Visiting Seville is something that everyone should do at least once in their life. Seville is one of the most artistic cities in southern Spain. Andalusia, and especially Seville, offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich culture, delicious gastronomy and the warmth of its people. This guide will take you through the most emblematic and charming places in Seville, so you can make the most of your visit. If you want to experience Seville like a true Sevillian and at your own pace, you can rent a car with GoMore (called Amovens in Spain) and explore this beautiful Spanish city with complete freedom from end to end.
You can start your visit with a walk through the historic Barrio de Santa Cruz, known for its narrow stone streets and flower-filled courtyards. The essence of Andalusia. This neighbourhood transports you back in time with every corner telling its own story. It was formerly the old Jewish quarter of Seville, and one of its curious facts is that here you will find the Callejón del Agua, a narrow street through which the water from the gardens of the Real Alcázar used to run.
After enjoying the Barrio de Santa Cruz, another obligatory stop is the emblematic Torre del Oro (Gold Tower). Situated next to the Guadalquivir River, this ancient defence tower offers a unique panoramic view of Seville. Built in the 13th century by the Almohads, it is said that its name comes from the golden glow it reflected on the river thanks to the tiles that originally covered it. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure a safe visit.
Next to it, there are numerous boats that you can hire for a very low price and you can have a sightseeing tour of Seville while sailing on the Guadalquivir river. An incredible experience.
Across the Guadalquivir River lies the vibrant Barrio de Triana, famous for its passion for flamenco and ceramic art. This neighbourhood is full of life and colour, with numerous pottery workshops and tapas bars. Interestingly, Triana is known as the birthplace of flamenco, and Calle Betis, which runs parallel to the river, is a great place to enjoy the views of Seville's old town while eating some traditional tapas.
The Parque de María Luisa is a huge green space perfect for relaxing and recharging your batteries. It is immense and every corner of it is beautiful. This park was donated to the city in 1893 by Infanta María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón. Inside the park, Plaza de América impresses with its architecture and fountains, offering a haven of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park was designed by French architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, who also worked on the Bois de Boulogne gardens in Paris.
Close to the Parque de María Luisa is the spectacular Plaza de España. Any description would be an understatement. It is known for its cinematic architecture and picturesque canal. It’s one of the most impressive places in Seville. You can't travel to Seville and not visit it. As you stroll through the square, you can find professionals playing or dancing flamenco. This makes it even more special, as flamenco will accompany you during the whole walk.
The square was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and has been used as a set for films such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones’. In addition, the square is decorated with tiles representing all the provinces of Spain, making it a perfect place to take photos. You can see a little bit of it on our Instagram profile.
The famous Seville Cathedral, a marvel of Gothic style, is a must-see if you come to Seville. We also recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially in summer. Interestingly, this cathedral is the largest in Spain and the third largest in the world. It houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The climb up to the Giralda, the cathedral's tower, offers breathtaking views of the city. To get to those views, you first have to climb 40 floors. The good thing? It's not stairs, it's all uphill, as when it was created, the idea was to go up on a donkey. There are also balconies on some floors where you can appreciate the views from different heights.
Sevillian gastronomy is another of the city's great attractions. Visiting a traditional market allows you to savour the fresh and varied products of Andalusian and Spanish gastronomy. The Triana Market, located in the old Castillo de San Jorge, brings together these unique flavours that put the finishing touch to any visit to Seville. You can find everything from ham, meat and fresh fish, to fruit and vegetables, followed by typical local spices and ending with desserts and sweets typical of Seville, Andalusia and Spain.
You cannot leave Seville without visiting:
Seville surprises in every corner, from its oldest neighbourhoods to its most famous monuments. The friendliness of its people and its rich culture make everyone feel at home.
Remember that you can rent a car to move around like a local, explore and enjoy this city and all it has to offer.
For more tips, follow us on our social networks, where you can see a little bit of all these places and don't forget to check out our other guides to Barcelona, Mallorca, Málaga.
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