This is a post about the top 10 things to do in Seville.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Seville Spain
First and foremost, I have to say, I’ve yet to meet someone who went to Seville and didn’t fall absolutely in love. I’ve been wanting to write about it for a little while and, since people around here are starting to look for warmer shores, I thought I’d get this quick guide to the top 10 things to do in Seville so you can get started planning your trip.
Orange trees on every corner. Flamenco echoing down old alleyways. Golden sunlight bathing rooftops from morning to night. Seville is the kind of city that makes you fall in love fast. One of my favourite things to do was literally walk around, take it all in, enjoy the chilled out atmosphere and stop for tapas in every corner.
If you’re planning a weekend or a full 3-day break, these are the top 10 things to do in Seville to make the most of your time in this warm and wonderful Andalusian capital.
READ MORE: Unlock 14 Dreamy Winter Sun Destinations for the Ultimate Getaway
Quick Travel Guide to Seville
Where to stay in Seville: Vincci La Rábida for a rooftop view of the cathedral, Radisson Collection Hotel Magdalena Plaza Sevilla for stylish rooms and a pool, Casa de Triana Luxury Suites by Casa del Poeta for boutique charm in Triana, Hotel Patio de las Cruces for a great budget-friendly base near key attractions
Best areas to stay: Santa Cruz for history, architecture and atmospheric nights, El Arenal for top restaurants and walkability, Triana for local vibes, flamenco and colourful street life
How long to stay: 2 days to see the highlights, 4 days for a perfect Seville itinerary including a day trip
Best time to visit: spring and autumn are ideal for warm sunshine, winter is mild, bright and crowd-free. Avoid July–August unless you enjoy big crowds and crazy heat
Where to eat in Seville: LA BRUNILDA! Quite possibly the best food in Seville! (the only reason I won’t say it is the absolute best is because I didn’t try every single restaurant)
Plaza de España Seville
Why visit: It’s one of the most beautiful public squares in Europe.
Walking into Plaza de España feels like stumbling onto a movie set. Its sweeping semi-circular palace, tiled bridges and sparkling canal are jaw-dropping in person. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, it’s the perfect blend of grandeur and romance, with each region of Spain represented in ornate ceramic benches.
Best moment: golden hour when the light hits the tiles
Bonus: rent a little boat for the most charming views
From here, wander straight into the leafy Parque de María Luisa for beautiful shaded paths and fountains. Gorgeous, super peaceful park! Loved walking around it!
Royal Alcázar of Seville
Why visit: It’s a living royal palace with centuries of stunning Mudéjar craftsmanship.
The Alcázar feels like walking into a storybook. Delicate carved arches, tranquil courtyards and gardens filled with orange trees and peacocks make it a place you’ll want hours to explore. It’s still occasionally used by the Spanish royal family and famously appeared in Game of Thrones as the Water Gardens of Dorne.
Top tips: book ahead to skip the queues, visit earlier to avoid crowds and take time exploring the gardens, they’re huge
Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tower
Why visit: One of the largest cathedrals in the world and a bucket-list landmark.
Step inside and prepare for your jaw to drop. The cathedral’s towering Gothic interior showcases immense artistry and the tomb of Christopher Columbus draws plenty of attention. Climb La Giralda (once a minaret) by its sloped ramps (no stairs!) for sweeping views of Seville.
When to go: Just before sunset for the most magical city views
Dress note: Shoulders covered if you’re entering during mass hours
Best Tapas in Seville Spain: Tapas Crawl
Why visit: Seville is the ultimate tapas destination and hopping between bars is the true local dining style.
I must say, by the end of our trip, we were both craving a regular meal but, for most of the time, tapas were the best way to go! Especially if you’re walking around and stopping for a quick bite and a cold beer whenever you feel like.
Pop into one bar for croquetas, another for pork fillet with whisky sauce and another just for a glass of Cruz Campo and olives.
Ps: in my opinion, TripAdvisor can be hit and miss. As places are ranked and reviewed by all kinds of travellers who will have different views. Sometimes its rankings are golden but, for me, it didn’t work out so much in Seville… very touristy spots at the top with overpriced, bland food.
Best tapas bars to try
El Rinconcillo – the oldest in the city, since 1670 (disclaimer: QUEUES!)
Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas) – fast, busy and delicious
La Azotea – fresh seafood and modern plates
Bar Baratillo – theatrical décor and great snacks
La Brunilda – I’ll talk about this gem further down
Local tip: stand at the bar, order small and move often
Plaza de Toros Real Maestranza de Sevilla
Why visit: The history and architecture are fascinating even if bullfighting isn’t your thing.
This 18th-century arena is one of Spain’s most important. Guided tours explain the role of bullfighting in Spanish tradition while letting you explore the structure without attending a show.
Alternative: Don’t care for it? Grab ice cream and enjoy a riverside stroll instead. Personally, I strongly dislike any entertainment that involves exploiting animals so this one isn’t for me – on the list here though so you can make your own decision
Flamenco Show in Triana
Why visit: It’s the birthplace of flamenco and you feel that passion everywhere.
Triana’s intimate tablaos offer super cool performances. The emotion, the rhythm, the sheer intensity – there’s no better place to experience it (I haven’t been to Argentina though…yet!).
Where to go: Casa Anselma or Pura Esencia
Book early, small venues fill up fast and consider sitting close so you can feel every stomp
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
Why visit: It’s the most dramatic viewpoint in Seville and surprisingly affordable.
