Best things to do in Seville

Seville has that dangerous combination of being both wildly beautiful and very easy to wander on foot. Most of the best things to do in Seville sit within a small radius around the cathedral and the river. You can tick off the real “not to miss” attractions in a couple of days without needing a car or complicated transport. 

Why Seville is trending

Seville has quietly edged into the spotlight in the last few years, helped along by features like its inclusion among Condé Nast Traveler’s top European destinations for 2026. The Andalusian city is also mentioned alongside other beautiful Spanish cities for its mix of architecture, food, and laid-back lifestyle. 

If you time things outside the hottest months and the main festivals, you still get most of the buzz without the worst of the queues. Many start eyeing it up as a quick city break and end up considering living in Seville for the long term.

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Essential Seville attractions you should not miss

If it is your first visit, focus on the core area around the cathedral, Alcázar and the river. You can comfortably cover the main highlights in one to three days by booking the big sights in advance and filling the gaps with neighbourhood wandering.

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Real Alcázar of Seville

The Real Alcázar is a royal palace complex that layers Moorish, Gothic and later styles around lush gardens. It is the single place most visitors agree they are glad they queued for.

• Prioritise the Patio de las Doncellas and Salón de Embajadores for the richest details

Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

The cathedral dominates the centre and sits on the old mosque site, with La Giralda tower giving you the best central views of the city. 

• See the altarpiece, Columbus’ tomb and the Patio de los Naranjos

Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa

Plaza de España is the grand, semi‑circular showpiece from the 1929 expo, framed by a canal and tiled alcoves for every Spanish province.

• María Luisa Park next door gives you much‑needed trees and shade.

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Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Metropol Parasol, or Las Setas, is the big wooden “mushroom” structure with a rooftop walkway and an archaeological space underneath.

• Duck into the Antiquarium below for Roman and Moorish ruins

Barrio de Santa Cruz: Seville’s historic Jewish quarter

Santa Cruz is the maze of narrow lanes and patios behind the cathedral, once the Jewish quarter and now very much postcard Seville. 

• Stick to quieter corners like Plaza de Doña Elvira and Plaza de Santa Cruz

Triana district

Across the river, Triana feels more lived‑in, with a strong pottery and flamenco tradition and plenty of local bars.

• Start at Mercado de Triana, then explore side streets and tapas spots
• Look into ceramic workshops if you are into crafts and design

Classic sightseeing in Seville

Once you have ticked off the essentials, the second layer of sights is calmer and often more atmospheric. These are ideal if you have more than two days or you prefer slower, less crowded places. 

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Casa de Pilatos and noble palaces of Seville

Casa de Pilatos is a great follow‑up to the Alcázar, with refined courtyards, azulejos and carved ceilings on a more manageable scale. 

• Look out for Palacio de las Dueñas and Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija for mosaics

Museums in Seville

Seville’s museums are fewer but quite focused, so you can choose based on your interests rather than ticking off a long list. Visit Museo de Bellas Artes for Golden Age Spanish painting, the flamenco museum if you want context before a live show, or the ceramics museum to understand the city’s tile obsession.

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Churches and basilicas beyond the cathedral

Away from the main cathedral, other churches and basilicas give a more local view of faith and tradition. See Iglesia del Divino Salvador for its interior and lively square outside, and head to Basílica de la Macarena if you are curious about Holy Week culture.

Gardens and smaller historic spaces

Smaller gardens and courtyards are handy when you need calm without going back to your accommodation. Use Jardines de Murillo as a green link between big sights and visit Hospital de los Venerables for a quieter cloister and small art collection.

Things to do in Seville at night

Seville really settles into itself after dark, with families, couples and groups all out late thanks to the climate. Dinner at nine or ten in the evening is standard, and the streets stay lively long after sunset. 

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Flamenco in Seville

Live flamenco is one of the most intense experiences in the city, especially at the top live flamenco shows, often in small venues where you are close to the performers.

Tapas bars, rooftop terraces and nightlife areas

Evenings in Seville tend to revolve around food and drink, drifting between tapas bars and terraces. Try Alameda de Hércules and streets around Plaza del Salvador for busy terraces. Cross to Triana for riverside bars and a slightly more local feel.

Evening riverfront walks and night-time views

The Guadalquivir river banks calm down nicely in the evening and give you long, flat walks with city lights for company. Stroll between the Torre del Oro and Puente de Isabel II for classic views.

Things to do in Seville with kids, families and different travel styles

The historic centre has plenty of pedestrian‑friendly streets and squares, and locals are very relaxed about children being out late.

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Family-friendly Seville attractions and activities

With kids, alternating “grown‑up” culture with fun, easy wins keeps everyone happier. The city is very forgiving of children in restaurants and on the streets.

• Combine big sights with rowing at Plaza de España or a carriage ride
• Use Parque de María Luisa and other squares for running around and playgrounds

Seville for young adults and couples

Younger travellers and couples tend to get the most out of the city in the late afternoon and evening, when the heat eases, and the bars wake up. 

• Base your evenings around tapas crawls, live music and rooftop drinks
• Look at Alameda and Triana for more social, bar‑hopping nights