Plan Your Trip to Seville: Best of Seville Tourism
Seville, Spain
Essential Seville
Things to do
Food & drink
An architect's guide to Seville
- Catedral de Sevilla27,081You can’t ignore the city’s crown jewel: the cathedral. Seville has the largest Gothic church in the world. It was built on top of a 12th-century mosque, but some of the Islamic elements remain, such as the courtyard and the minaret, which was transformed into the elegant La Giralda bell tower. Inside, you can appreciate many treasures, such as the show-stopping main altarpiece and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
- Real Alcazar de Sevilla36,484The Alcazar, or Royal Palace, is a masterpiece of Mudejar architecture. (Mudejar is the term used to name the Muslims that stayed in Spain after the Christian reconquest.) Built in the 14th century with intricate carved walls, it has survived almost intact until the present day. Look familiar? You may recognise it as Dorne’s palace in Games of Thrones.
- Ayuntamiento (City Hall)442I have to hand it to the Italians: Renaissance architecture wasn’t as popular in Spain. But it did inspire a new style in Seville, called Plateresque. The first—and perhaps the most exquisite—example is the City Hall façade. Built in the 16th century, when Seville was among the richest cities in the world, the municipal building is as intricate as the city itself.
- Casa de Pilatos3,865This gorgeous palace belongs to the House of Medinaceli, one of the oldest noble families in Spain. It combines the finest elements of Mudejar and Renaissance architecture, making it an essential visit to understand the city’s various influences. The tilework that covers most of its walls and floors will leave you in total awe. Fun fact: In 1966, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy held a charity gala here.
- Palacio De San Telmo190The Baroque style ruled Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can find many Baroque gems in the city, such as this magnificent palace conceived as a naval academy. Although you aren’t allowed to go inside, you can admire its most important feature—the façade and the impressive entrance. Look closely: The marble doorway depicts allegories of the arts and sciences.
- Plaza de España45,239In 1929, Seville celebrated its first World’s Fair, and this incredible complex was the centerpiece of the exhibition. Inspired by Spanish Renaissance architecture, the columned circular plaza is a symbol of the country, with 50 alcoves covered with coloured tiles representing each province of Spain. It has appeared in many films, including Lawrence of Arabia and the Star Wars prequels.
- Pabellon de la Navegacion - Sevilla200Between the Barcelona Olympics and the Seville World Fair, both in 1992, Spain really stepped into the spotlight. The Pavilion of Navigation, dedicated to the golden age of Spanish navigation, was one of the largest. Created by Seville-born architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, the building has elegant lines and an interior space resembling a ship’s hull. Now, it serves as the city’s naval museum.
- Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)10,377This cutting-edge construction—a towering, latticed wooden structure unlike any other—is the newest addition to Seville’s cultural scene. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in 2011, it has a lot to offer: archeological remains in the basement, a market, some restaurants, and a rooftop promenade with sweeping city views. Tip: Go at sunset to watch the skyline turn gold.
- Centro Ceramica Triana114Cross the Guadalquivir River, and you’ll enter Triana, my favourite neighbourhood and a buzzy nightlife district. I’d argue Triana is even better in the daytime, when you can see its famous ceramics. Set within a former tile factory, this museum honours the craft both inside and out. I love to admire the beautiful façade, which is covered in ceramic pieces.
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Seville travel advice
Public Transport Availability
According to forum posts, Seville offers a range of public transport options. The EA bus connects Seville Airport to major city points like Plaza de Armas and Santa Justa Train Station. From these hubs, travelers can access other cities such as Cordoba, Jerez, and Cadiz via train or bus.
Bus and Train Services
Some travelers have discussed the bus services in Seville, noting companies like Damas for trips to Ronda, which can be booked online. For train travel within Spain, Renfe provides services, including high-speed options from cities like Madrid and Malaga to Seville.
Local City Transport
For navigating within Seville, the EA bus is the primary link from the airport to the city center. Additionally, a 10-ticket bus pass is available, potentially offering savings for multiple trips, and can be purchased at key locations like Santa Justa Train Station.
Park and Ride Options
Travelers have pointed out park and ride facilities such as the large car park at Blas Infante metro station, allowing for convenient metro access into the city. This is useful for those driving into Seville and preferring not to navigate the city by car.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Venues
According to forum posts, popular venues for experiencing Flamenco in Seville include La Carbonería and Los Gallos. La Carbonería is known for its informal setting and often features free performances, making it a favored spot for a more laid-back experience. Los Gallos, located at Plaza de Santa Cruz, 11, is praised for offering high-quality Flamenco shows, often recommended by travelers seeking professional dancing.
Authentic Experience
For those interested in a more authentic and aficionado-focused experience, some travelers suggested visiting a Peña de Flamenca. These venues are typically less tourist-oriented and offer performances that attract local Flamenco enthusiasts.
