7 Unique Things to See in Seville, Spain
You’ve stumbled upon one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, and I’m about to spill the beans. In this post, you’ll discover seven things to see in Seville that are pretty unique and are all hand-picked to help make your trip extra memorable.
Special thanks to Lucia, a Slovak expat currently living in Spain for writing this post and sharing her expertise on Seville. You can find more from her at Viva La Vita, a site with local tips from Andalusia and beyond. Also, some of the links featured in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through a link, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Jessica Lynn Writes.
Picture this: vibrant streets, captivating historical sights, rich culture, and enough tapas to keep you fueled for days.
But wait, there’s more! Seville is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences just waiting for you to dive in.
So, grab your adventurous spirit (and perhaps a sangria or two), and let’s embark on a thrilling journey through the winding alleys of this Andalusian gem.
Trust me, by the end of this post, you’ll be itching to book your tickets and explore all the amazing new things to do in Seville. Vamos!
7 Unique Things to See in Seville
When many people picture Seville, they may think of the famous Royal Alcazar of Seville, the rich Spanish splendor, and “Game of Thrones” filming locations.
While the Royal Alcazar is awesome, Seville has so many new and unique destinations and sights that you can brag about.
These lesser-known spots on this list offer more authentic and immersive experiences compared to touristy areas. You can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
Now let’s venture off the beaten path to unique and memorable discoveries, like hidden gems, beautiful viewpoints, and intriguing historical sites which will be among our list of the best things to do in Seville.
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1. Casa de Salinas
With just one glance, it’s easy to see why Casa de Salinas is considered one of Seville’s finest private palace residences.
This mansion is an elegant fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and MudƩjar architectural styles that reflect the patchwork of cultures and artistic movements that swirled around Spain during the 16th century.
If you love ancient arts and architecture, then walking around the palace to marvel at the impressive architecture and decorations may be fun for you and your family during your next trip to Seville.
Hours:
October 16āJune 14
10 amā6 pm
June 15āOctober 15
10 amā2 pm
Tip: Tickets for kids 11 years old and under get 50% off!
2. Casa de Pilatos
Casa de Pilatos is a palace located in the Plaza de Pilatos in the district of Santa Cruz in Seville.
This captivating palace is adorned with a beautifully decorated patio that houses 24 busts of Roman emperors and Greek gods, marble columns and floors, chapels, and an enchanting Italian-style garden.
In fact, the 18th Duchess of Medinaceli and her family still partially live in the mansion.
The palace also has many gardens, patios, fountains, and salons. Look for Roman mosaic floors on the first floor, and walls covered with beautiful ceramic tiles in many different Mudejar styles.
Walk around the drawing rooms, courtyards, and gardens, and marvel at the impressive sculptures, tiles, and architecture created by the EnrĆquez de Ribera family.
Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Casa de Pilatos for a truly unforgettable experience.
Casa de Pilatos is open every day, making it a convenient and accessible attraction for visitors to enjoy get your tickets here.
3. Plaza de AmƩricas
While tourists may flock to Plaza de Espana, Plaza de America is just south of the popular other plaza, and is a great place to take a stroll during the day or early evening. It’s also a fantastic place to have a picnic with the family.
It’s often overlooked on a trip to Seville, but you’ll find it in the Maria Luisa Park surrounded by three palaces in different architectural styles built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929.
The square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Seville.
It’s flanked by the Museum of Popular Arts (NeomudĆ©jar style) to the north, the Archaeological Museum (Neo-Renaissance style) to the south, and the Royal Pavilion (Gothic style) to the east.
The square is decorated with fountains, ponds, and gardens, making it wonderful to relax and enjoy the sun.
The square may not be a popular tourist destination but it is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
Hours:
10 am-11 pm
Pro tip: Take a bike tour around the square.
4. Plaza de Toros
If you really want to see special historical sights away from mainstream tourist centers, this is the place.
