Seville: The Complete Guide
Seville is a Spanish city, the capital of province of Seville the region of Andalusia. It is located on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir with the Seville harbor, located about 80 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean and it is the only river port in Spain. Its old town, has an area of 4 square kilometres, and contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies.
History of Seville
Founded by the Romans, the city was originally called Hispalis, later changing to Ishbiliyya after the Muslim conquest in 712. Under Muslim rule, Seville was under the jurisdiction of the Caliphate of Córdoba, later becoming the independent Taifa of Seville. Later it was controlled by the the Muslim Almoravids and the Almohads until 1248 when it was incorporated into the Christian Kingdom of Castile by Ferdinand III.
With the discovery of the Americas in 1492 Seville became the port and doorway to the New World, with urban growth that made it the most developed city of the era. Seville had obtained a royal monopoly on trade with the colonies and Spanish galleons departed from Seville and returned laden with bullion from the mines of Bolivia, Mexico, and Peru. Within a few decades, the city became one of the largest and most prosperous in Europe.
In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan departed from Seville for the first circumnavigation of the Earth.
Coinciding with the Baroque period of European history, the 17th century in Seville represented the most brilliant flowering of the city’s culture; then began a gradual economic and demographic decline as silting in the Guadalquivir forced the trade monopoly to relocate to the nearby port of Cádiz.
Visiting Seville for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Seville on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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45 Best places to See in Seville
This complete guide to Seville not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Seville and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
Location: Tumba de Cristobal Colon, 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 11am-3.30pm Mon, to 5pm Tue-Sat, 2.30-6pm Sun | Price: €9 | Website | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting Tomb of Christopher Columbus
Seville Cathedral
Location: Av. de la Constitución, s/n 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Tue-Sat: 11am-3.30pm Mon, to 5pm, Sun: 2.30-6pmJuly and August Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (box office until 3:30 p.m.) From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (box office until 5:00 p.m.) Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. * (box office until 6:00 p.m.) | Price: 10€ (Does not include an audio guide, the price being € 4 if requested) | Website | Distance: 0km
Visiting Seville Cathedral
El Giralda
Location: La Giralda Av. de la Constitución, s/n 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Monday: 11:00 to 15:30 (16:30 to 18:00 free audioguide when reserved in advance) Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 to 17:00 Sunday: 14:30 to 18:00 | Price: €10 / €5 | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting El Giralda
Archivo General de Indias
Location: Edificio de la Lonja Avenida de la Constitución, 3 41071 Seville | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Public holidays and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Archivo General de Indias
Royal Shipyards of Seville
Location: Reales Atarazanas Calle Temprado, 1 41001 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Closed until 2022. | Price: N/A | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Royal Shipyards of Seville
Casa Salinas de Seville
Location: Palacio de los marqueses de Salinas, Calle Mateos Gago, 39 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri mid-Oct–mid-Jun, to 2pm mid-Jun–mid-Oct | Price: €8/4 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Casa Salinas de Seville
Casa de los Pinelo
Location: Casa de los Pinelo, Calle Abades, Seville, Spain | Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:30 / 11:30/ 12:30 Closed on Saturday and Sunday | Price: €5 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Casa de los Pinelo
Barrio Santa Cruz
| Hours: 24 Hours | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Barrio Santa Cruz
Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes
Location: Hospital los Venerables, Plaza Venerables, 8 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 10am-2pm Thu-Sun | Price: €8 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes
Torre de la Plata
Visiting Torre de la Plata
Museo del Baile Flamenco
Location: Museo del Baile Flamenco, Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Hours: Museum: 10am-7pm Flamenco show: 7pm - 8pm | Price: Museum: €10, Show: €20 adults | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Museo del Baile Flamenco
Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla
Location: Centro de Interpretación Judería de Sevilla, Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 22 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 11am-7pm | Price: €6.50 | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla
Royal Alcázar Palace
Location: Patio de Banderas, s/n 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: From October to March: 9.30 am – 5 pm From April to September: 9.30 am – 7 pm Closed: January 1st and 6th, Good Friday and on December 25th | Price: €11.50 | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Royal Alcázar Palace
Plaza de Toros de Sevilla
Location: Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 12 41001 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Nov - Mar: 9:30 - 19:00 Apr - Oct: 9:30 - 21:00 | Price: 8€ | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Plaza de Toros de Sevilla
Torre del Oro
Location: Paseo Cristobal Colón, s/n 41001 Sevilla. | Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM to 6:45 PM Weekend: 10:30 AM to 6:45 PM | Price: €3 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Torre del Oro
Palacio de Mañara
Location: Palacio de Mañara, Calle Levíes, Seville, Spain | Hours: Tuesday and Thursday (except holidaya): 11:00 hrs. Free guided tour. Reservation required. | Price: Free Entrance | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palacio de Mañara
