15 Best Things to do in Seville, Spain

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Seville completely won me over. It’s a gorgeous, colorful city with grand plazas and pretty streets lined with orange trees and impressive architecture. And there’s SO much to do here, from wandering through the Royal Alcázar to climbing to the top of Las Setas for sunset.

I’ve visited Seville more than once now, and every trip has given me another reason to love it. So in this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Seville, including the big must-sees, a handful of laid-back activities, and plenty of firsthand tips from my own visits!

Seville At a Glance

Seville is one of those cities that really lives up to the hype. Between the gorgeous architecture, lively tapas bars, flamenco culture, and sunny plazas, there’s a lot to love! But there are a few things that are helpful to know before you go.

Stay in or near the historic center: Seville is incredibly walkable, and staying central makes exploring so much easier. Santa Cruz, El Arenal, and Centro are all convenient areas that put you close to major attractions, restaurants, and tapas bars (check out our favorite hotel here!). You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, though, so comfortable shoes are a must – especially on those cobblestone streets!

Plan around the heat: Seville gets seriously hot, especially from June through September. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, try to do your sightseeing early in the morning, take a break during the hottest part of the afternoon (siesta time!), and head back out in the evening. Carrying water and choosing accommodation with air conditioning are also musts!

Book the big attractions ahead of time: The Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral are two of the city’s biggest draws, and tickets can sell out during busy periods. I recommend reserving these in advance so you can get the time slot you want rather than wasting precious vacation time waiting in ticket lines.

Embrace the late-night lifestyle: Since Seville gets so hot during the day, things really come alive at night. Normal dinner time is at 9 or 10 pm, once the temperatures cool down. Don’t worry if that’s later than you like to eat, though – you can usually find tapas bars and restaurants in the tourist areas open all day!

How I Would Spend 3 Days in Seville

🏰 Day 1: Downtown Seville, Alcázar, Cathedral & Food Tour
Start your morning by wandering through the Mercado de la Encarnación and Calle Sierpes shopping street, then visit the Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcázar on this skip-the-line tour, before ending your day with a wine and tapas food tour.

🥘 Day 2: Spanish Cooking Class, Plaza de España & River Cruise
Learn to cook paella at this Spanish cooking class and Triana Market tour, then explore Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España, before enjoying dinner riverside and ending the day with a scenic evening boat cruise.

🌄 Day 3: Andalusian Countryside Day Trip & Tapas Dinner
Take a full-day trip into the Andalusian countryside to visit the white villages of Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, and Ronda, then return to Seville for a relaxed tapas dinner to finish the trip!

Things to do in Seville, Spain

1. Explore Seville’s tapas and wine culture

I 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.

I met my 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 mojama. 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 eggplant, 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 a really memorable afternoon exploring Seville.

2. Skip the line at the Royal Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville

You really can’t visit Seville without seeing the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral. They’re two of the city’s biggest sights, and I loved being able to explore them both on this skip-the-line tour.

We started inside Seville Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Trust me, “massive” doesn’t even begin to describe it! We saw Christopher Columbus’ tomb and the spectacular main altar, which contains around 200 kilograms of gold – crazy, right?

From there, we climbed La Giralda, the cathedral’s famous bell tower. I was very relieved to discover that it’s mostly ramps rather than stairs, so the climb was much easier than I expected! And once we reached the top, the views over Seville made it more than worth the effort.

Then it was on to the Royal Alcázar, and this was probably my favorite part of the tour. The palace is absolutely beautiful, with this incredible mix of Moorish, Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Parts of Game of Thrones were even filmed here! 

But as gorgeous as the palace itself is, I especially loved wandering through the gardens afterward. The guided tour finishes here, so you can stick around for as long as you like. Make sure you head up to the garden viewpoint before you leave because it’s a fantastic photo spot.

I completely understand why this tour has thousands of glowing reviews. Both attractions are impressive on their own, but having a guide gave me so much more context about what I was looking at. Plus, skipping the long ticket lines certainly didn’t hurt!

3. See a flamenco show at Tablao El Arenal

Watching flamenco is one of the most memorable things you can do in Seville, and this performance at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is a fantastic option if you want to experience it in a traditional setting.

The venue is well known for its talented dancers and musicians, and the performance is designed to showcase the drama and emotion that flamenco is famous for. Flamenco has deep roots in Andalusia, so watching a performance here feels much more meaningful than just booking an evening show for the sake of it. Even if you don’t know much about flamenco beforehand, I think you’ll come away with a much better appreciation for how much history and emotion goes into it.

There are several ticket options available, so you can simply book the performance or turn it into a full evening by adding dinner. The dinner package is a good choice if you want something a little more special, with a multi-course meal served alongside wine – cheers!

