Down in Southern Spain (South West, really) lies the beautiful city of Seville. Here you will find something to suit everyone from the historic monuments to great tapas bars and Flamenco Dancing with some of the best things to do in Seville guaranteed to keep you up till late at night and ready to go first thing the very next day!
There are also so many places around Seville to explore making it the perfect place to explore both in and out of the city. You will never be bored when you’re here!
Here are 16 of the best things to do in Seville (with some extras just out of it too).
1.) Seville Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Seville and something you can’t help but be amazed by is the Seville Cathedral.
This world heritage site really speaks volumes and has 8o different chapels inside making it one of the largest in the world. Visit the north side to see the court of the orange trees and smell these fragrant fruits at every point.
2.) Real Alcazar
This UNESCO listed palace has a Moorish style design and was built in the 14th century by Pedro the Cruel.
The site is still actually used by the royal family and if you pay a little extra you can view their staterooms, chambers and halls on the upper floors.
3.) Maria Luisa Park
The Maria Luisa Park is the largest park in Seville central and dates back to the early 1500s.
Take a walk and discover ponds, sculptures, tall swaying palm trees and a large botanical gardens with some of the most unusual special in the world.
4.) Italica
A chance to discover some Roman history and only 30 minutes away by bus lies Italica – a huge archaeological site and the birthplace of Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrain.
One of the best things to do in Seville with the highlight being the sites amphitheatre – which back in those time seated over 25,000 spectators.
5.) See a Flamenco Show
Flamenco is one of those things you have to see in Seville and here you can see spontaneous flamenco in bars and restaurants or flamenco concerts.
Rejoneo and Lo Nuestro are good places to try and see spontaneous flamenco and the Flamenco dance museum holds twice nightly performances with professional flamenco dancers.
6.) Visit the Jewish Quarter
This once bustling Jewish quarter is dotted with small plazas, narrow streets and whitewashed houses making it very quaint and picturesque.
The best way to explore is to simply wander the street however if you are looking to learn more about the area’s culture, there are walking tours offered which are reasonably priced.
7.) Attend Ferria de Abril
If you are in Seville in April, the Ferria de Abril is one of the best things to do in Seville if you want to experience the city’s local culture.
This six-day festival has everything from flamenco to fairgrounds with local women dressing in flamenco style dresses and parties going on until the early hours.
If you do attend the festival, try the local drink sherry spritzer which will make you ready to party the night away.
8.) Plaza de Encarnation
This unusual building has a construction called Metropol which is made up of a striking latticed wooden canopy which resembles five hundred foot tall mushroom and was designed by architect Jurgen Mayer.
Underneath is a traditional market and some Roman artefacts which were unearthed during the building’s construction. You can also take the lift up to the top to see panoramic views over Seville.
9.) Eat Tapas
Seville is the home of Tapas and the area is home to some of the best tapas bars in Andalucía.
The best way to experience this is to do a ‘tapas crawl’ going from bar to bar trying different small bites such as patatas bravas and my particular favourite – prawns in garlic.
10.) Kayak along the River Guadalquivir
One of the best things to do in Seville that lets you see things in a different way is taking a kayak out along the river. There are 2-hour tours which can be booked in advance and the best times to go is in the morning or later afternoon when the weather is a little cooler.
11.) Enjoy the Views at EME Hotel
A hotel bar may not seem very special, but the views from the top terrace bar certainly are.
Here you can enjoy the view looking out the cathedral and Giralda which sitting back and relaxing with your favourite tipple.
If you’re going here in the summer months, try and go early to secure the best seats.
12.) Giralda Tower
This imposing tower is located right next to the Seville Cathedral and is Moorish in its design.
On the inside instead of stairs are 34 ramps which lead to the top and to help with the climb there are archaeological exhibits which can be viewed on the way.
It is easily one of the best things to do in Seville which combine exercise and a great view!
13.) Museo de Bellas Artes
Housing works by Murillo, El Greco and Zurbaran to name a few, this art museum is considered on the most important in Spain.
A great day to visit is on Sunday when local artists also exhibit their own sketches and paintings which can be purchased and come in all different shapes and sizes.
14.) Triana
On the left side of the Guadlquiver river is the old city of Triana. This is the more traditional part of the city where you will see much of the Sevillian culture in every building with painted ceramics and the much photographed ‘monument to the flamenco art’.
15.) Take a one day tour to the Algarve
One of the best things to do in Seville is to take a day trip to the Algarve in Southern Portugal.
Cross the border and discover the Algarve’s renowned beaches such as Praia de Benagil which has one of the most photographed caves in the world.
Vale de Lobo is one of the most stunning beaches I have ever come across, with golden sands that stretch for miles and an orange/red stone backdrop. This area of the Algarve is also particularly stunning to watch a romantic sunset.
16.) Plaza de España
Saving one of the very best for last – if there’s one spot you can’t miss out on in Seville, it’s this grand plaza!
The crowning jewel in the beauty that is Seville, this plaza is actually in the Parque de María Luisa and best tied in with a visit to the park.
The Plaza is one of the more recent buildings in Seville, having been built just over 90 years ago but is no less impressive that it’s older counterparts.
