10 Must-Visits and Must-Sees in Seville, Spain

When Moorish, Romans, and Christians passed through Seville, they left in the city an incomparable cultural legacy that still lives on. This past heritage that can be seen all over town — in the arts, language, and architecture — is a big part of what makes Seville, to this day, one of the most vibrant cities in Spain.

That’s why we wanted to put together all the travel info and advice on the best spots, attractions, and landmarks that you can visit when you’re in town.

P.S. Since monuments tend to have a large tourist influx, buy your tickets online to avoid the queues.

1. Seville Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage site.

Its real name is Saint Mary of the Sede Cathedral, and it’s the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.

One of the most interesting facts about the Cathedral is that it was built over a Muslim mosque right after Seville was reconquered by the Christians from the Muslim Moors. However, the real ex-libris of the building is the La Giralda tower: an old Moorish minaret that was converted into a bell tower.

Still the tallest building in Seville, La Giralda was the highest tower in Europe for many centuries. Its 104 meters of height is not the only impressive thing about La Giralda. The tower is so wide that it could be climbed by a man on horseback.

From the top of the tower, you’ll get the best view of Seville and El Patio de Los Naranjos — one of the remains of the old mosque.

There are 2 types of visits available:

• The interior of the Cathedral for €9 (locals, the unemployed, and under 14 pay €4)
• “The Roofs of the Cathedral”, a guided tour through the roof of the Cathedral, that also includes a visit to the interior afterward. The price is €15 and lasts an hour and a half.

You can buy your tickets online here:  www.articketing.vocces.com

2. General Archive of the Indies

UNESCO World Heritage site.

Right next to the cathedral is the Archivo General de Indias, a building where all the documents referring to the Spanish colonies and overseas expansion are stored. Perfect for anyone who likes history — plus, the entrance is free.

Timetable:

Monday to Saturday das 9:30 às 17h
Sundays and holidays 10:00 às 14:00h.

3. Alcázar of Seville

Located near the Cathedral in the heart of the city, the Alcázar is the oldest royal palace still in use in all Europe. The upper levels are used by the Spanish Royal Family as the official Seville residence.

And for all the Game of Thrones fans: the palace was used as a set for the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Day-visits ticket cost: €11.50 (students up to 25 y.o pay €3). Free for under 16 and locals
Night-visits ticket cost: €14.

You can buy the tickets online here: www.realalcazarsevilla.sacatuentrada.com

Timetable:

October to March from 9:30 to 17:00h
April to September from 9:30 to 19:00.

4. Barrio de Santa Cruz

The Barrio de Santa Cruz is an old Jewish Quarter that flourished by the mosque (now the Seville Cathedral). It’s a charming and complex labyrinth of narrow streets, alleys, and squares painted by colorful houses and flowers on pretty much every patio.
In case you get lost, find a bar with a terrace and grab a drink. You can find your way back later.

5. Barrio de San Bartolomé

The neighborhood of San Bartolomé is a less-visited but equally picturesque neighborhood located around a church with the same name.

Here, we recommend a visit to the ancient Moorish palace Casa de Pilatos. The ticket cost to visit the entire palace is €12. The cost to visit just the ground floor is €10. Both visits include an audio guide.

Timetables to Casa de Pilatos:

November to March 9:00 às 18:00
April to October 9:00 às 19:00

6. Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Garden

A 10-minute walk from the Cathedral is the Plaza de España. Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American exhibition, it gained interplanetary recognition when it appeared as planet Naboo in Star Wars Episode II.

Right in front of the Plaza de España is a large park perfect for a bike ride or for a walk in the peak heat hours of the day. Along the park, you’ll find statues, fountains, and the Mudejar Pavillion that serves as the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Seville.

If you’re a European citizen traveling in Seville, you can enter de Pavillion for free. Other nationalities pay a €1,5 fee.

Timetables for the Mudejar Pavillion

June to August it’s open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 to 15:00.
The rest of the year it’s open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 às 21:00. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 às 15:00h.

7. Seville Aquarium

Right by the river near Maria Luisa Park, is the Aquarium of Seville. Great for families with kids.

Ticket cost:

Adults pay €15
Kids 4 to 14 pay €10
For family discounts, group rates and timetables check:  www.acuariosevilla.es/en/hours-and-rates

8. Barrio de Triana

Another typical neighborhood next to the Guadalquivir River and a must-visit for those wanting to experience the genuine atmosphere of Andalucia.

During the day check the local Triana Market, and at night have a drink at one of the many bars in Calle Betis or Calle Pureza. If you’re interested in attending a genuine Flamenco show, go to Casa Anselma. Drinks can be expensive around here, but the Flamenco is the real deal.

Public Transport to Barrio de Triana

Catch the metro and hope off in Plaza de Cuba and Parque de Los Principes, or hop on the bus nº5,6,40,43, C1 or C2.

9. Metropol Parasol

This controversial building that many Sevillians refer to as “the mushrooms of Seville”, has four different levels that you can visit.

At level 0 you’ll find an Antiquarium with Moorish and Roman remains. At level 1 is Seville’s old central market with fresh produce, a bar, and restaurants. On the second level are the panoramic terraces usually used for concert venues. And finally, the last level on top of the structure is a great viewpoint over Seville.

The Antiquarium can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00 and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 The price of the ticket is € 2.

To access the top level, you’ll have to pay a €3 fee and can only do it from Sundays to Thursdays 9:30 to 23:00 and Fridays 9:30 to 23:30.

10. Palacio de las Dueñas

After a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral is a very eclectic palace (which still belongs to Alba’s house) filled with large collections of Spanish paintings and artifacts. The buildings and courtyards were influenced by Renaissance, Gothic and Moorish styles, making it a major historic home of Seville.

Cover photo by Matt Kieffer.