Nestled on the lower bank of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is the bustling capital city of Andalucía in Spain. Known for its hot balmy summers and mild sunny winters, this historic city is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year!

From its fabulous food scene, catchy flamenco rhythms, and age-old tapas bars to its bijou art galleries, remarkable architecture, and orange tree-lined pathways, Seville has its own unique character you won’t be able to resist.

With impressive Baroque churches, fascinating Roman ruins, and archaic Moorish walls, you’ll be surrounded by treasures from the past everywhere you turn. If you’re a fan of history, you’ll never be stuck for things to see and do in Seville.

Whether you want to spend your vacation soaking up as much culture in museums and art galleries as possible, or you dream of taking things easy and letting the city sweep you away, Seville is the place for you! 

With so many interesting things to do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you plan an amazing vacation, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Seville. Add these fun attractions and activities to your Seville bucket list, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring one of the most magnificent cities in Spain!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Seville, Spain

15 Things to Do In Seville 

1. Get Your Bearings on a Bus Tour

Visiting a new city for the first time can be a little overwhelming. To help get your bearings, we recommend signing up for a hop-on, hop-off bus tour on your first full day in Seville. This is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to discover all the major attractions the city has to offer.

The bus stops at 14 different locations across the city, and, just like the name suggests, you can hop on and hop off as you please. When you first get on board, you’ll be given an audio guide that will tell you about the various stopping locations and the places you’ll pass along the way. 

As well as unlimited bus journeys for 24 hours, your ticket also includes a free walking tour in Santa Cruz and Plaza de España. We definitely recommend you take advantage of those! You’ll also get free entry into a number of different attractions, plus discounts on others.

Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour

2. Get Tipsy on Vino de Naranja

Seville is well known for its oranges, which are used to make some of the best marmalade in the world. But did you know the fruit is also used to make orange wine? It’s so good, you’ve got to try it!

Known locally as vino de naranja, orange wine in Seville is different from the typical orange wine you’ll find in other parts of the world. Here, orange wine is made by aging sweet white wine in oak barrels and mixing it with bitter orange peel. It’s sweet and honey-like with the perfect citrus aroma and flavor. 

There are tons of places to try orange wine in Seville. One of our favorites is Taberna Álvaro Peregil. This tiny place serves the original recipe from the winery that first created it way back in 1770. It’s also got a cute outdoor patio with a fantastic view of the Seville Cathedral, making it a great place to stop off while sightseeing!

3. Stroll Across the Largest Wooden Structure in the World

For one of the most unique things to do in Seville, head to the Metropol Parasol. Nicknamed Las Setas (the wild mushrooms) by locals for its bizarre shape, this one-of-a-kind creation is the largest wooden structure on Earth.

Seville residents hated it when it was first being built, seeing it as an ugly eyesore that contrasted badly against the beautiful historic buildings. While it certainly does stand out from the rest of the city’s structures, the Metropol Parasol is undoubtedly impressive and a sight worth seeing during your trip.

The landmark measures almost 500 feet by 230 feet and stretches 85 feet into the sky. It’s made almost entirely out of wood, with 8,000 pieces of timber connected together with steel and glue. It was completed in April 2011 and cost a staggering $130 million to make! 

Head down to the basement of Metropol Parasol, and you’ll discover a museum laden with Moorish and Roman artifacts. The ground floor is also home to a bustling market where you can pick up all kinds of fresh ingredients.

4. Admire the Seville Cathedral

The local cathedral is one of the best sights in Seville you can’t miss! Made up of 80 individual chapels, the Seville Cathedral is the largest in the world and has the longest central nave in Spain.

Construction on the UNESCO World Heritage Site began back in 1401 on Seville’s former mosque. It wasn’t until 1507, more than 100 years later, that the cathedral was finally completed.

When the plans were drawn up, the Church Elders said, “Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad.” When you stand in front of this colossal masterpiece, you’ll see that they definitely achieved their goal! 

Although it’s a Gothic cathedral today, you can still see hints of the mosque that once stood in the same spot. The Court of the Orange Trees on the north side of the building is particularly noteworthy and is where Muslims performed their ablutions centuries ago.

Get your Entry Ticket and Skip the Line

5. Fall in Love with Secreto Ibérico

Seville is a great place for foodies, and one of the most delicious things you can try during your visit is secreto ibérico. This delicacy literally translates as “Iberian secret” and believe us – it tastes so good you’ll definitely want to keep it a secret!

