Do you love a glass of sangria, tapas, old palaces, culture, and history? Then a city trip to Seville is perfect for you! Hop on a bike and explore every charming corner of this lively city. During the day, enjoy the impressive architectural landmarks, and in the evening, let the sounds of flamenco dancers draw you into a cozy bar. Curious about the best sights and things to do in Seville? We’ve compiled 10 tips for a city trip to Seville just for you!
Tips for Getting Around in Seville
Seville isn’t a very large city, and all the sights are quite close to each other. While you could walk everywhere, especially in the hot summer months, it can be quite intense. The best tip we can give you is to rent a bike. We did this ourselves with Baja Bikes, and it was a great experience. Seville is a bike-friendly city with many bike paths, allowing you to get around quickly and have more time to enjoy the sun on a terrace. Additionally, they also organize fun bike tours around Seville, perfect for learning more about the city’s culture and history, suitable for all ages!
What to Do in Seville?
We recommend staying in Seville for three full days to see every beautiful nook, tower, and alley. Here are the sights we think you shouldn’t miss.
Admire the Most Beautiful Square in Seville
We start this list of Seville tips with the city’s most beautiful square. Plaza de España is a gigantic semicircular square with a diameter of 200 meters (656 ft). It’s surrounded by a magnificent building with two high towers that are visible from all over the city. Between them, there are 52 benches completely covered in colorful mosaics. In the center of the square, there’s a picturesque canal where you can rent a boat in good weather. From Plaza de España, you can walk into the beautiful Maria Luisa Park. It’s lovely for a picnic among the palm trees.
Visit Casa de Pilatos
A visit to Casa de Pilatos is an absolute must during your trip to Seville. This palace was built in the 16th century and features a beautiful courtyard with a well and fountain. You’ll also find 24 statues of Greek gods and Roman emperors here. Everywhere you look, there are long corridors, ceiling paintings, large wooden doors, mudéjar tiles, marble floors, and small chapels. The palace is a beautiful mix of styles, including the well-known Mudéjar style of Seville, as well as Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance influences. Today, part of the palace is still inhabited by the 18th Duchess of Medinacelli and her family.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance and preferably arrive around opening time at 09:00 as this is a popular attraction. Your ticket includes an audio tour.
Spot the Mushrooms of Seville
Metropol Parasol, also known as the Mushrooms of Seville, can be found in Plaza de la Encarnación. It’s a striking wooden structure designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer. At the very top of the structure, there’s a walkway offering a cool view over the entire city of Seville.
Marvel at Real Alcazar
When in Seville, a visit to Real Alcazar is a must. This is one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe still in use. It’s built in Mudéjar style, featuring influences from Moorish and Christian cultures. The palace is richly decorated, with long corridors, ceiling paintings, large wooden doors, Mudéjar tiles, marble floors, and small chapels that will leave you in awe. Explore the beautiful Moroccan-style gardens with various plants, trees, fountains, mazes, and rose arches. Colorful mosaics adorn much of the area. From the gardens, you can visit Banos de Maria de Padilla, a stunning underground space that once served as a water reservoir. Make sure not to miss this!
Tip: To avoid crowds, it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance and arrive early around opening time. Book your entry ticket with an audio tour to learn about the history of Real Alcazar during your visit.
Experience the Atmosphere of Seville’s Coolest Neighborhood
Santa Cruz is a lively and charming district in Seville. This former Jewish quarter is filled with numerous delightful restaurants, orange trees, and cozy squares. You’ll find many shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and ceramics. Mornings here are peaceful, but in the evening, Santa Cruz comes alive. Street musicians create a festive atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll or sit on the terrace of one of the tapas bars, order a jamon croqueta, and enjoy a cold drink. Prefer vegan options? Then head to the cozy spot called BioMio.
Admire the Seville Cathedral
The Seville Cathedral is unmissable and one of the most important landmarks in the city. It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. While impressive from the outside, make sure to step inside as well. The cathedral is 127 meters (416 ft) long, 83 meters (272 ft) wide, and 43 (141) meters high. Skip-the-line tickets are recommended to bypass the often long queue.
