14 of the Top Things to Do in Seville, Spain, on Your First Trip

Searching for the perfect Seville itinerary?

After spending an intensive 2 days exploring Seville, or Sevilla, one of the most gorgeous cities I’ve ever visited, from the towering Giralda Bell Tower to intimate flamenco performances in hidden Jewish Quarter venues, I’ve tested what works on a real budget and timeline.

I’ve navigated major attractions like the Alcázar and Cathedral, discovered which palaces offer the best bang for your buck, and found the perfect balance between must-see monuments and authentic local experiences, all while solo.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer concerned about safety in narrow medieval alleyways, a budget-conscious traveler trying to experience royal palaces without breaking the bank, or a culture enthusiast seeking authentic flamenco beyond touristy dinner shows, this guide to things to do in Seville, Spain, speaks your language.

Let me help you fall in love with Seville’s Mudéjar architecture, Gothic and Renaissance elements, vibrant tapas scene, and enchanting atmosphere while keeping your wallet and schedule intact.

Planning a Visit to Seville, Spain

Is Seville Worth Visiting?

If you didn’t figure that out from my gusting above or these incredible photographs, I’ll make it extremely clear—yes, Seville is worth visiting!

Seville is filled with places that make you feel like you’re on a film set—they’re so wondrous! Besides the amazing architecture, it’s the home of Flamenco and fantastic food!

And if you fall in love with Andalucia’s capital as much as I did, there are many other unique attractions in Andalucia you should check out!

And if you’re looking for a budget Seville tip, check out the Seville City Pass to see if it’s a fit for you!

Is Seville Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes! One of the things I took notice of while in Seville is just how safe they’ve made it. Now, of course, you should follow general safety rules anywhere you go. But even in the narrow alleyways of the Jewish Quarter at night, I felt safe and found them to be extremely well-lit.

When I got there, I wondered if it would be safe to explore at night solo because it is so narrow and windy. But I found the area to be bright and populated with other tourists, so I didn’t feel any sense of worry in Seville.

I was by myself during my entire 2 days in Seville and never felt any unease, so I’d highly recommend it as a top solo traveler destination in Europe.

Andalusia, in general, is known for its safety and welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Is 2 Days in Seville Enough?

2 days is enough to see Seville. However, I tend to move fast and wound up using my third day in Seville to head over to Granada, so if you like to travel at a slower pace, then I suggest 3 days in Seville. But yes, you can see a lot of Seville in 2 days.

I should note, however, that I visited in the fall of 2021, so travel was just bouncing back. It may be busier now than when I visited, especially if you’re going during the busy season. So, if you’re worried, I suggest 3 days in Seville.

Where to Stay in Seville

I stayed at the Hotel Murillo in Barrio Santa Cruz, the Jewish Quarter of Seville. It is the tourist center of Seville and is defined by its narrow alleyways and old-world charm.

I originally chose to stay in this section of Seville because it’s close to many of the sites I planned to see, such as the Alcázar, the Giralda Tower, and the Seville Cathedral. This makes it a really convenient part of town to stay in.

While all that is true, it’s also just a lovely part of Seville to stay in. Not only was the Hotel Murillo a great place to stay because it was clean, comfortable, and safe, but it also featured a rooftop terrace where I could relax in the evening while overlooking the city. They also had a bar and lounge.

Lastly, the staff was helpful. I highly recommend staying here during your Seville trip.

Click here for the latest prices and reviews.

If you’re looking for more accommodation advice, check out these areas to stay in Seville.

Best Things to Do in Seville

1. Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, aka the Seville Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral and former mosque. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the adjoining Alcázar Palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies.

As Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church and one of the largest churches in the world, it’s one of my top things to do in Seville. After its completion in the early 16th century, it supplanted Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world, a title the Byzantine church had held for a thousand years.

Christopher Columbus’ grave is one of the most notable things you’ll find in the Seville Cathedral. Though, not all of him.

