12 of the best things to do in Seville

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 flavour 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 100m 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 colonisation 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
Website: catedraldesevilla.es; alcazarsevilla.org; andalucia.org

2. Explore by bike in the sunshine

Named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023, Seville is promoting greener approaches to holidaymaking – and eco-friendly mobility around town is just one of them. There are now 180 km of bike lanes across Seville, which means there’s no better time to take a peddle around this flat, cyclable 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 centre to the Alamillo Park, located on the Isla de la Cartuja.

3. Discover the rich ceramics tradition of Triana

The neighbourhood 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 practised in this barrio since the 16th century. Pop into numerous workshops on and around Calle Antillano Campos to purchase your favourite 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.

4. Explore the art scene, from old to new

The Museo de Bellas Artes is the place to find Baroque masters, from Zurbaran to Murillo, and paintings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 19th century. Head over to the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) – set in a 13th-century monastery – for a taste of cutting-edge contemporary and modern practitioners, with shows about digital art pioneer Manuel Barbadillo and Korean-Colombian interdisciplinary artist Gala Porras-Kim programmed for 2023. Commercial art dealerships like Rafael Ortiz – set in an 18th-century palace – and Galería Haurie are among the city’s longest-standing, while the most recent cultural spaces to open in town include Espacio Derivado, a multidisciplinary venue for exhibitions, workshops and events, and Espacio Sacáis, a centre devoted to young, emerging artists from around Andalusia. Try Delimbo, a gallery founded in 2006, for current contemporary art rooted in graffiti, or Derived Space for a more interactive experience – the gallery frequently hosts workshops, conferences and activities alongside its exhibitions.

5. Dance sevillanas at the annual fair, or anywhere else

To do things like a local, you’ll need to learn sevillanas. This folk dance has a regular, four-part structure, so mastering the basics of the choreography is a surefire way to impress locals with your moves. There’s no better place to do so than at the annual Feria de Sevilla, taking place around April or May, a moment to experience traditional Seville festivities at their very best. But don’t be limited to the Fair – dancing sevillanas is essential for feeling at home in this city all year round. So sign up for a crash course while in town – try Bailarte or Estudio Flamenco Sevilla – and upgrade your local expertise.

Address: Bailarte, C. Fernando Tirado, 9, 41018 Sevilla, Spain; Estudio Flamenco Sevilla, C. Administrador Gutierrez Anaya, 5 - Local, E11, 41020 Sevilla, Spain
Website: bailarte.net; estudioflamenco.com

6. Marvel at Spain’s numerous provinces at the Plaza de España

Designed by Seville’s famed architect Aníbal González, this magnificent 50,000 metre-squared plaza is a plethora of painted ceramic tiles, curved bridges and grand arches, all surrounding a monumental central fountain. Along the semicircular walls, 48 decorative alcoves, each dedicated to a different province of Spain, are painted with motifs and images representing its local history, culture and folklore. Like many eye-catching landmarks around the city – including the Alfonso XIII hotel and various pavilions in the Plaza de América – this square was created for Seville’s 1929 Expo, a major turning point in the city’s position on the world stage as a leader in creativity and innovation.

Address: Plaza de España, Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

7. Take a boat ride along its famed river

With its dreamy views and rich history, the Guadalquivir River has shaped the identity of Seville, as well as inspiring countless songs and poems. Take a boat ride to float down its waters while admiring sites like the Torre del Oro, the bullring, the San Telmo palace and the tobacco factory immortalised by Bizet’s opera, Carmen. Don’t miss the colourful facades of Betis Street or iconic bridges like the 19th-century Puente de Triana. If you’re feeling energetic, the river is also popular for kayaking, rowing and paddle surfing.

8. See and hear some of Spain’s best flamenco

Aurora Vargas and Juana la del Revuelo are among Seville's most famous flamenco singers – so add them to your playlist before coming to one of Spain’s major flamenco capitals. The Museo del Baile Flamenco is a great place to learn about the history and evolution of the art form – but to feel the spirit, tradition and virtuosity of flamenco, visit one of the many performances around town. La Carbonería has a large, crowded patio where artists take to the stage, while Los Gallos is one of the city’s main tablaos (places to enjoy a meal and a flamenco show). At the Teatro Flamenco Triana you’ll see some tremendous talent in the neighbourhood known as Seville’s true home of flamenco.

9. Take a day trip to a nearby pueblo

Seville’s charming neighbourhoods – Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, La Macarena, Triana – are beautiful. But beyond its main city, the province of Seville is also home to numerous towns, villages and rural areas worth exploring when it’s time for an escape. At the archaeological site of Itálica, you’ll find some of Europe’s best preserved Roman ruins; most spectacular is the amphitheatre, said to have been one of the largest in the Roman Empire in its day. The ancient town of Carmona – over 5,000 years old – is full of Arab, Roman and Jewish traces, while Cerro del Hiero is a stunning spot for hiking through forests, waterfalls and rocky hills.

10. Browse local fashion, antiques and homeware

Seville’s shopping offer ranges from antiques and bric-a-brac at the Calle Feria flea market on Thursdays to the Palazzo Belli luxury shopping mall that opened last year. Concept stores like La Importadora – run by Seville-born designer Rafa García Forcada – mix fashion, art and decoration, while Ruc Store and MKR are boutiques vending edgy looks by various brands, emerging and high-end, respectively. Hooked on homeware? Then check out the ceramics and textiles at Populart or El Patio de la Loza – enchanting spaces with the goods to match. Or, for a real touch of Andalusian flair, there are stylish fans to try at Juan Foronda and (the even more haute-couture) Olivier Bernoux.

11. Visit a landmark of contemporary architecture

Located on the Plaza de la Encarnación, the Metropol Parasol complex – more commonly known as ‘Las Setas’ (‘The Mushrooms’) – caused a stir when first built, mainly for the striking modern contrast it makes against its otherwise old-world surroundings. Designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, the 28m-tall installation is a giant, latticed canopy made of timber, designed to put this city area on the map as an emerging contemporary urban hub. Go up to the top and enjoy the panoramic view across the city, or simply admire the enormous, undulating structure from the ground.

Address: Setas de Sevilla, Pl. de la Encarnación, s/n, 41003 Sevilla, Spain
Website: setasdesevilla.com

12. Visit Alameda de Hércules, Seville's LGBTQ+ neighbourhood

One of Spain’s oldest public promenades also happens to be one of Seville’s most exciting corners. The bustling neighbourhood is home to a vast array of dive bars, terrace hotspots, art galleries and cute boutiques. Travellers can while away an afternoon hopping between the barrio’s best addresses – the area is known for being an LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, with lots of live music, fun crowds and bustling bars spilling out into the streets. Start by exploring the nooks and crannies of La Gata en Bicicleta, a small bookshop/café/gallery that often hosts exhibitions from local artists, before heading to Bar Antojo for tapas amid exposed brick and candlelit corners, or The Corner House to watch the sunset from a boutique rooftop bar. Round the evening off at 1987 Bar for an evening spent bopping along to Eighties tunes. Olivia Morelli