I would also recommend booking this one ahead, especially if you want one of the evening shows with dinner. Flamenco is one of the most popular things to do in Seville, so the best time slots can fill up quickly!

 4. See the iconic Las Setas

Las Setas is one of Seville’s quirkiest landmarks, and it’s so nice that I think you should visit twice! It’s definitely worth seeing it in the day, and then going up to the top in the evening to watch the sunset and see it all lit up.

The name “Las Setas” literally means “the mushrooms,” and when you see it, I promise this will make perfect sense! This huge wooden structure towers over Plaza de la Encarnación, and it looks totally different from anything else in Seville.

If you can, I definitely recommend booking tickets to go up to the top and aim for a sunset time slot. Just be sure to do it well in advance, because this is a very popular thing to do! From the top, you get amazing panoramic views over Seville from the walkway, and staying until it gets dark means you get to watch the sunset and see the city lights come on. Las Setas itself also lights up at night, which makes the whole area feel even more impressive!

Even if you can’t get tickets, it’s still absolutely worth coming to see Las Setas from below. The scale of it is pretty incredible, and I especially loved seeing it illuminated in the evening.

There’s also a local market underneath called Mercado de la Encarnación, which is open from around 8 am to 3 pm. It’s a great spot to wander through earlier in the day, especially if you want to see a more everyday side of Seville amid all of your sightseeing.

5. Pedal around Seville’s top sights on a bike tour

If you’re short on time but still want to see a lot of Seville, this 3-hour bike tour is such a good option. You’ll cover way more ground than you would on foot, but you still get plenty of time to take in the sights along the way.

I think that the other big advantage over simply renting a bike yourself is having a guide there to explain what you’re looking at as you go. It also saves you from having to plan a route, which is ideal if you only have a few days in Seville and want to make the most of your time!

The route takes you past some of Seville’s biggest landmarks, including the Cathedral and Royal Alcázar, before heading through Barrio Santa Cruz. This is the city’s oldest neighborhood, and it looks exactly how you want Seville to look! I’ll never get enough of its colorful buildings and cute little corners.

You’ll also cycle through Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España, then head past Torre del Oro before crossing into Triana. This part of the city has strong flamenco roots and feels a little different from the historic center, so I like the fact that the tour gives you a chance to see both sides of Seville.

And if you’re visiting during the warmer months, biking can be a much nicer way to get around than walking for hours in the heat. You’ll still see a ton, just without completely wearing yourself out in the process!

And I’m not the only one who thinks this tour is great. It has thousands of 5-star reviews – read them here!

6. Take a day trip to the White Villages and Ronda

If you have a spare day in Seville, I really recommend heading out into the Andalusian countryside. This White Villages and Ronda tour is my top pick because you get to see several beautiful places in one day, without having to worry about driving or planning the route yourself.

The first stop of the day was Zahara de la Sierra, a gorgeous little village perched on a mountainside. We had about 30 minutes to grab coffee and explore before moving on.

Next up was Grazalema, where our awesome guide, Driss, gave us recommendations for our free time. I found a patio table at La Posadilla and had charcuterie and salad, washed down with a glass of tinto de verano, which was exactly what I wanted!

Then came the highlight for me: Ronda. We had around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore, and I walked down the Camino de los Molinos to Mirador del Puente Nuevo. The views of the bridge, gorge, and waterfall were some of the best I saw in Spain! Just be warned, the walk back up is steep, so good shoes and plenty of water are a must.

You definitely don’t need to tackle the hills, though. Driss also pointed out easier viewpoints, plazas, cafés, and shops to explore.

What I really liked about this tour was the balance. We got interesting commentary while traveling, but still had plenty of free time to explore each stop ourselves. If you like a little guidance without feeling herded around all day, this is an ideal option!

Related Read: To make the most of your time in Seville, check out my detailed itinerary complete with highlights, hidden gems, and amazing food!

7. Learn how to cook traditional Spanish food

If you love food, this Spanish cooking class and Triana Market tour is such a fun way to spend a few hours in Seville. You get to explore one of the city’s most famous markets and learn about Andalusian ingredients, then actually cook some classic Spanish dishes yourself!

We started with Miguel showing us around Mercado de Triana, Seville’s oldest market. He introduced us to local staples like purple garlic, saffron, olives, olive oil, and different types of jamón. I loved this part because it gave me much more context before we started cooking, and the market is also a great place to pick up foodie souvenirs.

Then Anna took over in the kitchen, where I helped make salmorejo, Seville-style spinach and chickpeas, and a huge chicken paella. And yes, there was sangria involved too! Everything was really easy to follow, so you definitely don’t need to be an experienced cook.

