Things to do in  Seville

Southern Spain’s cultural landscapes have been shaped by centuries of Moorish and Catholic influence, but few places exemplify this influence as beautifully as the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla). Highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling complex include the Palace of King Pedro (Palacio del Rey Don Pedro), home to intricate Mudéjar plasterwork, and the sublime sunken garden, Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas).

There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) The Giralda (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.

The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, built atop the remains of a mosque, the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede) features a spectacular gold altarpiece in its main altar depicting 36 scenes from the life of Christ, as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus, works by Goya and Murillo, and the dramatic Giralda Tower.

Santa Cruz is Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter, a barrio filled with whitewashed buildings and some of the city’s most popular sights, including Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, and the Real Alcázar. Meander down streets, stopping in bodegas and art galleries to enjoy the cultural and architectural richness of this barrio.

Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, Seville’s grandiose Plaza de España is a semicircular public square brimming with brick and tile fountains, canals, and foot bridges, giving it the nickname Venice of Seville. Renaissance and neo-Moorish towers sit at either end of the plaza, which is situated within Maria Luisa Park.

Situated in a renovated 18th century building, the Flamenco Dance Museum (Museo del Baile Flamenco) is one of Seville’s most important cultural touchstones. Here, you can attend a live flamenco performance and also learn about the history of the dance form at an interactive museum—an immersive experience you won’t find at other venues.

The 12-sided Torre del Oro, perched on the Guadalquivir River, is a Seville landmark. Also known as the Golden Tower, it was constructed in the 13th century when the city was ruled by the Almohads, a Berber Muslim dynasty. Visit the Torre del Oro to peruse its onsite naval museum, and for views from the top of the tower.

Set south of Seville’s historic center, this large green space was once the private garden of the nearby Palace of San Telmo before it was given over for public use in 1893. The park is crisscrossed by tree-lined avenues and dotted with fountains, and is also home to Plaza de España, an extravagant plaza built for the 1989 world’s fair.

Running along the east bank of the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal is part of Seville’s historic old town. As well as hosting upscale residential properties and atmospheric tapas bars, it’s also home to several important city sights, including Spain’s oldest bullring, a celebrated flamenco bar, and a smattering of museums in historic buildings.

Wedged between two branches of the Guadalquivir River just across the Isabel II Bridge from central Seville, vibrant Triana is often described as the city’s heart and soul. Originally home to Roma gypsy families, its colorful reputation is built on its love for flamenco and tapas—two top visitor draws.

Stroll cobblestone streets, stop for tapas, and marvel at centuries-old architecture in Seville's Historic Center (Centro Historico de Sevilla). This destination may be best known for its trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Cathedral, Alcázar, and the Archivo de Indias—making it a prime destination to uncover Spanish history.

The Royal Tobacco Factory (Real Fábrica de Tabacos) offers a glimpse into Seville’s once booming tobacco industry—although what was once the largest industrial building in Europe is now a university building. Many visit in homage to Bizet’s operaCarmen; it’s in this former factory that the namesake heroine rolls cigars on her thighs.

Commonly referred to as the Triana Bridge, the Puente de Isabel II—completed under Queen Isabel II’s reign—crosses the Guadalquivir River, connecting Seville and its old quarter to Triana, which is wedged between two branches of the river. The area is notable for its historically eclectic residents, from sailors and bullfighters to potters and flamenco dancers.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Seville, the Palace of San Telmo has played various roles in civic life since it was built in 1682. Today the rusty-red and golden-yellow building welcomes lawmakers to the seat of the Andalusian government, but you can still arrange for a tour inside to see the rich and grand history of this former university and palace.

Seville's bullring—or the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza de Cabellería de Sevilla—is the oldest in Spain. It was here that the corrida, or bullfight, moved from horseback to foot, and many of the cherished theatrical traditions of the matador evolved. Completed in the late 18th century, the bullring is a yellow-and-white baroque beauty.