Top Attractions In Seville Spain

Sevilla is just glorious, Spain’s most flamboyant city.

It’s a happy wonderful-to-be-alive kind of sunshiny place, teeming with people, scented orange blossoms, tapas, and flamenco music — pure sensate joy.

Seville is guarded by a colossal Gothic cathedral, a symbol of power courtesy of its Christian rulers. The city is a seductive mix of Moorish palaces, ornate Baroque churches, colorful ceramic tiles, and winding cobblestone lanes.

the Plaza Espana in Seville Spain
the Plaza España in Seville Spain

There’s a romance to Seville. I fell in love with the city straight away, hook, line and sinker.

Top Tours & Tickets For Seville

Here are some of the best tours and experiences you can have with one day in Milan. Be sure to book in advance, at least from May through September.

Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral

Must Visit AttractionsIn Seville

1. Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is a massive Gothic affair. It’s the largest cathedral in the world and a UNESCO site to boot.

In 1402, after vanquishing the Moors in the Reconquista, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella began work in earnest on a Gothic masterpiece. They wanted a showy display of Seville’s wealth, power, and influence. 

They haughtily declared: “we shall have a church of such a kind that those who see it built will think we were mad.”

The altar is elaborately detailed and finished in gold leaf. Along the sides, there are 80 chapels to explore.

You’ll find spires and reliefs depicting biblical events dedicated to saints. There’s large mirror reflecting the intricate ceiling, which you’ll have to queue up to look into.

The Cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Many places lay claim to Columbus. But apparently DNA tests have confirmed that a bit of him is in Seville, maybe a shin bone or something.

It’s essential to pre-book tickets online in advance. Tickets include an audio guide. You can also book a ticket + guided tour or a guided 2 hour tour of the rooftop.

Tip: Buy a combo ticket at the Church of the San Salvador, a few blocks north. See that church and then go to the cathedral. You’ll avoid queues that way.

Plaza del Cabildo, a pretty quiet plaza near the cathedral
Plaza del Cabildo, a pretty quiet plaza near the cathedral

2. Giralda Bell Tower

The bell tower, dates from 1184. It’s the symbol of Seville and the oldest part of the cathedral complex.

It was originally constructed as the minaret of the Almohad Mosque that previously stood here, and was used to call Muslims to prayer. It was modeled after the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh.

From the entrance of the cathedral, you can access the 100 meter high Giralda in the far right corner. 

It’s an easy climb, thirty-four gently sloping ramps to reach the top. There are ramps instead of stairs so that horses could be ridden to the top.

La Giralda bell tower, the symbol of Seville
La Giralda bell tower, the symbol of Seville

At the top, you’ll see 24 large bells and have stunning views over Seville. The name Giralda comes from the 4,500 pound bronze weather vane on top of the bell tower.

There’s also a replica of the figure at the main entrance of the cathedral (shown above). By law, no building in Seville can be taller than the top of the Giralda.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket for La Giralda

views over Seville from La Giralda Bell Tower
views over Seville from La Giralda
Courtyard of the Maidens, the top attraction in Seville
Courtyard of the Maidens in the Royal Alcazar

3. The Royal Alcazar, Seville’s #1 Site

The UNESCO-listed Royal Alcazar is the top attraction in Seville.

I’ve written a lengthy guide to visiting the Royal Alcazar, which I adore. It’s my very favorite spot in Andalucia, even above Granada’s incandescent Alhambra.

The Alcázar is one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures, a centuries old complex of palaces and fortifications, lovely courtyards, and extensive gardens bursting with orange, purple, and green colors.

You cannot help but feel catapulted back in time.

the gilded cedar dome in Ambassador's Hall
the gilded cedar dome in Ambassador’s Hall

The crown jewel of the Alcazar is the sumptuous Mudéjar Palace of King Pedro the Cruel, built around the iconic Maiden’s Courtyard. The Ambassador’s Hall, or Throne Room, is the big showstopper.

