Architecture lovers will obsess over Sevilla (or Seville in English). Hands down my favorite thing is how the city developed around the Canal de Alfonso XIII, with six (!) different bridges spanning across and tons of restaurants and bars along the banks, presenting the perfect alfresco dining opportunity.

You could easily spend a whole day just sitting along the river at an outdoor café people-watching, but then you’d miss all the other amazing things to do in Seville, like cathedrals, palaces, and plazas the city has to offer.

Word of caution: Seville is HOT. I was there in August, and you can see there’s a haze on all of the photos (even with the older quality – thanks 2004!).

Seville Planning Guide

• Where to stay: Near Puente de Isabel II
• Flight details: Fly into Sevilla Airport (SVQ)
• Time of year visited: Summer
• Time in Seville: 3 days
• Spain itinerary: 8 weeks study abroad in Spain, including Cádiz, Granada, Madrid, and Seville

Save this map to use on your trip:

1. Click the star to the right of the map title
2. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
3. Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
4. Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!

Where to Stay in Seville

For a short trip focused on the main things to do in Seville, I like staying close to the river and the historic center so we’re never far from food, playgrounds, or siesta time.

• Near Puente de Isabel II / Triana side
  • Great river views
  • Easy walk to Calle Betis nightlife
  • Still close to the main monuments across the bridge
• Barrio Santa Cruz
  • Storybook narrow streets
  • Walking distance to Real Alcázar and Catedral de Seville
  • Perfect if you want to do most of your things to do in Seville on foot
• Around Plaza de España / Parque de María Luisa
  • Quieter at night
  • Easy access to park time with kids

Things to Do in Seville

The Architecture

Unique architectural styles abound in Seville telling the story of the city’s vibrancy, changing of rule, and overall expansion. A study in the contrast of the ancient and modern, you definitely won’t want for photo-worthy moments.

Catedral de Sevilla

Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Inside, you can visit multiple chapels and then climb La Giralda by a series of ramps instead of stairs, which is easier with kids. It’s one of the core things to do in Seville, so book tickets in advance to avoid long waits.

Real Alcázar

Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a working royal palace and one of the best places to understand how different cultures shaped the city. Inside you’ll see Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and later additions layered together in one complex, with carved arches, intricate tile work, and quiet courtyards. Plan to walk through key areas like the Patio de las Doncellas and the Salón de los Embajadores, then leave extra time for the gardens, which are large and a good spot to slow down after the more crowded interior rooms.

For planning, it’s worth booking timed-entry tickets in advance and arriving as close to opening as possible, especially in warmer months. Expect security checks at the entrance and a set path that guides you through the main rooms.

Plaza de España

Plaza de España was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and curves around a central canal with bridges and tiled benches for each Spanish province. It’s an easy place to combine sightseeing with downtime, since kids can explore the tiles or open spaces while adults enjoy the views. Many visitors pair Plaza de España with a walk through Parque de María Luisa when planning their things to do in Seville.

Metropol Parasol

Metropol Parasol, also known as “Las Setas,” is a large wooden structure completed in 2011 (after I visited) with a raised walkway and viewing platforms. There’s a market and small archaeological area at ground level, and you can buy a ticket to take an elevator up to the top for a looped path with city views. It adds a modern stop to your list of things to do in Seville and works well at sunset or at the end of a busy sightseeing day.

Logistics

Seville is one of the few places where I recommend hopping on those big red double-decker City Sightseeing tour buses. The city is walkable, but it’s quite large, and most tourists only plan around three days total there. The bus tour will allow you to see some of those drive-by sites like Torre del Oro, while allowing you to get off at the old city fortress wall, while allowing you to get off and spend more time at the big ones listed above.

The Bridges

The six bridges of Seville were constructed for the 1992 World’s Fair, which was organized to celebrate the 500th anniversary Christoper Columbus discovering the Americas. While I don’t recommend visiting the Expo site (it hasn’t been kept up that well and it’s just a bunch of random ’90s-style buildings; you’ll drive past it and see what I mean on the City Sightseeing tour), I could sit along the Canal and stare at the bridges all day. Each offers a different architectural viewpoint from the ultra modern arch of Puente de la Barqueta to the playful orbs supporting Puente de Isabel II.

Don’t Miss: All of the bridges near the central historical district, such as including Puente de Isabel II, Puente del Cristo de la Expiración (also known as Puente del Cachorro), and Puente de San Telmo, have pedestrian walkways. Make sure to venture across them for a unique viewpoint of the city.

Logistics: There’s no need to walk to the far ends of the city if you want to hit up the more modern bridges. You’ll drive over or past Puente del Alamillo and Puente de la Barqueta on the City Sightseeing tour.

Triana: Across the River from the Historic Center

Triana sits across the Canal de Alfonso XIII from the main historic center and gives you a different side of the city. Traditionally known for ceramics, flamenco, and river life, it’s an easy neighborhood to add to your list of things to do in Seville. You can walk over from the center via Puente de Isabel II, explore a few streets, and still be back near the cathedral by the end of the evening. Triana works well as a low-key half day: a stroll, a meal by the water, and maybe a flamenco show if your schedule allows.

Calle Betis

Calle Betis runs along the river on the Triana side, directly across from the historic center, and is one of the most relaxed things to do in Seville, especially later in the day. The street is lined with bars and restaurants facing the water, so you can eat while looking back at the city skyline and bridges lit up at night.

You can turn Calle Betis into a simple tapas crawl, moving from one place to the next along the river. Walking over Puente de Isabel II, having a meal on Calle Betis, and then crossing back with the lights reflected in the water is an easy way to end a day of sightseeing. It’s also one of the best places to cool off, especially in summer months when the heat is sweltering, and round out your list of things to do in Seville.

Surviving the Seville Heat

Since Seville is famously hot, especially if you’re tackling all these things to do in Seville in summer, it’s worth building your days around the weather.

Heat-Smart Daily Rhythm

• Morning: Big-ticket sights like Real Alcázar, Catedral de Sevilla, Plaza de España
• Midday: Long lunch inside, siesta, hotel pool if you have one
• Late afternoon / evening: Riverfront walks, bridges, Calle Betis, park time

What to Pack for Seville

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sun hats for everyone
• Refillable water bottles
• A small handheld fan or portable neck fan
• Comfy sandals or sneakers that can handle cobblestones

You don’t need a lot of gear to enjoy Seville, but being prepared for the heat makes a big difference in how much energy you have for exploring.

Final Thoughts

If you only have a few days in the city, you do not need to see everything to have a great trip. Pick a few favorite things to do in Seville that match your style, like a morning at the Real Alcázar, time inside the Catedral and La Giralda, an unhurried walk through Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa, and an evening crossing the bridge to Calle Betis to watch the lights along the river. You can always add a river cruise, a bike tour, or a flamenco show if you find yourself with extra energy.

Seville works well on its own or as part of a bigger itinerary. You might pair your favorite things to do in Seville with a few days in Granada using my “things to do in Granada” guide, or plan a future coastal trip using my guide “Positano” for inspiration. If you are still deciding what to include or how to fit everything into your schedule, you can always send me a message on Instagram and I am happy to help you think through your plans.

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