Palacio de San Telmo
Location: San Telmo Palace, Calle Palos de la Frontera, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Hours: To visit Email: [email protected], with full name and ID number of person making the reservation. Visits: Thursdays (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm), Saturdays (10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm). | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palacio de San Telmo
Real Fabrica de Tabacos
Location: Royal Tobacco Factory, Calle San Fernando, 4 41004 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Hours: 8am-9pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat, free tours 11am Mon-Thu | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Real Fabrica de Tabacos
Palacio de Lebrija
Location: Palacio de Lebrija, Calle Cuna, 8, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Hours: 10.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm & 4-6pm Sat, to 2pm Sun Sep-Jun, 10am-3pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat Jul & Aug | Price: 5€ for the lower floor and 8€ for both floors | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Palacio de Lebrija
Casa de Pilatos
Location: Plaza de Pilatos,1, 41003 Sevilla, Spain | Hours: November to March: Mondays - Sundays 9:00 to 18:00 April to October: Mondays - Sundays 9:00 to 19:00 | Price: Ground floor: 6 € Ground and upper floors: 8 €. If you’re an EU citizen, show your ID card or Passport and you can access this palace for free on Monday, from 3 pm to 7 pm. | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Casa de Pilatos
Museo de Carruajes
Location: Museo de Carruajes, Plaza De Cuba, nº10 41011 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. | Price: 3,60 € | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Museo de Carruajes
Museo Arqueologico Antiquarium
Location: Antiquarium Pl. de la Encarnación, 37 41003 Sevilla, Spain | Hours: Tues - Sat: 10:00 - 20:00 Sun: 10:00 - 14:00 | Price: 2€ | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Museo Arqueologico Antiquarium
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Location: Plaza de la Encarnación, 41003 Seville, Andalucía, Spain | Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday - Saturday: 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM | Price: €3 | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Palacio de Villapanés
Location: Hotel Palacio de Villapanes Calle Santiago, 31 41003 Sevilla Spain | Hours: N/A | Price: N/A | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Palacio de Villapanés
La Casa de la Ciencia
Location: Casa de la Ciencia Av. de María Luisa, s/n, 41013 Sevilla | Hours: 10am-9pm Tue-Sun | Price: Museum €3, incl planetarium €5 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting La Casa de la Ciencia
Triana Market
Location: Triana Market Calle San Jorge, 6 41010 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Commercial hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Leisure/Restaurants: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sundays and Holidays: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.| Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Triana Market
Castillo de San Jorge
Location: Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge Plaza del Altozano, s/n 41001 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am – 1.30 pm and 5 pm – 7.30 pm Sunday and Bank holidays: 10 am – 2.30 pm | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Castillo de San Jorge
Triana
Visiting Triana
Museo Histórico Militar
Location: Military Historical Museum of Seville Plaza España, s/n 41013 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Monday to Friday: from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday holidays and August closed | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo Histórico Militar
Museo de la Cerámica de Triana
Location: Centro Cerámica Triana ,Calle Callao, 16, Sevilla | Hours: From Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sundays, holidays and reduced hours *: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Price: € 2.10 | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo de la Cerámica de Triana
Museo de Bellas Artes, Seville
Location: Seville Museum of Fine Arts, Pl. del Museo, 9 41001 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 9am-9pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun | Price: €1.50 | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo de Bellas Artes, Seville
Palacio de Las Dueñas
Location: Palacio de las Dueñas en sevilla, Calle Dueñas, 5, Seville, Spain | Hours: 10am-8pm Apr-Oct, to 6pm Nov-Mar | Price: €8 | Website | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Palacio de Las Dueñas
Plaza de España, Seville
Location: Plaza de España, s/n. 41013 Seville | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Plaza de España, Seville
Los Remedios
Visiting Los Remedios
Parque de María Luisa
Location: Paseo de las Delicias, s/n 41013 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Nov 01 to Mar 31: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Apr 01 to Oct 31: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Parque de María Luisa
Alameda de Hércules
Location: Alameda de Hercules, Alameda de Hércules, Seville, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Alameda de Hércules
Palacio de los Marqueses de la Algaba
Location: Palacio Marqueses de la Algaba Plaza Calderón de la Barca, s/n 41003 Sevilla Spain View o | Hours: 10am-2pm & 6-9pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat Apr-Oct, reduced hours Nov-Mar | Price: Free | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Palacio de los Marqueses de la Algaba
Pabellón de la Navegación
Location: Pabellón de la Navegación, Camino de los Descubrimientos, 2 41092 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 11am-8.30pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun Sep-Jun, 10am-3.30pm daily Jul & Aug | Price: €4.90/3.50 | Website | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Pabellón de la Navegación
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
Location: Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, Sevilla Plaza América, 3 41013 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Sep to Jun Tue-Sat - 9am - 8pm, Sun - 9am - 3pm, Jul to Aug Tue-Sun, 9am-3pm Closed Monda | Price: Free for EU Citizens. Another countries: 1,50€. | Website | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
