Seville is the beating heart of Andalusia, a city where history and culture linger in every corner. It was the first stop of my solo Andalusia trip, and I instantly fell in love with it. With its stunning mix of Moorish architecture, Renaissance palaces, and Spanish charm, the city will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Add in flamenco rhythms, delicious tapas, and orange-scented streets, and you have one of Spain’s most enchanting destinations.
This list of the best things to do in Seville covers the essential highlights, but also includes a few lesser-known gems that make the city feel extra special.
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15 Best Things to Do in Seville on a Budget (Solo Travel Friendly)
🛏️ Planning to stay in Seville? Here’s an otherview of all the hotels.
1. Visit the Royal Alcázar
The Royal Alcázar is one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as a Moorish fortress in the 10th century, it later became a royal residence and is still used by the Spanish royal family today. The palace is famous for its intricate tilework, lush courtyards, and ornate halls that blend Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
Inside, don’t miss the Patio de las Doncellas, with its reflecting pool and intricate arches, or the Hall of Ambassadors, the grand throne room of King Pedro I with a stunning golden dome. The Gardens of the Alcázar stretch endlessly, filled with tiled fountains, orange trees, and secret corners that feel like stepping into another world.
🎟️ Access to the Royal Alcázar costs 15.5€ for adults and 8€ for students. Book your tickets here.
🕒 The Royal Alcázar is open everyday from 9.30AM to 7.00PM (5.00 PM from October to March).
💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance, as the Alcázar is Seville’s most popular attraction and lines can be very long.
The Royal Alcázar was used as a filming location in 'Game of Thrones', for the scenes taking place in the Water Gardens of Dorne.
2. Climb La Giralda at Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and its bell tower, La Giralda, dominates the city’s skyline. Inside, you’ll find the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, breathtaking stained glass, and dozens of chapels decorated with Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
Climbing La Giralda tower is one of the highlights of Seville. Originally built as a minaret during Moorish rule, the tower was later adapted into a Christian bell tower after the Reconquista. Instead of stairs, you’ll climb a series of ramps designed for horseback riders, making the ascent surprisingly easy. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Seville’s rooftops, plazas, and winding streets; in short, one of the best perspectives of the city.
🎟️ Access inside to the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower costs 13€ for adults, 6€ for students and people over 65, and free for kids under 13. It costs a bit more if you purchase your ticket at the booth instead of online. Book your tickets here.
🕒 The Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower is open everyday from 10.30AM to 7.00PM (from noon to 7.00PM on Sundays).
3. Wander Plaza de España
One of Seville’s most photographed landmarks, Plaza de España is a sweeping semicircular plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Its grand design combines Renaissance and Moorish revival styles, complete with a central fountain, bridges over a canal, and colorful tiled alcoves representing each Spanish province. Rent a rowboat to paddle along the canal or simply wander the square admiring the colorful azulejos.
🎟️ Access to Plaza de España is free.
The colorful ceramic benches along the Plaza represent all 52 provinces of Spain, each decorated with maps, mosaics, and historical scenes.
4. Stroll through Maria Luisa Park
Maria Luisa Park is Seville’s green oasis, filled with fountains, ponds, and shady pathways. Once part of a royal estate, it was later gifted to the city and landscaped for the 1929 Exposition. It’s the perfect place for a morning jog, an afternoon picnic, or simply escaping the city heat. The park is also home to museums like the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Popular Arts.
🎟️ Access to Parque Maria Luisa is free.
🕒 Parque Maria Luisa is open everyday from 8.00AM to 12.00AM.
5. Discover Barrio Santa Cruz
Seville’s old Jewish quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, is a maze of narrow streets, hidden patios, and flower-filled balconies. This is one of the most atmospheric areas of the city, perfect for getting lost on purpose.
Wander through the lanes, pause at leafy squares like Plaza de Doña Elvira, and enjoy tapas at one of the many traditional bars. This is also the neighborhood closest to the Alcázar and Cathedral, so it’s easy to combine them in one day.