Secreto ibérico is a cut of pork that really does melt in your mouth. The high-fat content gives it an incredibly soft, butter-like texture while also giving it an amazing flavor. 

It’s most often pan-seared and is usually a little pink in the middle. Don’t worry – it’s perfectly safe to eat! Cooking it like this makes sure it retains all its juiciness.

Los Coloniales is a great place to try secreto ibérico. Here you can try it as a half or full tapa in an authentic Spanish atmosphere. There is a range of other delicious tapas dishes to try, too, making it a great place to stop for lunch or dinner.

6. Shop, Wine, and Dine in Triana

When you’re in the mood for some laid-back Seville sightseeing, head over to Triana, the former gypsy quarter of the city. This beautiful neighborhood is a wonderful place to simply wander and see where you end up.

You can spend hours strolling through colorful, charming streets, popping into as many traditional tapas bars as you like. Each cafe, bar, and restaurant has its own special charm, with many displaying faded posters from famous flamenco performers and other VIPs that used to frequent it.

Handmade ceramics are a big deal here, and you’ll find loads adorning the walls of the quaint whitewashed houses. If you’d like to buy some yourself, head to the Mercado de Triana, where you’ll find plenty on sale, as well as countless other trinkets and goodies. 

If you’ve got time, stop by Plaza de Altozano. Here you’ll find one of the neighborhood’s best-known statues. It depicts a flamenco dancer and is named “Monument to the Flamenco Art.” 

7. Feel Like a Kid Again at Isla Mágica

It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling with kids or on your own – one of the most fun things to do in Seville is to spend the day at Isla Mágica. Open from the end of April until the end of October, this theme park is based on everything Spain discovered during the 16th and 17th centuries. 

It’s divided into six themed worlds where you’ll find rollercoasters, attractions, shows, stores, cafes, and restaurants, all dedicated to what Spain was doing during a certain period of history. 

It’s a great opportunity to learn about the past while having a fantastic time. Even if you’re not bothered about history, you’ll love the high-speed thrills and family-friendly rides.

If you visit during the summer months, you’ll have the chance to check out Agua Mágica. This water park is located directly next to Isla Mágica and provides you with a wonderful way of cooling off from the intense summer heat. From beaches and wave pools to water slides and kids-only zones, there’s a lot to do here!

8. Discover Artwork in an Unlikely Place

For one of the most unique things to do in Seville, head to Hospital de los Venerables. Once a hospital dedicated to retired priests, today the building houses a small art museum where you can see an astonishing collection of oil paintings by artists from the Spanish Golden Age.

There’s a dedicated Velázquez Center, where you’ll find 12 stunning pieces from the famous artist Diego Velázquez. You’ll also find a contemporary art exhibit, with pieces created by Carmen Laffón, Ramón Gaya, and Pérez Villalta, among others.

As well as the small art gallery, your ticket also includes a visit to the church found within Hospital de los Venerables. With a remarkable carved altarpiece, stunning ceiling frescoes, and beautiful wall inset reliquaries, it’s certainly worth a visit.

There’s so much intricate detail everywhere you look that you could easily spend hours simply admiring the walls. It’s also worth noting that the priest of Seville Cathedral, Justino de Neve, who founded the hospital, is buried within the chapel, too.

9. Celebrate Easter During Semana Santa

If you visit during March or April, one of the best things to do in Seville is to join in with the Easter celebrations. Known as Semana Santa in the city, Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year in Spain, with an extensive program packed full of events.

Dates, locations, and events change each year. You can check what’s going on during your vacation by popping into a tourist office.

The processions are impressive, with tons of floats carrying religious statues decorated with fresh flowers. Keep an eye out for the floats carrying the “La Macarena” and “Jesús del Gran Poder” statues.

It’s a great honor to carry these statues and make sure they’re worthy. For this reason, the floats are often extra extravagant!

As well as the processions, Easter is also celebrated with special church services, live music performances, dancing, and street parties. There’s usually loads of food and drinks at each event, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while also getting to know the local culinary scene.

10. Step Back in Time at the Real Alcázar

The Real Alcázar is one of the biggest Seville attractions, and it’s definitely worth adding to your Seville bucket list. The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site is still used by the Spanish royal family today. If you pay a little extra, you can take a tour of their halls, staterooms, and chambers, all of which are hidden in the upper level of the palace.

If you stick to the basic ticket, there’s still plenty to explore. The complex was started in the 10th century, but it wasn’t until the 12th century that the first royal palace was built. Various renovations and additions were carried out up until the 19th century, which is why the Real Alcázar is a mixture of Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Moorish styles.