It’s nicknamed the “Half Orange” Room, in honor of its gilded cedar domed ceiling.

There’s also a Gothic palace, built by Charles V. Its Celebration Room features intricate tile work and endless tapestries.

But perhaps the best part of visiting the Royal Alcazar is its amazing gardens. They are a lush, exotic, labyrinthian paradise, encompassing 80% of the Alcázar grounds.

grotto and fountain in the Royal Alcazar
grotto and fountain in the Royal Alcazar
tiled benches and fountain in the Alcazar Gardens
tiled benches and fountain in the Alcazar Gardens

The Baths of Dona Maria de Padilla are perhaps the most striking and frequently visited spot in the Alcázar Gardens.

In HBO’s Game of Thrones, the gardens became Sunspear, the ancestral home of the Martels in Dorne.

Scenes from the show are filmed in the balconies of Pedro’s Palace, the Ambassador’s Hall, the Charles V Pavilion, and the Maria Padilla Baths.

It’s absolutely essential to pre-book a ticket in advance or you’ll have long wait in line. You can also book a guided tour of the alcazar with priority entrance.

the Spanish Pavilion at the Plaza de España
the Spanish Pavilion at the Plaza de España

4. Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is one of the famous architectural landmarks in Seville. It stands out in a city already overflowing with beautiful architecture.

It was built for the Ibero-American World Fair of 1929, where Spanish speaking countries enjoyed a year long mutual admiration festival. The park’s highlight is the Spanish Pavilion, the sweeping half circle structure with rose gold brick buildings.

Designed in an Art Deco style with some Moorish touches, the Plaza has the expected Spanish flair — lots of color and lavish embellishment.

the Almeria alcove in the Spanish Pavilion
the Almeria alcove in the Spanish Pavilion

The tiles show historical scenes and maps from the 49 provinces of Spain arranged in alphabetical order.

There’s nothing to actually do here except admire the spectacular architecture, inspect the intricate alcoves, and be dazzled by the colorful tiles.

The plaza has been featured in the movies Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Attack of the Clones.

Mudejar pavilion located in the Maria Luisa park
Mudejar pavilion located in the Maria Luisa park

5. Maria Louisa Park

When you’re done admiring Plaza Espana, right across the street is the beautiful Maria Louisa Park. The park is Seville’s largest green space, spread out over 100 acres.

It’s decorated with lush gardens, ceramic tiled benches, fountains, statues, and ponds. You can stroll around and enjoy the shade and bucolic setting.

Be sure to check out the beautiful Mudejar Pavilion, the Pabellon Mudejay. Inside is the Museum of Ethnology.

the 16th century courtyard of Casa de Pilatos, a top attraction in Seville
courtyard of the Casa de Pilatos

6. Casa de Pilatos, a Seville Hidden Gem

Do not miss this place! Most tourists do. Casa de Pilatos is a glorious, sumptuous 16th century mansion in Seville’s historic district. It’s about a 15 minute walk from Seville Cathedral and is a true hidden gem in Seville.

Casa de Pilatos was the product of a union between the Enriquez and Ribera families, and is the permanent residence of the Medinaceli dukes. They bought up land to build a glorious Mudéjar mansion, likely to demonstrate their power and wealth.

Casa de Pilatos is so beautiful that it’s been featured in several Hollywood blockbusters. It has a stunning 16th century courtyard, surrounded by white marble columns and Mudéjar arches. Everywhere, the walls are covered with countless multicolored azulejo tiles.

The monumental transitional staircase of the Casa de Pilatos is called “Sevilla’s first and most magnificent staircase.”

The second floor features a golden cupola dome in a Mudéjar honeycomb style, reminiscent of rooms in the Nasrid Palace in Granada’s Alhambra.

You can tour the second floor with a private guide.

If you do, you’ll see some fantastic ceilings and a famous painting of a woman with a beard (the original of which is now in the Prado Museum in Madrid Spain). I thought it was worthwhile for the extra 2 €.

