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Getting ready to visit Seville, Spain? Well, you’ve stumbled across the right blog, because we’ve got the insider scoop on the best things to do in this gem of a city.
After several visits to Seville – and even more unforgettable experiences here – we’ve put together our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do here. From savoring the city’s best food to taking fun day trips to nearby treasures like Granada, we’ve covered it all. Get ready to plan the perfect adventure!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Seville is this skip-the-line tour. It includes two must-see attractions with the Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. Tickets for these sell out, but this tour guarantees you’ll get in! Plus it includes a local guide.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Seville, Spain
- 1. Explore Seville’s tapas and wine culture
- 2. Skip the line at the Royal Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville
- 3. See a flamenco show at Tablao El Arenal
- 4. Pedal around Seville’s top sights on a bike tour
- 5. Learn about historic Andalucia on a day trip to Ronda
- 6. Explore the city on a Segway
- 7. Visit the historic towns of Cordoba and Carmona
- 8. Learn how to cook traditional Spanish food
- 9. Take a day trip to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace
- 10. Go on a thrilling jet ski ride
- Where to Stay in Seville, Spain
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Seville, Spain
1. Explore Seville’s tapas and wine culture
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
- Highlights: Exploring Seville on foot, visiting a traditional bodegas and tapas bars, walking through the historic center, olive oil tasting at a specialist food store
- Inclusions: Local guide, all food samples, beer or wine at each stop, Seville dining guidebook to keep
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We absolutely loved this foodie walking tour of Seville! It was so much fun to explore Seville’s vibrant neighborhoods on foot, with tasty stops at traditional tapas bars and beloved hidden gems.
We met our fantastic guide, Sasha, outside the Metropol Parasol, and then we took a walk through the historic streets to a traditional bodega, where we got to try iconic tapas dishes like mojoma. Better still, we got to wash it down with a classic manzanilla, which is like a local version of sherry, although there was wine and beer available instead if that’s not your thing!
Next up, we visited an open-air tapas bar to try chicharrones and montaíto, which we chose to wash down with a local beer. Then, we enjoyed an olive oil tasting at a gourmet food store, and marveled at the magnificent Seville Cathedral as we made our way to a cozy tapas bar.
I think the third stop was my personal favorite. Sasha ordered us some Iberian pork cheeks and fried aubergines, and they were absolutely delicious!
We wrapped up our culinary journey at a popular local restaurant, which did an amazing job of combining Andalusian tradition with more modern Spanish cuisine. It was such a high note to end on, after an afternoon filled with stories, flavor, and laughter.
Don’t miss this amazing food tour – book your spot here!
2. Skip the line at the Royal Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Various start times between 11:30 am -1 pm
- Highlights: Royal Alcazar Palace, Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda bell tower, Royal Alcazar of Seville, free time to explore the palace gardens independently
- Inclusions: Professional local guide, skip-the-line admission tickets, headphones
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This skip-the-line tour is hands down our top choice of things to do in Seville! The Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar are must-see attractions and tickets can sell out during peak times, so this tour guaranteed we would get in!
First up, we went to the breathtaking Cathedral of Seville. Our guide, Ishmael, was super personable and really knew his Sevillano history. His stories brought it to life, and we loved admiring the Gothic architecture. Plus, Christopher Columbus – yes, THE Christopher Columbus – is buried here, so we got to see his tomb.
However, the highlight of our visit was climbing La Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower. We were relieved to learn that we didn’t have to tackle hundreds of steps to get to the top. Instead, we walked up a series of ramps, which felt much easier. But once we got up there and saw the panoramic views, we both agreed that thousands of stairs would still have been worth it!
Later on, we were wowed by the blend of Islamic and Christian architecture at the Royal Alcazar. After a guided tour of the palace, we had some free time to explore the gardens further. We were excited to learn that they were featured in Game of Thrones!
Overall, this tour was an easy way to visit Seville’s most important historic sites. We got a real sense for the city’s rich heritage, and the skip-the-line tickets meant that there was no waiting around.
This tour frequently sells out, so grab your spot here!
