Parque de María Luisa, Seville

National Park and Park in Seville

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gzzz

Parque de María Luisa is Seville's great “exhale”-a long, leafy park that runs south of the historic centre alongside the Guadalquivir, where the city shifts from stone and sun into shade, fountains, and birdsong. It's laid out with broad, tree-lined avenues and intimate garden pockets, and it's dotted with tiled benches, Moorish-style pools, and little pavilions that make the whole place feel like a stroll through Seville's imagination.

What I love most is how it works for almost every kind of day: a calm morning walk, a mid-afternoon reset, or the perfect green connector between monuments. This spot is one of the best places to see in Seville if you want beauty without a queue, and it's an easy highlight on a walking tour of Seville when you want something slower and more local than the headline sights.

History and Significance of the Parque de María Luisa
Things to See and Do in the Parque de María Luisa
How to Get to the Parque de María Luisa
Practical Tips on Visiting the Parque de María Luisa
Where to Stay Close to the Parque de María Luisa
Is the Parque de María Luisa Worth Visiting?
For Different Travelers
FAQs for Visiting Parque de María Luisa
Nearby Attractions to the Parque de María Luisa

History and Significance of the Parque de María Luisa

Before it became Seville’s public park, much of this land formed the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo. In 1893, Infanta María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón donated the grounds to the city, creating the foundation for the park as a shared civic space rather than a private garden.

In the early 20th century, the park was reshaped into its present character. From 1911, the French landscape designer Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier reorganised the gardens, giving them their romantic, Andalusian rhythm of shaded lanes, water features, and carefully framed views that feel both planned and pleasantly meandering.

The park's most dramatic architectural chapter arrived with the lead-up to the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. From 1914, architect Aníbal González began designing exhibition buildings and monumental spaces within and around the park, with Plaza de España becoming the grand centrepiece that still anchors most visits today.

Things to See and Do in the Parque de María Luisa

Start with Plaza de España, because it sets the scale: sweeping curves, tiled provincial alcoves, bridges, and water that turns the whole space into a stage. It's also a helpful orientation point-once you've seen it, you can decide whether you want to wander deeper into the greenery or loop back toward the city.

From there, let the park guide you along its main avenues, especially the long, tree-lined routes that cross the grounds like calm corridors. Where avenues meet, you’ll find statues, little plazas, and fountains that make the park feel like an open-air museum, with stops such as the squares dedicated to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and the Hermanos Quintero.

For classic details, seek out the Fuente de las Ranas and the Fuente de los Leones, both of which deliver that distinctly Sevillian mix of playful ornament and cooling water. Keep an eye out for the tiled benches as well-some are tucked into quiet corners where you can sit in the shade and watch the park’s daily life unfold.

For a slightly more “storybook” stop, climb Monte Gurugú, a rocky mound with stairs, a tunnel at the base, and a viewpoint pavilion at the top. Nearby, the Pavilion of Alfonso XII sits beside a small lake; even if it feels a bit worn, it has a romantic, timeworn charm that suits the park’s older, quieter moods.

And finally, notice the wildlife. The park is famous for doves, and you’ll often spot parakeets in the canopy and ducks and swans around the water-an everyday detail that makes the park feel more alive than “just landscaping.”

How to Get to the Parque de María Luisa

The nearest airport is Seville Airport (SVQ). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Seville on Booking.com. Málaga Airport (AGP) is another common option if you are touring Andalusia and then continuing to Seville. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Seville on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train, Sevilla-Santa Justa is the main station, and from there it's easiest to take a short taxi ride or a city bus toward the Prado de San Sebastián area and walk into the park from Plaza de España. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. If you are already staying centrally, walking is simple: the park begins just beyond the historic core, and the stroll becomes part of the experience.

Local buses serve the edges of the park well, and Seville's Metro Line 1 stops at Prado de San Sebastián and San Bernardo, both within easy walking distance of Plaza de España and the main entrances.

