Sun, sand and charming cities – Andalusia has everything you love about Spain. Every corner of the region harks back to the days of the Great Western Caliphate, so there is no shortage of Arab monuments. Take Sevilla, the fourth largest city in Spain and one of the most beautiful in Europe. A mix of styles and cultures, the smell of oranges 🍊 and incense… the atmosphere here is sure to appeal to you. So don’t wait any longer – come to Seville and discover the true paradise on earth!
“He who has not seen Sevilla, has missed the miracle”, says an old Spanish proverb. Not without reason – the city, full of warm colours and flamenco sounds, it has become the setting for great events. Musically, too, it is the scene of the world’s most famous operas, Carmen and Don Juan. Let’s not forget Christopher Columbus, who started his historic expedition from Seville in 1492. The discovery of America was a milestone for the city, contributing to the rapid development of trade and culture. You can still experience this today by walking through the old streets of Seville.
Seville is a vibrant city, full of monuments and UNESCO-listed tourist attractions. Here you can feel the spirit of old Spain at every turn, still alive in the architecture, cuisine and daily life of its inhabitants. The best example is the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, with its flower-filled 🌺 courtyards, white façades and charming squares. Don’t forget to visit the majestic cathedral with its Giralda tower, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Return home to the sounds of flamenco and tapas accompanied by local red wine. Seville is sure to steal your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories for years to come.
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Plaza de Espana
La Giralda
The palace of Alcazar
The sound of flamenco
Small snacks – tapas
Historical churches
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Sevilla – why should you visit this city in Spain?
- This is the beating heart of Andalusia 💚 – Sevilla is an incredibly rich, cultural and cosmopolitan city with something for everyone. It’s also the capital of Andalusia and one of the largest urban centers in Spain.
- For the mix of cultures, styles and historical eras – you can see it, especially in the former Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz. And you know why it’s the first place most tourists visit in Sevilla, don’t you?
- For tapas – these little snacks are the culinary symbol of Sevilla. They can take many forms, from carrillada de cerdo (pork cheeks), to grilled pork in a sauce of whisky, garlic and olive oil, to the classic patatas bravas 🥔 or tortilla española. All different, all delicious!
- For fiestas – nobody throws a party like the capital of Andalusia. Just look at the small flamenco clubs, cozy rooftop terraces and lively nightclubs, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.
- And the weather, of course! – Any time of year is a good time to come to Sevilla. A hot summer, ☀️ a cool autumn, an awakening spring or a crisp winter. Choose your favorite time and let the charm of the place take you away!
Sevilla in Spain – what to see?
As we have said, Seville is a city that pulsates with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant modern spirit. It’s impossible not to fall in love with it. Just wander through its narrow, winding streets to see its magnificent monuments. Then you’ll feel lost forever.
Start your journey as you like, but don’t forget to see the most beautiful sights, such as Seville Cathedral or the Giralda Tower. They’re true architectural wonders! Just a stone’s throw away is the Alcázar Palace with its lush gardens 💐 perfect for a gentle, relaxing stroll. Don’t miss the Plaza de España, an iconic landmark decorated with colourful ceramic tiles. This is a perfect spot for photos – make sure you Instagram them!
Every corner of Seville offers a glimpse of its tapestry of history, culture and art, making it an unforgettable destination for everyone. Visit the historic Casa de Pilatos and the Archivo de Indias and you will feel as if you have stepped into another reality. And if you want to get a taste of local life, visit the lively Triana neighbourhood. Here you can enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine at one of the many traditional tapas bars that dot the neighbourhoods. Sounds delicious? Don’t miss your chance for a great adventure – book your ticket to Seville, Spain now!
Need more sun? Check Nerja, one of the greatest towns in Costa del Sol, and spend your holiday in the best possible way.
#1 District of Santa Cruz
Let’s start in the Santa Cruz quarter of Seville. It’s an enchanting district that embodies the essence of Andalusian charm and history. Formerly the Jewish quarter, it has labyrinthine streets with whitewashed houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies and vibrant flowers. This historic barrio invites visitors to get lost in its narrow cobbled streets, where every turn reveals hidden squares such as Plaza de Doña Elvira and Plaza de Santa Cruz, full of orange trees and shady benches.
The quarter is also home to important landmarks such as the stunning Alcázar Palace and the majestic Cathedral, both of which are just a short walk away. As you wander around, you’ll discover quaint shops selling local crafts, intimate tapas bars serving Andalusian delicacies and charming cafes ☕️ perfect for a leisurely break. There is a timeless elegance to the atmosphere of Santa Cruz, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of Seville.
