There is a lot to see and a lot to do in Seville, a city that keeps some of the most outstanding Spanish monuments and sights. You will find plenty to do during your visit to this city, so get ready to explore Sevilla with our Seville travel guide.
The river Guadalquivir which flows through the city will help you to find your way in Sevilla. Most of the sights are on the east bank: the barrio of Santa Cruz, the cathedral, the Reales Alcázares palace etc, while the most historic neighbourhoods like Triana, the theme park Isla Mágica and the former Expo 92 buildings are on the western bank.
Here is a list of Sevilla’s top attractions, the sights and the activities you shouldn’t miss.
Cathedral and La Giralda
Sevilla’s cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world, and the largest Gothic building in the world. It contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colón in Spanish). The cathedral was built over the ruins of an Almohad mosque and some of the elements in its structure are still of Arab style, like the wonderful tower on the back of the cathedral, La Giralda, which is in fact one of the few Almohad minarets surviving in the world.
Watch our videos of Seville
Reales Alcázares Palace
The Reales Alcázares is an amazing royal palace built by the Christian kings of Castile. This is the oldest occupied royal palace in Europe, meaning that the king and queen of Spain still stay here when they visit Seville.
We advise you to take your time when you visit the Alcázares, since it is not only a palace but several palaces together, you will be astonished at the incredible combination of different architectural styles. Here, Muslim, Mudejar and Christian constructions fuse together. You can also stroll through the gardens of the Alcázares, where fountains, ponds, colourful flowers and the fragrance of aromatic plants will take you to another time.
Take a virtual visit to the Reales Alcázares.
Santa Cruz
The picturesque barrio of Santa Cruz is well worth a visit. This neighbourhood is the heart of Seville, with its narrow streets, white houses, flowers and iron grilles; it is the typical Andalusian barrio.
The best way to get to Santa Cruz is through the tunnel in the corner of Patio de Banderas (near the exit from the Reales Alcázares), this will take you to the street Judería (a reminder that this was once the Jewish quarter of the city).
Don’t miss the Casa de Pilatos, a charming palace dating from the 15th century.
Plaza de España (Square of Spain)
Seville’s Plaza de España is undoubtedly one of the city’s top attractions. This huge and beautiful square was built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, and now remains as amazing open space right opposite the Maria Luisa park. The square is decorated with ceramic tiles, fountains, bridges and baroque arcades. All along the square there are benches representing each of the Spanish provinces.
Torre del Oro (tower of the gold)
The Torre del Oro stands on one of the banks of the Guadalquivir river, opposite to the Maestranza, the famous bullfighting ring of Seville. Built in the 13th century by the Arabs, the tower is currently a naval museum.
La Macarena
The little baroque church of la Macarena keeps one of the statues of the Virgin Mary that are carried during the Easter processions. The basílica also holds a museum dedicated to the Virgin. Next to the church you will find the old city walls built by the Moors in the 11th century.
Seville’s panoramic wheel
Take a different look at the city from this panoramic wheel located in the Jardines del Prado de San Sebastian. The trip on the wheel takes a bit more than 10 minutes, so make the most of it.
Flamenco shows in Seville
You can’t leave Sevilla without having seen one of its world famous Flamenco shows.
You may see flamenco live in El Arenal (street Rodo 7, close to Arco del Postigo) with shows at 20.30 and 22.30. Also in Casa Carmen located in Marqués de Perada (www.casacarmenarteflamenco.com).