If you are driving, aim for a public car park around the Prado de San Sebastián or the wider centre and walk the final stretch, since parking right beside the park can be time-consuming. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Parque de María Luisa

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: (Summer) Daily: 08:00–00:00. (Winter) Daily: 08:00–22:00.
Official website: http://visitasevilla.es/el-parque-de-maria-luisa-y-otros-jardines/parque-de-maria-luisa
Best time to visit: Go early if you want a quiet, shaded walk, or late afternoon if you want softer light around fountains and Plaza de España.
How long to spend: One hour is enough for a highlights loop, but 2-3 hours lets you slow down and enjoy the park’s quieter corners.
Accessibility: The main paths are generally easy-going, but some garden sections include uneven surfaces and steps, so plan a flexible route.
Facilities: Expect benches, shade, and plenty of space to rest; for cafés and longer breaks, use the nearby streets around Plaza de España and Prado.

Where to Stay Close to the Parque de María Luisa

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in the historic centre (Santa Cruz/Cathedral area) so you can walk to the main monuments; if your priority is calm mornings in the park and quick access to Plaza de España, stay around El Porvenir or Prado de San Sebastián.

For a convenient, park-adjacent base with an easy walk to Plaza de España, Meliá Sevilla is a strong all-round choice. If you want a polished hotel that keeps you close to the park while also sitting well for transport links, Hotel Sevilla Center makes logistics simple without feeling far from the action. For a reliable mid-range option in the same general area, Hesperia Sevilla works well for travellers who want comfort, walkability, and a straightforward base.

Is the Parque de María Luisa Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want to see a softer, more everyday Seville that locals actually use. The park delivers beauty in a low-effort way-shade, water, tilework, and constant small details-without the pressure of tickets, time slots, or crowds pressing you forward.

It's also a smart “balance” stop. If your day is heavy on stone monuments and museum interiors, an hour here resets your pace and makes the rest of Seville feel more breathable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (40,927)

Parque de María Luisa in Seville is a large, well-kept urban park adjacent to the Plaza de España, offering landscaped gardens, scenic plazas, fountains and monuments; visitors praise its peaceful, romantic corners and family-friendly open spaces for picnics, shade and relaxing walks among varied trees, plants and wildlife, note public restrooms and dog-friendly areas, enjoy art and occasional performances near the plaza and a small boating canal there, and mention occasional nuisances like loud cicadas or horse carriage droppings in spots.

JKYWANG 2011

a month ago

"The world famous Plaza de Espana is residing inside the Maria Luisa Park. After watching so many beautiful pictures of this place, I finally made itto get there this past July. Though the weather was scorching hot at >95F during the summer, it was still rewarding to visit this magnificent place. The Plaza was built around 1928 to show case Spanish heritages and history. Thus you can find sections of the regions decorted by colorful ceramic tiles to illustrate their cultures. The plaza has a built-in small canal for boating. But it was closed at the time when an outdoors concert was set up, incidently, the concert stage also consumed most of the plaza real estate. But that did not stop the daily activities at the plaza. A group of artists performed the Flamenco dance in the square, which really highlighted the Spaniards' passion. I was told the dance was originated in Seville. And Seville used to be the center of Spain before Madrid became the Capital. The are plenty of suveniors to buy at the square. The most popular one is probably the castanet after watching the Flemenco dance. Highly recommend this place if you visit Sevelli...."

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LARA RODRIGUEZ

5 months ago

"🌿 Review: Parque de María Luisa – Seville, Spai nAn extraordinary place! Parque de María Luisa is one of the most beautiful and spacious parks inSeville. Located just steps away from the iconic Plaza de España, it’s the perfect spot to fully enjoy the outdoors. The park has a wonderful atmosphere — parts of it feel peaceful and romantic, ideal for a quiet walk or a date, while other areas are perfect for children and families. Whether you’re going alone, with a partner, or with a group, there’s something for everyone. As someone from Argentina, I brought my mate and had an absolutely amazing time. It’s a great place to sit under the trees, relax, have a picnic or some tea, and just enjoy the surroundings. The public restrooms are clean and well maintained. Dogs are welcome, and there are open areas where people can relax or play — including picnic zones, which I loved. 🟢 Highly recommended! Definitely one of my favorite parks in Seville. A must-visit if you’re in the city...."

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Linda Baagøe

5 months ago

"Beautiful park right next to the Plaza de España. We went there for a quiet stroll after visiting the Plaza de España. In the park you can findshade, made beautiful trees, plants and a wide variety of animals. We also enjoyed the art in the park and the quiet sounds of the trees, the bushes and the animals. Go there if you want a quiet break in the warm city...."