3. See a flamenco show at Tablao El Arenal
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Time: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
- Highlights: Prestigious flamenco venue, traditional flamenco show, enjoying tapas or gourmet dinner after (if selected)
- Inclusions: Flamenco show admission, dinner or tapas (if selected), welcome drink
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Watching flamenco is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish culture, and as shows go, they don’t get much better than this one at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal!
It’s known for its world-class dancers and sure enough, we were spellbound by their performance. It culminated in a dramatic finale that had the entire audience on their feet – ourselves included.
There are different packages available for this tour, but we’re so glad that we booked the dinner option. The meal was served after the performance, and it was a gourmet experience. I had duck confit with violet potatoes, while Dan went for the cod fritters with roasted garlic cream. Both dishes were unbelievably tasty and the wine flowed freely throughout the meal, so we were very happy!
The flamenco performance was one of the highlights of our trip to Seville, and the dinner afterward was worthy of a fancy restaurant.
This is an experience we will most definitely repeat the next time we’re in the city. Whether you’ve been to a flamenco show before or this is your first time, his experience will stay with you long after you leave!
Book your flamenco tickets here, and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Pedal around Seville’s top sights on a bike tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: Seville Cathedral, Santa Cruz neighborhood, Royal Alcazar, Torre del Oro, Giralda bell tower, Santa Ana Church, Triana neighborhood, Maria Luisa Park, Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville, San Telmo Palace, Plaza de America, Plaza de Espana
- Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, use of bicycle and helmet, bottled water, bike basket, map with recommendations to keep
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
For those who are short on time but still want to experience the best of Seville, this 3-hour bike tour is an excellent choice! It’s a fun, efficient, and engaging way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and check out its diverse neighborhoods.
Our guide, Martha, was full of fascinating stories about Seville, and she gave us a well-rounded view of its history and culture. The route took us to see the magnificent exteriors of the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar.
My personal highlight was pedaling through the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s the city’s oldest neighborhood, and I’m not kidding when I say that charm seeps out of every corner!
On top of that, we pedaled through the lush Maria Luisa Park, the Plaza de Espana, and snapped photos of the famous Torre del Oro. Then, we totally fell in love with Triana, Seville’s picturesque flamenco district, as we cycled around the area. It was picture-perfect – especially the gorgeous Isabel II Bridge.
Despite the fact that we saw so much on this tour, the pace never felt too rushed. We strongly recommend it to anybody who doesn’t want to spend hours walking around in the heat, which can certainly be challenging during the warm summer months!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
5. Learn about historic Andalucia on a day trip to Ronda
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Olive oil tasting in Zahara de la Sierra, scouting for vultures at Puerto de las Palomas, visiting one of the oldest towns in Spain, exploring the white village of Grazalema
- Inclusions: Professional guide, round trip transport from Andalucia
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the great things about visiting Seville is that the White Villages of Andalucia and the clifftop town of Ronda are within easy reach of the city! We booked this tour to go and see them, and it proved to be an unforgettable day out.
The drive through the countryside was super scenic, and the first stop of the day was Las Aguzaderas. It’s an 11th-century fortress, so it gave us a glimpse into the region’s medieval history. Then, we visited Zahara de la Sierra, an insanely beautiful village perched atop a lush mountain. It was insane!
We had some free time to explore and grab coffee in Zahara, and then we reconvened for an olive oil tasting at a local mill. It was a fun experience, but the next stop was even better. We went to Puerto de las Palomas to watch vultures circling overhead. It made us feel like we were in a Western movie!
We had free time for lunch in the historic white village of Grazalema before wrapping up the day in Ronda. Walking across the Puente Nuevo Bridge and peering down into the El Tajo Gorge was genuinely awe-inspiring.
This tour was an amazing way to experience the heart and soul of Andalusia, without having to fork out for an overnight stay. We think it’s a must when you’re in Seville!
Check availability and book your spot on this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Explore the city on a Segway
- Duration: 30 minutes – 3 hours
- Time: 10 am – 7 pm
- Highlights: Fun segway ride, historic center of Seville, Plaza del Triunfo, Puerta de Jerez, Plaza de Espana, Torre del Oro, Triana neighborhood, Bridge of Isabel II, Bridge of San Telmo, flamenco show (if option selected)
- Inclusions: Use of segway, helmet, professional instructor and guide, flamenco show tickets (if selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Seville with this Segway tour is an absolute blast, and definitely one of the most unique ways to see the city.
