The Spanish singer Lola Flores once said, “Seville is like dreaming of heaven.” Her celestial comparisons are hard to argue with; whether for the elegant charm of its streets, the fiery pride of its people or the rich artistry of its culture, the capital of Andalucia is truly one of Spain’s most captivating destinations. It’s a city bursting with creativity too, from traditional crafts, music and dance to contemporary innovation in art and design. And now, looking to the future, Seville aims to become one of Europe’s leading cities for smart, sustainable tourism. Here are the best things to do in Seville right now.
Best things to do in Seville
1. Soak up the rich historical heritage
The buildings of Seville’s old town are nothing short of majestic—and they provide a flavor of the city’s complex historical legacy, rich in Muslim and Catholic influences. The city is home to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, whose bell tower, La Giralda, is over 325-feet-tall and in a former Moorish minaret. The jaw-dropping Alcazar—a 13th-century Christian palace built over an even older Islamic castle—is a gem of Mudejar architecture, where Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles sit among Islamic ornamentation. Together with the nearby Archivo de las Indias, a mid-16th century building housing documents related to Spain’s colonization of the Americas, they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Address: La Giralda, Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain; Royal Alcázar of Seville, Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain; Archivo de Indias, Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
2. Explore by bike in the sunshine
Named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023, Seville is promoting greener approaches to traveling—and eco-friendly mobility around town is just one of them. There are now 111 miles of bike lanes across Seville, which means there’s no better time to take a peddle around this flat, bikeable city. So pick up a bike from the public SEVICI service (spot the red branding) to glide through charming parks and splendid streets in the glorious weather. Try the Maria Luisa park—formerly the gardens of the San Telmo palace and full of romantic fountains and gazebos—or veer slightly out of the center to the Alamillo Park, located on the Isla de la Cartuja.
3. Discover the rich ceramics tradition of Triana
The neighborhood of Triana was historically home to artisans, flamenco dancers, and bullfighters. Today, this bohemian, characterful part of town is still known for its abundance of ceramics, a craft tradition practiced in this barrio since the 16th century. Pop into numerous workshops on and around Calle Antillano Campos to purchase your favorite pieces. The Centro Cerámica Triana is a museum spread across two floors where you can learn about the production process and see an exhibition showcasing the excellence of the region’s practitioners.
