Lawrence of Arabia, The Game of Thrones and Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the clones. Seville has been a popular location, not just for travel but also for many wonderful movies throughout the ages. If you ever find yourself wondering why, the internet is a great place for answers.
A Moorish love letter to the world, Seville is truly a place of beauty. As the capital of Andalusia, it has much to offer. It is an extremely picturesque town full of Moorish architecture and lively streets that hold great historic relevance. From History, culture and nightlife to modern restaurants and authentic Spanish Tapas, the Andalusian capital has something for everyone.
With so much to offer, it was only obvious that Seville would be the second destination on our Spanish exploration.
About Seville
The capital of Andalusia, Seville is truly a beautiful city. It is known as the birthplace of Flamenco and bullfighting. It is over 2000 years old and is witness to the rise and fall of many civilisations. Seville prominently displays major Moorish influence which can be seen in its architecture.
Seville also claims to house the largest wooden structure in the world i.e. the Metropol Parasol. For people who like to have fun, Seville is the unofficial birthplace of the Tapas and hosts some of the best fiestas. In summary, there is something for everyone here.
Did You Know?
- The third biggest cathedral in the world is in Seville.
- Seville has its own secret code NO8DO which means “it has not abandoned me” referring to Seville
- Episode 2 of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones was filmed in Seville.
- Gambling is said to have started in Seville
Map of Attractions
How To Use This Map: The icon at the top left corner displays the sidebar which has individual layers. This helps you view the destinations as a list. If you click on the tiny star next to the map title, you’ll be able to save this map into your personal library.
The square bracket icon on the extreme top right helps you view the map on a larger screen. If you want to get details on individual locations, you can click the purple markers on the map.
Enjoy your exploration!
Attractions and Things to do
SEVILLE CATHEDRAL AND LA GIRALDA MINARET
We started our tour of Seville by visiting the Seville cathedral. As with a majority of the buildings in Andalusia, the cathedral finds its origins with the Moors. This is a Seville travel list essential. It is the worlds largest gothic cathedral built between the 15th and 16th century upon the remains of the city’s main mosque.
With approximately 120,000 square feet and 80 chapels, the cathedral must not be visited in a hurry. We took our time, enjoying the architecture and the rich history embedded in the walls.
The most important thing to see is the La Giralda Minaret. The only remnant of the original mosque. The top of the Giralda offers spectacular views of the city. It is quite a climb, but we took our own sweet time, often stopping for a break. Another interesting point of visit is the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. You can also check out the Royal Chapel and the Orange Tree Courtyard.
Fun Fact
The Sight of Christopher Columbus’ tomb is shrouded in mystery. Even in death, the voyager underwent a lot of travel. His remains went from Valladolid (1506) to Seville then to Santo Domingo of the Dominican Republic (1537) after which he was taken to Cuba (1795).
Finally, in the 19th century, after the Spanish relinquished control of Cuba, his remains were taken back to Seville and placed in the cathedral. But the Dominican Republic claims that they never let go of his remains in the first place! So, where he actually lies is pure speculation!
If you want to avoid the queue you can book the tickets in advance. Click here for visiting hours, pricing and booking options
CALLEJA DE LAS SIERPES
We then went on to visit the Calle de las Sierpes. This narrow pedestrian lane is the commercial heart of Seville. It is the main shopping street and is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. We had our lunch in one of the quaint cafes along the street and set out to explore. It was easy to lose your way in the alleys while taking in the wonderful local shops, their people, and the culture.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, shopping or at least visiting here is a must. There are loads of shoe shops. You will also find many artisan and handcrafted products at a decent bargain (should you have the skill. I do not. My mum, however…). Also, remember not to visit in the afternoon between 2-4 pm. That’s their designated siesta time.
REAL ALCAZAR OF SEVILLE
When in Seville, the Real Alcazar is a must visit. Also known as the Kingdom of Dorne in the popular TV Show, Game of thrones, the Alcazar is the showpiece of Seville and a true stalwart of Mudéjar excellence. Its best to book in advance to avoid long lines. You can click here for details.
Set aside a good amount of time to experience the palace and its adjoining gardens. We easily spent about 3.5 to 4 hours here. We purchased our tickets in advance but saw that the lines for entry were quite long with people having to wait for over an hour.
This UNESCO world heritage site is also the oldest active royal palace in Europe with some of its rooms still in function. The exploration was a feast to the eyes, with high ceilings and walls carved with intricate design and myriad colours. Every patio and open garden has an unusual name, meant to conjure the feeling you get when you see it. Therefore, the Room of the Prince, the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Pond of Mercury, and the Garden of Dance, actually look the part. The gardens themselves look like a piece of heaven on earth. You have to see it to believe it.