Columbus’s remains were first buried at the Chapel of Wonders at the Convent of St. Francis, Valladolid, but were then moved to the monastery of La Cartuja in Seville by the will of his son Diego. They were then exhumed and interred at the Seville Cathedral.

In about 1536, the remains of both Columbus and Diego were moved to a cathedral in Colonial Santo Domingo, in the present-day Dominican Republic; Columbus had requested to be buried on the island. By some accounts, in 1793, when France took over Hispaniola, Columbus’s remains were moved to Havana, Cuba. But after Cuba became independent following the Spanish–American War in 1898, some of these remains were transferred back to Seville Cathedral, where they were placed on an elaborate coffin that you can see today.

I went on a GetYourGuide tour of Seville Cathedral, Giralda Bell Tower, and the Alcázar, which is unfortunately no longer available, but the one I’ve listed below is similar.

⏳ Duration: 1.5-2 hours

🎧 Audioguide: You can get an audioguide for €5.00 or book a guided tour for an additional fee.

🎟️ Tickets: Buy online for a reduced rate and make sure to make a online reservation as it is required!

Visit for free from Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tickets allow free admission to the Church of El Salvador.

2. Giralda Bell Tower

When you approach Seville Cathedral, the Giralda Bell Tower will be hard to miss. Although it’s part of the cathedral, it’s treated as separate. It looms over Seville at 105 m (343 ft) tall.

The Giralda is the former minaret of the mosque that stood on the site under Muslim rule. It was built to resemble the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Morocco. This structure is a prime example of Moorish architecture. After the Reconquista, it was converted into a bell tower for the cathedral, although the topmost section dates from the Renaissance.

If you have any issues with stairs, then this is the perfect tower for you! Because it was built with ramps rather than stairs. Why? Way back when the sultan ordered 35 ramps to be built instead of steps so that the muezzin (a man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque) could ride a horse to the top to recite the Adhan.

There are no stairs or elevators, but one long ramp up and up the tower, which honestly made it much, much easier to get up. I highly recommend heading up, as it provides a lovely view over Seville. It’s definitely an activity to add to your list of what to see in Seville.

I went on a GetYourGuide tour of Seville Cathedral, Giralda Bell Tower, and the Alcázar, which is unfortunately no longer available, but the one I’ve listed below is similar.

🎟️ Tickets: A ticket to Seville Cathedral covers the Giralda Bell Tower

3. Alcazar de Sevilla

Alright, I’ll be honest with you. I was most excited about the Alcázar of Seville because I had seen it on Game of Thrones. I just hoped it was as beautiful as the show portrayed it. And let me tell you, it is that gorgeous.

The Alcázar of Seville, officially called the Royal Alcázar of Seville, is a historic royal palace, making it a must-see on your list of things to do in Seville.

It was formerly the site of the Islamic-era citadel of the city, begun in the 10th century. However, other dynasties have redeveloped it several times over the centuries into a larger palace complex. After the Castilian conquest of 1248, the site was progressively rebuilt and replaced by new palaces and gardens. Among the most important is a richly decorated Mudéjar-style palace built by Pedro I during the 1360s.

When the royal family visits Seville, they still occupy the upper stories of the Alcázar. However, tourists are allowed to tour the lower levels and gardens.

I went on a GetYourGuide tour of Seville Cathedral, Giralda Bell Tower, and the Alcázar, which is unfortunately no longer available, but the one I’ve listed below is similar. After giving us the historical overview of the Alcázar, our guide allowed us to wander and take photos, which I appreciated.

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance as this is a popular attraction!

You can enter for free Monday from 18:00 to 19:00 from April to September and from 16:00 to 17:00 from October to March.

4-5. Plaza de Espana / Parque de Maria Luisa

The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa. It was built in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

It features a “Moorish paradisical style” with tiled fountains, pavilions, walls, ponds, benches, palms, orange trees, Mediterranean pines, and stylized flower beds. Several buildings were constructed in the park to provide spaces for the exhibition.

