance on a day trip from Seville. Go to Jerez de la Frontera to visit a sherry bodega and equestrian school. You will also have some free time to explore one of Europe’s oldest cities, Cádiz.