Once everything was ready, we sat down to eat with wine, followed by sorbet mixed with cava for dessert. It felt relaxed and social, and the air-conditioned kitchen was VERY appreciated in the Seville heat!

8. Take pictures at Plaza de España

Plaza de España is easily one of the prettiest places in Seville. I hope you have lots of storage on your phone, because your camera roll is going to be full after coming here! 

The square sits right in the middle of Parque de María Luisa, so I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to wander around rather than just popping in for a quick photo. The architecture is absolutely gorgeous, with sweeping curves, colorful tiles, bridges, and a huge central fountain. It’s a really lovely place for a stroll, and there are so many different angles for photos.

The plaza was built between 1914 and 1928 as the main centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, which explains why everything feels so grand and dramatic. And as is often the case, it’s even more impressive in person than it looks in photos!

Make sure you walk around the whole square and check out the tiled alcoves along the edge, which represent different provinces of Spain. Even if you’re not usually someone who spends ages taking pictures, I think you’ll struggle not to here!

9. Visit the historic towns of Cordoba and Carmona 

If you’re into history, this full-day tour to Córdoba and Carmona is a great way to see more of Andalusia without having to plan an overnight trip.

The first stop is Carmona, a beautiful hilltop town that Julius Caesar once called the “Star of Europe.” You’ll get time to explore its historic center and Moorish fortress, plus take in some gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside.

Then it’s on to Córdoba, where you’ll join a guided walking tour through some of the city’s most famous sights. The route includes places like the Roman Bridge, Calahorra Tower, and the Jewish Quarter, so you get a really good introduction to just how layered Córdoba’s history is.

The big highlight, though, is the Mezquita-Cathedral. Its mix of Islamic and Christian architecture is absolutely incredible, and learning how the building changed over the centuries makes it even more interesting. It honestly looks a bit like Spanish Hogwarts!

I think this is a brilliant option if you want to dig deeper into Andalusia’s history but still keep Seville as your base. You get two very different places in one day, plus a guide to bring all that history to life without you having to piece everything together yourself.

10. Go shopping along Calle Sierpes

If you want to do some shopping in Seville, Calle Sierpes is the place to go! It’s one of the city’s main pedestrian shopping streets, and it’s lined with a mix of local stores and Spanish brands, plus a ton of souvenir shops.

I really enjoyed browsing this iconic street, and even picked myself up a flamenco fan. Well, when in Seville, right? I also bought some gorgeous perfume made from Seville’s bitter oranges, which has earned me a lot of compliments since the trip! There are so many little gifts and locally inspired products to check out as you wander that I’m sure you’ll find something you love.

And there’s another big bonus if you’re visiting in summer: most of the stores have air conditioning! Seville gets very hot, so strolling along Calle Sierpes and popping in and out of the shops is both a fun activity and a great way to avoid completely melting.

Related Read: If you’re continuing your travels before or after Seville, have a look at this epic 10-day Spain itinerary to help plan your trip!

11. Explore the city on a Segway

If you want to see Seville without spending hours walking around in the heat, this Segway tour is such a fun alternative!

You don’t need any previous Segway experience either. The tour starts with a quick lesson so you can get comfortable before heading out into the city, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to cover a surprising amount of ground.

The route takes you past some of Seville’s biggest sights, including Plaza del Triunfo, where you’ll see the outside of the Cathedral, Royal Alcázar, and Archive of the Indies. You’ll also ride through Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, follow the Guadalquivir River, and cross the Isabel II Bridge into Triana.

I think this would be especially good for families, as kids aged 8 and up can join too. It gives everyone a break from endless sightseeing on foot, while still packing plenty into a few hours.

I would also recommend doing this near the start of your trip. It’s a lighthearted way to get your bearings and decide where you want to come back and explore more slowly later on. There’s even an option to add a flamenco show if that’s on your Seville bucket list, which, let’s be honest, it probably should be!

12. Check out a museum or two

Seville has some really interesting museums, so if you want a break from the heat or just fancy slowing things down for an hour or two, there are plenty of good options!

Art lovers should check out the Seville Museum of Fine Arts, which, as you would expect, is housed in an exquisitely beautiful building. Meanwhile, the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs gives you more of a look at traditional Andalusian life, crafts, and culture. The latter is also inside Parque de María Luisa, so you can tick off this and Plaza de España in one go. 

If ancient history is more your thing, the Antiquarium sits right underneath Las Setas and contains Roman ruins that were discovered during construction in the area. How cool is that?

And of course, this is Seville, so there’s also the Flamenco Dance Museum, where you can learn more about the history and traditions behind one of Andalusia’s most famous art forms.

