Top 10 Attractions in Seville

Rich in charming historical sites and lush green havens, this Andalusian destination has a bountiful supply of things to do. Discover the city’s finest treasures and the best things to see with our guide to the top 10 attractions in Seville.

1. Real Alcázar

With its exquisite Christian and Mudéjar design, Real Alcázar is the city’s spectacular centerpiece. This UNESCO-listed palace has an incredible history, having stood proudly in the heart of Seville since the 9th century. Its lavish Moorish rooms are clad in technicolor tiles and plasterwork, while outside you can enjoy the grandeur of the beautiful courtyards. Keen Game of Thrones fans will find the Alcázar familiar, as it was used to film scenes for the Kingdom of Dorne.

Your entry ticket also grants you access to the royal palace’s mesmerizing formal gardens, where you can enjoy a stroll between the fountains. Finish your visit at the Galeria de Grutesco, a gorgeous gallery offering green-tinged views of the sprawling complex.

2. Seville Cathedral

Admire the Gothic beauty of Seville Cathedral – it’s the biggest of its kind in the world, rivaled only by basilicas in the Vatican and Brazil. This 15th-century masterpiece was built to flaunt Seville’s wealth and replace a mosque that once stood on the site, which had been destroyed during a city-shattering earthquake. Make your way inside to soak up its sheer scale – wander the enormous central nave and head deeper into the complex, with 80 chapels and a goldmine of art to discover, mostly from the city’s 17th-century Golden Age.

Stop off at the epic tomb of Christopher Columbus, the famed explorer who was the first European to discover America. Although the monument is supposed to contain his remains, rumor has it his bones are buried elsewhere.

3. Parque de María Luisa

Escape Seville’s bustling streets at Parque de María Luisa, a green haven sandwiched between the Guadalquivir River and the Plaza de España. This beautiful expanse of manicured gardens is the perfect place for a romantic stroll or for little ones to play. Snooze under the shade of trees, rest on one of the tiled benches, or pop into the Museo Arqueológico to see a collection of Roman sculptures and other artwork.

4. Plaza de España

Seville’s signature flamboyant architecture is best seen at Plaza de España. This lavish brick and tile creation is truly a dream; complete with fountains, canals, and bridges. Explore the vast square, next to Parque de María Luisa, to see the tiled art that pays homage to the 48 provinces of Spain. You can also save your feet from walking and rent a row boat – just sit back and cruise along the plaza’s canal.

5. Torre del Oro

Wander along the riverside to Torre del Oro, a striking 13th century Berber watchtower. Built to defend Seville’s port, this golden tower has witnessed much of the city’s history. Explore the onsite maritime museum and learn about local naval history, before climbing the spiral staircase to the rooftop platform where you can admire views of the glistening river.

6. Casa de Pilatos

Feast your eyes on the striking Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudéjar architecture of Casa de Pilatos. You’ll find this dreamy Andalusian palace on the edge of the city’s Santa Cruz district, which still functions as a home for the ducal Medinaceli family. Wander the 15th-century mansion and drink in the colorful tilework and decorative ceilings. Jaw-dropping, arcaded galleries await in the courtyard outside.

7. La Maestranza

La Maestranza is the oldest bullfighting ring in the country, with history dating back to 1758. The museum and guided tour will give you some insight into the sport’s history and how it survives today.

8. Giralda

Don’t miss Giralda, the enormous bell tower inside Seville’s enormous cathedral complex. A relic of the city’s Moorish heritage, it was built around the original Almohad minaret of the mosque that once stood on the spot. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the cathedral’s buttresses, statuary, and the city beyond.

9. Metropol Parasol

In stark contrast to the old quarter around it, Metropol Parasol is a huge mushroom-like wooden structure. Found in La Encarnación Square, travel up to the honeycombed roof and wander the winding walkway to soak up the vistas and panoramic views across the city. Back down on the ground, visit Museo Antiquarium to see some of the city’s Roman and Moorish remains.

10. Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes

Venture inside the grand and impressive Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes to discover a rich collection of 17th-century art. Once offering accommodation to priests, it houses painted masterpieces and a chapel decorated with colorful frescoes. Outside, the central courtyard is beautiful and calm, enclosed by an elegant gallery of arches and decorated with glazed tiles and an eye-catching fountain.

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