Things to do in Seville, Spain. What can you do in Seville?
I’ve been a resident here in Seville for 13 years, and here’s my guide on the top things to do in Seville, Spain. Fancy all this on pdf? Click here Things to do in Seville, Spain.
It’s no wonder that Seville got voted the top European city to visit in 2018. When I first came to Seville I was a bit up myself. I thought I’d seen it all in two days. I’d walked by the River Guadalquivir, checked out the Golden Tower, the Cathedral, went up la Giralda, and had various coffees and beers in the bars in the city.
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Things to do in Seville: Photo by M.Bertulat
Is that it? I thought to myself. I was a bit of a muppet then though. I’d been travelling round the world and thought I was better than Seville.
Turns out I wasn’t.
There are quite a few Seville guides out there about things to do in Seville. This is my own opinion. Apart from the typical things to do in Seville, I’ve also added a few ‘off the beaten track’ things you can do as well, so here goes.
What are the top things to do in Seville?
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Photo by Norm Walsh
You have to see this marvellous part of the city. It’s the largest Gothic Cathedral, and the 3rd biggest cathedral in the world. It’s one of my top things to do in Seville
You can easily spend a couple of hours here as there is so much to see. It’s worth getting one of those funny talking guide phones. I never have, but my parents have and they loved it. There are lots of tour companies that offer tours round the cathedral as part of their deal.
What to see?
The main altar
This is impressive. I would recommend going to mass, even if you’re not religious, as you’ll be able to get a real feel for what it’s like in such an amazing cathedral.
The times vary, but you can check out this Mass Timetable. It’s in Spanish though. Try to see mass in the Capilla Mayor con organo (the main altar with the organ), as this is the most spectacular.
If you can go to mass and sit opposite the altar it’s pretty amazing, especially if the choir are singing. Also, you’ll save yourself a few bucks as mass is free.
There will be security on the door, all you have to say is that you’re going to mass, or misa, and they should let you through.
Good old Chrissy Boy is buried in the Cathedral. In case you didn’t know, he was an Italian dude who discovered that great big country over the other side of the pond, the grand old U.S of A. You can’t miss the tomb, on the right side, and it’s worth looking checking out. Don’t try to climb on the top, as my kids did.
The Orange Patio
This is my favourite part. The orange patio out the back. It’s a lovely setting, especially in spring when the orange trees are in bloom with orange blossom, or azahar. Here you can chill out and take photos. You can also take your mp3 and listen to some flamenco music while in the square. I’ve done this a few times to absorb the atmosphere and think up ideas for my novels.
La Giralda
If you want to see the whole of Seville stretched out before your eyes, then definitely go up this 100 metre tower. It’s a steep walk up the wide stairs, but well worth it. I’d recommend going up twice, once at the start so you can see what’s in store on your trip, and then again when you finish to see where you’ve been.
The views out across Seville show you that the cathedral really is in the centre and such an important part of the city. As I’ve lived here for so long, I have a lot of special memories when I go there now.
You can listen to the bells going off too, which scared the crap out of my son the first time he went up. He was only two at the time, bless him. It was a shame because he used to get so excited about the bells in the cathedral, especially the big ones up the tower. When he was up there with his abuelo (Granddad), they went off. Ever since then, he’s been petrified of the bells.
Why is the cathedral such a special place for locals?
Apart from the obvious religious aspects, the cathedral is important for several reasons. Firstly, because the city’s main Virgen is inside, Virgen de los Reyes. She is kept in the main chapel and is the patron saint of Seville. She is a special Virgen and all brotherhoods pay their respects as they pass through the cathedral in Semana Santa. There is also a special procession on the 15th of August every year, where she comes out and does a route around the city.
I know this because it’s my wife’s Saint’s Day (this is an important day for every Spaniard as it’s their ‘name day’, so they celebrate it in some way, maybe with presents or gifts, or they go out for a meal). I always forget mine, San Mateo, and get reminded of it a day after by a friend of mine at work because she’s from Mallorca and they celebrate this day over there. One day I’ll remember, or someone else will.
Why do I love this place so much?
I love this place because I have a lot of fond memories there. It was where I started to go to mass before getting married. I did a catechesis course when I was about 30 as I wanted to become catholic before getting married to my wife.
We used to go to mass every Sunday. I miss going to mass in the cathedral now that we live in the sticks. The music was uplifting and the speeches were often quite chilled, and not so in your face like some others I know.
