Tourist Attractions in Seville Spain
That you are here is an indication that you are planning to visit Seville Spain. I know you are curious to know the major Seville landmarks so that you are able to make the best use of time during Seville sightseeing in Spain, especially if you are there just for a day.
I was equally eager to know the tourist attractions in Seville before my visit. So I have you covered with my travel blog on Sevilla, a pretty town in the Andalusia region of Spain, with best places to Visit in Seville and a list of interesting things to do in Seville in one day.
I travelled to Spain with my family during my kids’ vacations. We had hired a car in Barcelona and did the road trip through Spain and Portugal for 15 days. We reached Seville at night after a long road trip from Granada. Next day, the early morning rays disclosed the charming town, the cobblestone paths with palm-lined promenades; local people going about their daily businesses and tourists going around with curious eyes.
Check this: 16 Exciting Europe Day Trips by Road
Is it worth visiting Seville?
If you are unsure about adding this pretty town to your Spain itinerary I will say get rid of those inhibitions and add at least one day in Seville to your travel plans in Spain. To be frank my main reason to visit this city was to watch the Flamenco Dance, which I am glad I did. See here: Flamenco Dance in Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia, the fourth largest city of Spain. Not only that it has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: its Cathedral, the Alcazar and the Archive of the Indies which are the top tourist attractions in Seville.
Best Things to Do in Seville Spain
How to reach Seville
Before I explain more about Seville Spain attractions let me chalk out the possible ways you can get to Seville UNESCO Heritage site. Quickest way to get to Seville would be by flight.
By air: There is no direct flight to Seville from India. You have to break the journey at say Barcelona or Madrid and take flights. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling Airlines all fly direct to Seville. Nearest airport to Seville is Sevilla (SVQ) Airport which is 7.9 km away.
By road: If you are a fan of road trips, the best way would be to hire a car and reach at your own leisure, halting along the way, devouring the sights and relishing the local dishes along the way. We did just that. Read here: Road Trip through Tourist Attractions South of Spain
Distance from Granada to Seville is 250 km, which takes 2 hr 37 min via A-92. Distance from Cordoba to Sevile is 142.5 km that takes 1 hr 31 min via A-4.
Alternatively you can take a direct bus from Granada to Sevilla. It will take around 3 hrs and tickets can cost on average 31$. The direct buses from Cordoba to Sevilla take 2h5m and cost 19$.
Reach Seville by Road
By train: Another option is take the train rides from the different cities of Spain.
54m to travel from Cordoba to Seville by train, ticket prices from Cordoba to Seville cost around €9.65
2h 39m to travel from Granada to Sevilla, tickets cost 34.71$. Always try to book in advance to get discounts.
There is a direct train from Madrid to Sevilla. However, budget flights from Madrid work cheaper than high speed trains.
Tourist Attractions in Seville Spain
All set to see the Seville top attractions? Be ready to see the drop dead gorgeous Seville architecture, well preserved in the medieval era buildings. The monumental complex in the heart of Seville epitomizes the Spanish Golden Age! They imbibe in their structures the vestiges of Islamic culture, centuries of ecclesiastical power and royal sovereignty.
Places to Visit in Seville
Like many other European towns, Seville too is quite walkable. The narrow streets are very pedestrian friendly, add to it the closely knit shops and cafes of this historic city makes walking a happy experience.
There is a lot to see by foot, here is a list of best places to visit in Seville.
Seville Cathedral
Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is the name for Seville Cathedral in Spanish. I will mention the highlights and the main attractions of the cathedral to get an overall idea of what to see in Seville Cathedral.
Highlights of Cathedral in Sevilla:
- Built in Gothic and Renaissance style, covers seven centuries of history
- Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage
- Construction lasted over a century, from 1401 to 1506
- Occupies the site of the 12th century Aljama mosque, built by the ruling Moorish dynasty
- Visitors are asked to dress appropriately.
Main attractions of Cathedral in Sevilla are:
- Remains of the mosque: the Patio de Naranjas, the Puerta del Perdon (Gate of Forgiveness)
- La Giralda (formerly the minaret, now the bell tower) – The Giralda is the only remaining structure of the 12th-century mosque that stood in the place of Seville Cathedral. Today it is the bell tower of the cathedral. The minaret had a series of ramps so that guards could ride to the top on horseback. Today, the ramps serve the purpose for visitors to ascend to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the city below. The bell tower is capped with a bronze weathervane called El Giraldillo, a symbol that represents the triumph of faith.