Archeological Museum of Seville
Location: Archeological Museum of Seville Plaza América, 51 41013 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Sep-Jun: Tue-Sat: 9am-9pm Sun: 9am-3pmJul & Aug: Tue-Sun: 9am-3pm | Price: Free for European Union Citizens. Another countries: 1,50 €. | Website | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Archeological Museum of Seville
Plaza de America, Seville
Location: Plaza de América 41013 Seville Seville, Andalusia | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Plaza de America, Seville
CaixaForum Seville
Location: CaixaForum Sevilla C.C. Torre Sevilla Calle López Pintado 41092 Sevilla Spain | Price: Exhibition €4 | Website | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting CaixaForum Seville
City Walls of Seville
Location: Arco de la Macarena Calle Bécquer, 1 41003 Sevilla Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting City Walls of Seville
Monasterio de la Cartuja (Charterhouse)
Location: Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, Calle Américo Vespucio, 2 41092 Sevilla Spain | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11.00 - 21.00 hrs. Sunday: 11.00 – 15.00 hrs. Monday: Closed. | Price: 1.80 € (Monument or temporary exhibitions); 3.01 € (Full visit). | Website | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Monasterio de la Cartuja (Charterhouse)
Roman Ruins of Italica
Location: Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica, Av. Extremadura, 2 41970 Santiponce Sevilla Spain | Hours: Jan - Mar Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sundays and holidays from 9am to 3pm Monday: ClosedApril - Jun Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, Sundays and holidays from 9am to 3pm Monday: Closed. | Price: Free for EU citizens, and only €1,50 non EU | Website | Distance: 8.0km
Visiting Roman Ruins of Italica
Best Time to Visit Seville
High Season: April to June, September to October Optimal time for outdoor activities Enjoy Seville in pleasant temperatures during these months. Days are hot with ample sunshine, warm nights, and minimal rainfall, especially in June. Explore the city by riding bikes along the river, discovering parks (where the shade of trees provides relief), and partake in cultural activities during the balmy evenings.
Shoulder Season: November, February, and March Ideal time for agreeable temperatures For those seeking milder weather, these months offer sunny and warm days but cooler nights, requiring a coat. Prices decrease, and crowds thin out as the rainy season begins. If you prefer avoiding humidity and crowds, this period is perfect for a visit.
Low Season: July, August, December, and January Best time for budget travelers In peak summer (July and August), consider booking accommodations with a swimming pool to cope with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F). December and January bring cool temperatures and occasional rain showers, making it the most affordable season with enticingly low rates. Seville in winter is charming, adorned with festive lights and seasonal markets.
Visit Seville for the Festival Season
The optimal time to visit Seville for vibrant festivals is during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (Spring Fair), which occur three weeks apart. However, it’s important to note that hotel prices tend to surge during these festivals. Semana Santa involves hooded penitents parading through the streets alongside religious statues, while Feria de Abril is a week-long celebration marked by lively Andalusian festivities—characterized by dancing, feasting, drinking, and socializing into the late hours.
Keep in mind that Seville’s weather can be capriciously unpredictable. While warm and sunny conditions are possible, Holy Week processions may be affected by rain (as the precious statues are safeguarded from potential damage). It’s advisable to carry a shawl or jacket, especially for the cooler evenings.
Average Temperatures in Seville
- January 18°C 64°F 5
- February 21°C 69°F 6
- March 24°C 75°F 8
- April 30°C 86°F 6
- May 32°C 89°F 3
- June 36°C 98°F 1
- July 41°C 105°F 0
- August 39°C 103°F 0
- September 34°C 93°F 3
- October 30°C 87°F 8
- November 22°C 72°F 9
- December 20°C 67°F 10
Festivals held in Seville
How to get to Seville
Travelling to Seville by Plane
Situated 10 km north-east of the city center, Seville’s San Pablo airport (SVQ) is a key transportation hub for the region. The airport offers convenient access to various destinations with direct flights to 20 locations within Spain and to over 50 destinations across Europe and Northern Africa. Direct flights from the UK are provided by airlines like easyJet and Ryanair. For budget-friendly flights, it’s advisable to book early, especially during peak times such as Christmas and New Year. If you’re coming from the USA, there are no direct flights to Seville. The most efficient route is typically through Madrid with Iberia.
Travelling to Seville by Car
Situated in southern Spain, Seville is excellently linked by a comprehensive network of highways, facilitating easy travel to destinations within Spain and Portugal. Traffic drives on the right, and the minimum driving age is 18 years. Speed limits are 120kph (74mph) on motorways and 50kph (31mph) within towns. A valid driving license and third-party insurance are necessary, and it’s advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit. The use of mobile phones, unless completely hands-free, is prohibited while driving in Spain.
Seville boasts well-connected motorways, with tolls only on the A4. Coaches operated by ALSA offer domestic and international services from Estación Plaza de Armas in Seville’s city centre.
Traveling to Seville by Train
Train travel in Spain is known for its comfort and efficiency. Seville’s main train station, Estación de Santa Justa, connects to major Spanish cities. Renfe operates the Spanish rail network, facilitating travel to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Upon arrival at Estación de Santa Justa, taxis are readily available for a quick transfer to the city centre. Alternatively, buses (Routes C1, C2, and 32) provide a more budget-friendly option, departing from outside the terminal.