With opulent palaces, cosy hidden squares and a sun-infused tradition, there’s a number of fantastic issues to do in Seville. Discover Spanish masters and classy tapas in our information to the most effective of town.
With the scent of jasmine wafting by the streets and orange bushes lining tiny courtyards, Seville is a metropolis to be savoured. Drenched in solar for a lot of the yr, warming rays mild up Moorish buildings and tiny honey-coloured laneways.
An extended historical past has bestowed Seville with a synthesis of architectural kinds, like these bestowed on close by Málaga; a vibrant vibrant tradition; and a number of fantastic issues to do.
Witness the lavish shows of Christian wealth in palaces unable to withstand the attract of Islamic design. Discover artistic endeavors by Spanish masters which are as luxurious and decadent because the rooms they cling in. Roam inexperienced areas, discover cobbled lanes and luxuriate in sundowners in hidden squares.
All corners of Seville have one thing in widespread – the unmissable attraction of Spanish tradition in a wonderful metropolis.
Reserving your journey by way of the hyperlinks on this web page (or on our e book web page) will earn us a small fee, at no further value to you. Thanks to your assist – Paul & Mark.
MAP | THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
We’ve organised this information of the most effective issues to do in Seville by the completely different areas of town with the intention to discover extra effectively and get a really feel for the character of every area.
The way to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the checklist of places, then click on on the places to show additional data. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
1 – REAL ALCÁZAR & GARDENS
The Actual Alcázar is a royal palace constructed for the Christian King Peter on the location of an Islamic fort.
After the Christian conquest, future kings set about enhancing the advanced to exhibit their wealth. Intricately carved facades, lavish gold ceilings, richly adorned tiles, and orange-filled courtyards mix to make the Actual Alcázar an unique, opulent palace and a beautiful factor to do in Seville.
Probably the most spectacular constructing contained in the Alcázar is the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro. It incorporates among the finest examples of Mudéjar structure in Seville – a type of design with heavy Moorish influences.
Just like the Alhambra in Granada, the Actual Alcázar is an evocative exploration of Moorish Spain.
DETAILS | REAL ALCÁZAR
hours – 9:30 am to five pm every day (October 29 to March 31) / 9:30 am to 7 pm every day (April 1 to October 28) | value – €13.50
2 – SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
When it was accomplished within the 16th century, the Seville Cathedral surpassed Hagia Sophia as the biggest cathedral on this planet. Constructed to reveal town’s wealth, the fifteen doorways on the 4 façades depict scenes of the bible in beautiful element.
Inside, the tomb of Christopher Columbus and his son take up prime place underneath the huge gothic ceiling. However the spotlight of the Seville Cathedral is the Chapter Home. This extraordinary domed chapel options work by the grandmaster, Murillo.
Roof Tour — Among the finest methods to expertise the cathedral is on the roof tour. Get a chicken’s eye view of Seville and study extra in regards to the constructing. The roof tour must be booked at the least one week prematurely.
When to go to the Cathedral of Seville — A good time to go to the cathedral is round 4:30 pm when the crowds are diminishing and the sunshine is best than through the center of the day.
GIRALDA TOWER
The obvious Islamic element that is still from when the cathedral was a mosque is the minaret – now the Giralda Tower.
Because the bell tower of the cathedral, it offers the most effective vantage level to absorb the immense scale of the cathedral whereas getting a chicken’s eye view of Seville.
Entry to the tower is included within the Cathedral ticket worth (€11), nonetheless, entry is timed to scale back congestion. There isn’t any carry, and it’s 34 flights of stairs as much as the highest.
Don’t miss the Mudejar carved wood door on flooring 9.
3 – CASA PALACIO DE LA CONDESA DE LEBRIJA
Casa Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is a historic palace in Seville containing one of many world’s most essential assortment of mosaics.
Initially constructed within the sixteenth century, the palace gained significance when it was acquired by Doña Regla Manjón Mergelina, the Countess of Lebrija. As ladies had been prohibited from attending college throughout that period, the countess grew to become a self-taught archaeologist.
Right this moment, the palace is a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts gathered from her world travels making it one of the fascinating issues to do in Seville.
The unique wood inlay ceilings are extraordinary, offering a luxurious ambiance to the 6,000-book library, full with a Murillo portray.
Nevertheless, essentially the most prized possessions inside the palace are the Roman mosaics, which the countess started buying from the Amphitheatre of Italica to avoid wasting them from being destroyed.
Excursions of the Palace — You might be free to walk the bottom flooring which incorporates the Roman Mosaics at your leisure, nonetheless entry to the primary flooring is barely accessible by way of guided tour which is included within the ticket worth.