For me it’s also special because of when I do my penitence during Semana Santa. Not only is it the most peaceful moment of the walk, the crowds outside just before entering tend to be quite loud, but you can really feel the presence of God and can concentrate on your penitence. It’s a great time to reflect on life and remember those close to you and, sadly, those who have passed away.
So, definitely check out the cathedral and giralda as they are top things to do in Seville.
Check out this video I like on things to do in Seville as well.
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Lovely views in the Alcazar. Photo by enricurboros
The Alcázar – The Royal Palace
When I first came to Seville, there were hardly any queues for this marvellous royal palace. You could wander up at the weekend, or whenever you fancied, pop in (it’s free for residents), and it was as if the palace was your own.
Now the queue is longer than the one for McDonalds on a Bank Holiday Monday. It stretches right round to the bloke who plays his flamenco guitar up in Plaza del Triunfo. So if you want to check out the Alcázar then get there before 9.30am when it opens. As I said, weekends tend to get really busy, so if you can go during the week, better.
Important information
Before I go on, some important information. If you want to enter for free you can book tickets online. It’s only on Monday at 16.00-17.00 from October to March, or at 18.00-19.00 from April to September. Otherwise the prices are 11.50 for adults, or 3.50 for students between 17 and 25 and over 65. It’s always free for children under 16, and residents of Sevilla. You can also see it at night, which has to be pretty amazing.
The reason this royal palace, built for the Christian King Pedro Castile, is still used by the actual royal family when they visit Seville is because it’s one of most spectacular parts of Seville. As soon as you step inside, you can feel the magic that it holds. By the looks of it, good old Pedro was probably partial to the odd patio, and enjoyed strolling round numerous lounges. There’s so much to see and you can spend at least half a day there.
Highlights of the Alcazar
For me, the highlights are the gardens. They are really something else. They are without a doubt the best kept gardens in Seville (not that the gardens and parks in Seville are particularly well looked after anyway). The flowers are always blooming, and the maze bushes are neatly trimmed. If you fancy a game of hide and seek, then I’d recommend the maze garden. It’s like the one in Alice in Wonderland, but without the rabbit and Queen of Hearts, and also Alice, come to think of it.
I take everyone who comes to visit me to the Alcázar. It’s a relaxing place to wander about, sit and absorb the smells of Seville, chase a peacock, and there’s even a pond where you can see carp fighting each other for sprays from the fountain.
It’s the most picturesque place to take some lovely photos too. This is one reason why I chose it for the final scene in my first novel as it’s such a magical place in Seville.
I’ve yet to take my kids there, so I’ve not been for a while, but I used to go every now and then and write, or read in the gardens. I’ll hopefully take them soon, once I’m sure they won’t try to jump in the pond, or throw rocks at the peacocks.
As you leave, there’s a lovely patio out the back called the Patio de Banderas, which is dotted with orange trees. For a great photo opportunity get a spot with la Giralda in the background. Also, when you come out and turn right there’s a delightful tunnel which leads to one of my favourite parts of the area Santa Cruz.
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My favourite square in barrio Santa Cruz. Doña Elvira. Photo by Chelmsford blue
Barrio Santa Cruz (Seville old town)
For me this is the real heart of the city. If we didn’t have kids, and had quite a bit of spare cash, we’d probably live in this part. It shows the real essence of Sevilla with all its traditional tapas bars, hidden corners and pretty spots to see.
It’s a close place to my heart as well because I used to work in a language academy down Mateo Gago, the street directly up from the cathedral. It’s also where I first started chatting up my wife. We hung out in a bar called Columnas, which is a real traditional bar and one of the only ones where you can still get your bill written in chalk on the bar top.
Barrio Santa Cruz is so vibrant and full of people enjoying the tasty tapas and glorious sunshine. It’s a popular place for all tourists and plenty of tours go down this way. You can get a ride in a horse and cart just around the cathedral area. The last time I heard it was about 50 euros for tour round Sevilla.
It’s not the cheapest place to eat in Seville, but you can definitely find bargains. There are several flamenco tablaos too. Los Gallos and La Carboneria (free) are my two favourites.
My favourite spot in the old town is Plaza Doña Elvira, just before the Jardines de Murillo. There are several benches dotted about and you can sit and chill in the square and just watch the world go by.
There are plenty of hidden hotels as well which are situated right in the centre. You can walk most places from here in about ten minutes, so if you really want to be in the thick of it, then stay here to get a real feel for Seville.
