Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
- PinkLotus Admin
- May 25
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 9
SUMMARY
From iconic landmarks like the Plaza de España and Seville Cathedral, to hidden gems like Cafeteria Catunambu, this post explores Seville's rich history, stunning architecture, incredible food, and vibrant neighborhoods. Foodies will appreciate detailed recommendations on tapas spots, markets, and standout meals (like the Mediterranean feast at Arabesca Restaurant)! The below guide also offers tips on seeing a flamenco show, biking through scenic parks, and making the most of tourist favorites and quieter corners.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Comprehensive List of the Best Things to Do
in Seville, Spain!
After recently exploring Seville, Spain, I've compiled this detailed guide with all the best spots and experiences you won't want to miss in this Andalusian gem!
If you're looking for more information about things to do or where to stay in southern Spain, check out the following posts:
PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Plaza de España is one of Seville's most iconic landmarks and, hands down, one of our favorite places we visited during our time there. It was built in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition to symbolize Spain's industrial and technological progress. The plaza is a massive, semi-circular space surrounded by a moat and impressive buildings, showcasing Renaissance Revival, Moorish, and Art Deco architecture. Colorful tiled alcoves representing each of Spain's provinces line the structure, and beautiful bridges, fountains, and towers make it a popular photo spot.
We had heard there were often spontaneous flamenco performances here. We hoped to catch one, but none were happening when we visited. Even without a performance, though, the atmosphere and setting were absolutely stunning. It's easy to spend a while here just wandering, sitting on the steps, snapping photos, and taking in the view.
MARIA LUISA PARK
Right next to Plaza de España is Maria Luisa Park, a tranquil green space perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sunshine. As you wander through the gardens, you'll notice palm trees, orange trees, beautiful flower beds, and romantic fountains. Keep an eye out for the charming monk parakeets darting between the trees. Pack a picnic or grab some ice cream to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this lovely spot.
ROYAL ALCAZAR
The Royal Alcazar is a must-see, but be sure to book your tickets in advance because it gets really crowded! The lines are LONG to get inside, so be prepared for a wait to enter. This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning Mudéjar architecture, detailed tilework, and incredible gardens filled with fountains and free-roaming peacocks. Fun fact—this is also one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones! Give yourself a few hours to thoroughly explore and take photos of this breathtaking palace.
SANTA CRUZ NEIGHBORHOOD
Santa Cruz is the historic Jewish quarter of Seville, full of winding streets, adorable plazas, and many quaint tapas bars and cafés. Make sure to stop at Plaza de Doña Elvira and Plaza de los Venerables. Calle Mateos Gago is especially lively, filled with fantastic tapas bars like Bar Catedral Sevilla, Ovejas Negras Tapas, Taberna Álvaro Peregil, and El Rinconcillo. El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in Seville – dating back to the 1600s! Apparently, they keep your tab by writing it in chalk on the bar.
DINNER AT ARABASCA RESTAURANT
Arabesca Restaurant was one of our standout meals, offering a delicious array of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. We started with several flavorful dips accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread—the hummus and baba ganoush were particularly outstanding. For our main course, we ordered the "Bandejo Arabesca," a platter filled with assorted kabobs and Mediterranean flatbread, beautifully grilled and flavorful. While this dish was excellent, in hindsight, we would have happily stuck with ordering more of their diverse starters, which sounded amazing.
CHURROS & ESPRESSO AT CAFETERIA CATUNAMBU
Start your mornings at Cafeteria Catunambu, enjoying crispy churros dipped in thick, hot chocolate alongside a strong espresso. They also offer delicious breakfast classics like pan con tomate, freshly toasted bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and sea salt. The interior features stunning tilework adorning the walls, adding a charming and authentic Andalwusian feel to your meal. We managed to grab seats at the bar. Still, seating is limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a comfortable spot and enjoy the lively morning atmosphere.
CATEDRAL DE SEVILLA & LA GIRALDA
Seville Cathedral is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals and is home to Christopher Columbus's tomb. Inside, the artwork and stained glass windows are breathtaking. If you can, climb up the Giralda bell tower for panoramic city views. When we visited, it was Holy Week (the week leading up to the Easter holiday), and there were frequent processions leading to the cathedral, which also meant heavy crowds and temporary stadium seating surrounding the area. This made the visit even more memorable but also quite crowded. Purchasing your tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits and fully enjoy exploring this magnificent cathedral.
SETAS DE SEVILLA
You can either start or wrap up your day at Setas de Sevilla, also known as Metropol Parasol, a modern wooden structure offering fantastic city views. We chose to start our day here, arriving just before opening to purchase our tickets, and enjoyed having most of the place to ourselves. It felt peaceful and gave us the chance to fully appreciate the unique architecture and panoramic vistas without the crowds. Alternatively, visiting in the evening allows you to experience the city lights from above, and we read in the brochure that there's an evening light show that adds an extra magical touch. The lower levels feature a museum showcasing Roman ruins uncovered during construction!
