Seville is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world. And I’ve done my fair share of exploring it between visiting as a high school student, to living in the Casco Antiguo during my semester abroad, to falling in love with a Sevilliano and seeing the city through his eyes.

Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do in Seville that I often recommend to friends and family.

Visit the cathedral and climb the Giralda

You can’t miss Seville’s cathedral, not only because it’s beautiful, but because it’s massive. It’s hard to walk past without being curious and venturing inside. It’s even been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay extra to climb the Giralda, which dominates the Seville skyline. Originally the minaret for a mosque, it’s now the cathedral’s bell tower.

The cathedral and Giralda are extremely popular tourist destinations, so buy tickets in advance.

Marvel at the Real Alcázar de Sevilla

You might recognize corners of the royal Alcázar from movies or series like Game of Thrones who’ve filmed on location in this beautiful palace. The Alcázar dates as far back as the Middle Ages, but has undergone several changes and expansions over the centuries. Like the cathedral, the Alcázar is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s still used by the Spanish monarchy for events. You’ll be mesmerized by the ceramic tiles and elegant patios making up the palace’s interior. Take your time strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens, which are quite large and even include a maze.

As you won’t want to miss a visit to the Alcázar, it’s best to buy tickets in advance.

Stroll through María Luisa Park and Plaza de España

The one activity that never gets old is a stroll through María Luisa Park to Plaza de España. A free activity, I always end up returning to Seville’s beautiful park every time I’m in the city. On my first trip to Seville, Plaza de España was one of the places that amazed me with its beauty. I loved the ceramic details, the bridges, and the columned walkways. You can’t take a bad picture here! Similar to the Alcázar, because of its unique architecture, the Plaza de España has also been included in films such as Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

Get lost in Seville’s old town

Seville has one of the largest old towns, or Casco Antiguo, in Europe. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and take it all in. Some of the most beautiful streets and plazas you’ll find in Barrio de Santa Cruz, which was the old Jewish Quarter. Just on the edge of the center behind the Alcázar are the Murillo Gardens, which although small, are still beautiful and romantic.

Enjoy a pastry and café con leche at La Campana

If the narrow cobblestone streets didn’t remind you that you’re in Europe, this pastry shop will. According to its website, La Campana was founded in 1885 and it definitely feels like it’s been around for a long time. There are some tables out front or you can eat standing at the counter, which I think is more fun. La Campana is most famous for their merengues, las tortas de polvorón, las lenguas de almendra, and las yemas sevillanas. However, I can confirm that everything is really tasty!

Go to the top of “Las Setas“

Meaning “The Mushrooms” in English, you’ll find this large and peculiar structure in the Casco Antiguo. On the bottom of Las Setas, a market sells fresh produce, meats, and fish in the mornings. You can even visit some old Roman ruins discovered when building the market. Pay to walk around the top of the Las Setas for an amazing 360 degree view of the center of Seville, including the Giralda in the distance. The views are equally beautiful during the day, at sunset or in the evenings.

Walk along the Guadalquivir River

This is another great free activity. My friends and I used to love walking together by the river and taking in the views of the Triana neighborhood across the water and Isabel II bridge. Stop by the Lonja de Barranco Market along the river’s bank for drinks and some tapas.

Wander around Palacio de las Dueñas

Often overshadowed by the Alcázar, Seville has some great privately owned palaces. One of my favorites is Palacio de las Dueñas. Owned by a family connected to the Spanish monarchy, it has a lot of history. Its patio and gardens are charming and I enjoyed walking through the palace and peeking at family photos with celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy. 

Flamenco dancing and live music at La Carbonería

One night, early in my semester abroad, a group of friends and I stumbled into this unassuming bar in Seville’s historic center. We walked into what seemed like an impromptu and intimate concert by a flamenco guitarist. We stood in the back and were awestruck by his talent and the crowd’s rhythmic clapping and “olé” interjections. As foreigners, we felt like we were witnessing authentic Spanish culture. I later found out this bar, La Carbonería, is famous for its live music and flamenco shows. Unlike some other shows in Seville, you can walk in, order a drink and enjoy the show. No tickets needed.

Go out in la Alameda de Hércules

When I studied abroad in Seville, I learned there are two places to go out: Plaza de la Alfalfa and la Alameda de Hércules. Called Alfalfa and la Alameda for short, after trying both I found I enjoyed the atmosphere, the options, and the people in la Alameda better. A large square in the historic center of Seville, la Alameda is where many Spaniards go out at night. Due to its large size, you have many different bars to choose from. It will be crowded, so you’ll see people spilling into the street from the bars having a great time. Spaniards like to go out late and go home late. Wait until around midnight for the bars to start to fill up.