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Plaza España, exactly where Simply Red filmed Something got me started. Photo by Calvo Pastor
About ten minute walk from Barrio Santa Cruz, towards the river, is Plaza España. This is the grandest square in the whole of Seville and you have to check it out. You can see Plaza España from many parts of the city as the two towers are symbolic.
It’s been there since 1928 when they did the expo in 1929. As you walk round, you can see various tiled alcoves of the provinces of Spain. They are like mini shrines and represent the various regions. You can wander about the whole square and climb up the stairs to get a decent view of Parque Maria Luisa in the background.
It’s a real pretty place to take a photo, especially if the fountain is on. More recently they have filled up the moat and really taken care of it. You can hire a rowing boat too for about 6 euros for 35 mins and 10 euros for 70 mins. It can get packed at the weekends, so get there early to avoid the queues.
Various films have been set here, including scenes from Star Wars 2, Attack of the Clones, Lawrence of Arabia, and more recently Borat, in his film, Dictator. Unfortunately, he came just as I was getting married, so I never got to meet him.
This is probably my favourite park in Seville. It’s reasonably well kept during the year, but towards the summer it gets parched and can be really dusty. It’s a wide area and you can normally find a peaceful spot for a picnic, or to chill out.
I used to push my son round here in a pram and read while he had his morning nap. Now we take the kids to see the ducks in the ponds and they love it there.
Towards the back end of the park is a decent spot to feed the pigeons. It’s not Mary Poppins, a lot sunnier in fact, and there’s a bar where you can wait for ages and see if you can get served. There are two museums too. If you like archology and old traditional clothes, then feel free to have a look. I’d rather go boil my head in the sun, but each to their own.
Over past Maria Luisa Park you can cross the main avenue and come out to a lovely, normally quiet, part of Seville that, at the moment, doesn’t get too crowded.
When I lived in the centre, towards the end of my time there, when I was just getting annoyed with the crowds and noise, we’d often walk up here with our dog to get out of the city a little. It’s a great spot along the river and there are some nice views towards the port. You can even see them building the famous archway to enter the Fair.
Now there are a few restaurants and bars there, and also an aquarium, but it doesn’t get overly populated. Last year they set up a fake beach there as well. I only popped by to have a quick look, and I’m not sure if they are going to be doing it again.
If you get lucky you might spot a cruise ship passing through, or you might even be on one. It’s the closest they can get to the city without smashing through a bridge and taking off the top of the boat.
If you’re running out of things to do in Seville, then why not go see a game of footy. If you walk a bit further down, away from the city, you’ll come to a big stadium, which, according to Sevillistas, smells a bit of caca. It’s the home to Betis Real Balompie. Over recent years, Betis haven’t been doing great. In fact, since I arrived they have barely done anything, while Sevilla have won 5 Europa League cups, including one where they beat Betis in a quarter final.
Betis and Sevilla fans generally dislike each other, but it’s not pure hatred, not like back in England. Most families tend to support the same teams, but you’ll get the occasional odd ball, like me, who goes against the family traditions.
It’s considered that Sevilla tend to be the posher club, and Betis is more working class, but I don’t want to generalise in case anyone sees me in the street and wants to pop me one.
This is my preferred stadium, but only because I have been forced to support them by my wife and her brothers. To be fair, I had a bad relationship with them at the start, especially after they knocked out my team, Tottenham, in the quarter final of the UEFA cup. I’ve only been a couple of times, to see England lose 2 v 0, that was back when Beckham was playing, and also to see a local derbi, Sevilla v Betis. That was absolutely mental, and you can read about it all on my blog titled Derbies in Spain are insane.
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Puente de Triana
Puente de Triana
This is arguably the best photo shot place. Every time I cross this bridge, I just have to stop to ether take a photo, or see if there are still fish in the darkened river. You can see the whole city from here, including the Giralda, Plaza España, and the Golden Tower. Photo by lacosaystermuymal
Triana
In the old days this was the home of flamenco, and gypsies, and for many people who live in Triana they consider themselves as Trianeros, not Sevillanos. It’s like a separate city, a different universe, away from the rest of Sevilla, and the world. You can get t-shirts saying that you are from Triana: Soy de Triana.
Joking aside, it is a special place. I lived here in my first year, and have a lot of fond memories. I couldn’t live there now though, it’s too noisy, and the flats are quite pokey and old, but if you want to feel life in Sevilla then have a wander round. There are several churches you can see as well. There’s not loads of things to do in this part of Seville, but it’s great to walk about.