El Toro means “the bull,” and this is the largest and most important arena for bullfighting in all of Spain.
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de CaballerĆa de Sevilla is a 12,000-capacity bullring in the El Arenal harbor district of Seville.
It’s known for its beautiful architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful bullrings in the world. Built in the 18th century, it’s been used for bullfighting ever since.
The bullring is open to visitors and offers guided tours, or you can walk through on your own.
Visit the small, but interesting, museum that traces the bullfighting sportās history from the 18th century to the present day.
The museum has a hall with paintings about bullfighting as well as a collection of memorabilia including costumes, posters, and bullās heads.
Oh, and yes: bullfights do still occur here. If this is on your must-see list, plan accordingly and get tickets ahead of time.
Hours: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Book skip-the-line tickets here
5. Palace of Countess de Lebrije
The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija (also known as Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija) is a 16th-century mansion located on Cuna Street in Seville, Spain.
Characterized by its collection of art, including Roman mosaics and other antiquities as well as Asian art, paintings by European masters, and European furniture, it’s considered a must-see attraction in Seville.
The palace offers guided tours that provide insight into the history of the palace and its collection. If you’re interested in art and history, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting this palace.
6. Coffee at Alfonso XIII Hotel
One of the most unique things to do in Seville is one of the simplest,
Make sure you plan in time to stop and have some coffee at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, one of Spain’s most prestigious hotels located next to Sevilleās Real Alcazar, and I highly encourage you to make a reservation ahead of time.
Alfonso XIIIās elegant design includes Arabic-style arches and ceramic tiles, and you may just get lucky and see a celebrity. This is where the rich and famous stay when they’re visiting Seville.
Imagine having coffee in the casual al fresco (open air) and dining in the pool restaurant next to the swimming pool. You can also order sweet snacks as well as beers and wines.
7. Kayak on the Guadalquivir River
If you enjoy boat cruises, take things to the next level and go kayaking on the Guadalquivir River instead.
The Guadalquivir River, AKA the River of Seville, is the only navigable river in Spain, and it’s one of the best ways to see the city.
The river has played a leading role in many moments of the cityās history. Sieges, defenses, and conquests have been fought between its waters, and also feats and crossings have been forged from its banks. It is over 700 km in length and connects the capital of Andalusia, Seville, with the Atlantic Ocean.
You donāt want to miss having a unique perspective on the cityās waterside landmarks. It is also a great way to exercise and enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery of the city.
You can rent a kayak on the river and book a 2.5-hour kayaking tour on Sevilleās Guadalquivir River.
Practical Tips for Visiting Seville
The best time to enjoy your visit to Seville is in spring or autumn when temperatures are warm but mostly comfortable.
Avoid the hottest times of the year in July and August when sightseeing can be quite uncomfortable and many locals leave the city for the coast.
Most international flights will fly into Madrid or Barcelona, but if you’re already in Europe check out the discount airlines to for direct flights into Seville.
here’s one more secret:
Book a free walking tour (just leave a tip at the end) to explore the cityās main neighborhoods and get a taste of the essential attractions and culture from a localās perspective.
The tour guides are usually happy-go-lucky and charismatic, and they are more than happy to share inside tips on places to eat underground bars and other hidden gems.
For Even More around Sevilla
If you want to venture out of the city for a fun day trip, you are also spoiled for choice.
One of the most popular options for a day trip from Seville is Cadiz – the oldest city in Europe (so they say), located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with pretty sandy beaches and historic gems to explore.
Want an even longer experience around Sevilla? Here’s a 2-week road trip guide around Spain and Portugal.
There can never be a shortage of unique fun things to do in Seville.
Seville has something for everyone, whether youāre a hopeless romantic or a history buff. From sipping sangria and sightseeing to exploring the cityās outdoor spaces, Seville is truly a special place.
Have you been to any unique places during your trip to Seville? Share them in the comments to help others with their trip!