The casa’s outdoor gardens will make you feel like you’ve been power beamed to Italy. They are a colorful and tranquil place.

Click here to book a guided tour of Casa de Pilatos.

Metropol Parasol lit up at night
Metropol Parasol lit up at night

7. Metropol Parasol

No trip to Seville is complete without a visit to the ultra modern Las Setas de la Encarnación (“Incarnación’s Mushrooms”). In my Seville itinerary, I recommend starting there, just to orient yourself with great views,

Metropol Parasol was built between 2005-11 by German architect Jürgen Mayer to revitalize the then run down Encarnacion Square.

It’s called “the Mushrooms” due to its quirky shape. The waffle like design was inspired by the vaults of the Seville Cathedral and the ficus trees in Plaza de Cristo de Burgos. 

view from the Metropol Parasol
view from the Metropol Parasol

Organized in four levels, Metropol Parasol consists of six linked parasols. It is the largest wooden structure in the world.

The wood used was birch, imported from Finland, because of its rigid quality. The Mushrooms was controversial at first, but now seems fairly beloved.

You’ll have great views of Seville on this unique structure. Underground is the Aniquarium, where you can see the ancient Roman and Moorish remains that were discovered by accident during the construction of the Mushrooms.

>>> Click here to book a guided tour of Las Setas

El Greco, Portrait of his son Jorge Manuel, 1600-05
El Greco, Portrait of his son Jorge Manuel, 1605

8. Museo de Bellas Artes, Seville’s Best Museum

The Museo de Bellas Artes, or Museum of Fine Arts, is a smashing museum, quite lovely. It’s known, after the Prado Museum in Madrid, as the “second art gallery in Spain.” So it’s definitely one of Seville’s top attractions, especially for art lovers.

It’s housed in an elegant salmon colored former convent. I actually stumbled across it by accident. If you’re an art lover, this is a must see site in Seville.

I had intended to go, as I’m a museum rat of the highest order, but not just then. But I seized on the chance to gaze at art and pee (there are no public WCs in Seville).

Outside, there’s a large statue of the famous painter and Seville artist Bartoleme Murillo. Pick up the English language floor plans, which explain the theme of each room.

Diego Valezquz, Portrait of D. Cristóbal Suárez de Ribera,
Diego Valezquz, Portrait of D. Cristóbal Suárez de Ribera

The museum has art from the middle ages to the 20th century. But it is most known for its collection of 17th century art from Spain’s Golden Age, featuring Spain’s top painters Zurbarán, Murillo, El Greco, and Velazquez. You’ll see a lot of monks, balding saints, cherubs, and depictions of Christ.

The museum has a goodly collection by Murillo, whose works you can also see at the cathedral. Murillo achieved fame and recognition from his religious portraits.

But he also left behind some fascinating work of everyday people and street life. I was lucky enough to see a Murillo exhibition when I was there.

Click here to book a 1. 5 hour guided tour of the museum with an art historian.

Triana Bridge, the beautiful Isabelle Ponte II
Triana Bridge

9. Isabelle Ponte II | Triana Bridge

The life and character of Seville is inextricably intertwined with the Guadalquivir River, which divides the city in two. One of the prettiest bridges is Isabelle Ponte II.

Dubbed Triana bridge, it connects the center of Seville to the independent neighborhood of Triana.

The bridge offers stunning views of the city from the opposite bank. Take a stroll there, admire the river views, and soak in your moments in Seville.

a view of Calle Betis along the river in Triana
a view of Calle Betis along the river in Triana

10. The Triana Neighborhood

Once you ross the Isabel II Bridge, you’ll land in the colorful Triana neighborhood.

It’s a small soulful village within a big city and the old gypsy quarter of Seville. What was once considered the “wrong side” of the river, is now the fun and funky part of town.

It’s a neighborhood steeped in romance and myth. It was the home of many of Spain’s best flamenco dancers and bullfighters.

beautiful facades in Triana
beautiful facades in Triana

Once over the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the Capilla del Carmen with its bell tower and chapel.