- Tomb of Christopher Columbus – the Spanish explorer
- The stuffed crocodile, known as El Lagarto
- Tour time required: It will take you about an hour and a half to two hours, especially if you include the climb up Giralda tower for the city views from the top.
Tickets: General: 9 €
Pensioners and Students 4 €
Free entry for Seville residents, under 14yrs, disabled, and unemployed
IMPORTANT: You can visit the Seville Cathedral for free on Mondays from 4.30 PM to 7 PM for only 70 visitors. The Seville cathedral has long queues, so book tickets in advance.
Timings: Monday: 11 AM to 3.30 PM (4.30 PM to 6 PM free audio guide when reserved in advance) Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday: 2.30 PM to 6 PM
Catedral de Santa María de la Sede
Royal Alcazar of Seville
Visit to this complex of buildings and the gorgeous gardens will become your most treasured memories especially if you love history, architecture, art, and culture. The Alcazar of Seville is the oldest royal palace in use in Europe. It was devised as a fortress to protect the Muslim authorities.
What to see in Royal Alcazar of Seville
- Puerta del León, The Lion’s Gate – an image of a crowned lion holding a cross and a gothic script on the entrance wall to the Alcázar is noteworthy.
- Palacio del Rey Don Pedro – The Palace of Peter I was constructed in the 14th century, this will remind of Nasrid’s Palace in Alhambra Granada.
- Patio de Las Doncellas – The Palace of Peter I wraps around what is also known as the Courtyard of Maidens, a waiting room for maidens before their duties began
- Salón de Embajadores – The opulence of the Hall of Ambassadors will leave you stunned. It has a gorgeous gold-foiled dome that soars high above.
- The Royal Apartments – The private quarters of the Royal Family, where the royal family resides to this day when visiting Seville. Strict entry regulations apply here. Photography is prohibited and visitors may only enter with a pre-paid ticket.
Tickets to Alcazar: Alcazar Seville entrance fee: €11.50 per adult, student tickets €3, children under the age of 16 are free. Entrance to the Alcazar is free of charge on Mondays. Tickets including access to the Royal Quarters are €16 for adults or €7.50 for students, €4.50 for children under the age of 16.
Timings: The best times to visit the Real Alcazar palace complex and gardens in Seville are in the morning or towards the end of the day. Try to avoid weekend and holiday periods to avoid crowds.
IMPORTANT:
- It is essential to take your documentation (DNI/Passport) on the day of the visit. If the information provided does not match the visitor’s, the Real Alcazar may prevent access to the monument.
- Audio guide or guided tour is essential to appreciate the intricate details and history of the complex.
- Strict dress code of the Cathedral: Covered shoulders, no miniskirts or shorts, no beach shoes.
Time required: Set aside a dedicated two hours to explore Royal Alcazar even if you just have one day in Seville. There is a lot to see and do.
Archivo General de Indias
If you are a diehard fan of UNESCO sites I would suggest you include the General Archives of the Indies located near Plaza del Triunfo in central Seville in your day trip to Seville. Known as The Archivo General de Indias (or AGI), it is a major Spanish archive that contains all documentation regarding the country’s overseas territories relating to the Spanish colonial period. Brace up yourself to see over 43,000 documents, with some 80 million pages of original papers which occupy eight linear kilometres of shelving. The place was created in 1785 from an old building that has a history that dates to 1646.
Plaza de España
Plaza de Espana (transl. in English – Spain Square) is most imposing and stunning plaza in the Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park), in Seville, Spain. Not much to do other than walk and admire the grand architecture.
In 1929, the Plaza hosted the inauguration of the Ibero-American Expo and continues to host many events for the city even today. You can’t enter the rooms. Take a walk along the upper balcony for some great views. The walls are decorated with medallions with faces of distinguished Spaniards. It was the location for the shoot of famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Episode II of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.
It is for buildings like these, Seville is considered as one of the most architecturally profound destinations in the world!
Rent row boats to go around the small boating moat in front of the buildings. The sight of the fountain, free sights of daily flamenco buskers or a Spanish guitarist adds quality to the whole experience. Cater for time to walk around the adjoining park too. It really is tranquil and beautiful.
Some symbolic representations are: The four beautiful bridges that cross the canal represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain, 49 Spanish provinces are represented in the form of tiles.