A splendid place to have a bite to eat, or a drink in the evening, is Calle Betis. This tends to be for the younger generation at night, but during the day you can find all sorts down here. It’s a lovely spot to have a bite to eat with the city of Sevilla in the background.
Los Remedios
This is considered to be the more pijo – posher – area of Seville, at least for the people who live there. Children always wear those silly tights, which their parents still think is traditional. I just don’t get the point in dressing little boys in tights, especially during the spring and summer, but each to their own. It’s an interesting enough part of the city, and is of course home to the Feria, which makes it one of the most expensive parts to live in.
There’s a really posh club there, Los Labradores, which I was luckily enough to go to one day thanks to a guest pass. It costs a fortune to become a member there though, something like 5,000 euros. That’s just for the life membership, there are monthly fees on top.
There are plenty of places to eat, and there’s a decent Irish bar in Plaza Cuba, where you can watch the footy, or sports events, and have some decent pub grub.
For me the best part about Los Remedios has to be the Parque de los Principes, which is right at the back. You can get the metro here if you don’t fancy walking and get off at Parque Principes, or Blas Infante. It’s the prettiest park here with benches in the shade, a lovely pond to see turtles, and there are a couple of bars inside. There’s a playground for kids too. We often go there from Mairena, as it’s just a couple of stops on the metro, and let the kids be closer to nature for a while.
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The River Guadalquivir. Try saying that after a few cañas. Photo by sky_hlv
A river always makes a city. All of my favourite cities around the world have rivers: London, Granada, Moscow, Bangkok, Granada, and New York. The first time I went abroad on my own was to Bern in Switzerland. I spent a whole day walking up the Aare River, and since then I’ve had a fascination about cities with rivers. There are plenty of things to do in Seville along the river.
The River Guadalquivir is exceptional. Don’t think you can fill up your water bottle from here; its waters are grimier than the sewers under the city. It’s a fantastic place to stroll along and soak up the city though. When I lived in the city I would run along the river three times a week, and it’s probably the only thing I really miss about the centre.
Lots of Olympic athletes come here to train: rowers, canoeists, and even Pooh Stick champions. I think it’s mainly because of the excellent weather we get here, and the number of bridges, so they can train in the winter. You’ll often see them practising along the river.
There used to be fishing competitions on Sundays, but I’m not sure if they do that anymore.
There’s a good 10km stretch that you can stroll along if you fancy a brisk walk. Towards the end (because it is actually a canal, the real river is a behind out of the city) you can do a left and go to the Alamillo Park, or do a right and come to the Alameda.
If you like being with nature, and getting knocked into by kids on the skateboards or roller-skates, then this is the perfect place to be. It seems to be the local shrine for picnic lovers in the spring and autumn. I’m sure that people flock from all over Spain just to come to Alamillo and set up a picnic area. Then they get out their skates and rollerblades and go round trying to knock people over.
There’s so much space here (for picnics, not just walking about) and it’s quite well-kept too.
If you’re a dog lover, and for some reason have brought your dog on holiday with you, then there’s a decent area for dogs to play and smell each other’s bums.
It’s a bit of a walk out of the city, but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and find other things to do in Seville, then get your skates on. There’s plenty of room to find some shade too, and there’s a lake where you can go and chill as well.
I haven’t been here for a while because to walk along from Puerta Jerez with the kids would either kill us, or the kids would pass out in the heat. But we used to go there a lot when we were young, free, and not technically single.
You can check out their website here: Alamillo Park, unfortunately not in English yet.
This is probably the more bohemian part of Seville. I used to live here, just by Café Central. That was back in the day when they still did botellones (excessive drinking parties) in the street. They still happen now, but the police are more on the ball, supposedly.
The Alameda is busy at the weekends. The whole area is vibrant and full of bars, restaurants, clubs, and is always chock-a-block. There are a few parks for kids to play and at Christmas they often put on a fair.
You’ll see that people there tend to let their hair grow long and catch hold of dodgy looking dogs and then don’t feed them, so they look all scraggly and poorly (just like the owners). You can probably smoke weed everyday all day here, just from the fumes from the local residents. Nah, it’s not that bad. I used to go there a lot when I lived there, that was back in the day when I grew my hair long and looked dodgy though. I often thought about buying a scraggly looking dog to fit in, but I couldn’t afford the dog food.
Joking aside, it’s probably one of the best places for a night out. So go and check it out.