The main commercial street in Triana is the pedestrianized Calle San Jacinto where you’ll find shops and cafes. I had a nice lunch there.

You can also book a 3 hour guided food tour that includes Triana.

the Mercado de Triana
the Mercado de Triana

11. Mercado de Triana and Ceramic Shops

Triana was a strategic stronghold for the Moors. Sao Jorge Castle guarded Triana on the west bank.

When the Christian rulers came to power, they leveled the castle and replaced it with a traders paradise — Triana’s famous Mercado de Triana. Underneath the market, the ruins of Sao Jorge Castle.

If you want to assemble your own lunch or dinner, the covered market is the perfect spot to shop.

ceramic store in Triana
ceramic store in Triana

It’s located on Capilla del Carmen in the Plaza del Altozano. Stroll the stalls filled with meats and cheeses. Or try a smoothie or fresh squeezed juice.

Then, pop in and purchase some ceramics at Ceramica Triana. You can also visit the adjoining museum explaining the history and production of ceramics.

When you’re done, take a stroll along the river on Calle Betis.

aerial view of Barrio Santa Cruz from La Giralda
aerial view of Barrio Santa Cruz from La Giralda

12. Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s Prettiest Neighborhood

Barrio Santa Cruz is a must see neighborhood in Seville.

It was once Seville’s old Jewish quarter. Jew were (quite tragically) confined here after Ferdinand and Isabella took the city and conquered the Moors in 1248.

Now, Santa Cruz is a popular and beautiful district within the city — a mass of tangled cobbled streets with tiny palazzos and tile covered patios. Some streets are so impossibly narrow, they’re called “kissing lanes.” You’ll be happily disoriented.

You may want to book a guided walking tour of the barrio to get oriented.

There are orange trees and flower-filled balconies everywhere. The neighborhood is meant for aimless wandering. You can get lost and stumble across secret squares, pretty churches, and tapas bars.

In Santa Cruz, you’ll also find the small Murillo Museum. It’s the studio house of the famous Spanish painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

Be sure to stroll along the winding and romantic Calle Agua, which runs along the walls of the Alcazar to Plaza Alfaro. In Plaza Alfaro, you’ll see a balcony said to have inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Plaza Dona Elvira
Plaza Dona Elvira

13. Plaza Dona Elvira

Plaza de la Santa Cruz is the heart of the Santa Cruz barrio. But I liked the laid back Plaza de Dona Elvira best, and stopped for lunch there.

In this lovely square, you can relax in the shade of orange trees and escape the heat.

The square was named after a Spanish officer-diplomat-spy Elvira Manuel. In the square, you’ll find the Museo del Pintor Amalio, which offers up pretty views of the square and barrio.

Columns of Hercules in the Alameda neighborhood
Columns of Hercules in the Alameda neighborhood

14. La Alameda Neighborhood, Seville’s Hipster Haven

La Alameda is Seville’s trendy bohemian district, situated around the Plaza Alameda de Hercules. This not-so-touristy neighborhood of Seville has lively local pubs, parks, boutiques, and chic galleries. There’s beauty and fun all around.

La Alameda is also the perfect spot to people watch or enjoy some nightlife. Toward the end of the night, you’ll come across dance performers, flamenco, and street entertainers. Grab some tapas and sweet Sevillano sherry, and enjoy the free open air show.

I wouldn’t have known to venture to this neighborhood, but was tipped off by my Devour Seville tapas tour guide. If you’re visiting Las Setas, you can come here too.

marble Roman columns in the Alameda de Hercules square
marble Roman columns in the Alameda de Hercules square

15. Alameda de Hercules: Roman Columns

This is the oldest public garden in Seville. The massive square used to be the seedy home of 80 brothels. The square was gussied up and gentrified for the World Fair in 1992 and recently remodeled again. Now, it’s a popular social spot and hangout for locals.

