by Putti Tiasuwan (Neng) 

Southern Spain's Largest City, Home to Carmen, Don Juan, Figaro, and the Gothic Cathedral Resting Place of Columbus

A. About Seville

Nickname: El Sartén (The Frying Pan)

Seville, southern Spain's largest city situated on the River Guadalquivir has been home to the operas Carmen, Don Juan, and Figaro, and its marvelous Gothic cathedral is the resting place of Columbus.

Across from the Cathedral is the Real Alcazar, a splendid medieval Islamic palace with its beautiful gardens. The spectacular Plaza de España is a semi-circular brick building in neo-Moorish style with a tower at either end. In front of the building is a 500-meter canal.

Best Things to do in Seville

➕ The Good

With the three excellent attractions mentioned, Seville scores deservedly high for its sights and pedestrian zones and decent in all other categories

Situated in the south of Spain Seville furthermore enjoys a highly appealing climate most of the year.

Negative Aspects

Amazingly, Seville has no prominent weakness and is endowed with no criteria with a somewhat low score.

Just try to avoid a visit during July or August, because of the often unbearable heat in these months.

 

B. Best Things to Do in Seville in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than fifty sights in Seville. The following sights contribute to a score of 7.55/10 in this most important category:

# REAL ALCÁZAR 8 4.1 out of 5 stars

This complex of palaces and fortifications, originally erected in the 14th century by Moorish Muslim kings and expanded over different historical periods, today stands out as a magnificent combination of Christian and Mudéjar architecture.

The crowning features include the luxurious Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) with its marvelous 15th-century cedarwood cupola and the magnificent Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) with its large, rectangular reflecting pool in the center. 

Palatial Buildings 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1987

Best things to do in Seville | Best Cities | No. 17: Seville | REAL ALCÁZAR (Palatial Buildings)

# Plaza de España 8 4.1 out of 5 stars

Arranged in a half-circle shape, this fabulous plaza with its highly attractive neo-Moorish buildings, towers, channels, and bridges is unquestionably among the most spectacular in the world.

It was designed for Seville's Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

Square

Best Things to do in Seville | Best Cities in the World | No. 17: Seville | Plaza de España (square)

 

# CATEDRAL DE SANTA MARÍA 8 4.1 out of 5 stars

Once you enter this gargantuan cathedral — the third-largest church in the world — marvel at remarkable works by Zurbarán, Murillo, or Goya, more than forty chapels, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the tomb of the famous explorer Columbus, held by four carved pallbearers.

Likewise, from outside Seville Cathedral, which was completed in 1519 after more than one hundred years of construction, looks highly impressive.

Roman Catholic Cathedral 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1987 | Completed: 1519 | Style: Gothic

Best things to do in Seville | Best Cities in the World | Seville | CATEDRAL DE SANTA MARÍA (Seville Cathedral)

# Santa Cruz 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

With its maze-like streets, picturesque alleys, and orange-tree-covered small squares this is the most popular and charming neighborhood in Seville. 

Santa Cruz is also home to numerous of Seville's top sights including the majestic Cathedral with its Giralda Tower and the Royal Alcázar.

City District

 

# LA GIRALDA  6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Climb the thirty-five wide ramps of the iconic bell tower of Seville’s Cathedral for breathtaking panoramic views.

Originally erected as a minaret at end of the 12th century, the 104.1 m-high (342 ft) Giralda tower has seen later additions like the Renaissance-style top.

Historic Tower | Viewpoint 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1987 | Total Height: 104.1 m / 342 ft

# Metropol Parasol 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Completed in 2011, this ultra-modern sprawling structure, consisting of six enormous entirely wooden umbrellas, is a highlight of contemporary architecture.

Commonly referred to as “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms) this almost organic structure features a spectacular observation deck with a panoramic walkway, bars, a market, and a small archaeological museum.

Modern Building | Viewpoint Total Height: 26 m | Completed: 2011

Best Things to do in Seville | Best Cities in the World | Seville | Metropol Parasol (view, modern building)

# Casa de Pilatos 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Dating back to the 14th century, this beautiful private palace combines Mudéjar and Italian Renaissance elements and features a beautiful large garden.

Andalusian Palace Built: 14th century

Best Cities in the World | No. 17: Seville | Best Things to do in Seville | Casa dos Pilatos

by Mario Fernández / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Housed in the former convent of the Merced Order, Seville’s most important art collection focuses on the work of Seville School masters, namely Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Juan de Valdés Leal, and Francisco de Zurbarán.

Museum Most Famous Painting: "Virgen de las Cuevas" by Francisco de Zurbarán (1644)

by Anual / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Torre del Oro 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This iconic 12-sided former military watchtower on the banks of the Guadalquivir River houses today a small naval museum.

Historic Tower Total Height: 20.70 m | Built: 1220

Best Cities in the World | No. 17: Seville | Best Things to do in Seville | Torre del Oro

by Jebulon / public domain

# Parque de Maria Luisa 5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Designed in a mix of 1920's Art Deco and mock Mudejar, this beautiful park next to the Plaza de España is home to sprinkling fountains, tree-shaded avenues, and the beautiful monument to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, and a fountain with lion sculptures.

Park Land Area: 0.4 km2 / 100 acres | Created: 1911

Things to do in Seville | Best Cities | No. 17: Seville | Parque de Maria Luisa (Maria Luisa Park)

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Seville

    • Iglesia del Salvador (Church of The Saviour) 5
    • Jardines de Murillo (Park with Giant Trees) 4
    • 🌍 GENERAL ARCHIVE OF THE INDIES (Building, World Heritage Site since 1987) 4
    • Torre de los Perdigones 4
    • Palace of San Telmo 4
    • Basílica de La Macarena 4
    • Palace of Las Dueñas 4
    • Archaeological Museum 4
    • Palacio de Lebrija 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Seville

🌍 CORDOBA (City, 140 km from Seville, 42 min by train) 7

Cadiz (City, 121 km from Seville) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Seville (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Seville for at least two entire days.

🌍 REAL ALCÁZAR (Palatial Buildings) 8

Plaza de España (Square) 8

🌍 CATEDRAL DE SANTA MARÍA (Cathedral) 8

Santa Cruz (City District) 7

🌍 LA GIRALDA (Bell Tower) 6

Parasol Mirador (Modern Building) 6

Casa de Pilatos (Andalusian Palace) 5

Museo de Bellas Artes (Art Museum) 5

Torre del Oro (Historic Tower) 5

 Parque de Maria Luisa (Park) 5