Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. With 690,000 inhabitants, it is large enough for vibrant city life but compact enough to explore on foot. The city on the Guadalquivir was once the gateway to the New World — Columbus and Magellan set sail from here — and this wealth is still reflected in monumental architecture.
Seville lives to the rhythm of its festivals: The Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its somber processions and the Feria de Abril (two weeks after Easter) with its colorful tents, flamenco, and sherry are among the most impressive festivals in Europe. But even outside festival times, Seville has an energy that is addictive — tapas bars until midnight, spontaneous flamenco performances, and balmy summer evenings by the river.
Plan at least 3 full days, preferably 4–5. The city has so much to offer that rushing through it would almost be a crime.
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Avoid July and August — Seville is regularly the hottest city in Europe then, with temperatures over 40°C. Ideal times are March to May and October to November. For the Feria de Abril (April), be sure to book accommodations months in advance.
Real Alcázar★★★
★★★ Real Alcázar
The Royal Palace of Seville is one of Europe's most fascinating buildings — and often more impressive than the more famous Alhambra in Granada. The oldest parts date back to the 10th century (Abbadid Palace), the highlight is the Palacio de Pedro I from the 14th century: a masterpiece of Mudéjar style, where Christian kings hired Muslim craftsmen to create a palace that could rival the palaces of Granada and Marrakesh.
The Hall of Ambassadors (Salón de Embajadores) with its golden half-dome is breathtaking. The endless gardens — terraced, with fountains, pavilions, orange trees, and peacocks — are a place where you can spend hours. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the gardens as Dorne.
The Alcázar is still used by the Spanish royal family when they are in Seville — it is the oldest continuously used royal palace in Europe.
Admission: 14.50€ (adults), free under 16. Upper floor: +6€ (timed ticket, well worth it). April–September: 9:30 am–7 pm, October–March: 9:30 am–5 pm. Mondays from 4 pm (April–Sept) or from 2 pm (Oct–March) free admission — but long lines.
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Online tickets with time slots are mandatory — without a reservation, you wait 1–2 hours. Book the first time slot (9:30 am) and go directly to the Palacio de Pedro I before the groups arrive. The gardens are quieter in the afternoon.
Cathedral & Giralda★★★
★★★ Seville Cathedral & Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church overall (after St. Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of Aparecida). In 1401, the citizens of Seville began construction — their declared goal: "A church so large that future generations will think we were mad." They succeeded. The interior is of overwhelming size: five naves, 80 chapels, the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world (44 gilded scenes), and the tomb of Christopher Columbus, carried by four allegorical figures.
The Giralda bell tower was originally the minaret of the Almohad mosque (12th century) — you can recognize the Islamic architecture by the Sebka ornaments. Instead of stairs, 35 ramps lead up (so the muezzin could ride up on his horse). At the top awaits a magnificent 360° view over Seville.
Admission: 12€ (adults), 7€ (students), free under 14. Mon–Sat 10:45 am–5 pm (July/Aug until 4 pm), Sun 2–6 pm. Mondays 4:30–6 pm free (limited places).
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The cathedral is less crowded than the Alcázar — still, come in the morning. The Giralda ramps are easy to walk, even for children. A pleasant breeze always blows at the top, even in summer.
Triana & Other Districts
★★ Triana
Seville's most authentic district is reached via the Puente de Isabel II (Puente de Triana). For centuries, Triana was home to sailors, ceramic artists, and flamenco singers — and it has retained its rough, unpolished charm. Here live the Sevillanos who say: "I'm not a Sevillano, I'm a Trianero."
The Mercado de Triana on the ruins of San Jorge Castle (once the seat of the Inquisition) is perfect for a tapas lunch: fresh fish, Ibérico ham, local olives. Along the Calle Betis by the riverbank are tapas bars and restaurants with views of the old town — especially magical at sunset.
In the side streets, you'll find the traditional ceramic workshops (Azulejo tiles) that give Seville its distinctive face. Calle San Jacinto and Calle Pureza are the main axes of the district.
★★ Plaza de España
This monumental semicircular building from 1929 (for the Ibero-American Exhibition) is Seville's most photographed spot. 170 meters in diameter, a canal with rowing boats (6€ for 35 minutes), 48 ceramic niches representing the Spanish provinces, and Renaissance Revival architecture that glows golden in the sun. Star Wars fans know the place as Naboo.
Admission: free, accessible 24/7. Rowboats: 6€/35 min.
★★ Barrio Santa Cruz
The former Jewish quarter right next to the Alcázar is a labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden squares, and flower-decked courtyards. Touristy, yes — but irresistibly pretty. Plaza de los Venerables and Plaza de Doña Elvira are the most beautiful squares. In the evening, the streets empty, and you almost have them to yourself.
★ Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
The "Mushrooms of Seville" — a massive wooden structure by Berlin architect Jürgen Mayer (2011) on Plaza de la Encarnación. Controversial but impressive. In the basement, an archaeological museum (Antiquarium) with Roman and Moorish ruins. Above, a viewing platform with panoramic views (5€).