Trees line the promenade. Fountains jet water from the ground. Tapas restaurants line the square.

Two marble Roman columns mark the entrance to the square. The columns were originally on Marmoles Street. In 1754, statues of Julius Caesar and Hercules were added to the top.

courtyard of Lebrija Palace
courtyard of Lebrija Palace

16. Palace of the Countess Of Lebrija

Dating back to the 16th century, the Palacio de Lebrija is another rarely visited hidden gem you shouldn’t miss in Seville.

It’s a beautiful Andalusian home with an eclectic mix of architectural elements. It has some of the most beautiful mosaics and tiles in all of Spain.

The Countess of Lebrija bought the house in 1901 and lovingly restored it until 1914. The Countess had a special interest in archaeology, and her house reflects that passion.

Many of the Roman mosaics in the aristocratic house originate from the nearby ruins of Italica.

Lebrija Palace
Lebrija Palace

Before Italica became a protected site, it was looted and even used as a quarry. There are myriad archaeological artifacts in the house, some on display and some hidden in wood cabinets.

Like many Spanish palaces, the house also reflects the Moorish influence throughout southern Spain. It’s very colorful and full of bright tiles, geometric patterns, and ornate Mudéjar arches.

Like Casa de Pilatos, if you want to continue your visual feast upstairs, you’ll have to pay a little extra and go on a guided tour. You access it via a stunning tiled staircase, sparkling with predominately yellow tiles.

Click here to book a guided tour of the Lebrija Palace. You can also book a 4 hour guided walking tour of all Seville’s palaces.

El Rinconcillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville
El Rinconcillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville

17. El Rinconcillo, The Oldest Tapas Bar in Seville

If you’re near Metropol Parasol at mealtime, there’s a classic tapas bar 5 minutes away, El Rinconcillo.

It’s at the off center juncture of Calle Gerona and Calle Alhondiga located near Plaza los Terceros. It’s the oldest bar in Seville, established in 1670.

El Rinconcillo means “hole in the wall.” It has a long wooden bar, shelves of drinks, and specials of the day scrawled in chalk above. It’s worth it to order jamon serrano just to watch the waiter pull the pig leg down from a hook and slice it into fine pieces.

Besides being a tapas bar, El Rinconcillo boasts an impressive (and expensive) restaurant, with seating areas on three floors.

view of the General Archies of the Indies from Seville Cathedral
view of the General Archies of the Indies from Seville Cathedral

18. Archivo General de Indias | General Archives of the Indies

The General Archives of the Indies is home to archival documents reflecting 300 years of the maritime history when Spain colonized the Americas and the Philippines. The archives contain over 45,000 documents, with some 80 million pages of original papers.

The archives can be traced back to the 18th century. In 1785, King Charles III ordered the entire archive of the Council of the Indies to be gathered in one place.

This large body of documentation contained historic letters, maps, charts, and other important documents relating to Spain’s management of its overseas empire. The archives also have several Goya paintings.

The archives are housed in a beautiful UNESCO-listed building, which was once the merchants stock exchange — Casa Lonja de Mercaderes. The Italianate building was designed by architect Juan de Herrera.

Torre del Oro, the Golden Tower
Torre del Oro, the Golden Tower

19. Torre del Oro | Tower of Gold

The Tower of Gold is a 13th century watchtower that’s one of Seville’s iconic landmarks.

The tower was part of the ancient Moorish city wall. It was given its name because of the golden gleam it projected on the Guadalquivir River.

I’m not really sure Torre del Oro is worth going up if you don’t have much time in Seville. But, from the roof terrace, you have nice views of the river and surrounding neighborhoods. Inside, there’s a small Maritime museum.

Las Duenas Palace
Las Duenas Palace

20. Las Duenas Palace

Another pretty palace in Seville that’s worth a visit is the Las Dueñas Palace. It’s a beautiful hidden gem palace built in Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architectural styles.