You definitely don’t need to visit them all, but I think adding one or two museums is a nice way to mix up all of the outdoor sightseeing. Plus, if you’re visiting Seville in summer, a little time indoors can feel VERY welcome! I can confirm that the Seville Museum of Fine Arts and the Antiquarium both have great air conditioning.

13. Take a day trip to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace 

I absolutely LOVE Granada, and if you have time to stay there for a night or two, I definitely recommend it. But if your itinerary is already packed, this full-day Granada tour from Seville is a great way to squeeze it in without having to organize an overnight stay.

And I definitely wouldn’t want to visit Andalusia without seeing the Alhambra! This incredible palace complex is easily one of the highlights of Granada, and the tour takes care of all the logistics for you, including Alhambra tickets, which can sometimes be tricky to get your hands on.

Best of all, you’ll get to explore the Alhambra with a professional guide and learn more about its Moorish history as you wander through the palaces, courtyards, and gardens. The Nasrid Palaces are spectacular, with intricate arches and beautiful tiled walls. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll wander around the stunning Generalife Gardens.

You’ll also get some time to see more of Granada itself, including the historic Albaicín neighborhood. I just love this part of the city, with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, not to mention the gorgeous views back toward the Alhambra.

It is a long day from Seville, so be prepared for plenty of travel and walking. But if Granada is high on your list and you simply can’t fit in an overnight stay, I think this is a really handy way to make it happen!

14. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with dinner

If you want to do something a little more special in Seville, this evening dinner cruise along the Guadalquivir River looks like a lovely way to spend a night.

The cruise lasts around two hours and takes you through the heart of the city on a private yacht, so you get to see Seville from a completely different perspective. You’ll pass landmarks like the Torre del Oro and the colorful Triana waterfront, and if you time it right, you can watch the sunset while you sail. That sounds pretty hard to beat if you ask me!

The big draw here is the food, though. The experience includes a six-course tasting menu inspired by Spanish and Andalusian flavors, with drinks served alongside your meal. So rather than choosing between sightseeing and dinner, you get to do both at the same time.

I haven’t yet managed to do this one on my travels to Seville, but I’m pestering my partner to take me on our next trip! I think it would be such a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.

And after a few busy days of sightseeing, there’s definitely something appealing about sitting down to a delicious meal and letting Seville drift past you instead of walking another 20,000 steps!

15. Visit the Aquarium

If you’re visiting Seville in summer and need a break from the heat, the Sevilla Aquarium is a great place to spend a couple of hours! 

It’s home to hundreds of marine species, with exhibits inspired by the route taken by Ferdinand Magellan during his voyage around the world. You’ll see everything from colorful tropical fish to sharks and turtles as you make your way through the different habitats.

I also think this is a particularly good option if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’ve already spent a few days walking around Seville and fancy something a little different. And perhaps most importantly, on a scorching summer afternoon, it’s indoors and air-conditioned. Sometimes that alone is enough to make an activity VERY appealing in Seville!

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

Now that you’ve mapped out your Seville itinerary, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious hotel in the historic center or something modern with a rooftop pool, picking the right base will make your trip even better.

To help you out, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Seville for every budget—all in great locations close to the city’s top sights and tapas bars!

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Alfonso XIII is the ultimate splurge if you want to experience a bit of old-world Seville luxury. This gorgeous 5-star hotel is packed with Andalusian details, from its ornate interiors to its beautiful courtyard, and there’s a large outdoor pool that’s perfect for those hot Seville afternoons. Best of all, the location is incredible—you’ll be right next to the Royal Alcázar and just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral.

Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select, but usually range from €350 – €650 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Joya del Casco Boutique Hotel by Shiadu is a charming mid-range stay right in the heart of Seville’s historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral and La Giralda. The rooms are bright and stylish, but the real highlight is the rooftop terrace, where you’ll find a small pool, bar, and fantastic views over the city. With an amazing location and a more intimate boutique feel, it’s a great value pick for sightseeing in Seville.

Prices usually range from €150 – €250 per night, and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Hotel Alcázar is a fantastic budget-friendly find right across from the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood. The rooms are simple but recently renovated, and some even have amazing views of the Royal Alcázar, Cathedral, and Murillo Gardens. There’s also a rooftop pool and terrace—a huge bonus for the price! Best of all, you can walk to the Alcázar in about 5 minutes and Plaza de España in around 10!

Rooms start as low as €80 per night depending on the season. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.

For more options, see all of Seville’s hotels listed here!

Related Read: The different areas of Seville can be confusing. If you’re not sure where to stay, check out my detailed guide that breaks down the best areas and hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Seville is bursting with charm, and there’s so much to do here that I hope my guide helped give you an idea of where to start! I absolutely 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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