The Alcázar of Seville, or Royal Palace, is one of the most magnificent attractions in southern Spain.
Originating from the Moorish rulers in the 10th century, this sprawling complex of stone walls, palatial rooms, and perfectly manicured gardens transports visitors back in time.
While it’s easy to spend hours exploring the Alcázar itself, don’t miss the abundance of sights and activities located just steps away from the palace grounds.
The Santa Cruz neighborhood, Seville’s old Jewish quarter’s bright flowers and narrow walkways, beckons right across the street.
From tasty tapas bars tucked along romantic alleys to elegant plazas alive with the click-clack of flamenco dancers’ shoes, Santa Cruz is an important part of Seville.
With so much to experience, it’s easy to see why the Royal Alcázar provides the perfect starting point for any exploration in Seville.
1. Casa de Pilatos
The Casa de Pilatos palace stands in the Plaza de Pilatos in Seville’s Santa Cruz district.
It was constructed in the 16th century on the orders of Don Pedro Enriquez and later his son Fadrique Enriques de Ribera.
It is renowned as Seville’s second-most beautiful palace after the Alcazar.
This well-preserved structure emulates the house of Pontius Pilate, inspiring Fadrique Enriques de Ribera during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Explore the Casa de Pilatos to find a small art gallery showcasing impressive pieces.
The pieces include Greek and Roman statues, tapestries, furniture, and paintings by artists like Goya.
As the largest private palace in Seville, it is a perfect example of an Andalusian palace, making it a must-visit.
Location: Pl. de Pilatos, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily
2. Isla Magica
Isla Magica offers an exciting experience during your visit to Seville.
This theme park is centered around the Spanish discoveries of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Enjoy thrilling rides like the Jaguar, Spain’s main modified crazy ride.
Explore the biggest computer-generated simulation theatre globally, featuring moving seats and a giant hemispherical screen.
Cool off on water rides like the log flume with a 15 m (49 ft) drop and water rapids.
The park has six themed areas: the Amazon, the Pirate Area, El Dorado, and the Spanish City.
Additionally, Isla Mágica features Agua Mágica, a water park with pools, slides, and a beach, opened in 2014.
Location: Pabellón de España, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm daily
3. Museum of Fine Arts of Seville
Opened in 1841 with artworks looted during the Confiscation of Mendizábal, the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville has become one of Spain’s most important art galleries.
With 14 chronologically ordered rooms, it offers a journey through the country’s artistic history, including sculptures from all over Spain, particularly Seville.
The Baroque religious works, collected during the Spanish Confiscation, stand out, featuring notable artists like Zurbarán, Goya, El Greco, and Juan de Valdés Leal.
The star of the museum is Murillo, with dedicated areas and temporary exhibitions showcasing his work.
As the second most important art gallery in Spain after the Prado in Madrid, a visit is highly recommended.
Location: Pl. del Museo, 9, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm
Monday closed
4. Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is a stunning display of light and grandeur within the Maria Luisa Park.
Designed by the renowned Sevillian architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this square is a unique plaza-palace worldwide.
With an expansive area of 50,000 square meters, it is unquestionably the most impressive square in Spain.
A 515-meter-long canal surrounds the entire perimeter of the square, offering a romantic boat ride experience.
The semi-circular shape of Plaza de España is bordered by buildings primarily used as government institutions.
Some noteworthy features are the 52 benches adorned with azulejos and typical Andalusian tiles depicting all 52 Spanish provinces.
The four beautiful bridges crossing the canal represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain, and two tall towers at the square’s ends provide a perfect balance visible from all over Seville.
The arcaded gallery invites strolls, and the Plaza de España has been featured in famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.
Location: Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Opening Hours: 8 am to 10 pm daily
5. Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or Catedral de Santa María de la Sede.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seville, Andalusia.
It is the largest and fourth-largest cathedral globally, occupying over 11,500 square meters.
Initially an Almohad mosque, founded in 1172, the site underwent significant alterations to become a Gothic cathedral.
But it retained some of the features of the mosques.
Seville Cathedral is a complex and stunning religious structure featuring Spain’s largest nave and the iconic bell tower, La Giralda.