DETAILS | CASA PALACIO DE LA CONDESA DE LEBRIJA
hours – 10 am to 2:15 pm & 3:15 pm to six pm (every day) | value – €12/€6 | excursions – hourly in English, included within the ticket worth | free entry – entry is free Fridays at 10 am for the bottom flooring solely.
4 – HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES SACERDOTES
Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes is a former hospice that has been transformed into an artwork gallery containing among the metropolis’s most treasured work.
Alongside the everlasting assortment of masters, there’s a up to date exhibition that showcases the range of Seville’s aptitude for artwork.
Baroque Church // The spotlight of Hospital de los Venerables is the ornate Baroque church. It’s a panoramic show of workmanship ornate frescoes on the vaulted ceiling and big domes. Each Murillo and Valdez labored on the church.
Room 7 // Room 7 of the gallery incorporates a rare assortment of artwork in a darkened, temperature-controlled room. The works consists of 12 masterpieces by Zurburán, Montanes, Murillo, El Greco, and Velázquez.
DETAILS | HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES
hours – 10 am to 7 pm (Monday – Saturday) / 10 am to three pm (Sunday) | value – €12 / €10 together with audioguide
5 – JEWISH QUARTER
The medieval Jewish quarter of Seville is a tangle of twisty laneways and tiny squares.
The very best factor to do within the space is to easily wander round, discover a native tapas bar (or a touristy one), and luxuriate in a late afternoon G&T in a courtyard framed by orange bushes.
Plaza Alfaro and Plaza Doña Elvira are two lovely squares to take a look at.
Should you’re searching for one thing else to do, Casa de Murillo is the previous dwelling of the well-known Spanish painter. There’s a small exhibition about his life and it’s free to enter.
6 – PALACIO DUEÑAS
Palacio Dueñas is a historic palace relationship again to the 15th century. It was the residence of the Duke of Alba and incorporates lovely, landscaped gardens, intricate tile work and ornate courtyards reflecting a mix of Gothic Renaissance and Moorish influences.
In Spring, the patios come alive with Bougainvillea vines creeping up marble pillars with intricate carvings, and arched doorways in distinctive Moorish model.
The palace is taken into account one of many nice gardens of the world due to the wealthy Andalusian soil which helps quite a lot of crops. The centrepiece is the principle courtyard, embraced by arched terraces, making a mesmerizing point of interest for images.
DETAILS | PALACIO DUEÑAS
hours – 10 am to eight pm | value – €12 / €10 | audioguide – the audioguide is included within the ticket worth, or you possibly can obtain an app.
7 – METROPOL PARASOL (LAS SETAS)
Metropol Parasol (regionally often known as Las Setas or Setas de Seville), is considered the biggest wood construction on this planet. It takes the type of a number of large mushrooms curving over La Encarnación sq. in El Centro. Taking within the views from the panoramic walkway is a cool factor to do in Seville.
In a basement underneath the construction, Roman and Moorish stays are on show in a small museum. There’s a market at road degree, whereas ranges 2 and three are out of doors terraces.
Sadly, the worth to go as much as the walkway has tripled in recent times, and, in our opinion, it’s getting slightly onerous to justify. Nevertheless, the views over this very photogenic metropolis are wonderful.
DETAILS | METROPOL PARASOL
hours – 9:30 am to 12:30 am every day | value – €15 together with entry to the perspective, 2 immersive reveals and Wifi.
8 – CASA DE PILATOS
Casa de Pilatos is a wonderful palace within the centre of Seville. With robust Mudéjar influences, the decrease courtyard incorporates an Italian Renaissance fountain and sculptures, flanked by a gothic chapel.
Upstairs, the place the homeowners lived till a couple of years in the past, the Mudéjar home windows mild up rooms adorned like a grand European home. The large assortment of azulejo (Spanish tiles) is likely one of the largest on this planet.
It’s a wonderful place to walk round and one of many many Seville sights that mix fascinating architectural kinds.
Upstairs Tour — Upstairs is barely accessible by way of a 30-minute guided tour (in English), which is properly value doing.
9 – FLAMENCO SHOW
As soon as thought of too vulgar for Spanish sensibilities, Flamenco is now a defining marker of the nationwide identification. It was just lately recognised by UNESCO’s World Intangible Tradition Heritage. No matter which means, the artwork type that includes poetry, track, guitar and dance is a cool factor to do in Seville.
The Museo del Baile Flamenco is each a museum to the Flamenco artwork type and a reside efficiency venue. Uncover work, clothes and interactive shows earlier than settling in for an evening of stomping, clapping and swirling. The tiny area comes alive in a rousing and totally charming efficiency.
