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Seville, the capital of Andalusia, lies along the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain. Centuries of Moorish rule followed by its role as Spain's gateway to the Americas left the city with a remarkable blend of Islamic, Gothic and Baroque architecture. It is closely associated with flamenco, orange trees and spring festivals such as Holy Week and the April Fair.
The vast Gothic Seville Cathedral contains the tomb associated with Christopher Columbus, and its bell tower, the Giralda, began as a minaret and is climbed by ramps rather than stairs. Across the square, the Real Alcázar is a royal palace of tiled courtyards and lush gardens, still used by the Spanish royal family. Between them stands the General Archive of the Indies, which holds records of Spain's colonial empire. The narrow lanes of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, lead toward the Casa de Pilatos, a noble palace. Plaza de España, built for a 1929 exposition, curves around a canal at the edge of María Luisa Park. Near the river, the Torre del Oro and the Real Maestranza bullring are city landmarks, and the modern Metropol Parasol offers a rooftop walkway.
Seville suits travelers drawn to architecture, tapas and nightlife, with evenings that start late. Triana, across the river, is known for ceramics and flamenco roots. Summers are extremely hot, so spring and fall are far more comfortable.
WiserMap travel guideSeville Spain Royal Alcázar Flamenco and Plaza de EspañaDiscover Seville's Real Alcázar, cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España, Santa Cruz and Triana, plus tapas, flamenco, festivals and tips for beating the heat.Read the guide
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and a huge gilded altarpiece. The Giralda bell tower, a former minaret, is climbed by a series of ramps rather than steps for great views. Book timed tickets online to skip the queue.
A royal palace still used by the Spanish royal family, with Mudéjar halls of carved plaster and tiles, courtyards like the Patio de las Doncellas and wide gardens with fountains and peacocks. It was a filming location for Game of Thrones. Tickets often sell out, so book ahead.
A grand semicircular plaza built for the 1929 exposition, with a canal, bridges and tiled alcoves for each Spanish province. Next to it, María Luisa Park has shady paths, fountains and ponds. Rent a rowing boat on the canal, or a bike to explore the park.
A huge modern wooden structure in Plaza de la Encarnación, nicknamed Las Setas, the mushrooms. A walkway on top gives views over the old town, and Roman remains are displayed in the Antiquarium below. Go up at sunset, when the light and city views are best.
A Renaissance building between the cathedral and the Alcázar holding documents on the Spanish empire in the Americas, including papers from Columbus and Magellan. Entry is free, and exhibits show maps and letters. It takes about 30 minutes and is a cool break from the heat.
A 13th-century Almohad watchtower on the bank of the Guadalquivir River, built to guard the port. Inside is a small naval museum, and the top terrace gives river views. It is on the riverside walk between the cathedral area and the bullring.
A 16th-century palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, mixing Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles with a beautiful tiled courtyard, Roman statues and gardens. The upper floor is seen on a guided tour. It is often quieter than the Alcázar and is a great alternative.
One of the oldest and most famous bullrings in Spain, with an elegant white and ochre arena on the riverfront. Guided tours visit the stands, the chapel and a museum of bullfighting history. Tours run most days, but schedules change on bullfight days.
The old Jewish quarter of Seville, a maze of whitewashed lanes, small plazas with orange trees and tiled patios next to the Alcázar. Tapas bars and small shops fill its corners. Get lost here in the morning or evening, when the lanes are cooler and calmer.
A traditional neighborhood across the river, famous for flamenco and ceramics. Cross the Isabel II bridge to the Triana Market, built over the ruins of a castle, then browse ceramic shops on Calle Alfarería. Calle Betis along the river is lined with bars.
A long tree-lined boulevard in the north of the old town, with Roman columns at one end and a lively mix of bars, cafes and restaurants. It is popular with locals in the evenings. Nearby Calle Feria has a traditional food market and a Thursday flea market.
A church in the Macarena district housing the much-loved Virgin of Hope statue, carried in the Holy Week processions. A small museum shows the floats, robes and jewels used in the parades. The Macarena section of the old city walls is just across the road.
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