PLAZA DE ESPANA
We then went to the Plaza de España. It is a gargantuan monument built in 1929 for the Iberio-American Exhibition surrounding the Maria Luisa Park. Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia and The Phantom Menace were shot here. It has many pavilions and combines unique architectural styles and designs, meant to showcase the industrial advancements of Spain.
The entire Plaza is beautiful and majestic. Seeing the mammoth structure, its beautiful architecture, and the boats on the lake among many other sites is a place where you can spend hours on end. If you’re lucky, you may happen upon some Flamenco and other street performers.
METROPOL PARASOL
Another essential on our Seville travel guide is the Metropol Parasol. We decided to pay this structure a visit after sundown and we were not disappointed. Six wooden Parasols artfully mingle with each other to lend the monument the shape of a mushroom. It’s also quite popularly known as Setas de Sevilla, Setas meaning mushroom. The lights lent a different, rather enchanting look to the vast, honeycomb-like modern marvel. Built in 2011, the Metropol Parasol is a photographers delight and provides wonderful views.
BARRIO SANTACRUZ
If your style of travel is wandering in Seville and lose your way while exploring, Barrio Santacruz is the place for you. The Barrio Santacruz while similar to the Albaicín in its winding roads and narrow alleyways, is completely different in character, ambiance, and overall vibe. Every lane gives a unique view of the cathedral tower (Giralda Minaret). The Barrio Santacruz is also a popular place to make as your base in Seville. People love waking up to the lively streets, tapas bars and church views. We spent a wonderful morning combing through narrow alleyways, finding tiny squares and old monuments. Highly recommended!
PLAZA DE TOROS
Last, but most definitely not the least, we visited the Plaza de Toros. The pinnacle and pride of the Spanish Bullfighting scene is a must-visit when you travel to Seville! The building is beautiful and the bullring is massive. The museum is full of historical keepsakes and collections. There are English and Spanish tours that explain all of Spain’s bullfighting traditions. The tours have reasonable prices and are not too long.
If You Have Time to Spare
- General Archive of the Indies. Located just a few minutes away from the Seville Cathedral, The Archive of the Indies is definitely worth a visit. It is full of valuable documents from the likes of Columbus and Pizarro. It is a world heritage site as well. The archive is home to about 43,000 files, 80 million pages and 8000 maps. Entry is free so you can definitely pop by for a visit after the Alcazar.
- Casa de Pilatos. The Casa de Pilatos serves as the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. It displays a beautiful mix of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It is one of the best-preserved buildings of the 16th century, second only to the Alcazar in beauty. Definitely worth a visit when you travel to Seville next.
- Maria Luisa Park. Seville’s favourite park, this place is truly a treat for locals and tourists alike. It has several beautiful sculptures, fountains and installations. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here.
- Torre del Oro. The Torre del Oro is a military watchtower in Seville. Within it lies a beautiful museum taking you through the maritime history of Seville. Climb up the tower for some great views of the city.
- Flamenco Shows. If there was any place to catch a Flamenco show, it would be Seville. It’s simple. When you travel to Seville, you have to experience flamenco show. Check out this guide to Flamenco Shows in Seville.
- Spend time in a Tapas. Relax, eat and enjoy. The three basic rules you have to follow in Seville’s famous tapas. This is the best way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Check out Tripadvisors suggestions on the Best Tapas in Seville.
Day Trips from Seville
- There are several day trips that you can take from Seville. Some of my favourites include Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Aracena and Italica.
- For more such options and suggestions, check out Planetware or The Crazy Tourist
Getting Around Seville
- Walking. The best way to travel within Seville is on foot. It is quite easy to access all the central tourist attractions on foot if your accommodation is within the city centre. We covered Seville on foot and found it quite easy. All you need is a pair of good comfortable walking shoes (I say that for every destination).
- Bikes. Seville is very conducive to bikes so if this is your preferred mode of transport, well and good! Sevici is Sevilles public bike-sharing system. You can easily rent bikes or buy a membership. With a membership, you can swipe your card at any station and take a bike.
- Public Transport. Seville has several modes of public transport like bikes, buses and taxis. If you have a specific destination in mind, the vast network of buses i.e. Tussam is a good option.
- Outbound Buses. There are several ways to travel to other cities from Seville. However, I suggest using a bus. There are several companies that operate to take you outside the city. The buses are extremely comfortable as well. You can check out all options on Rome to Rio. It’s my favourite website honestly.
Best Time to Visit Seville
- Peak Season. Is from February to June. High season in Seville usually occurs around Feria de Abril which is the cultural highlight of Seville. 2 weeks after Easter, the people of Seville eat, drink, socialise and celebrate for an entire week. You’ll find loads of tourists at this time. If you’re not one for crowds go ahead and avoid this period.
- Shoulder Season. This is usually between September and January. Personally, I am a huge fan of travelling during the shoulder season because of waning crowds and low-cost travel. The weather is pretty pleasant, the only downfall being the rain which you might experience from time to time. The month of October is the sweet spot if you wish to travel to Seville.