I was actually a little nervous about riding a Segway but our guide, Javi, gave us a thorough tutorial. Within minutes I was gliding through the streets like a pro, if I do say so myself!
The tour took us to see some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, starting with the iconic Plaza del Triunfo, where we learned about the square’s UNESCO-listed buildings: the Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar, and the Archive of the Indies. We also rode through Plaza de España, Maria Luisa Park, and the Triana neighborhood, so it was a very picturesque journey!
Other highlights included the Torre del Oro, the Guadalquivir River, and crossing the Isabel II Bridge into Triana. Riding a Segway was a great way to cover a ton of ground but it was also a ton of fun.
Javi was a great guide, and he told us so many entertaining stories about both past- and present-day Seville. This tour would be a great one to book for your first or second day in the city, because it’s a light-hearted introduction to the city. There’s even the option to add a flamenco show if that’s on your Seville bucket list – which it should be, just FYI.
Book this popular Segway tour here and you can pay later!
7. Visit the historic towns of Cordoba and Carmona
- Duration: 9 – 10 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visiting the Puerta de Sevilla and the Parador in Carmona, historic walking tour of the Calahorra Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, the Courtyards, and the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, return transport, professional guide, admission tickets
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 890+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As history lovers, we couldn’t resist the chance to explore Cordoba and Carmona on this full-day tour from Seville. It allowed us to delve into the region’s heritage beyond the city limits, without requiring a lot of planning or an overnight stay.
The first adventure of the day was exploring Carmona, which Julius Caesar once dubbed “the Star of Europe.” We loved walking through the town’s Moorish fortress, and visiting the Parador gave us breathtaking views of the town. We totally got what Caesar meant!
In Cordoba, we enjoyed a 2-hour walking tour of the town. We hit highlights such as the Roman Bridge, Calahorra Tower, and the famous Jewish Quarter. Seeing its beautifully preserved synagogue was a real highlight, and our guide, Nieves, gave us so much insight into the city’s multicultural history.
The grand finale in Cordoba was the Mezquita-Cathedral. The blend of Muslim and Christian architecture was absolutely spectacular, and it was so interesting to learn about how this imposing structure has evolved across multiple centuries. It’s basically Spanish Hogwarts!
All in all, we loved this deep dive into Andalusian history and culture. It’s pretty much impossible not to fall in love with Cordoba, especially with a tour that’s as engaging and well-organized as this one.
Reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here, with free cancellation!
8. Learn how to cook traditional Spanish food
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Triana Market, snacking on olives and Sangria, learning how to cook a traditional 3-course Spanish lunch, enjoying the meal with local wine or beer
- Inclusions: Professional chef instructor, all equipment and ingredients, market visit, lunch, alcoholic drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It’s hard to go wrong with a cooking class, especially one with as many glowing reviews as this one! In addition to learning how to cook a traditional Spanish meal, we got to explore one of the city’s best markets, and consume lots of olives and Sangria. Yum!
The first order of the day was the market visit, where our guide introduced us to various vendors and shared insights about ingredients that we would later use in class. It was so cool to get a glimpse of the way that Triana’s community revolves around this historic market.
Next up, we headed to the kitchen where we sipped on sangria and nibbled on olives as our chef taught us how to prepare a three-course Spanish meal.
We learned how to make a flavorful spinach and chickpea tapa, tomato chilled cream, and, best of all, a showstopping Andalusian paella! Actually no, I lied – the best part was making the lemon sorbet and cava dessert!
Once the cooking was done, our class sat down together to enjoy the fruits of our labors, plus some local beer and wine. It was a true feast, and it tasted so much better because we had made it all ourselves. Plus, we picked up so many insider cooking tips and tricks along the way, so we’re confident that we’ll be able to recreate this in the future and blow our friends and family away.
Read all of the 5-star reviews of this class and book your spot here!