Nowadays, it’s a great place to take Instagram photos or check out the local scene. I saw Flamenco dancers performing while I was there. If you’re more bookish, each alcove is flanked by a pair of covered bookshelves, now used by visitors as a “Little Free Library.”

If you’re looking for something to skip on this list, this may be it, as it’s further away than some of the other sites on this itinerary.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

🎟️ Tickets: FREE

6. La Casa de Pilatos

The Casa de Pilatos was built in the 16th century by order of Don Pedro Enriquez and later by his son Fadrique Enriques de Ribera. As one of the most beautiful palaces in Seville and one of the best-preserved buildings from the 16th century, it’s a must on your list of things to do in Seville.

The “House of Pilatos” is named after the house of Pontius Pilate, which they tried to emulate as Fadrique Enriques de Ribera was inspired by during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Different styles, such as Gothic, Mudéjar, and Italian Renaissance styles, were combined in the construction of this palace. This is evident as you walk through, as you’ll see patios with fountains featuring busts of Roman emperors and Greek gods.

The palace also features marble columns, ceiling paintings, large wooden doors, mudéjar tiles (which took me back to the National Tile Museum in Lisbon), chapels, and an Italian-style garden.

This palace is still partly inhabited and is the residence of the 18th Duchess of Medinacelli and her family. It’s hard to imagine people living in such old-world luxury today, but it’s true!

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

🎧 Audioguide: There’s a free audioguide included in the ticket cost.

🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance.

There’s a ground floor and upper floor ticket, to visit the upper floor, you need to buy the ground floor ticket as well. Additional fee for admission to the upper floor.

7. Palacio de las Duenas

The Palacio de las Dueñas is a palace currently belonging to the House of Alba. It was built in the late 15^th century in the Renaissance style with Gothic and Moorish influences. The palace is one of the city’s major historic homes, making it a must on my list of things to do in Seville.

As an ornate estate, it is one of the most visited monuments in Seville. Its mixed style resembles  Casa de Pilatos and Casa de los Pinelo. However, suppose I were to pick one over another to visit. In that case, I’d choose the Palacio de las Dueñas as it’s a more extensive and decorative home.

Its main attraction is an extensive decorative art collection containing 1,425 artifacts. There are Italian and Spanish paintings from the 16^th and 17^th centuries, as well as a watercolor by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, painted during her visit in 1960 when she stayed in the bedroom once used by France’s Empress Eugénie de Montijo.

The Palacio de las Dueñas also has a significant collection of antique furniture, ceramics, sculptures, Flemish tapestries of the 16^th and 17^th centuries, mosaics, and many other art pieces.

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

🎧 Audioguide: You can do a general visit with an audioguide, a guided night tour, or even listen to opera at the palace.

🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance. Tickets are €1 on select Monday afternoons.

8. Torre Del Oro

The Torre del Oro, aka the “Tower of Gold,” is a 36-meter-high (118-foot) tower that was built by the Almohads in the 12th century and was part of the Moorish city wall, which ran between the Alcazar Palace and the rest of Seville.

The tower’s purpose was to control shipping on the Guadalquivir River. A heavy chain ran underwater from the massive tower to the other side to prevent enemy ships from sailing past.

The name “Golden” tower refers to Andalusia’s prosperous period during their control of the Latin American colonies. When ships entered, they could discharge their gold cargo here. In addition to being built for storage, the middle part of the tower is a prison.

A maritime museum, the Museo Naval, is now located on the top floor of the Torre del Oro. This small museum displays antique shipping instruments, scale models, and sea maps.

When I visited, I didn’t enter the museum but just viewed the tower. However, if you’re interested in naval history, add this to your itinerary. Otherwise, I’d skip this.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

🎟️ Tickets: Free admission on Mondays, but advance booking is required.