Enjoy a gentle stroll throughout the courtyards, taking the time to admire the coffered ceilings and the beauty of the sprawling gardens that surround you. The Real Alcázar is a truly peaceful pace that offers a pleasant contrast from the rest of the city.

Take a Guided Tour

11. Unwind at Maria Luisa Park

For another relaxing day out in Seville, head to Maria Luisa Park. The biggest and most famous green space in the city, Maria Luisa Park is filled with a bunch of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Follow the many paths, and you have no idea where they’ll lead you! From ornamental ponds and detailed sculptures to beautifully tiled fountains and shaded pavilions, this park is full of beauty everywhere you look. It’s a truly wonderful place to visit during spring or summer when the park is blanketed with all kinds of blooming flowers.

Maria Luisa Park is totally free to explore. But if you want to be sure you don’t miss a single thing, you can sign up for a private tour. 

During the tour, you’ll stop by the Plaza America and Plaza de España that were created for the Expo in 1929. You’ll also learn about the park’s history and secrets from an expert tour guide who can answer any questions you may have.

12. Take Part in Feria de Abril

The Feria de Abril is one of the biggest and best events that takes place in Seville. For one week each year, the usually sleepy town comes to life with parties, concerts, dances, and general fun!

The events and activities take place at the Recinto Ferial in Los Remedios, where more than 1,000 private party sets are set up for people to mingle and have a good time. Even if you’re not invited to a private party, you can still get involved. The area also features many different public party zones where anyone can go to celebrate.

You’ll see tons of people dressed in traditional flamenco clothes. If you want to join in, pop into a costume shop and buy yourself an outfit. You’ll find them all over the place in the run-up to Feria de Abril.

Celebrations begin on a Monday night each year when the lights of the Recinto Ferial are turned on. A giant firework display on the following Sunday evening marks the end of the event. 

13. Feel Tiny at Plaza de España

Visiting Plaza de España is one of the must-do things in Seville. The larger-than-life monument is hidden away inside Maria Luisa Park, and although it doesn’t really have any historical significance, it’s superb to see.

The landmark was built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929 and covers a massive space of more than 12 acres. It features a half-moon shape with a protective moat at the front and a bubbling fountain in the center. Like many buildings in the city, it displays a mixture of Renaissance and Mudéjar styles, with hints of Art Deco in the building’s colorful façades.

Within its walls, you’ll discover busts of important national figures. But the most impressive part is the collection of displays for each Spanish province. Through the clever use of Sevillian painted tiles, Plaza de España shows you what each part of Spain is best known for and where popular Spanish products are made.

If you feel like you’ve seen the Plaza de España before, you probably have. The impressive building has appeared in many major movies, including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Lawrence of Arabia. It’s also been featured in Game of Thrones!

14. Gorge on Espinacas con Garbanzos

Spain is known for its meat- and cheese-heavy cuisine that may leave you feeling a little hungry if you’re vegetarian or vegan. But Seville dishes up one of the most delicious plant-based tapas there is – espinacas con garbanzos. This dish is hundreds of years old, but it’s just as popular today as it was back then.

Espinacas con garbanzos is made of soft and fluffy chickpeas cooked with garlicky, sautéed spinach. It’s a super simple dish, but the flavors and textures go perfectly well together. It’s often served alongside a slice of freshly-made garlic bread which is the perfect finishing touch. 

Espinacas con garbanzos is so popular that you’ll find it in practically every tapas bar in Seville. For a particularly delicious and authentic version, head to Las Teresas. This tiny tapas bar serves a great selection of small plates and makes some of the best espinacas con garbanzos we’ve ever tasted!

15. Visit a Local Tablao

One of the coolest things to do in Seville is to spend an evening at a local tablao – a type of club where flamenco shows are performed each night. There are two main kinds of tablao. Small ones where you sit at a bar and watch the show and larger restaurant-style ones where you enjoy a meal while the dancers perform. 

It doesn’t really matter which type of experience you choose. The music, dancing, and costumes are always great!

No one knows for sure where flamenco originated. But it’s thought to come from somewhere between Seville, Cadíz, and Granada. Because of this, the performers in Seville feel a great passion for the art and like to show it off as best they can.

El Patio Sevillano is the oldest tablao in the city. This is a great place to watch a quick show. But make sure you get there early as the front seats fill up fast. 

If you want to make an evening of it, choose Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco. Here you can spend a few hours watching the astounding flamenco dances while sipping sangria and enjoying tapas!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Seville. What’s your favorite thing to do in Seville?

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