9. Take a day trip to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Barrio del Abaisin, Generalife Palace, Alcazar of Cordoba, Alhambra, Palace of Carlos V
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, return transport from Seville, bilingual certified guides, Albaicin walking tour (if selected), Alhambra tickets (if selected)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Grenada is around 2.5 hours from Seville, so this day trip is an absolute must! There are lots of reasons to book it, but what really sold it for us was the option to include pre-booked tickets to the breathtaking Alhambra.
As if that weren’t enough, we got a guided walking tour of the enchanting Albaicin neighborhood, too.
The walking tour came first, and it was like stepping back in time. We were wide-eyed as we explored Albaicin’s narrow, winding streets and learned about its turbulent but fascinating history. We also visited the San Nicolás viewpoint to take in gorgeous views of the Alhambra, which made us very excited to explore it for ourselves.
It was every bit as magical as we imagined! Our guide, Consuelo, brought Alhambra’s history to life as we explored the intricate Nasrid Palace and the serene Generalife Gardens. This gorgeous combination of Moorish and Renaissance artistry is the kind of thing you can only see here in Andalusia, so take advantage while you’re here!
If you’re considering this tour, make sure you choose the option that includes the Alhambra tickets and the Albaicin walking tour. It’s so worth it, especially if you want to skip the lines at the Alhambra and hear insights from an expert guide. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Check availability and book this tour here!
10. Go on a thrilling jet ski ride
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 12:30 pm or 5 pm
- Highlights: Racing along La Canela channel, exploring the marshes of Isla Canela, visiting the Ayamonte fish market, passing under a bridge that connects Spain and Portugal, swimming in the sea
- Inclusions: Lifejacket, use of jet ski, professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This jet ski tour is hands down one of the most unique and thrilling experiences we have ever had – and not just in Seville, either! It’s not every day that you get to ride a jet ski, so why not take advantage while you’re here?
We met our friendly guides near the launch point, and they immediately put us at ease. After a comprehensive safety briefing, we hopped on board our sleek, modern jet skis, and headed out for the adventure of a lifetime!
We started by cruising through the peaceful La Canela channel, surrounded by untouched landscapes in every direction. We felt a million miles away from the city, and that feeling only intensified as we cruised through the marshlands. And of course, we were whooping and hollering the whole time, because the ride itself was just so fun.
Our guides pointed out wildlife and made sure that everybody felt safe throughout. We passed under the Guadiana International Bridge, which connects Spain and Portugal, before visiting Ayamonte’s bustling fish market for a quick dose of culture. Then, we finished up with a refreshing dip in the open sea before we sped back to Seville.
There’s nothing like jet skiing, so we would do this tour again in a heartbeat. It’s definitely one for the books!
Learn more about this epic jet ski experience here!
Where to Stay in Seville, Spain
Seville is a beautiful city with plenty of great places to stay, no matter your budget or travel style. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or affordability, there’s something here for everyone.
To help make your decision easier, I’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Seville, so you can just focus on enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer!
Luxury – $$$
Set in the former Pickman Palace, the Hotel Lobby Room Sevilla is a 5-star boutique hotel that perfectly blends historic charm with modern luxury! The hotel features a range of uniquely designed suites, an outdoor swimming pool, and a prime location just steps from the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar. With exceptional service and elegant touches throughout, it’s an unforgettable base for exploring the city in style.
Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select but usually range from €250 – €400 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Abba Sevilla Hotel is a fantastic mid-range option in the heart of Seville, offering a modern and stylish stay. Located near just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, it’s a perfect base for exploring. The hotel features spacious, well-equipped rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and even an on-site restaurant serving delicious Spanish cuisine!
Prices range from around €100 – €200 per night and you can Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in Seville, The Nomad Hostel is a great pick! Located in the city center, this vibrant hostel offers both dormitory beds and comfy private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the social atmosphere in the shared lounge or rooftop terrace while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It’s a perfect choice for travelers looking to save without sacrificing convenience or comfort!
Private rooms start at around €60 per night while a dorm bed is about €20. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Seville’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Seville is bursting with charm, and there’s so much to do here that I hope our guide helped give you an idea of where to start! We adore the food, sights, and culture in this Spanish city and know that you will too after your visit.
Whether you’re planning more travels or need inspiration, check out all our blogs on Europe here! We have tons of tips to share from our time exploring this part of the world.
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