Seville: The Capital of Andalusia
Home to fabulous food, extraordinary architecture and exotic flamenco, Seville is the perfect spot for a long weekend. Seville has a lot to offer, so I have put together this Seville guide to help you.
I may make a commission through links provided on this page. I greatly appreciate any and all of your support, as your support means I can keep writing up travel recommendations like this one!
Things to do in Seville
Wonder around the Plaza de España
This UNESCO Heritage Site is centred by an ornate pavilion covered with ceramic tiles. This place is very photogenic and every corner is just beautiful. Free to enter and walking distance from the centre, the Plaza de España is not to be missed.
Top tip: it gets very hot here, so is best visited in the morning.
Go up the Setas de Sevilla
This wooden structure has a wooden walkway providing you with stunning views across the city. I recommend buying tickets for just before sunset so that you can enjoy the view during day light as well as see the wooden sculpture lit up at night.
Visit the Real Alcazar de Sevilla
This Moorish royal palace is full of ornate arches, ceramic tiles and palm tree filled gardens. No matter where you wonder this place is stunning, apart from the magnificent interior and gardens, you may also see peacocks chilling near the bushes.
Go up La Giralda
This beautiful minaret style bell tower is part of Seville Cathedral. I would highly recommend leaving some time to go up to the top as it offers some of the best views across Seville. Surprisingly, rather than steps, you have to climb up 35 sloped ramps to get to the top, designed this way so a horse could be ridden up!
Watch some flamenco
Can you really come to the home of flamenco without seeing what it’s all about? Wondering around the Plaza de España you are bound to come across flamenco dancers performing in the street. However, I would highly recommend visiting Casa de la Memoria for one of the best shows in the city. Casa de la Memoria serves as a museum and theater to showcase the traditions of flamenco in Seville. They have a rotation of the best local performers, offering two shows per night.
Top tip: Buy your tickets in advance, and make sure you arrive 30 minutes before showtime to secure a good seat!
Admire the Torre del Oro
This medieval fortified tower was used to protect the port of Seville. Inside you will find a small yet informative maritime museum, where you can learn all about the voyages of discovery and the role of the Guadalquivir river in the city’s development.
You can also climb up to the top, giving you panoramic views across the river and city.
Visit a bull ring
The Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla is one of the few bullrings still used for bullfights. However, even if you are not interested in watching a bull fight, there is so much to see in it’s museum. With paintings, clothing and stuffed bull heads, you get a nice overview and impression of the history of the bull fights. To top it off you can freely walk around the arena.
They also have a free audio guide you can get on your phone, so no need for a guide.
Wonder around the Triana district
Located on the west bank of the river, you will find the Triana district, the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Triana has produced some famous bullfighters and flamenco dancers and is known for it’s ceramic tiles. Places worth exploring include:
- Real Parroquia de Señora Santa Ana
- Calle Betis
- Plaza del Altozano
- Callejon de la Inquisicion
- Mercadi de Triana
The best day trips from Seville
Cadiz
With two castles, over 100 watchtowers and a stunning cathedral, this ancient port city is a must see when visiting Spain’s Andalusia region. Being a small and compact city, you can easily explore Cadiz in a day by foot.
Cordoba
Once a Roman city and major Islamic Centre, Cordoba is best known for La Mezquita, a stunning mosque, featuring double arches.
Cordoba is also the only city in the world with four UNESCO protected sites, meaning there is a lot to explore
Ronda
Famous for its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, spanning the El Tajo Gorge, Ronda offers unrivaled panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Ronda also boasts Moorish architecture, including the stunning Alhambra Palace. A day in Ronda is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Where to eat in Seville
- Bodeguita Antonio Romero Arfe: great tapas
- Ovejas Negras: another great tapas bar
- Jester: nice cafe
- Hops & Dreams: craft beer place
- Milk Away: nice place for brunch
Where to stay in Seville
- Solo travellers: Black Swan Hostel
- Couples: Cicerone de Sevilla
How long to spend in Seville
Seville is a big city with lots to see and explore, therefore, I would recommend spending a minimum of three days in Seville.
Where next?
That Setas de Sevilla is one very bizarre building – a bit like a waffle! I love the walkway, and can only imagine the views from it
What a great concise post on Seville. Perfect for a long weekend. Personally, I’d give the bull ring a miss, though. Love your pictures as well.
Plaza de España is the main reason I want to visit Sevilla but you’ve shared so many other beautiful things to do! Can’t wait to book my trip.
When we went to Spain we never made it to Seville. Next time for sure and now I have a roadmap!!