Visit Seville like a local
Visiting Seville is on the bucket list of many intrepid travelers. The capital of Andalusia is brimming with movie sets, historical monuments and plans for all tastes. If you are planning a visit to this wonderful city this guide will help you discover the best things to do there. Read it and visitSeville like a local on your next getaway!
It's not easy to choose where to start: Seville is known for its beautiful monuments, unique architecture and charming neighborhoods. We explain the best things to do in Seville so you can choose the ones you like the most and plan your tour around the city.
Famous for being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Cathedral of Seville has become a true symbol of the city. In addition to its impressive exterior, it houses works of art of different styles, such as Islamic, Baroque or Renaissance. Inside, the High Altarpiece, considered one of the most spectacular polychrome wooden structures of its time, presides over the Main Chapel, creating a large and solemn space. In 1987, the Cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and most of the tours of the guided tours include it in their itinerary because it is today one of the most visited places in Seville.
Another must-see in Seville is the Real Alcazar. This palace complex was built in different historical periods, so it combines styles such as Islamic, Mudejar and Gothic art. It has different rooms and gardens that surprise by the detail of its decoration and conservation of the ornaments. To visit this idyllic place you have to buy a ticket, but access is free on Monday afternoons.
If you're looking for free things to do in Seville, we reveal one of our favorites: visit the Plaza de España. This impressive square was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It covers 50,000 square meters, but its considerable dimensions are not the only thing that stands out. The plaza's design includes representations of Spain's 48 provinces, crafted from top-quality marble and ceramics that depict maps, coats of arms and distinctive elements of each province. No wonder it is one of the most photographed places in the city.
Just in front of the Plaza de España is the Parque de María Luisa, one of the best places in Seville to take a break. This urban garden is considered the main green lung of the city, and is decorated with numerous gazebos and monuments. The park occupies a space that was once part of the palace of San Telmo, until Maria Luisa Fernanda de Bourbon decided to donate it in 1893. That is why it bears the name of the Infanta.
It could be said that the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana are, along with the old town, the most popular among visitors to the city. It is in Santa Cruz where the old Jewish quarter is located, a neighborhood that houses hidden treasures and numerous cobblestone squares. Getting lost in its narrow streets is a good way to feel the essence of the area, with a historical past that is still present today. For its part, the Triana neighborhood is one of the most emblematic in Seville. In addition to strolling through its streets and enjoying some good tapas, you have to visit the Triana Market and admire the variety of products that can be purchased here.
If you want to discover all the secrets of the city, the best option is to join a guided tour of Seville. On our website you can find different activities that you can book online. Among the most popular are the Free Tour of Seville by Xmigrations and the Sevilla Free Tour by White Umbrella Tours. Both can be booked in Spanish, and offer the unique opportunity to see the most popular places in Seville with expert guides. Some of the sites they include are the Cathedral, the Torre del Oro and the Plaza de España. In addition to seeing these and other emblematic monuments, you can learn more about the history and secrets of this enchanting destination. A Free Tour is one of the best things to do in Seville!
who doesn't like to enjoy a good view? There are three viewpoints in the city that we love and that offer spectacular panoramic views. We reveal them to you!
To discover Seville like a local you need to know what those who know the city well recommend. That's why we asked our provider Xmigrations, which offers different tours around this destination, some questions to discover Seville in depth.
Things to do in Seville
It's not easy to choose where to start: Seville is known for its beautiful monuments, unique architecture and charming neighborhoods. We explain the best things to do in Seville so you can choose the ones you like the most and plan your tour around the city.
Famous for being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Cathedral of Seville has become a true symbol of the city. In addition to its impressive exterior, it houses works of art of different styles, such as Islamic, Baroque or Renaissance. Inside, the High Altarpiece, considered one of the most spectacular polychrome wooden structures of its time, presides over the Main Chapel, creating a large and solemn space. In 1987, the Cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and most of the tours of the guided tours include it in their itinerary because it is today one of the most visited places in Seville.