Tickets // Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Present
10 – CALLE SIERPES
After absorbing the intriguing structure and historical past by Seville’s sights, head to Calle Sierpes to embrace the business aspect of town. Right here you’ll discover every thing from cheesy vacationer souvenirs to genuine Spanish embroidery and elaborate flamenco robes.
Confitería La Campana is an establishment that has been churning out pastries for generations. Papelería Ferrer is the oldest stationary store in Spain, whereas Sombreros Maquedano can cater to all of your millinery wants.
The buying hub round Calle Sierpes is pedestrianized and coated with canopies in summer time to shelter from the relentless Seville sunshine.
Begin at Sierpes, then head down Calle Rioja, Calle O’Donnell, and Calle Velázquez.
11 – PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the semi-circular Plaza de España is a lavish mixture of Artwork Déco and Mudéjar designs.
Adorned with tiled alcoves depicting every of the provinces of Spain, the plaza is each a murals and a nod to the nation’s innovation successes.
Rowboats cruise underneath romantic bridges and alongside the 515-metre canal that has been minimize into the plaza, whereas vacationers lean towards columns snapping selfies. It’s a wonderful area unfold over 50,000 sq. metres and the constructing itself is a design masterpiece.
12 – PARQUE DE MARÍA LUISA
Work started in 1914 to revamp the María Luisa Park in preparation for the Ibero-American Exposition on the Plaza de España. It’s a lush botanical backyard with palm and orange bushes, together with tons of of unique crops from everywhere in the world.
The expansive gardens characteristic vast boulevards, small pavilions, ponds, and fountains tiled in Moorish designs. Probably the most spectacular are the Fountain of the Lions and the Monument to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
Stroll or take a motorbike journey by this pretty inexperienced area. The shady benches are an excellent spot to take a break from the Seville warmth.
13 – BELLAS ARTES SEVILLE
The Museo de Bellas Artes is one in every of Spain’s premier artwork collections. The fantastically restored convent homes a couple of grandmasters from the fifteenth to Twentieth century, together with El Greco, Velásquez, and Zurbarán.
The highlights are the towering work by Murillo dramatically hanging within the former church.
There are brooding works from the Center Ages, all the best way as much as Twentieth-century fashionable artwork, together with a wonderful Baroque part.
Don’t miss — The Murillo of Saint Anthony is elegant.
DETAILS | BELLAS ARTES
hours – 9 am to 9 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) / 9 am to three pm (Sunday) / closed Mondays | value – €1.50 free for EU residents
14 – MERCADO DE TRIANA
The Mercado de Triana (Triana Market) was constructed on the location of the Citadel of San Jorge, the seat of the inquisition since 1481.
Right this moment, strolling by the community of stalls is a sensory expertise. Full of native produce, the scent of spices competes with the aroma of recent fish. The energetic chatter of essential negotiations hums over the clatter of cutlery devouring tapas dishes.
There are conventional Spanish stalls alongside artisanal suppliers; every with their particulars hand-printed on ceramic panels. Strive a espresso and a pastry, a neighborhood beer, or a Spanish tackle pizza at Obrador la Osa.
DETAILS | TRIANA MARKET
hours – 8 am to 12 am (Monday to Saturday) / 9 am to five pm (Sunday) | web site – every dealer has barely completely different hours so verify all of them on mercadodetrianasevilla
15 – HOSPITAL DE LA CARIDAD
Initially a hospice for the poor and the aged, the Hospital de la Caridad is now dwelling to excellent artistic endeavors by Golden Age Painters together with Murillo, Zurbarán, and Valdes Leal.
The star attraction is the opulent, gilded Seventeenth-century chapel; one of many best baroque masterpieces within the metropolis. Dripping with gold and richly adorned with sculpture, artworks and altarpieces, visiting the chapel is a charming factor to do in Seville.
Napoleon’s troops stole 4 of Murillo’s work from the Hospital de la Caridad which later resurfaced within the Nationwide Galleries of London, Washington DC and St Petersburg. See if you happen to can spot their replicas hanging within the church.
DETAILS | HOSPITAL DE LA CARIDAD
hours – 10:30 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday) / 2 pm to 7 pm (Saturday & Sunday) | value – €8 consists of audioguide / entry is free from 4:30 pm to six:30 pm Sunday.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
We prefer to fastidiously choose the actions in our metropolis guides, offering what we predict are the easiest issues to do. Nevertheless, you probably have some extra time in Seville, listed below are a couple of extra sights to think about.