This giant wooden structure rises above the old town like a contemporary mushroom garden. Head up to the walkway for panoramic city views with the cathedral rising above the rooftops.
Best time: Sunset – watch the city turns gold in front of you
If you’re into photography, you can get some cool shots and quirky angles from ground level too
Barrio Santa Cruz Seville
Why visit: Wander-friendly streets that feel like a dream.
It’s where you’ll find the Royal Alcazar palace! The former Jewish quarter is a maze of narrow alleys, tiled doorways and leafy courtyards. It’s almost too pretty to be real. Take your time, follow whichever passage looks appealing and stop often, ideally for a glass of orange wine.
Don’t miss: Plaza de Doña Elvira and the tiny Calle Cruces
Torre del Oro and Guadalquivir River Walk
Why visit: Slow the pace and see Seville from the water’s edge.
The Guadalquivir River shaped Seville’s past as a major port for trade and exploration. Torre del Oro, once a defensive watchtower, still glints in the sun. Walk alongside the river, cross to Triana for colourful houses and local bars or book a scenic boat cruise.
Best snack stop: stop for a tinto de verano by the river
Food Markets in Seville: Triana Market and Lonja del Barranco
Why visit: The best way to taste Seville’s local life is by eating your way through its food markets.
Across the river in Triana you’ll find Mercado de Triana, a lively indoor market built on the foundations of an old castle. It’s where locals shop for fresh seafood, jamón, olives, fruit and pastries but it’s also perfect for grabbing a tapa or two while wandering. The atmosphere is warm and upbeat, with vendors calling out their daily specials and plenty of tiny bars to perch at with a caña. An iconic piece of Seville.
Top bites in Triana Market: fresh tortilla, grilled prawns, empanadas and anything with tuna or jamón
On the other side of the bridge there’s Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a stylish modern food hall right by the Guadalquivir River. Think tapas stalls, wine bars and gelato under one beautiful iron structure (designed by the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower). It’s ideal when you want to try lots of different dishes in one go and even better if you can snag a table outside overlooking the water.
The food is not mind-blowing but there are great snacks nonetheless such as empanadas and (all the) jamón but it’s really nice to sit outside and relax with a cold beer and a cone of ham or ten.
Best time: early evening for drinks and sunset
BONUS: Take a Day Trip from Seville to Cádiz
Why visit: Easily one of the best winter sun beach escapes in Spain. SO cute and chilled!
Cádiz is a coastal gem just 1 hour 15 minutes from Seville by train, making it the perfect add-on to your city break. Think blue water, sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades and some of the freshest seafood imaginable.
What to do in Cádiz:
- Watch the sunset at La Caleta beach
- Wander the old town’s winding streets
- Order pescaíto frito and cold beer at a seaside bar
- Visit Mercado Central for pintxos, more empanadas and more jamón! Great vibes, especially in a warm evening
- Grab deliciously indulgent Argentinian snacks at Mesón de las Américas
READ MORE: Best European Winter Sun Destinations for a Warm Getaway
Where to Stay in Seville
I must reiterate… I loved my hotel Vincci la Rabida! Sitting on a quiet street in the old town, it’s close enough to the action without the noisy crowds. As per usual, I need to talk the breakfast buffet which was delicious and you could have it in the patio. Not to mention the rooftop restaurant with an insane view of the cathedral!
Best Sunset Spots in Seville
Metropol Parasol walkway
Triana Bridge overlooking the river
Plaza de España for golden light on the tiles
Rooftop bars near the cathedral like Pura Vida Terrace
Best Places to Eat in Seville
La Brunilda for probably the best food in Seville! I don’t really know how to explain… this was a recommendation from my brother who absolutely loves good food and Seville. Out of all the recs, this was the one he said was unmissable. And girl, he was right! We’ve been recommending it to anyone and everyone heading to Seville ever since we fell in love with it.
Here’s a little random collage with a taster of our meal (mind you, I – clearly – wasn’t trying to get the perfect shot, just something good enough to make my brother jealous 😂 we’ve got a whatsapp group where all we share are food photos from our trips! I’m telling you, it’s a serious subject)
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El Rinconcillo for the classics
Bar Las Teresas for jamón and sherry
Bar El Comercio for the best morning churros
Hotel Doña María rooftop for tapas with a view
Frequently Asked Questions About Seville Spain
Is Seville worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s warm, walkable, full of history and incredible food. A perfect European city break.
Is Seville safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. The centre is generally safe and lively at night. Normal city awareness applies.
How many days do you need in Seville?
2–3 days is ideal for most first-time visitors.
What is Seville famous for?
Flamenco, tapas, orange trees, Moorish-influenced architecture and the gorgeous Plaza de España.
When is the best month to visit Seville?
April, May, September and October for perfect weather. Winter also offers mild sunshine without the crowds. I got summer heat in early October!
Which is better to visit, Seville or Granada?
Different vibes. Seville is larger, sunnier and livelier. Granada has the Alhambra and mountain scenery. Many travellers do both.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know if it’s the right word but Seville has flair. It’s a city of relaxed atmosphere, sunlight and unexpected beauty around every corner. You’ll spend your days exploring grand palaces and lively squares and your evenings hopping between tapas bars, soaking up the sound of clapping hands and flamenco footwork. Whether it’s a quick winter escape or part of a bigger Andalusian adventure, these top 10 things to do in Seville will make sure your trip is unforgettable.
This was a post about the top 10 things to do in Seville.