Additional Recommendations
Travelers have also mentioned Tablo Flamenco Pura Esencia and La Casa del Flamenco as other venues where good Flamenco shows can be enjoyed, with options to purchase tickets online for the latter, ensuring a secured spot at their performances.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Preferred Neighborhoods
According to forum posts, Barrio El Arenal is a popular choice for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to major sights. Travelers have called out Barrio Santa Cruz for its central location and historical charm, making it ideal for those interested in exploring Seville's old town area and accessing public transport easily.
Hotel Recommendations
Some travelers recommend the Hotel Bécquer in Barrio El Arenal for its convenience and amenities, including a garage. Others have suggested staying in accommodations like Sevilla Central Suites in Barrio Santa Cruz, known for its cleanliness and proximity to major attractions.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Ticket Availability and Purchase
According to forum posts, tickets for Seville landmarks like the Alcazar can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel times. It's advisable to book tickets in advance through the official websites. For the Alcazar, the official booking site is www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/. If tickets are sold out, some travelers have found that booking a guided tour can provide access, though this might not include special areas like the Royal Bedroom.
Alternative Ticket Options
Some users noted that if direct tickets are unavailable, alternative methods such as purchasing combination tickets could be beneficial. For example, a combination ticket available at El Divino Salvador Church allows access to multiple sites, including the Cathedral, and helps in skipping long lines.
Additional Tips
Travelers have mentioned the usefulness of visiting official tourist offices upon arrival for additional information and potentially securing last-minute or overlooked tickets. The Andalucia Tourist Office on Plaza del Triunfo was recommended for gathering useful local maps and monument information.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Buying Tickets
According to forum posts, it is advisable to purchase tickets for the Alcazar online in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons. The official Alcazar website is recommended for buying tickets.
Time of Visit
Travelers have suggested visiting the Alcazar early in the morning right at opening time to experience the site with fewer crowds. Alternatively, visiting late in the evening can also be quieter, as suggested by some users.
Guided Tours
Some travelers mentioned that renting an audio guide inside the Alcazar can enhance the visit by providing valuable historical and cultural insights. Additionally, guided tours are available and can be booked through various tour operators online.
Exploring Independently
For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, it's noted that after a guided tour ends, you can continue to walk around the Alcazar's gardens freely for as long as desired. This flexibility is appreciated by many visitors.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Renfe Train Service Availability
According to forum posts, Renfe's schedule for train services is often not posted far in advance, which can inconvenience travelers planning their trips. Some users have noted that Renfe's website may not show tickets or schedules until closer to the date of travel.
Booking and Platform Navigation
Travelers have called out that booking tickets via Renfe can be challenging due to issues with the website interface and payment processing. It's suggested to use alternative payment methods like PayPal when direct credit card transactions fail. Despite these booking challenges, navigation within Seville’s Santa Justa station is reportedly straightforward with good signposting, making it easier for travelers to find their platforms and trains.
Alternative Transportation
For many users, due to the irregular availability of Renfe train schedules, considering buses as an alternative means of transportation is common. Buses are mentioned as competitive in price and travel time, especially for routes where train schedules are not convenient or available.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Easter Celebrations Overview
According to forum posts, Seville's Easter celebrations, known as Semana Santa, are a significant cultural event featuring elaborate processions. These processions involve participants in traditional costumes, including robes and pointy hats, swinging incense through the streets.
Atmosphere and Timing
Some travelers have noted that the city becomes very crowded during Holy Week, with the historic center often packed to the extent that movement becomes restricted. Processions occur throughout the week, with major activities happening from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.
Impact on City Services
Travelers have called out that during Semana Santa, regular city services such as public transport and restaurant operations can be disrupted. Roads are often closed, and many establishments along procession routes may shut down temporarily.
Visitor Experience
For many users, experiencing Semana Santa in Seville is unique and deeply traditional, making it a highly recommended time to visit for those interested in cultural festivities. However, some visitors prefer quieter times due to the extensive crowds and disruptions.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Orange Blossom Timing
According to forum posts, the typical blooming period for orange trees in Seville is around the end of February to the beginning of March. However, the exact timing can vary due to weather conditions.
Weather Influence
Some travelers mentioned that a warm February can lead to an early blossom, as noted in one year when blossoms were already perfuming the streets by early February. Conversely, cooler or variable weather might delay the blossoming to mid-March or slightly later.
Variability and Travel Planning
Travelers have called out that the nature of the blossom is unpredictable, so while planning a trip specifically to experience the orange blossom, it's advisable to monitor local updates close to the intended travel dates. This flexibility can help ensure catching the orange trees in full bloom.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?