Best things to do in Seville

Natives of Seville love to have their wedding photos taken at Plaza de España, while passing tourists enjoy taking a long breather at this historic square built for the 1929 Latin American Expo. Painstakingly restored to its original splendor after years of neglect, the plaza is one of the country’s finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture. The square faces a large park, another city landmark built for the same international exposition. The entire area is surrounded by impressive buildings carefully designed to represent the city’s glorious past. Many of these structures blend elements of the region’s Moorish and Christian heritage, with the grandest mansions on the square now serving as museums and government offices.

Experience living history on a guided tour of Royal Alcázar of Seville, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Built primarily during the 1300s, this World Heritage–listed site is one of the country’s finest examples of Moorish architecture, featuring a myriad of exquisitely decorated rooms, lavish gardens, paved courtyards, and sparkling ponds. Originally used as a fort, the site was reconstructed and vastly expanded numerous times over the centuries. The upper levels of the palace are still the official Seville residence of Spain’s royal family. When you visit, be sure to check out the room where Christopher Columbus’ journey to the Americas was planned. Advanced tickets are available online. Try to time your trip for one of many musical concerts regularly held in the gardens.

One of the largest Gothic churches in the world, Catedral de Sevilla is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and a World Heritage Site. The awe-inspiring cathedral is 126 m (413 ft) long and 83 m (272 ft) wide, built on the site of a former mosque. The mosque’s minaret, now serving as a converted bell tower, still stands right next to the cathedral. Climb up this emblematic tower for sweeping views of Seville, or tour the interior to see the longest nave of any cathedral in the country. Inside the main body of the cathedral, the most noticeable features are the choir lofts and the carved scenes from the life of Christ. A single craftsman, Pierre Dancart, spent his entire life completing the work on the richly detailed altarpiece, considered one of the finest in the world.

A picturesque quarter in the heart of the city, Barrio Santa Cruz is intersected by small, winding streets and dotted with museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops. It’s easy to get lost meandering through the narrow, labyrinthine alleys that once enclosed the old Jewish quarter. Getting lost, however, is part of the adventure in this jasmine-perfumed old part of the city. This neighborhood is the location of many of the region’s oldest religious structures, including the city’s world-famous Gothic cathedral, one of the biggest churches in the world. As you search for the way out, you just may stumble upon an ancient convent, medieval palace, bustling plaza, or even a modern hotel. Pick up a souvenir of your explorations from one of many street vendors in this historic district.

The largest wooden structure in the world, Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) stands 150 by 70 m (490 ft by 230 ft) over La Encarnación Square. Organized on four levels, the mushroom-like structure houses four different sites. View the Moorish and Roman remains on the lower level and the central market on the first level, for example. Panoramic terraces overlook the city on the second and third levels. This attraction is commonly known as the "Encarnación's mushrooms" due to its distinctive shape.

Tour the lush gardens and ornate architecture of Parque de Maria Luisa. Located in the heart of the city, the park stretches along the Guadalquivir river and is home to many important monuments and historical structures. Visit the impressive Mudéjar Pavillion that now houses the Museum of Arts and Traditions, or admire the famous statue of Miguel de Cervantes, located in the gardens. Explore the tile-adorned Plaza de España complex, connected by bridges over a moat. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available through the gardens.

Admire imposing Baroque architecture of Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla, one of Spain's oldest bullrings. The 12,000 capacity venue serves as the center of activity during Seville's April Fair, which starts off the bullfighting season each year. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of bullfighting, an important yet controversial aspect of Spanish culture. Equipped with an audio guide, you can explore stables and museum, which boasts an impressive collection of bullfighting memorabilia. After, walk out into the massive arena to get a sense of the frenzied atmosphere of the corrida.

Roam about the lively streets and squares of Centro Historico de Sevilla where Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, and Christians left their mark and discover the buoyancy of colors, flavors, and scents. The most visited part of the city, its historical center boasts theaters, museums, and palaces that share space with avant-garde stores, restaurants, and tapas bars. Highlights include the impressive Gothic-style Cathedral of Seville and a royal palace, one of the best examples of Moorish architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.

Housed in an ornate former convent dating back to 1594, Museo De Bellas Artes De Sevilla features works by mostly Spanish artists from the medieval period until the early 20th century. A collection of paintings from the Golden Age of Sevillian painting, which dates to the 17th century and includes pieces by Zurbarán, Murillo, and Leal, serves as the highlight. The works are arranged chronologically throughout the museum, helping you see the development of Spanish painting over a handful of centuries. If you’re traveling with children, ask ahead of time about family programs.

In the historical quarter of Triana, you'll walk a pedestrian street lined with Moorish and Gothic structures that illustrate Spain's rich history. The market hall, built in 2005, revives the early Moorish architecture that you'll see gracing the buildings in the area. Visit the basement of the market building to view the foundations of Castillo de San Jorge and an educational center with exhibits relaying the dark history of the Spanish Inquisition. This area hosts its own festivals and is especially recognized for its flamenco culture, so it can be a good spot to visit a restaurant or bar featuring local performers.

Discover the versatile cultural heritage of Seville while roaming around the city's narrow streets and tucked-away corners on a guided food tour. Your gastro guide will show you how to eat like a local while sharing stories of the city's turbulent past and notable historical figures, such as Julius Caesar, Christopher Columbus, and several infamous Spanish inquisitors. Full-day tours provide an opportunity to venture beyond Seville's historic neighborhoods and visit the seaside town of Sanlucar de Barrameda or the ancient Roman necropolis at Carmona. Shorter, 3-hour trips are also available for those on a tight schedule.