✨ This popular 1.5-hour Santa Cruz District Tour dives into Seville’ rich Jewish heritage, guiding you through fascinating stories, hidden corners, and landmarks that shaped the city’s history.
6. Explore Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
Nicknamed “Las Setas” (the mushrooms), Metropol Parasol is a striking modern landmark in the heart of Seville. The giant wooden structure houses a market, restaurants, and most impressively, a rooftop walkway with stunning city views. From above, you can admire Seville’s historic skyline dotted with church towers and orange rooftops.
🎟️ Access to the Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) costs 16€ for adults and 12€ for students, people over 65, and young people from 6 to 18 years old. Book your tickets here.
🕒 The Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) are open everyday from 9.30AM to 11.45PM.
7. Watch a Traditional Flamenco Show
Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, and seeing a live performance here is unforgettable. Flamenco is more than just dance: it’s an emotional mix of guitar (toque), singing (cante), and movement (baile) that tells powerful stories. For an authentic experience, head to a small tablao (flamenco venue) in Triana or Santa Cruz. The passion and intensity of the performers will give you goosebumps, even if you don’t understand the lyrics.
✨For a truly unforgettable night, book a flamenco show at the Flamenco Dance Museum, where world-class dancers perform in an 18th-century courtyard; a magical setting that brings Seville’s most passionate art form to life
Flamenco was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
8. Explore Palacio de las Dueñas
Often overlooked compared to the Alcázar, Palacio de las Dueñas is a beautiful Renaissance palace once home to the Duchess of Alba. Its courtyards, gardens, and mix of Gothic-Mudejar style make it a quiet escape from Seville’s busier attractions. Inside, you’ll also find art collections, antique furniture, and even poetry written by Antonio Machado, who spent part of his childhood here.
🎟️ Access to the Palacio de las Dueñas costs 14€ for adults and 19€ for students, people over 65, and young people from 6 to 16 years old. Book your tickets here. Access is free for all on Monday afternoons.
🕒 The Palacio de las Dueñas is open everyday from 10.00AM to 7.00PM (6.00PM from October to March).
9. Relax at Casa de Pilatos
Casa de Pilatos is another palace worth visiting, known for its fusion of architectural styles. The combination of Moorish tiles, Gothic details, and Renaissance patios creates a truly unique atmosphere. The house is still privately owned, but part of it is open to visitors. It’s quieter than the Alcázar and perfect if you want to admire exquisite Andalusian architecture without the crowds.
🎟️ Access to Casa de Pilatos costs 12€ for the main floor and 6€ to the second floor. Entrance is free for kids under 12. Book your tickets here.
🕒 The Casa de Pilatos is open everyday from 9.00AM to 6.00PM.
10. Climb Torre del Oro
Standing guard on the banks of the Guadalquivir, the Torre del Oro (“Golden Tower”) is a 13th-century watchtower that once protected Seville from naval attacks. Its name comes from the golden glow it casts at sunset, reflected in the river below. Today, the tower houses a small naval museum where you can learn about Seville’s maritime past, and you can climb to the top for lovely views of the river and city.
🎟️ Access to Torre del Oro is free.
🕒 Torre del Oro is open everyday from 9.30AM to 7.00PM (from 10.30AM during weekends).
11. Join a Tapas Tour
No trip to Seville is complete without tasting its world-famous tapas culture. From classic bites like jamón ibérico and salmorejo to modern twists on Andalusian cuisine, the city is a paradise for food lovers. While you can hop from bar to bar on your own, joining a guided tapas tour is a great way to discover hidden local taverns, learn about the history of Spanish gastronomy, and sample authentic dishes you might otherwise miss. Pair it with a glass of local sherry or tinto de verano for the full Sevillian experience.
✨ For a more sustainable and inclusive option, I recommend this vegan-friendly tapas tour in Triana, where you’ll explore local markets, visit 4 distinct locations, and taste several plant-based tapas with drink.