TORRE DEL ORO
Set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the Torre del Oro is the final remnant of the Moorish partitions that when enclosed town. There’s a small naval museum inside, which is frankly not definitely worth the €3 entry price. Nevertheless, the viewing platform on the roof terrace is nice.
PLAZA DE TOROS DE LA REAL MAESTRANZA
Plaza de toros de la Actual Maestranza de Caballería is the oldest bullring in Spain. With a capability of 14,000 bullfighting followers, it’s additionally one of many largest. Excursions function in each English and Spanish and whereas slightly disorganized, they take you into the depths of the sector.
ANTIGUA FÁBRICA DE TABACOS
The Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos was a former tobacco manufacturing facility that’s now the house of the College of Seville. It’s a whopping Renaissance constructing with detailed cut-stone facades, inside courtyards, and palatial halls. It’s free to wander in and take a look round.
ARCHIVO GENERAL DE INDIAS
Whereas Archivo Normal de Indias include essential paperwork referring to Spain’s historical past, the grand Renaissance structure is the one cause to go to. The higher flooring with ornate vaulted ceilings, wooden paneling, and marble flooring are spectacular.
BEST TAPAS IN SEVILLE
Tapas is taken very significantly in Seville and rightly so. Conventional outdated haunts co-exist with fashionable new upstarts serving progressive alterations to basic Sevillian staples. Listed here are a few of our favorites.
Bar Alfalfa // It’s a good squeeze at Bar Alfalfa, however it’s value it for the standard tapas (strive the solomillo and the croquetas) and bustling Spanish environment.
Bar el Commercio // Extensively considered serving up among the finest churros on the town, Bar el Commercio is brimming with Seville environment from breakfast to sunset.
Duo Tapas // Step away (barely) from custom and take a look at progressive tapas with an Asian twist at Duo Tapas Bar. Go early to get a desk exterior in entrance of the outdated church.
Casa Morales // An old-school favorite, get pleasure from conventional tapas at excessive tables exterior or within the atmospheric inside with wooden paneling.
El Rinconcillo // Serving Spanish staples since 1760, El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in Seville. It’s extra a vacationer spot now, however value attempting at the least as soon as.
La Cacharreria // Breakfast at La Cacharreria in El Centro is all about toasties, sandwiches, bagels and waffles. It’s good healthful, unchallenging breakfast.
EME Catedral Lodge // The cocktails at EME Catedral Mercer Lodge are twice as costly as in all places else, however it’s value one for the gorgeous views of the Giralda.
Ovejas Negras // It’s fashionable, a bit noisy and the service is sharp, however it’s among the finest meals in Seville, even after 3 or 4 visits.
Alameda de Hércules // The best a part of Seville for nightlife is the realm round Plaza Alameda de Hércules, simply north of the centre. There are many quirky locations to seize a drink, bizarre bookshops, and wonderful tapas joints and a backyard for a late-night remainder of your means dwelling.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Seville is a really walkable metropolis, so we suggest staying as central as doable to take full benefit.
Fortuitously is that this a really cost-effective metropolis. You possibly can simply discover a discount within the compact heart of the outdated city or splash out on luxurious in a contemporary resort-style lodge.
UNIQUE & HOMELY
HOTEL AMADEUS & LA MUSICA
This family-run lodge has a singular design, fantastically appointed rooms, and an curiosity in classical music. Breakfast is on the roof terrace which has views of the Cathedral.
LUXURY
HOTEL ALFONSO XIII
Lodge Alfonso is just not low cost. But it surely’s uncommon that such a wonderful outdated lodge has managed to modernize so elegantly. Rooms are individually adorned and supremely fashionable.
DAY TRIPS FROM SEVILLE
Completely positioned to benefit from the Andalusian area, there’s a number of nice day journeys from Seville. Whether or not you’re trying to pattern a neighborhood jerez (sherry) or discover the well-known pueblos blancos (white villages), right here is our choose of the most effective outings.
Italica // Simply 7 kilometres out of the centre, Itálica is a straightforward day journey from Seville. The extremely well-preserved ruins had been as soon as a part of an important and superior Roman metropolis on this planet. Guided excursions might be organized with or with out transportation out of your lodge.
Córdoba // Córdoba is a captivating Andalusian metropolis and our favorite day journey from Seville. Go to the Mezquita-Catedral, one of the exceptional buildings on this planet, and stroll by lovely patios. Should you solely do someday journey from Seville, make it this one. All the small print are in our information to Córdoba.
Jerez // Jerez de la Frontera is a part of the sherry triangle in southern Spain. With 10 trains per day and simply over an hour journey time, it’s a straightforward day journey from Seville. Be a part of a sherry tour, take tastings in a sq. and sit all the way down to among the finest meals within the Andalucía area.