You can take a guided tour or visit the luxurious palace on your own with an audio guide. Admire the stunning staterooms, the courtyards, gardens, and fountains.

This palace had served as a residence for Queen Victoria, Jackie Kennedy, Raniero III of Monaco and his wife Grace Kelly, and other royals and celebrities.

The palace also has an eclectic collection of 1450 artworks, including paintings and sculptures.

San Telmo Palace
San Telmo Palace

21. San Telmo Palace

It’s impossible to miss the massive and colorful landmark of San Telmo Palace. The magnificent palace is a top attraction in Seville.

It’s stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture, built by architect Leonardo de Figueroa. Its Churrigueresque entrance is one of Seville’s most impressive sites.

The palace is the seat of the President of the Regional Government of Andalusia. Before that, it served as a college for nautical studies and as royal residence, referred to as the Small Court by Queen Isabella II.

The main facade features the Gallery of the 12 Illustrious Sevillians, created in 1895 by Antonio Usillos. Dating from 1754, the carved white stone portal is decorated with a statue of Saint Telmo, the patron saint of maritimers.

the ornate portal of San Telmo
the ornate portal of San Telmo

The portal is decorated with elaborate architectural and sculptural elements. It was designed by Matias and Antonio Matias, the son and grandson of Leonardo de Figueroa.

The palace has a rectangular floor plan with four towers and a large courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded with an arcaded gallery and opens into a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Air.

The chapel has a single nave, barrel vault, and five altars. There are gardens in the back of the palace.

Church of the Divine Savior
Church of the Divine Savior

22. San Salvador Church

San Salvador, or the Church of the Divine Savior, is Seville’s second most important religious building after Seville Cathedral. It’s Spanish name is La Iglesia colegial del Divino Salvador.

The pretty-in-pink Baroque 18th century church was built on the ruins of a 9th century mosque, Ibn Adabba, the former Great Mosque of Seville.

San Salvador is a Roman Catholic Church. It’s a popular site with tourists and locals alike. It’s located smack in the central Seville, surrounded with markets and tapas bars.

flamenco show, one of the top attractions in Seville

23. Flamenco Show

Flamenco is a dance and an art form that originated in Seville’s bohemian neighborhoods. There are scads of flamenco museums and theaters in Seville, many quite touristy.

Click here to book a flamenco show at Tablao El Arenal in Triana. Or a show near the cathedral.

La Carboneria will pleas aficionados. It’s housed in a former coal storage warehouse. It’s a noisy rambling space with communal tables. On a small stage, flamenco guitarists and dancers perform.

costumes in the Flamenco Dance Museum
costumes in the Flamenco Dance Museum

24. Museo del Baile Flamenco

Seville’s Flamenco Dance Museum is housed in a 18th century mansion. It’s a window into the magical world, history, and culture of flamenco.

The museum is highly specialized museum, obsessively dedicated to the art form. The museum displays include high tech interactive exhibits, short films, archives, photographs, and flamenco costumes.

You can book a ticket to see a flamenco show on the patio, which has theater lighting. Get there early to secure a good seat!

the grotto gallery of the Mercury Pond, where Prince sits on a terrace overlooking the pond in game of Thrones
the grotto gallery of the Mercury Pond

25. Go On a Game of Thrones Tour

There is no more stunning Game of Thrones filming location than beautiful Seville. On my first peek at the stunning UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar, my face lit up like a Dornish sunshine.

The Alcázar doubles as the Water Gardens of Sunspear, the ancestral home of House Martell in Dorne and southernmost part of Westeros. It’s a suitably colorful and exotic place for a family as licentious, tempestuous, and incestuous as the Martells.

The Alcázar appears in Season 5 in episodes 2, 6, 7, and 9. Game of Thrones uses four locations in the Alcázar: the showy Ambassador’s Hall, the Mercury Pool, the Baths of Maria de Padilla, and the Charles V Pavilion.

You can book a 2 hour guided small group Game of Thrones tour. Or a 4 hour Game of Thrones tour that also goes to Italica, right outside Seville.