#2 Sevilla Spain: The cathedral of Sevilla and La Giralda
One of the most important monuments in Seville is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world, after St Peter’s in the Vatican and St Paul’s in London. It is worth knowing that it was built on the site of a former mosque to impress the faithful. You can see this in the interior, especially in the altarpiece, for which more than 3 tonnes of gold were used!
Next to Seville’s cathedral is La Giralda, a huge bell tower over 97 metres high. It’s the former minaret of an abandoned 12th-century mosque built by the Almohad dynasty. It’s one of the most perfect Islamic buildings in the world, partly because of… the view. Be sure to climb to the top for a breathtaking panorama of the old city. We can call it the best viewpoint in the city, for sure!
#3 The palace of Alkazar
No trip to Sevilla is complete without a visit to the Royal Palace of Alkazar. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it boasts richly decorated halls, courtyards and gardens full of fountains, ⛲️ charming alleyways and exotic animals. No wonder it was one of the locations for the famous Game of Thrones series. This is a place to delight at every turn!
The palace was built in 913 by the first Caliph of Andalusia, Abd al-Rahman III. In the following years, it was the seat of the Muslim rulers of Sevilla, and only after the Reconquest did it fall into the hands of a Christian king. This was Pedro the Cruel, who transformed the castle into a magnificent residence. Today, the Alcázar is one of the best examples of a Mudejar-style palace and one of those buildings that will remain in your memory for a long time.
#4 Sevilla, Spain: Plaza de Espana
To the south-east, beyond the charming streets of the old quarter, is the Plaza de Espana. In a nutshell, it can be described as a long line of Neo-Mudejar buildings with Art Deco elements, joined together in a semicircle. We can call it a real architectural jewel!
Exceptional fountains, beautiful bridges and elegant buildings are decorated with ceramic tiles called azulejos, no less impressive than the history itself. Built as the centre of the American Exposition (which never happened!), the Plaza de Espana was also the setting for Bizet’s opera Carmen. Isn’t that the best reason to spend some time here, away from the heat of the city?
#5 Setas de Sevilla
Our list would not be complete without the modern symbol of the city, the Setas de Sevilla. Also known as the Metropol Parasol, this futuristic structure – in the shape of a giant mushroom 🍄 – is made up of six umbrellas that form a covered public space, including market halls, restaurants and even… a playground!
The main attraction for tourists are the multi-level viewing terraces, which have a spectacular panoramic view of the city. In the evenings there are light shows with music, and underground you can see the famous ruins of Roman and Arab buildings. If you’re running out of ideas for things to do in Seville, we guarantee you won’t be bored here!
#6 Sevilla in Spain: The Archives of the Indies
Finally, the Archives of the Indies, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the mid-18th century in the building of the former Seville Stock Exchange, it collects documents relating to the Spanish colonies. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge, not only about Spain itself, but also about the geographical discoveries that changed the fate of our civilisation.
In total, the archive documentation is around 9 kilometres long and 80 million pages! Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But why is it in Seville? Because it was in the rooms of the Royal Alcázar that the voyages of Magellan and Columbus were decided. One building and so much history!
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Sevilla in Spain – useful information
Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but some information about this country may surprise you. Especially when it comes to Seville. First of all, you should know something about the weather. You should be prepared for hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F)! ☀️ That’s why the best time to visit the city is between March and May. The temperatures are nicer in the spring and you can find cheaper accommodation. You’ll also have the chance to see the world famous Semana Santa and Feria de Abril festivals.
When planning your itinerary, remember that many tourist attractions, such as the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, can have long queues, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance. Also, the siesta tradition means that many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon, usually between 2pm and 5pm, so plan your meals and shopping around this. Finally, don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, as Seville’s charming cobbled streets are best explored on foot!
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Sevilla in Spain: questions and answers
Sevilla is home to several iconic attractions, like the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the Giralda Tower, which offer stunning views for historical insights. The Real Alcázar, a magnificent palace with intricate Moorish architecture and lush gardens, is another must-see place on your list. Additionally, the colorful Plaza de España and the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, are essential stops for any visitor.
The best time to visit Seville is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the city is full of events. Spring is particularly special because of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (April Fair), which showcase Seville’s rich cultural heritage. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winter is mild but can be rainy.
Seville offers a range of convenient transport options. The city has an extensive bus network, a modern tram system and a metro line that connects the main areas. For shorter distances, Seville is very walkable, especially in the historic centre. The city is also bike-friendly, with many bike hire stations and dedicated bike lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.