Another must-see in Seville is the Real Alcazar. This palace complex was built in different historical periods, so it combines styles such as Islamic, Mudejar and Gothic art. It has different rooms and gardens that surprise by the detail of its decoration and conservation of the ornaments. To visit this idyllic place you have to buy a ticket, but access is free on Monday afternoons.
If you're looking for free things to do in Seville, we reveal one of our favorites: visit the Plaza de España. This impressive square was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It covers 50,000 square meters, but its considerable dimensions are not the only thing that stands out. The plaza's design includes representations of Spain's 48 provinces, crafted from top-quality marble and ceramics that depict maps, coats of arms and distinctive elements of each province. No wonder it is one of the most photographed places in the city.
Just in front of the Plaza de España is the Parque de María Luisa, one of the best places in Seville to take a break. This urban garden is considered the main green lung of the city, and is decorated with numerous gazebos and monuments. The park occupies a space that was once part of the palace of San Telmo, until Maria Luisa Fernanda de Bourbon decided to donate it in 1893. That is why it bears the name of the Infanta.
It could be said that the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana are, along with the old town, the most popular among visitors to the city. It is in Santa Cruz where the old Jewish quarter is located, a neighborhood that houses hidden treasures and numerous cobblestone squares. Getting lost in its narrow streets is a good way to feel the essence of the area, with a historical past that is still present today. For its part, the Triana neighborhood is one of the most emblematic in Seville. In addition to strolling through its streets and enjoying some good tapas, you have to visit the Triana Market and admire the variety of products that can be purchased here.
Guided tours in Seville
If you want to discover all the secrets of the city, the best option is to join a guided tour of Seville. On our website you can find different activities that you can book online. Among the most popular are the Free Tour of Seville by Xmigrations and the Sevilla Free Tour by White Umbrella Tours. Both can be booked in Spanish, and offer the unique opportunity to see the most popular places in Seville with expert guides. Some of the sites they include are the Cathedral, the Torre del Oro and the Plaza de España. In addition to seeing these and other emblematic monuments, you can learn more about the history and secrets of this enchanting destination. A Free Tour is one of the best things to do in Seville!
Best Sights in Seville
who doesn't like to enjoy a good view? There are three viewpoints in the city that we love and that offer spectacular panoramic views. We reveal them to you!
- La Giralda. The bell tower of the famous Cathedral of Seville is one of the most famous structures in all of Andalusia, and for a time was the tallest tower in the world.To climb the Giralda you will have to buy a ticket: general admission costs 9€and includes a visit to the Cathedral. From the top of the tower, 97.5 meters high, you can enjoy the best views of Seville.
- Metropol Parasol viewpoint: Who doesn't know the Seville Mushrooms? Famous for their characteristic mushroom shape and for being the largest wooden structure in the world, they have become one of the most popular attractions in the city.What few people know is that you can go up to the panoramic viewpoint, which has a 250-meter walkway to enjoy the views. Access to the viewpoint costs 5€ and tickets can be purchased on the official website of the place.
- The terrace of the Corte Inglés in Plaza del Duque. In this Gourmet terrace you can take a break and have a drink while enjoying the views of the city. It's a good plan!
Secret Seville
To discover Seville like a local you need to know what those who know the city well recommend. That's why we asked our provider Xmigrations, which offers different tours around this destination, some questions to discover Seville in depth.
where can you eat well in Seville?
In Triana (Triana Market) and in the Alameda area (tapas with the 3 B's: good, nice and cheap).
what surprises travelers the most on a guided tour of Seville?
Its historical importance and how well preserved the main historical buildings are (Cathedral, Torre del Oro, Archivo de Indias, Real Alcazar, etc.).
is there a secret place in Seville that you can share?
The Hospital de los Venerables, a 17th century baroque building so called because it served as a residence for priests.
Of all the things to do in Seville, which one do you think is a must?
Plaza España and the Giralda, you can't leave the city without visiting them!
A trip to Seville is a unique experience, so we encourage you to explore this destination by following this guide and make the most of your stay here! If you want to read more about destinations around the world, visit our website to find more travel guides, recommendations and ideas of things to do.
Georgina Blasco
29
October,
2020
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