Royal Shipyards under restoration
Royal Shipyards under restoration

26. Royal Shipyards

For two decades, Seville’s Royal Shipyards have been off limits to the public. Built in the 13th century, the expansive shipyard covered over 3 acres.

They consisted of 17 cathedral-like vaulted naves, built in the Gothic-Mudéjar style. Each nave was large enough for the construction of a galley. But the shipyards fell into disrepair.

Seville announced that restoration would begin in 2019, with the aim of opening the Royal Shipyards in 2022.

Cersei in the Royal Shipyards
Cersei in the Royal Shipyards

The shipyards area also a GOT filming location, appearing in two episodes of Season 7. They serve as the crypt of the Red Keep in Kings Landing.

In a scene in Episode 2, Qyburn takes Queen Cersei to the basement of the Red Keep and shows her his new dragon slaying weapon.

He shoots a bolt through Balerion’s scull. Later, in Episode 5, Bronn leads Jaime to the shipyard-crypt for a tense meeting with Tyrion.

Basilica of La Macarena
Basilica of La Macarena

27. Church of Lady Mary of La Macarena

The Basilica of La Macarena is a bit off center on the north end of the city center. But it’s definitely worth a detour to see this off the beaten path attraction in Seville.

The basilica is also known as the Church of the Virgin of Hope of Lady Macarena. It’s a showy bright yellow Neo-Baroque Church. It houses Seville’s favorite virgin, La Macarena.

La Macarena is the patron saint of matadors and an idol of Spanish gypsies. The statue of La Macarena is one of Seville’s most beloved treasures.

The statue was carved by Pedro Roldán in the 17th century. La Macarena is situated in a place of honor on a golden altar. She’s decorated with magnificent robes and jewels. Five crystal teardrops run down her face.

the statue of La Macarena, officially known as the Virgin of Hope of Macarena
the statue of La Macarena

The basilica also has beautiful frescos and a treasury with religious relics. The church’s museum area has a case of matador outfits, which were bequeathed to the church by bullfighters, in thanks for the protection they received from La Macarena.

In 1912, bullfighter José Ortega, gifted La Macarena five emerald brooches, which she proudly wears. For eight years he was safe. But then he was gored to death in the ring.

28. Go On A Day Trip

Seville is a great base for taking day trips in Andalusia. You can read my guide to the 15 best day trips from Seville.

You can book guided tours to Cordoba, to the Alhambra in Granada, to the white villages of Andalusia, and to the Roman ruins at Italica.

aerial view of Metropol Parasol
aerial view of Metropol Parasol

Tips For Visiting Seville’s Top Attractions

1. How To Get Around Seville

In general, Seville is an eminently walkable city. To see it all, you may want to book a 2 hour guided walking tour during the day or a nighttime walking tour.

It’s rare that you’d need to take a taxi. And you might just get bogged down in traffic if you do grab one on the fly.

There are also some fun ways to get around Seville. You can take the hop on hop off bus, a Segway tour, or an electric bike tour. you can book a yacht tour down the Guadalquivir River or take a 1 hour cruise.

Seville cityscape with Plaza de Espana buildings
Seville cityscape with Plaza de Espana buildings

2. Where To Stay In Seville

Air Bnb is a good option in Seville. There are also some beautiful boutique hotels.

My picks for boutique hotels would be: Hotel Colon Gran MeliaSuites Machado, or Hotel Casa del Poeta.

I also think Barrio Santa Cruz is a great, and more quiet, place to stay. In this area, you could book at Hotel Casa 1800 Seville (timeless elegance) or the EME Catedral Hotel (sumptuous hotel with a roof terrace, Michelin restaurant, and spa).

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the beautiful must visit attractions in Seville. You may enjoy these other travel guides and resources for southern Spain:

If you like to visit Seville’s must visit attractions, pin it for later.

Pinterest pin for top attractions in Seville
pin for top attractions in Seville

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