Without doubt, Plaza de España is one of top tourist attractions in Seville Spain. Visit twice, during daylight and night, as it gives different perspectives to take pictures.
Plaza de España – Tourist Attractions in Seville Spain
Casa de Pilatos
A fairly preserved monument from 16th century, Casa de Pilatos(trnsl. Pilate’s House) is worth a visit to see the unique combination of Gothic, Mudéjar and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. The palace was named after the named after the house of Pontius Pilate. It was originally intended to make a replica of the House of Pilatos which Fadrique Enriques de Ribera had seen when he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Today it serves as the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli.
Walk through the arches of the patio of Casa de Pilatos; you will see busts of Roman emperors and Greek gods. The marble columns and floors, long corridors, ceiling paintings, large wooden doors, mudéjar tiles (Azulejos) and chapels are a sight to behold! Stroll through the gracefully decorated palace gardens.
This splendid palace is located in the in the Plaza de Pilatos in Santa Cruz district of Seville.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Ticket Price: 8 EUR
Time required: two and half hours
Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija
The Lebrija Palace or Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is a house-museum in central Seville, Spain. This is yet another famed 16th century example of architectural grandeur with a palace with Arabic style arches and courtyard decorated with Roman mosaics and sculptures.
Luckily it caught the eye of the wealthy Countess of Lebrija. She bought this palace in 1901 and renovated it to incorporate her extensive collection of Roman artefacts, amassed over years of travel and participation in archaeological digs.
Take the guided tour of the upper floor that has her extensive library. The residential areas are filled with other eclectic styles that interest her. Ground floor and central courtyard include beautiful mosaic pavements and a truly exquisite statue.
Tickets: The €12 entrance fee includes a guided tour, approx. 25 min, of the upstairs living quarters.
Timings: Open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is a guided tour of the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija every hour.
Time required: Around an hour
Library in Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija – tourist attractions in Seville
Things to Do in Seville Spain
While you are at the list of places to visit in Seville include one or more of the following things to do in Seville to make your day trip to Seville more exciting.
Horse and carriage tour that starts right outside the cathedral – I did not take this, but it seems like a popular activity with many tourists. A completely unnecessary activity in such a beautiful city like Seville in Spain! : (
Flamenco Dance – It is believed this foot tapping dance with graceful movement of body has Indian, African, Islamic and Jewish roots. You can book in advance for the shows held in the city. Read more: Flamenco Dance in Seville
Seville Cuisine – Gastronomy and tasting the traditional tapas and flavours of Seville is a must do thing while you are touring the top tourist attractions in Seville for the real and complete Andalusian experience. Tapas culture is an integral part of life in the city. Try the Tortilla de Patatas, Montaítos, Pescaíto frito or Caracoles. We had some funny experiences too. Read more: Two short travel stories from my vacation in Spain
Semanta Santa Festival in Sevilla – Time your visit to witness the Holy Week in Seville (In Spanish: Semana Santa de Sevilla). It is one of two biggest annual festivals in Andalusia, Spain. You can see the marching in procession of brotherhoods of the church and penitents. This is followed by elaborate floats with 17th century images of the Virgin or Christ.
Easter Semanta Santa Festival in Sevilla
Kayaking on River Guadalquivir – Indulge in fun and athletic adventure in Seville with a 2.5 hour kayaking tour along the Guadalquivir River. Paddle down this calm waterway while enjoying the riverside sights of the Triana district, La Cartuja Island, the Maestranza bullring and the 1992 World Expo grounds.
Space Metropol Parasol – With its dimensions of 150 m by 70 m and an approximate height of 26 m Metropol Parasol is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. A modern structure, a huge contrast to Seville’s heritage architecture, it was completed in April 2011 is worth a visit.
Metropol Parasol – tourist attractions in Seville
Is it possible to see Seville in one day?
It is possible to do Seville sightseeing in one day. A typical one day itinerary for Seville will include the following:
- Seville Cathedral with climb to Giralda – 2.5 hrs.
- Royal Alcazar – 2 hrs.
- Lunch at Tapas – 1 hr.
- Plaza de Espana with visit to Maria Luisa Park – 2 hrs.
- Casa de Pilatos – 2.5 hrs.
- Flamenco Dance – 1.5 hr.
What is the best time to visit Seville Spain?
The best time to visit Seville is from March to May. Seville weather is very pleasant then. I visited in the month of May when summer wasn’t full blown yet. The temperature was mild, not much tourist traffic and the hotels had relatively lower rates.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