Things to Do and See in Seville at Night

9. See a Flamenco Show

Something a lot of people forget about when planning a solo itinerary is thinking about what you’ll do at night. I lucked into this experience as I walked through the Jewish Quarter in Seville and got stopped by some Flamenco dancers promoting a performance that night.

Unfortunately, I can’t pinpoint where I visited. I tried to compare photos on Google Maps to the photos I took but didn’t see any matches. However, I know whatever place you go to in Seville to see a Flamenco performance will be extraordinary, as this is the home of Flamenco.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the performance, as they were incredible performers, and I highly recommend adding it to your list of what to see in Seville.

10. Check Out a Rooftop Bar

I headed to the Pura Vida Terraza rooftop bar in Seville after reading about it in this post on the best rooftop bars in Seville. It has a fantastic view of the Giralda Bell Tower, which I highly recommend checking out during your stay.

It’s described as a “lively, casual rooftop cocktail spot with a pool, plus beer, wine & elevated pub fare.” While there were no performances while I was there, their website lists Flamenco performances, so make sure to check their calendar before arriving.

As I was traveling solo and showed up early, I had no trouble snagging a table. However, I could see it getting busy on a performance night or later in the day.

More Things to Do in Seville

We have now come to the things to do in Seville that I didn’t accomplish because I decided to head off to Granada. However, I wanted to list them in case you had more time during your trip to Seville than I had.

11. Iglesia El Salvador

The second-largest church in Seville, after the city’s cathedral. Renovations from 1674 to 1712 resulted in the lofty Baroque edifice overlooking Plaza del Salvador we see today, showcasing stunning Baroque architecture.

12. Museum of Flamenco Dance

Located in the heart of Seville, this museum allows visitors to discover Flamenco's unique and singular world in all its facets.

13. Archaeological Museum

The archaeological museum houses treasures found in the province, dating from prehistoric times, Roman times, and the Medieval Moorish period.

14. Setas de Sevilla

Setas de Sevilla or Las Setas, initially titled Metropol Parasol, is a large, predominantly wooden structure located at La Encarnación Square. It is a modern architectural marvel in Andalusia.

Where to Eat in Seville

La Bartola

My favorite restaurant in Seville was La Bartola! So much so that I visited not once but twice! I stumbled upon it as it was just down the street from my hotel. It’s a cute place tucked into the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter.

Described as an “Easygoing, vibrant restaurant offering tapas & Spanish dishes, with vegan & vegetarian options.” I can’t quite recall what I ate, but I know I had their chocolate cake, and after visiting Lisbon and hearing how good their chocolate supposedly was, La Bartola blew it out of the water.

La Carboneria Bar

La Carboneria is located on one of the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and is described as a “Tavern of tapas with flamenco performances in an old coal warehouse with a patio & tiled floor.”

Here, you can see a Flamenco performance for free, as they are held continuously from 9:30 pm onwards. The only condition is that you have to have a drink.

It is popular, so I recommend you arrive early to get a seat. The performances last about 25 minutes and are repeated every 20 minutes.

El Torno Pasteleria de Conventos

This tiny shop is located next door to the Seville Cathedral and offers traditional cakes, cookies, and sweets made by resident nuns. I recall walking through an arched walkway to get there and seeing it tucked into the arcade.

While I don’t recall being overwhelmed by the taste of their offerings, I recommend visiting El Torno, as it’s one of those unique things to do in Seville.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Seville

If it’s not abundantly clear, I loved Seville and would highly recommend it for all sorts of travelers, but especially solo ones.

Seville is also a gateway to exploring the unique attractions of Andalusia, offering plenty of opportunities to have a rich cultural experience beyond the city itself.

Do you have any questions about these things to do in Seville I’ve listed? If so, or you have any comments on this Seville itinerary, please feel free to comment below.

Related Seville Travel Guides

• 14 of the Top Things to Do in Seville, Spain, on Your First Trip

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