What to see in Seville

When we think about what to do in Seville, the tourist musts are not enough: enjoy the city like a local in Seville. Start with a walk through the historic center and combine it with an afternoon of authentic flamenco sessions, a visit to a market and, at nightfall, lose yourself among the tapas in the Alameda or Betis districts. Seville offers a combination of culture, nature and everyday life that makes every day a surprise.

During the day, I recommend you combine heritage and leisure: Visiting Seville means exploring amazing monuments, but also stopping on a shaded terrace and enjoying views over the Guadalquivir or discovering contemporary art galleries. Some ideas:

• Climb the Giralda to see a panoramic view of the city skyline, with its rooftops, naves and orange trees.
• Cross the river and stroll through Triana and its ceramics and viewpoints at sunset.
• Enjoy a tapas tour of the historic center and its most iconic bars.
• See an authentic flamenco show in an intimate tablao.
• Relax in gardens such as the María Luisa Park or around the Plaza de España.
• Admire the contrast between ancient Seville and the modern city in emerging districts.

If you only have 24 hours, I recommend this specific guide on what to see in Seville in 1 day.

And if you have more time, you can extend your itinerary with these routes:

- What to see in Seville in 2 days

- What to see in Seville in 3 days

- What to see in Seville in 4 days

Seville Cathedral and the Giralda

Seville Cathedral, the third largest in the world, is a Gothic cathedral built on top of an Almohad mosque. It is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and stunning altarpieces and side chapels. As you climb the old Muslim ramp to the Giralda, you will see one of the most iconic views of Seville.

Real Alcázar of Seville

The Real Alcázar is a living palace: royal residence and monumental building combining Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque styles. The Alcázar gardens are a universe of theirs with tree-lined paths, ponds and hidden areas.

India Files

Along with the Cathedral and the Alcázar, the General Archive of the Indies is part of the heritage triptych that explains the splendid Seville of the Golden Age. It houses crucial documents from colonial trade, relevant treaties and historical maps.

Santa Cruz district

The old Jewish quarter is now a fascinating maze between white walls, flowers, small squares and winding alleys. Here it is best to get lost without a map and to let your sense of intuition take you away.

Triana

On the other side of the Guadalquivir, Triana is a district with its own special identity for its ceramics, flamenco music and houses with picturesque facades. From Betis street you can see Seville reflected in the river. See this guide about what to see in the Triana district.

La Macarena and San Lorenzo

Less touristy but very authentic. Here you will find baroque churches, local markets and a slower pace, perfect for people seeking the most authentic Seville.

Plaza de España

Built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, the Plaza de España is a semicircular-shaped monument with tiles representing provinces and a channel with a boat ride.

María Luisa Park

This former royal estate, now converted into a public park, is the green heart of Seville. Ponds, gazebos and lush plants invite you to take a walk and rest.

Guadalquivir tour

A route from Triana Bridge to the Torre del Oro offers stunning views and a different way of seeing the city.

Seville Museum of Fine Arts

With works by Zurbarán, Murillo and Valdés Leal in a former convent now converted into an art gallery. This is the second most important museum in Spain for Baroque painting.

Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art (CAAC)

Located in the Cartuja Monastery, this space offers contemporary art exhibitions, gardens and remains of the original monastery.

• See the city from the Metropol Parasol.
• Enjoy a flamenco concert in an intimate tablao.
• Walk around the Charterhouse and visit the CAAC surroundings.
• Kayaking on the Guadalquivir.
• Take part in ceramics or tile workshops.

Sevillian cuisine is flavour, history and coming together. Fall in love with all the classics:

• Salmorejo, spinach with Chickpeas, fried fish.
• Tapas such as montaditos, fried pork rinds and cured cheese.
• French toast, pesto and convent sweets.
• Fortified wines such as fine wine or manzanilla.

Markets such as Triana or La Encarnación are great places to try local products.

• Easter: religious brotherhoods, steps and a unique atmosphere. In addition to its big week, you may also see extraordinary processions in the streets or visit the images in its temples.
• April Fair: casetas, flamenco, gypsy dresses and rebujito. 
• Corpus Christi and Christmas: but also with strong local roots.

• Seville Aquarium.
• Boat trips on the Guadalquivir.
• María Luisa Park with bike rental.
• Children's workshops in museums.