Essential
Museums & culture· Centro
Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, built on the site of the old mosque. Its former minaret, the Giralda, is climbed by ramps rather than stairs.
Collection · Seville
Seville essentials
8 placesFreeUpdated November 5, 2026
First time in Seville? Start with the cathedral and the Giralda, the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, the Setas and the Santa Cruz quarter, plus a night of flamenco and two places to eat like a local.
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Places in this collection
8 places
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- Essential
Museums & culture· Santa Cruz
Royal Alcázar of Seville
A royal palace still in use, with Mudéjar halls, carved plaster courtyards and huge gardens. The Courtyard of the Maidens is its best-known corner.
- Essential
Museums & culture· María Luisa Park
Plaza de España
A vast semicircular square built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, with a canal, ceramic bridges and a tiled bench for each Spanish province.
- Essential
Viewpoint· Encarnación
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
A wooden canopy over Plaza de la Encarnación with a rooftop walkway looping above the old town. Roman remains are on show in the basement.
- Essential
Special place· Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz quarter
The old Jewish quarter beside the Alcázar: narrow lanes, small leafy squares and patios glimpsed through iron gates. Best explored without a plan.
- Essential
Special place· Alfalfa
Casa de la Memoria
A flamenco centre in an old townhouse, with daily shows for a small audience and the dancers just a few feet away.
- Essential
Restaurant· Santa Catalina
El Rinconcillo
Open since 1670 and said to be the oldest bar in Seville. At the wooden counter your tab is chalked up in front of you.
- Essential
Restaurant· Triana
Triana Market
A food market just over the Triana bridge, built on the remains of San Jorge castle. Tapas counters sit among the stalls.
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Before you go
How to see Seville's essentials
Cathedral and Giralda
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00, and on Sunday afternoons. The ticket includes the Giralda climb and is a euro cheaper on the official website. You walk up ramps rather than stairs, so it's easier than it looks.
Royal Alcázar
Opens at 9:30 all year and closes at 17:00 from October to March and at 19:00 from April to September. Book on the official website and go first thing: the gardens are at their best before the crowds and the heat.
One walk for all of it
The cathedral, the Alcázar and Santa Cruz are side by side. Plaza de España is about 20 minutes on foot from there, mostly through the shade of María Luisa Park. The Setas are to the north, about 10 minutes from the cathedral.
Flamenco and tapas
Book Casa de la Memoria ahead, as the audience is small. At El Rinconcillo the bar is first come, first served, so go early if you want a spot.
Checked on November 3, 2026. Opening hours and tickets can change, so check each place’s website before you go.