12. Visit Plaza del Cabildo
13. Cross the River to Triana Neighborhood
Triana, across the Guadalquivir River, has a character all its own. Historically a working-class district, it’s famous for flamenco culture and colorful ceramics. The lively Triana Market is a great spot to try local food, while Calle Betis offers bars with riverside views. Stroll through its streets, browse the ceramic shops, and soak in the authentic, less touristy vibe of this neighborhood.
14. Boat Ride on the Guadalquivir River
For a different perspective of the city, take a boat ride along the Guadalquivir River. As you glide past landmarks like Torre del Oro and Triana Bridge, you’ll get a relaxing overview of Seville’s history and architecture. It’s especially pleasant in the late afternoon when the sun casts a golden glow over the riverbanks.
✨ This popular Guadaquilvir River Sightseeing Cruise takes you past Seville’s top landmarks all while enjoying live commentary and a relaxing ride on an eco-friendly boat with a bar on board.
15. Visit the Archivo de Indias
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archivo de Indias houses centuries of documents related to Spain’s vast colonial empire. Inside, you’ll find priceless maps, treaties, and letters from explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. Even if you’re not a history expert, the sheer scale of the archives and the grandeur of the building itself are fascinating. Best of all, entry is free.
🎟️ Access to Archivo de Indias is free. English guided tours are available for 15€.
🕒 Archivo de Indias is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30AM to 4.30PM. On Sundays, hours are reduced from 10.30AM to 1.30PM.
And that’s a wrap on the best things I recommend doing in Seville!
What next? Maybe you are pursuing your Andalusia trip? Then, these articles may interest you:
✨ Easy Andalusia Itinerary Without a Car (7 to 10 Days): Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda, Málaga
Where to stay in Sevilla?
Sevilla has a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels to boutique hotels in historic buildings. The best areas to stay are Santa Cruz, for easy access to landmarks like the Cathedral and Alcázar, and Triana, a lively riverside district known for flamenco and tapas.
🛏️ Check more available accommodation in Seville.
Please note that the prices mentioned above are indicated per night and based on the prices indicated in Summer 2025 for a stay during the summer. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
My Tips for visiting Seville
How many days do you need in Seville?
Ideally, spend at least 2 to 3 days in Seville. That’s enough to see highlights like the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and Plaza de España, while leaving time to enjoy flamenco and stroll through neighborhoods like Triana or Barrio Santa Cruz.
What is the best time to visit Seville?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are often considered the best times to visit Seville. The weather is pleasant, and you can experience cultural events like Semana Santa or Feria de Abril. Summer can be extremely hot, often over 40°C. That being said, I personnally visited in December, and found it was a great time to visit thanks to the pleasant milder temperatures compared to the rest of Europe at that time of the year.
What are the best free things to do in Seville?
Some of the best free things to do in Seville include wandering Plaza de España, relaxing in Maria Luisa Park, crossing the river to explore Triana, and visiting the Santa Cruise District. On Mondays, certain museums also offer free entry, such as the Palacio de las Dueñas.
Is Seville safe for solo travel?
Yes, in my opintion, Seville is generally very safe. I visited alone as a solo female traveller, and never once felt uncomfortable, even at night. Like any major touristy city, petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings, but most visitors find it welcoming and easy to navigate alone.
How to get to Seville?
Seville is easy to reach by train, bus, or plane. The Santa Justa train station connects Seville with Madrid, Barcelona, Córdoba, and Málaga via high-speed AVE trains. Seville Airport (SVQ) has flights from major European cities, and long-distance buses connect it with other Andalusian destinations.
How to get around Seville?
The best way to get around Seville is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance in the historic center. For longer trips, the city has trams, buses, and a metro line. Renting a bike is also popular, and taxis or rideshares are affordable for late-night returns.
I hope these suggestions of things to do in Seville have been helpful and informative!
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