TRIANA DISTRICT
Triana is famous for ceramics and has a fun, lively atmosphere. Mercado de Triana is an incredible food market filled with fresh produce, cheeses, jamón, and seafood. Centro Cerámica Triana is also worth a visit, giving you an insight into the area's historic ceramic traditions. At night, walk across the picturesque Triana Bridge for stunning views of Seville illuminated against the night sky.
FLAMENCO SHOW
Experiencing a flamenco show is essential when visiting Seville. Teatro Flamenco Sevilla and Museo del Baile Flamenco offer spectacular performances that are both passionate and intimate. Museo del Baile Flamenco has a museum where you can explore the history and traditions of the flamenco. The performances are captivating, with emotional dance, soulful singing, and rhythmic guitar playing that embody Spanish culture.
ALAMEDA DE HÉRCULES
Alameda de Hércules is Seville's trendy, LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood, packed with lively cafés, cool bars, art galleries, and charming boutiques. It's located a bit further outside of central Seville, so it takes a little more effort to get there compared to the main tourist areas. Unfortunately, given our limited time, we didn't make it there on this trip—but it's at the top of our list for next time. From everything we've read, it sounds like an incredible spot to spend an evening, hopping between tapas spots like Bar Antojo and enjoying sunset cocktails at rooftop bars like The Corner House. The atmosphere is said to be vibrant and welcoming, perfect for mingling with locals and fellow travelers alike.
CASA DE PILATOS
Casa de Pilatos feels like a mini Alcazar without the big crowds, and it offers a look into the fusion of architectural styles that define Seville. Constructed in the late 15th century, this palace is known for its combination of Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance elements, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the time. It's considered one of the best-preserved Andalusian palaces. It was initially built as the residence of Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones and Catalina de Rivera, members of a prominent noble family. The name "Casa de Pilatos" comes from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem made by their son, which inspired the home's spiritual and architectural symbolism.
As you explore, you'll pass through serene gardens lined with marble statues and fountains. The inner patios are surrounded by galleries adorned with vibrant tiles and intricately carved wooden ceilings. The upper floors, accessible with a guided tour, offer a glimpse into aristocratic life, with antique furniture, family heirlooms, and a notable art collection. Purchase tickets online to ensure smooth entry, and plan to spend at least an hour wandering through this beautifully preserved and lesser-known gem.
EXPLORE SEVILLE BY BIKE
Named the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2023, Seville is incredibly bike-friendly, with over 111 miles of dedicated lanes. Rent a bike through SEVICI or easily find bikes and scooters available through popular apps like Lime or Uber. Explore picturesque areas like Maria Luisa Park or venture further to Alamillo Park on Isla de la Cartuja. It's a fun, eco-friendly way to cover more ground and discover parts of the city you might otherwise miss.
PLAZA DE TOROS
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is interesting, even without the bullfights! It's the oldest bullring in Spain, dating back to the 18th century, and is considered one of the most important in the world. Bullfighting has deep cultural roots in Andalusia, and Seville has long been a central hub for this controversial tradition. The museum inside showcases the evolution of bullfighting in the region, including detailed matador outfits that are intricately embroidered—some even stained with blood from past fights (eek…) —as well as posters, photos, and artifacts documenting its long and storied history. Touring the stadium allows you to walk through the rustic stone seating, step into the ring itself, and visit the small chapel where matadors would stop to pray before facing the bull. Whether or not you agree with the practice, it's an undeniably significant part of Seville's heritage and worth visiting for its historical context alone.
PALACOI DE LAS DUEÑAS
While Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos attract more visitors, Palacio de las Dueñas is captivating in its own right, with fewer crowds. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace was once the residence of the Dukes of Alba and is still owned by the House of Alba today. It's perhaps most famous as the birthplace of the beloved Spanish poet Antonio Machado. As you explore, you'll find Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar architectural styles. The courtyards are filled with vibrant flowers, fountains, and intricate tilework that reflects Seville's rich artistic heritage. The rooms house antique furnishings, family portraits, and historical artifacts that give a glimpse into aristocratic life over the centuries.
MERCADO LONJA DEL BARRANCO
Mercado Lonja del Barranco offers a contemporary take on traditional tapas, fine Andalucian cheeses, Iberico ham, and delicious Spanish wines. Located right by the river, it's ideal for enjoying a leisurely lunch followed by a scenic stroll along the waterfront.
Seville's historical landmarks, architecture, amazing food, and extensive options of things to do make it a must for any southern Spain itinerary. If you've been, let us know in the comments which of these Things to Do you enjoyed most and why, or better yet, share anything we may have missed!
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