Cádiz // Cádiz is an historical city by the ocean with vast boulevards flanked by imposing terrace homes. There’s a relaxed attraction, a way of worn grandeur, Roman historical past and wonderful native tapas bars. It’s round 1 hour half-hour by prepare from Seville to Cádiz. See our information to Cádiz for extra data.
Caminito del Rey // The Caminito del Rey is a 7-kilometre hike by a shocking gorge, suspended on an aerial path, 100 metres above the bottom. The principally flat path might be accomplished by anybody with an affordable degree of health. All the small print are on our information to the Caminito del Rey stroll.
Pueblos Blancos // The white villages of Andalucía are tiny villages the place all of the buildings are whitewashed. Set amongst rolling inexperienced hills and rocky outcrops, they’re a pleasure to drive round. Arcos de la Frontera is likely one of the finest and is barely a one-hour drive from Seville. Learn extra in our information to the White Villages of Spain.
HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE
Seville is a really accessible vacation spot with good flight connections from different European cities and an amazing native prepare community.
BY AIR
Sevilla Worldwide Airport (or San Pablo Airport) is a 20-minute taxi journey to the centre of city. The price of a taxi can be round €22 (+ €1 per bag) and the taxi rank is simply exterior the principle terminal.
A bus (€4) runs from the airport to city roughly each 20 minutes from round 5 am to 1 am. It makes a variety of stops together with Sevilla Santa-Justa prepare station and Plaza de Armas. The journey time is round 35 minutes.
BY TRAIN
The Spanish rail community is great with high-speed trains connecting many of the fundamental centres. Should you’re already within the nation, prepare is one of the best ways to get to Seville.
Trains usually join Sevilla-Santa Justa Prepare Station with different main Spanish cities together with Córdoba (45 minutes), Madrid (round 2, hours half-hour), and Málaga (2 hours). There’s additionally one every day service from Barcelona which takes 5 hours and half-hour.
SEVILLE FAQ
HOW MANY DAYS IN SEVILLE IS ENOUGH?
We suggest three days in Seville; nonetheless, you might simply keep longer.
Should you solely have a weekend – and Seville is a good European weekender – two days would help you see many of the fundamental sights. Nevertheless, it’s most likely not sufficient time to totally soak up the Spanish tradition that makes Seville such an amazing place to go to.
In 3 days you might catch many of the fundamental sights, plus permit for a while to amble the streets, strive a collection of tapas bars and luxuriate in extra of the unimaginable artwork scene in Seville. We’ve a full itinerary for 3 days in Seville which incorporates tips on how to see every thing as effectively as doable.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SEVILLE?
The very best time to go to Seville is from March to Might when recent progress makes the bushes and gardens a lush inexperienced, the temperatures usually are not too excessive, and the rains of winter are starting to ease. Specifically, a weekend to Seville in March and April is usually a low cost means for northern Europeans to get some winter solar whereas having fun with a traditionally fascinating place.
Seville is the most popular metropolis in Europe the place summer time temperatures attain into the 40s. Due to this fact, it’s finest to keep away from June to September. We’ve extra details about what to do in every season in our 3-day itinerary for Seville.
WHAT IS SEVILLE FAMOUS FOR?
Seville is legendary for flamenco dancing and is dwelling to among the finest flamenco reveals on this planet. It’s additionally considered one of many birthplaces of Spanish bullfighting.
IS SEVILLE A GOOD CITY BREAK?
Seville is likely one of the finest metropolis breaks in Europe. With good connections from most main European metropolis, a thriving tradition and loads of year-round sunshine, Seville is a good vacation spot for a weekend break.
WHAT TO BOOK BEFORE YOU GO TO SEVILLE
Seville is a well-liked place for a great cause. Many sights can have lengthy queues and a few have to be booked prematurely.
Specifically, queues on the Actual Alcázar might be staggering. That is one we positively suggest reserving earlier than you go. Once you arrive, be sure you stand within the queue for pre-purchased tickets. Regardless of the oppressive size, it strikes quite a bit quicker than it appears to be like prefer it’s going to.
The cathedral and Giralda tower are much less busy, however the roof tour fills up quick. E book at the least a week prematurely.
Flamenco performances can be highly regarded. E book on-line earlier than you journey, in any other case head on to the venue the primary day you arrive in Seville.
THANKS FOR VISITING // WHERE NEXT?
A BIG THANK YOU
We’ve been offering free journey content material on Wherever We Roam since 2017. Should you admire what we do, listed below are some methods you possibly can assist us.
Thanks!
Paul & Mark
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
USE OUR RESOURCES PAGE
