Free walking tours in Seville and what to see

Must-sees

Your visit starts at the cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, with Columbus’s tomb and the Giralda, the old minaret you climb by ramps. Opposite is the Real Alcázar, a palace mixing Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance art, with very large gardens. Behind it lies the Santa Cruz quarter, the old Jewish quarter, with alleys, patios and small squares.

The Plaza de España, in María Luisa Park, was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and has tiled benches dedicated to each Spanish province. The Metropol Parasol, known as Las Setas, has a walkway with views over the rooftops. Across the river is Triana, the district of ceramics and flamenco, with its market by the bridge. On the riverbank you’ll see the Torre del Oro.

Free tours and guided visits

The most common free tour covers the monumental centre: the outside of the cathedral, the Archive of the Indies, the Alcázar and the Santa Cruz quarter, often ending at the Plaza de España. Others focus on Triana, on Seville’s legends or on Seville by night. They last about two hours and you tip what you like.

The paid guided visits most worth it are those of the Real Alcázar and of the cathedral with the climb up the Giralda, because they explain a lot and save you queues. There are also shows in flamenco tablaos and boat trips on the river. Outside the city, the usual day trips go to Córdoba, Carmona, the Roman ruins of Itálica or the white villages of Cádiz.

How long to spend

Three days let you see Seville at a relaxed pace. Day one, the cathedral, the Giralda and Santa Cruz. Day two, the Real Alcázar in the morning and the Plaza de España and María Luisa Park in the afternoon. Day three, Triana, Las Setas and a museum such as the Fine Arts Museum. A fourth day allows a trip to Córdoba. In summer, keep the middle of the day for resting.

Where to stay

The Santa Cruz quarter and the area around the cathedral put you next to the monuments, although they are very busy with tourists. El Arenal, between the cathedral and the river, is central and a little quieter. La Alfalfa and the area around Las Setas have bars and local life. Triana, across the bridge, is a good option if you want a neighbourhood feel and don’t mind walking a few extra minutes.