As you plan your trip to one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, you’ll discover there are many amazing things to do in Seville. A top-tier cultural destination, Seville is quickly rising in popularity, with over 2 million tourists visiting the Andalusian capital each year.
Between the Moorish architecture, cobblestone streets, and polka-dotted flamenco dresses, you’ve probably seen many Seville attractions on your Instagram and Twitter feeds. Take a look and see which of these recommendations aren’t on your bucket list yet.
1. The Royal Alcázar of Seville
One of the top things to see in Seville, you can’t visit this city without touring one of its crown jewels. A landmark of Spain, the Royal Alcázar is an incredible beauty, and a UNESCO World Heritage palace of Spain’s royal families.
Famous for its luscious gardens and intricate tile work, the Royal Alcázar is influenced by both Christian and Moorish architecture. Between the ornate ceilings, regal chambers, and beautiful courtyards, the Royal Alcázar has an interesting and complex history.
The entirety of the Alcázar grounds took over 500 years to build. Its roots began in the 11th century when the Muslims built it as a fortress to protect the plaza on the bank of the Guadalquivir river. The river connected to the city’s port, which became a hub of economic activity and solidified Seville’s wealth in the 16th century. Many Kings and Queens lived at the Alcázar, conducting important meetings with some of Spain’s most infamous figures, including Christopher Colmbus.
As you plan your visit to the Royal Alcázar, don’t hesitate to grab a skip-the-line ticket. The Royal Alcázar is known for its beauty as well as its long wait times. Better yet, hop on a guided tour to gain some historical context around the royalty that ruled the Alcázar.
Game of Thrones fans will be happy to know there’s a tour for you! Many of the scenes from season five were filmed in the Alcázar, and you’ll get to stand in the same pavilions as Jaime Lannister. This 2-hour guided tour is available in both English and Spanish and is full of behind-the-scenes stories and secrets from the cast and crew.
Be sure to grab the Tickets for Alcázar of Seville: Game of Thrones Guided Tour before they sell out!
2. Walk the Plaza de España
This stunning landmark was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exhibition and is now home to government offices. The beautiful plaza’s relatively new addition to Seville means it lacks historical significance compared to the rest of the ancient city. Its 50,000 square meters complete with canals, Venetian-style bridges, and vibrant mosaic tiles represent the 48 different regions of Spain.
It’s an absolute must-stop on your visit to Seville. Game of Thrones and Star Wars fans may even recognize a few famous scene locations.
3. The Seville Cathedral
One of the other amazing things to do in Seville is visit the Catedral de Sevilla. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Seville Cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic church and the third-largest Cathedral in the world.
The Seville Cathedral was built to show off the city’s wealth produced by its economic port. The Cathedral was built on the remains of a mosque, and you can still see some original elements in the preserved Moorish entrance and bell tower, La Giralda.
You can either book a tour of the Cathedral by itself, or combine its beauty with the other must-sees of the city: the Royal Alcázar and the bell tower, which you can climb for wonderful views of Seville. This comprehensive tour provides an official guide to clue you in on all the drama behind the Spanish dynasties. Of course, you’ll also get the lowdown on many recognisable Game of Thrones filming locations.
📍 A little secret tip from those in the know: If you want an unbeatable view of the Cathedral and its bell tower, there are a few local rooftop bars nearby. Different options are just a Google search away, but you can’t beat the atmosphere of Pura Vida Terraza or Terraza Hotel Doña María.
4 The Aire Ancient Baths
A spa day in the ancient undergrounds of Seville? Sign us up! One of the most relaxing things to do in Seville, you won’t regret indulging yourself at the Arab Baths. These baths are just a few steps away from the Cathedrale, and are designed in the style of a Mudéjar palace. These baths cover more than five centuries of history, embracing both Roman and Islamic roots and the long-lost custom of the hammam.
The hammam is a relaxing tradition inspired by the Romans, who used connecting public baths to stay clean, relax, and spread the latest news and gossip. The Aire Ancient Baths follow in that similar vein by encouraging guests to relax, linger, and maybe even socialise in the connecting pools.
Expect a calming and otherworldly experience as you soak in the salt baths, deep underneath the city of Seville. There are many packages available to book. Opt for a relaxing massage or a soak in the rooftop pool with an incredible view of the Seville Cathedral. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a few hours away from your kids, the Arabian baths are a must-visit on your list of Seville attractions.
5. Climb the Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is another recently built Seville attraction that was finished in 2011. Even though the modern structure looks a bit out of place in this ancient city, it’s become more and more popular amongst the locals and tourists. It goes by the nickname “Las Setas” or The Mushrooms. There’s a skatepark, restaurants to eat and drink, and even a dance club that’s open late at night. This remarkable piece of art is one of the craziest things to see in Seville.