La Macarena
The highlight of la Macarena area is the Basilica de la Macarena. If you’re religious, or into visiting the churches. Inside there are three chapels, a museum, and of course the Virgen Macarena. She is probably one of the most famous Virgen’s in all of Spain, and definitely in Sevilla. It’s a walk out of the centre, but a must see. If you’re here during Semana Santa, then check out my Ultimate Semana Santa guide.
Apart from the church, there’s not a load of things to do. It’s more of a residential area. There are a few places you can eat, and it’s cheaper than the centre, but you could have a wonder round.
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The mushrooms are alive!
Las Setas / Metropol Parasol / the Mushrooms
If you walk back round through the Alameda, and down calle Feria (one of the most famous streets in Seville), you can easily get to the giant mushrooms in the sky, or better known as Las Setas. The official name in English is the Metropol Parasol, and it’s one of the best places (after la Giralda) to get a high up view across Seville. Photo by Draxus
When I first arrived, this was just a hole in the ground. I actually climbed up a wire fence to see what it looked like. I’d had a bit too much to drink at the time though and got a scar on my elbow to prove it. Now it’s a huge monument in the centre of Seville.
It’s a modern building compared to the surrounding area, so at the start everyone complained because it didn’t really fit in with the traditional style of the city. Now locals generally like it. Apart from the people who live in flats right around it. Now, instead of having a view across Seville, they have to put up with guiris like us looking in their front room. It must have been quite annoying for them to suddenly lose their privacy. I hope they got a decent pay off, but I doubt it.
There’s a fantastic walkway at the top with a bar and restaurant and you can see the whole of Seville. Go up at night for a special treat as you’ll see all the churches and buildings lit up, it’s quite spectacular.
Alfalfa
This is a lively area to get some tapas, have a coffee, and just stroll about checking out the various squares. It’s probably the best place to hang out and get a feel for what Seville is like and people watch. You can find all sorts here, and it’s not overly popular with the groups of tourists that tend to take over Barrio Santa Cruz.
Not far from Alfalfa is Plaza Salvador, home to the Salvador church as well. This is also one of the liveliest squares in Sevilla, especially on a hot spring or summer’s day. The Salvador church is probably one of my favourites in Sevilla, after Santa Ana in Triana, but that’s because I got married there.
The Museum of Fine Arts / Museo de Belles Arte
This is worth going to, even if it is just to check out the square where the building is. It’s on the other side of Seville, a bit up from the river, and is worth a visit if you’re an art fan and want some more things to do in Seville.
I’ve been a few times, but not for years now. I found some of the art quite morbid. You can get guided tours. Check out the website for more information.
If you like seeing men in funny pink tights prancing about sticking swords in poor innocent animals, then you can always go see a bullfight. The season for watching is from April until about September.
It’s amazing how this ‘arte’ still exists in Spain. I’ve read a lot about it, and had lots of discussions with my students about it as well. I get that there is some form of art. The bullfighting provides jobs, brings in tourism, and the bulls are well looked after during their whole life. They are given the best food, the best cows to hump, and even have their own tablets to watch the Spanish football.
But why do they have to kill them in such a barbaric way?
Anyway, I have plenty to say about this and will be writing a blog. But if you are interested then you can go and see the Bullfighting museum. I’ve been a couple of times, only because people visiting wanted to go. You get a guided tour. The most interesting parts for me were seeing where the bullfighters have their operation if anything goes wrong.
The Golden Tower, right in the River Guadalquivir just up from the bullring, is worth checking out. There are some impressive paintings upstairs of Seville back in the day. There are also some great views along the river. You can also climb to the top and have a look about. It’s only 3 euros, or free for kids under 6, and half price for kids between 6 and 14 and pensioners.
There’s still more I will be writing about Seville. As I live here, it’s quite easy for me to write more guide and blogs. To keep updated for my latest blogs, and also books and discount offers on my books, then join my newsletter . You can get a free copy of How to Become an ESL teacher, and the first four chapters of my novel Falling for Flamenco. I normally write once a month with my latest blog updates.
Here are some examples of the next features I’ll be writing:
The Ultimate Flamenco Guide, including information on the best tablaos in Seville.
Incredible parks in Seville
Spectacular views in Seville
Best museums in Seville
Ideal places to go with kids in Seville
Best churches to visit
And many more Seville highlights
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my guide on things to do in Seville, Spain. If you’re coming over and need help or assistance, then just leave a comment below.
Have a great time. Thanks for reading.
The post Things to do in Seville, Spain. What can you do in Seville? appeared first on A Novel Spain.