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For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This park is an easy win for families because it's flexible: you can keep moving, stop whenever you want, and let the fountains and birds do the entertaining. A good strategy is to anchor your visit around Plaza de España first, then wander into the greener paths where kids can burn energy without navigating traffic.

Bring water and plan small breaks rather than one long sit-down. The tiled benches and shaded corners make it simple to pause, regroup, and keep the visit enjoyable instead of turning it into a forced march.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Parque de María Luisa is Seville at its most cinematic: shaded avenues, tiled details, and quiet corners that feel made for slow wandering. It's especially good when the light is softer and the fountains add that gentle background soundtrack that makes everything feel calmer.

Build a simple sequence: park stroll, Plaza de España, then a drink nearby. The best romantic version of this park is unhurried-more lingering than sightseeing.

Budget Travelers

This is one of Seville’s best-value experiences because it costs nothing and still feels iconic. You can spend a full afternoon here with nothing more than a bottle of water and a snack, and it won’t feel like you “missed” anything by skipping a paid attraction.

Use it as a connector between neighbourhoods rather than a standalone detour. When you treat the park as part of your walking day, you get more atmosphere for free and less time spent on transport.

FAQs for Visiting Parque de María Luisa

Getting There

It sits just south of Seville’s historic centre, alongside major landmark areas like Plaza de España and Plaza de América. The easiest way to think of it is as the city’s central green belt between the old town and the southern districts.

Walk toward the Cathedral area, then continue south in the direction of Plaza de España and you’ll naturally arrive at the park’s busiest edge. If you prefer a calmer entrance, approach from Prado de San Sebastián and drift in through the tree-lined paths.

A taxi is the fastest and most direct option if you want to start at Plaza de España. Public transport works well too: head toward the Prado/San Bernardo area and walk the final stretch into the park.

Visiting Experience

Start at Plaza de España, then do a short loop into the nearest shaded paths so you get both the monumental architecture and the park’s quieter mood. If you want something less busy, begin near Plaza de América and wander toward the fountains and benches.

Yes, because shade and water are a big part of the park’s design, but you’ll enjoy it more if you keep moving slowly and take breaks. On extreme heat days, make it a shorter visit and prioritise the shadiest avenues rather than wide open plazas.

Yes, and it can be beautiful when the air cools and the park feels more local than touristic. Just treat it like any city green space after dark: stick to well-used paths and keep your route simple.

Photography

Yes-tilework, fountains, and long avenues give you easy, classic frames without trying. The best photos often come from details: benches, reflections, and the way light filters through the trees.

Walk to the outer curve so you can capture the semi-circular sweep and the canal in one frame. If you want fewer people, move slightly away from the central bridge and shoot along the curve rather than straight across.

Accessibility & Facilities

Most main avenues are comfortable and wide enough, so a highlights route is very doable. The only tricky parts tend to be smaller garden pockets with steps or uneven surfaces, so it helps to keep your route flexible.

Yes, seating is one of the park’s strengths, with benches scattered throughout and plenty of shaded spots. If you need a longer break, the areas around Plaza de España and Prado usually give you more nearby options.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes-use the edges of the park near Plaza de España or Prado de San Sebastián, where cafés and casual food options are easiest to find. If you want better value, walk a few minutes away from the most photographed areas before choosing a place.

Do the park first, then eat afterward so you can relax without watching the clock. A slow stroll followed by tapas nearby is usually more satisfying than trying to “fit in” a meal mid-walk.

Safety & Timing

Yes, especially during the day when it’s busy with locals, runners, and families. Like any large park, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure in crowded zones.

Early visits feel calmer and greener, while later visits feel more social and atmospheric. If you want the park mostly to yourself, go early; if you want life and movement, go later.

Nearby Attractions to the Parque de María Luisa

Plaza de España: Seville's most iconic square, a sweeping architectural landmark built for the 1929 exposition.
Plaza de América: A quieter monumental plaza with exhibition-era buildings and a calmer, more local feel.
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares: A well-located museum that adds cultural context to Andalusia's daily life and traditions.
Triana Market: A lively food market across the river that's ideal for tapas and local produce after a park morning.
Real Alcázar of Seville: Seville's essential palace complex, an easy pairing if you are planning a full day of landmark sightseeing.

The Parque de María Luisa appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Seville!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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