6. The Seville Aquarium
If you’re hoping to catch a break from the hot sun, then this Seville attraction is perfect for you and the family. The Seville Aquarium is located in the new leisure area of Seville next to the cruise terminal and is home to 11,000 specimens and 400 species of animals.
The Seville Aquarium hosts five ecosystems: the Guadalquivir, Atlantic, Rainforest, Oceanarium, and the Indo-Pacific. You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful animals and vegetation in the world, from green anacondas to hundreds of tropical fish.
The Seville Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public about the dangerous threats to the ecosystems of our oceans, in the hope it will inspire visitors to take action. As you wander the luminous halls of the Aquarium, you’ll understand why saving these animals and vegetation is of the utmost importance. A little education on a family vacation never hurt anyone.
7. Isla Mágica & Agua Mágic
This watery wonderland is one of the most exciting things to do in Seville and is perfect for the entire family. This amusement and waterpark combo has zip lines, waterslides, and rollercoasters to get your heart beating fast.
There are a number of activities for both big kids and small kids alike. The little ones can fly on the bumblebee coasters, or settle in for a cool indoor 4D movie. The older kids and adults can hang out in the wave pool or ride the adventurous Anaconda. One of the highlights of the park, the Anaconda, is Isla Mágica’s waterfall, located in a forest. As you ride down the waterfall, you’re sure to get soaked!
Spend an entire day or simple afternoon at the Isla Mágica and Aqua Mágic, and you’ll surely create a trip memory you’ll never forget.
8. Triana Flamenco Theater
A trip to Seville is incomplete without spending an evening at a Flamenco Theatre show. This lively dance is integral to Spanish heritage, and Seville is considered to be the birthplace of flamenco. Flamenco is a fiery dance full of passion and energy accompanied by a talented guitar player. It’s an exhilarating performance to behold both audibly and visually.
In the intimate setting of the Triana Flamenco Theatre, the show features highly talented dance artists passionately performing on stage. The venue is located along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and hosts some of the best flamenco dancers and musicians in the region. Sample some authentic Spanish cultural heritage and enjoy an evening at one of the top cultural things to do in Seville.
9. The Museum of Illusions
One of the best things to do in Seville is to spend an afternoon at the amazing Museum of Illusions. It’s perfect for a zany time out of the sun with your family or vacation buddies. Solve 3D puzzles, levitate in the upside-down room, and take incredible photos of these mind-bending illusions.
The rooms will trick your brain and drive you crazy with their visual and sensory illusions. It’s an educational experience designed to inspire attendees to stimulate the mind and see beyond the ordinary. Touch and interact with some of the most amazing optical illusions, and trick your eyes in the rotating rooms, mirages, and holograms. You might even wonder if the main laws of physics apply here. Don’t forget your camera!
10. The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville
The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville is another outstanding Seville attraction. One of Spain’s most prestigious art museums, some of Spain’s most famous artists are featured in this museum, including El Grego, Goya, Velazquez, and others.
This museum also features work from local Sevillian artists from the Golden Age with work by Francisco de Herrera the younger, Murillo, Zurbaran, and the Valdes Leal.
📍 Top tip: you’ll want to invest in a guided tour to fully grasp the historical and cultural context behind these artists and their masterpieces. This combo ticket includes a tour of the museum and the Alcázar Palace, so you can get your Seville cultural fix.
What is Seville famous for?
Now you know what there is to do, you might want to know about the city’s past. Seville is famous for its breath-taking Mudéjar architecture, which is a mix of Islamic and Catholic styles. This cultural crossover is very common in many areas of Spain. The Moors occupied certain regions of Spain, including Seville, for more than 500 years.
After the Catholics took control of the region, they decided to keep many of the same buildings and architecture intact. It’s easy to wander for hours admiring the iconic architecture and getting lost in the picturesque side streets.
Between the rich cultural history, delicious tapas, and famous landmarks, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on Seville. Whether you’re eager to see your first flamenco show or take in the breath-taking beauty of the Alcázar Palace, there are so many Seville attractions to get involved with, you may need to extend your trip!
Make a list of all the wonderful things to see and do in Seville, and go have fun. Remember to take lots of pictures, eat all the tapas, and enjoy a snapshot into one of the most beautiful – and interesting – cities in Spain.
Check out all the amazing Seville attractions on Tiqet’s Seville city page. Looking for more travel inspiration in Spain? Take a look at the award-winning and top-rated Spanish venues of 2022.
