the ultimate guide to sight seeing in seville, spain
- 1. Plaza De España – My number one thing to see in Seville because it is simply breathtaking!
- 2. La Catedral De Sevilla – The third largest church in the world with beautiful architecture. Book online to save time (£10 pp).
- 3. The Royal Alcázar – The oldest Royal Palace in use in Europe. Stunning gardens. Book online to skip the queue (£13pp).
- 4. María Luisa Park – Seville’s most famous park – a great place to relax. Located directly next to the Plaza de España.
- 5. Las Setas – The largest wooden structure in the world, located next to the city centre. You can access the top of the structure, I recommend doing so at night (£8.50pp).
- 6. The City Centre – If you are interested in shopping this is the place to be! There are loads of cafes, tapas restaurants and fast food chains to refuel before your next store.
- 7. Guadalquivir River – The perfect place for a walk or to do some exercise out of the way of traffic with a nice view. There are also some nice places to sit and relax.
- 8. Tapas – Tapas restaurants are plentiful in Sevilla, they mostly offer similar options. My favourite tapas restaurant was ‘Duo Tapas’.
- 9. Traditional Flamenco Performance – Andalusia is considered the true home of flamenco. A must-see to get a feel for the culture (prices vary depending on where you go).
- 10. Triana Neighbourhood – A lively residential neighbourhood with great character and ambience. Gives you a taste of authentic life in Seville.
- Conclusion
1. Plaza De España
Plaza de España is my number one thing to see in Seville because it is simply breathtaking! The majestic architecture was created specifically for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 by designer Aníbal González. The Plaza is a semi-circular shape, encompassing the large central fountain and Plaza buildings which are accessible via the four ornate patterned bridges over the moat, linking the centre of the Plaza with María Luisa Park. You can hire a small boat and enjoy the palace while gently rowing along the moat.
Take note of the melodious guitar music often heard floating through the air from the North Tower of the Plaza. This traditional music completes the majestic atmosphere of the Plaza De España. The colourful tiled alcoves around the base of the Plaza pay tribute to each of the 52 provinces in Spain. It is popular for Spanish tourists to take a quick snap showcasing their province.
2. La Catedral De Sevilla
La Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic Church and the third-largest church in the world. With its polished marble floors, imposing high ceilings, gold accents and 15th-century stained glass windows, it is a must-see during your stay in Seville! Entry tickets can be bought online, which gives you a scheduled arrival time and a speedy, stress-free entrance into the cathedral.
You can access the ‘Giralda’, the famous bell tower which gives you spectacular views of the entire city. But beware of the climb… It’s 35 stories high! Follow the winding pathway to the peak of the tower and admire the views (once you catch your breath!). Finally, you can take in the magnificent cityscape, and listen to the thunderous sound of the church bells that can go off at any moment, just a few feet above your head!
3. The Royal Alcázar
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is the oldest Royal Palace in use in Europe. Dating back to the 11th century, the palace displays a wide range of architectural styles completed over different periods, including Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque designs. The lush palace gardens are the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the intricacies of the architecture.
I would recommend taking a guided tour of the palace to learn more about the ins and outs of the uses of different rooms as well as the variety of architecture. The gardens are vast and you could easily spend 2+ hours wandering through them. If possible, try to visit during the week to avoid crowds on the weekends!
In peak season it is jam-packed with long queues so make sure to try and book online to avoid the first queue, you have to queue once to buy a ticket and then again to enter.
Tickets are priced at £12 each, you can buy these online or at the ticket office, which is located around the side of the building, next to the exit of the Alcázar.
4. María Luisa Park
Parque de María Luisa is the most famous park in Seville and a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the city. Located directly next to the Plaza de España, it is easy to combine these two attractions into one visit. There is also the possibility to visit the Plaza de America, which is less grand but worthwhile to see as it is so close by.
María Luisa Park was created with a ‘Moorish Paradisiacal’ vibe in mind, you can stroll around and enjoy the intricate tile designs used for fountains and pavilions, admire the diversity of botanical plants and trees, or sit and relax in the cool shade. Just between the Plaza De España and María Luisa Park, find local market stalls brimming with colourful artistic creations. If you are lucky you may be able to watch a traditional Flamenco performance!
5. Las Setas
Locally known as ‘Las Setas’ (The Mushrooms) but initially titled ‘Metropol Parasol’, this grand structure is the largest wooden structure in the world (150 x 70 metres and 26 metres in height)! The structure was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, who won the Seville City Council Competition to create a design fit for the renovation of the square.
I highly recommend visiting this magnificent structure at night by paying €10 per adult to take in the stunning views from the top of the parasol. By night, Las Setas is brightly lit with mesmerising colour-changing light displays. There are also Roman ruins beneath the structure which you can pay to visit. The pavilion beneath the structure is a very popular place to hang out and relax with friends and family.
6. The City Centre
If you are interested in shopping this is the place to be! High-end fashion, accessory and cosmetic brands line the streets, as well as affordable shops for every kind of shopper. There is a mix of Spanish and international brands, both prestigious and affordable.
Dotted around the city are many cafes, traditional tapas restaurants and of course, fast food chains. There are plenty of choices and something delicious for all taste buds! It is the perfect place to walk around chatting and stop for a coffee outside one of the many cafes. Conveniently, many of the must-see monuments are very close to the city centre, making it a perfect resting point to refuel before your next sight.
7. The Guadalquivir River
The Guadalquivir river is the only navigable river in Spain. It runs right through Seville and has played an important role in many historic events.
Many people participate in different kinds of sports, like cycling, running, walking, rowing or kayaking. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise and there is something for everyone. Trees lining the river provide much-needed shade in the hot summer sun and there are grassy banks along the river where you can relax and enjoy the slice of peace the river provides in this busy city.
8. Tapas
Seville is famous for its Andalusian tapas and you must try some during your stay. My absolute favourites are listed below:
Pulpo con Patatas – octopus cooked in light seasonings on a potato slice and topped with a little sour cream.
Pescado Frito (fried fish) is also a very popular tapas dish in Seville.
Cazón en adobo ( fried dogfish) is also a popular fish tapa. It is marinated to lock in a fresh, tangy flavour and then deep-fried.
It would be unjust to leave out the famous Jamón Iberico de Bellota (Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham) which is served in all good tapas restaurants in Seville.
Croquetas are also popular, filled with ham and cheese, chicken or vegetables.
You’ll likely struggle to find many vegetarian options on Spanish menus, but Espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) is the exception to this.
9. Traditional Flamenco Performance
Highly energetic, passionate and traditional flamenco dancing is a must-see in Seville! The expressive movements are mesmerising and create a real connection with the audience. Flamenco is symbolic of Spanish identity, a true Spanish art form that has been enjoyed since the 15th century and passed down through generations. Experience flamenco dancing in an intimate setting – Casa de la Memoria is located in the heart of Seville and has daily performances. Buy your tickets here!
10. Triana Neighbourhood
Triana is a lively residential neighbourhood, home to artists, musicians and creators. Home to famous bullfighters and flamenco dancers, the neighbourhood has great character, and ambience and gives you a taste of authentic life in Seville. Be sure to stop and sit by the river and enjoy the view of Triana whilst listening to some live guitar music. It is located just over the other side of the Guadalquivir river and is a short walk from the city centre.
Conclusion
Seville is a vibrant and energetic city with something to please everyone. You can see all of these beautiful attractions in just a 5-day trip, but if you can stay a little longer, you won’t regret it!
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