It stands as a unique blend of two distinct architectural styles.
It is a city symbol, attracting visitors from around the world.
Location: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10.45 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm
6. Shop Local Wares at Plaza del Triunfo Market
Just a ten-minute walk north of the Alcazar, you’ll find Plaza del Triunfo.
This public square, built in the 18th century, hosts an outdoor market several times per week that locals and visitors love.
Stalls and tents sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and cured meats, baked goods, flowers and plants, traditional handicrafts from the region, and much more.
Wandering through the market is a perfect way to taste life in Seville as you browse colorful wares and practice your Spanish with friendly vendors.
You can easily make an afternoon of market hopping here.
Location: Casco Antiguo, 41004 Seville. Get Directions.
7. Stroll through Maria Luisa Park
Head slightly north to the vast Maria Luisa Park, one of Seville’s main public green spaces, for a dose of greenery in the bustling city.
It was once the palace grounds and then donated to the city in 1893 by the Infanta Maria Luisa.
Now open to all, this lush park has tiled fountains, ponds, paths filled with flowers and palm trees and plenty of bench space to sit and relax with a picnic or good book.
On nice days, you’ll find people strolling, children playing in the fountains, special events, and more happening within the park’s walls.
Exit on the north side to explore the Plaza de España and the ceramics museum.
Location: P.º de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla. Get Directions.
8. Wander the Quaint Streets of the Alameda de Hércules
For a low-key neighborhood with classic Andalusian charm, head slightly northwest of the Alcazar to explore the Alameda de Hércules district.
This area centers around a wide promenade lined with two rows of towering trees and a large statue of Hercules at one end.
The laidback pedestrian avenue and side streets are full of lively tapas bars, bakeries, sidewalk cafés with outdoor seating, and intimate flamenco show venues.
The neighborhood comes alive at night, making it perfect to experience local nightlife and then bar hop your way through the streets.
Location: Alameda de Hércules, s/n, Casco Antiguo, 41002 Sevilla. Get Directions.
9. Take in a Show at the Maestranza Bullring
Attending a bullfight at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza does give visitors an authentic look into a long-standing Spanish tradition in Seville.
As one of the country’s most well-known bullrings, the ornate circular arena dates from the 18th century and seats over 12,000 spectators for the highly ritualized series of events.
Bullfights still occur here weekly from April through October, with the height of the season being the April Fair.
If blood sports don’t appeal to you, the bullring also hosts concerts and other performances on select nights.
Location: P.º de Cristóbal Colón, 12, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla. Get Directions.
10. Learn Flamenco History at the Museo del Baile Flamenco
To dive deeper into the immersive world of Spain’s flamenco dance and music style, detour slightly northwest of the Alcazar to the Museo del Baile Flamenco.
Even if you’ve seen flamenco performed live elsewhere, this museum takes you on an engaging multimedia journey through the history, culture and costumes of flamenco.
Don’t miss watching the film explaining the dance techniques in detail—it will make you appreciate any future flamenco show.
Location: C. Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla.Get Directions.
11. Shop Till You Drop on Calle Sierpes
The lively pedestrian shopping street Calle Sierpes is an absolute must for serious shoppers with spots like Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and affordable Spanish brands.
Even window shopping here can occupy you for hours as the townhouses lining the street have retained their elegant traditional architectural façades at street level.
Now, they house all types of stores beyond high fashion—think handmade fans, jewelry, shoes, baked goods, sherry and wine shops, and everything in between.
Calle Sierpes instantly immerses you in local culture, trends, specialties, and sweets to fuel the afternoon.
Location: Casco Antiguo, 41004 Seville. Get Directions.
12. Explore the Setas de Sevilla
Setas de Sevilla houses a large indoor market downstairs with various food stalls and stores selling housewares, gifts, clothing, and accessories.
Ride up the elevators within the building to access the scenic elevated rooftop, which showcases panoramic views across the city and often hosts cultural events.
The Metropol Parasol, as it’s sometimes called, is an example of modern architecture coexisting with ancient landmarks like the Alcazar not far away.
Location: Pl. de la Encarnación, s/n, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla. Get Directions.
Featured Image: Whatifwewalked.com