- Off-Season. This is usually July and August. The sun is high in the sky and summers are raging. The temperatures run really high (35-40 Degrees Celsius). Travel becomes tough and you’re basically sweating bullets. Also, this is when the schools are out, the people are on the streets and could possibly get quite chaotic.
- If you’re planning more than one Spanish destination you can check out Santorini Dave’s Guide.
Where to Stay in Seville
- Historic Centre/ Old Town: Seville is divided into several Barrio’s or neighbourhoods. As such the centre doesn’t have a single Barrio but for reference, it is the area around the cathedral. From here, everything is quite easily accessible with all attractions mostly within walking distance. Accommodation may be slightly pricy but well worth it since you end up saving on transport costs.
- Barrio Santacruz. This is the best place for first-time travellers. It is a beautiful neighbourhood with loads of character. Colourful houses, cobbled stone streets and friendly locals. There is no surprise that tourists choose Barrio Santacruz as their preferred location to stay. Additionally, it’s quite close to all top tourist attractions as well.
- El Arenal. This is the area around Torre del Oro. The oldest bullfighting ring, the Real Maestranza is also located here. This is quite a residential neighbourhood and best for accommodation on a budget.
- Triana. Located on the left side Guadalquivir river, Triana is Seville’s soulful old quarter. Triana has a distinct character with wonderful houses, shops, local restaurants and churches. This makes it a treat to stay for many travellers. It’s also a little away from all tourist attractions so accommodation here is much more budget-friendly.
- Macarena. If you’re thinking about it, you’re not wrong. The famous song actually gets its inspiration from this place. This area is quite groovy and artistic. It’s close to Barrio Santacruz so you’ll be near tourist attractions as well.
- Los Remedios. It’s approximately 20-25 minutes from the city centre. You’ll find some amazing modern diners and houses here. This is starkly different from the other areas of Seville in the way that it does not have the rustic charm rather a modern feel. It is also the central location for Seville’s popular Feria de Abril.
What to eat in Seville
There are plenty of local eats to sample in Seville. Especially for someone who loves meat. And in all honestly when you travel to Seville (Spain in general), you have to try the cuisine.
- Andalusian Gazpacho. A cold soup which is essentially a blend of 5 vegetables i.e. tomato, cucumber, onion, garlic, red peppers. Sometimes also drunk as a beer alternative.
- Paella. When you travel to Spain, you have to try Paella. Simple as that. It is essentially a rice and vegetable dish created with lovely aromatic spices. There are various versions as well. The seafood Paella is the most popular.
- Pork in Whiskey. Fried Pork Loin cooked in a reduced whiskey sauce. This is quite famous in the Tapas bars near Triana. Definitely worth a try.
- Flamenquines. Iberian ham and goats cheese, rolled in pork loin, dredged in eggs flour and breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Definitely a tapas favourite.
- Torrijas. Stale bread soaked in beaten eggs and fried. This is then covered in sugar, honey or condensed milk. This sweet treat is usually eaten during Semana Santa (holy week).
Seville Travel Tips
- Walking. Like I’ve mentioned several times before, Seville’s city centre is easily scalable on foot. All tourist attractions are within a reasonable distance of each other.
- Do a free walking tour. There are several free walking tours that work on a tip-based system. They last for about 2 to 3 hours and cover all major attractions. The start from Plaza del Salvador and end at Plaza de Espana
- Free Entry. Visit attractions when they allow entry without any costs. The Seville Cathedral, for example, allows free entrance on Mondays. You can avoid crowds by going early as well.
- Flamenco. Flamenco shows are the cultural soul of Seville. So, rest assured you’ll end up seeing one. Instead of going for the more expensive Tablaos, seek out local restaurants that host these shows.
- Stay across the river. Both accommodation and food is much cheaper and within your budget.
- Don’t opt for the City Pass. It’s a personal preference of course, but a lot of the attractions in Seville are free and the ones that charge seem to be cheaper on a pay as you go scheme. Additionally, you almost never end up seeing all the attractions that the pass charges you for.
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We know Sevillanos to be fiercely proud of Seville, its culture and heritage, and rightfully so! Life in Seville is a life of laid back enjoyment, afternoon siestas, one too many tapas, and architectural brilliance. Therefore, the life of dreams.
The beauty of Granada had raised the stakes for Seville. But Seville delivered and how! Everything about the Pride of Andalusia will charm your socks off from the get-go. After basking in the essence of this beautiful city, we headed to Cordoba for the third leg of our Spanish holiday.
We hope you liked our recounting of the time we spent in Seville. We would love to hear from you in the comments! Do tell us about your own experiences and adventures. Tell us if you’re planning a trip and how we can help some more. Maybe just to say hey! We love making new friends! We’re always writing new posts and hope to see you on our next one as well.
Until then, Bon Voyage!