A History Lesson at Torre del Oro
Torre del Oro is a 36-meter-high (118 ft) tower from the 13th century. It’s also known as ‘The Golden Tower’ because it used to shimmer with a golden glow on the river. Torre del Oro was once part of the Moorish city walls and served as a defense for Real Alcázar, the royal palace of Seville, strategically located on the riverbank. Today, it’s a naval museum where you can delve into the history of Seville. You can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful view of the river and the city from the top.
Relax at Jardines de Murillo
Near Torre del Oro, you’ll find Jardines de Murillo. This beautiful park features historic monuments, fountains, and benches adorned with mosaic tiles. It’s a lovely place to unwind amidst your sightseeing adventures.
Visit the Picturesque Plaza del Cabildo
Tucked away in the El Arenal district lies Plaza del Cabildo. It’s a picturesque square surrounded by a white building with colorful arches and a fountain in the center. It’s a beautiful spot that hasn’t yet been discovered by the masses, so it’s pleasantly quiet. This is a photogenic place and definitely worth adding to your bike route.
Explore the Cultural District of Triana
On the other side of the river, you’ll find the Barrio de Triana neighborhood. While not filled with major landmarks, it’s a lively, working-class area with authentic and atmospheric streets. This is where the typical flamenco dance originated, making it the perfect place to experience an authentic flamenco show. At Teatro Flamenco Triana, you’re guaranteed a spectacular performance. If you’re in Triana during the day, be sure to visit Mercado de Triana, a charming local market.
What is Flamenco? Flamenco is a passionate and expressive art form that originated in Sevilla. The dance is performed with great passion and intensity, characterized by its Arabic melodies, elaborate musical decorations, and strong rhythm. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Tips for Great Restaurants in Sevilla
Southern Spain is the perfect place to treat yourself to the most delicious food and drinks. Below are our favorite spots in Sevilla.
El Rinconcillo – This is Sevilla’s oldest tapas bar. Stop by around 4:00 PM for a drink and don’t hesitate to try some tapas.
BioMio – Located in the popular Mateos Gago street, this small vegan breakfast and lunch spot offers a delightful cappuccino and fresh tostada.
Torres Y Garcia – For a superb dining experience, head to Torres Y Garcia. This restaurant even boasts a Michelin star. Prices are slightly above average but still affordable. Reservations are a must.
El Pinton – Nestled among narrow alleys, El Pinton is beautifully decorated and serves delicious tapas with a modern twist.
FILO – This cozy coffee shop is perfect for breakfast and lunch. With two locations in the city, both equally charming, FILO offers tasty sandwiches, fresh croissants, smoothies, and fresh orange juice.
Mercado Lonja del Barranco – This large covered market is a place where locals and tourists mingle. With numerous stalls offering a wide variety of options, it’s budget-friendly, and there’s a cozy terrace by the water.
Good to know: In Spain, dinner is served later than what you might be used to, usually starting between 8:00 – 9:00 PM. So, don’t arrive hungry and enjoy a drink first.
Where to Stay in Sevilla?
Casco Antiguo, the old town of Sevilla, comprises many neighborhoods each with its own character and features. As mentioned earlier in the article, Santa Cruz is a delightful district with a vibrant atmosphere and numerous excellent restaurants. It’s the most popular area to stay in Sevilla. El Centro is the heart of Sevilla, bustling with shops, attractions, restaurants, and lively squares. Much of the area is pedestrianized, creating a lively atmosphere at all times. Opt for the small neighborhoods of San Lorenzo & San Vicente for a quiet yet central location.
Great Hotels in Sevilla
Patio de La Alameda is located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, overlooking a lively square with many restaurants and cafes. The hotel offers an oasis of peace with a beautiful, colorful patio filled with plants and seating areas. Enjoy breakfast or a drink on the large rooftop terrace. The trendy room007 Select Tetuán is centrally located in El Centro. This hotel impresses with its design and offers exceptional comfort. There are various room types to choose from to suit your budget. If it fits your budget, opt for the room with a terrace to enjoy the sunny terrace to the fullest. Prefer a hotel with a pool? Then One&Lux Byron Suites in Santa Cruz is perfect. The rooftop features a lovely pool with sun loungers where you can relax after exploring Sevilla. You’ll stay in a beautifully furnished studio or apartment equipped with all the luxuries.
  Patio de La Alameda |
  room007 Select Tetuán |
  One&Luxe Byron Suites |
Text by Marlieke de Vries & Photography by Luca Wayper
