Seville, the radiant capital of Andalusia, is one of those rare cities that seems to embody the very essence of southern Spain. With its dazzling blend of Moorish architecture, vibrant plazas, and soul-stirring flamenco, Seville exudes a charm that is impossible to resist. It is a city where centuries of history come alive in winding alleys, fragrant orange blossoms fill the air, and locals gather in shaded courtyards for laughter, music, and tapas.

For luxury travelers, Seville is more than a destination — it’s an experience. From strolling through centuries-old palaces to sipping sherry under starlit skies, the city offers moments that linger in memory long after departure. Affluent visitors often combine Seville with neighboring jewels such as Granada, Córdoba, and Ronda, creating a grand Andalusian circuit that pairs perfectly with Portugal for an ultimate Iberian journey.

Portugal Magik Private Tours, established over 14 years ago, specializes in creating bespoke itineraries that weave together the best of Portugal and Spain. Traveling in luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles, guided by expert English-speaking driver-guides, our guests discover not only the iconic landmarks but also the intimate details that make Seville truly unforgettable.

Here, we explore the ten best things to do in Seville — a curated list blending iconic highlights with insider recommendations designed for the discerning traveler.

1. Marvel at the Real Alcázar of Seville

Few places capture Seville’s essence like the Real Alcázar, a palace that embodies the city’s layered history. Originally constructed as a Moorish fortress in the 10th century, the Alcázar evolved into a royal palace used by Christian monarchs, each ruler adding their own artistic flourishes. Today, it remains one of Europe’s most extraordinary palatial complexes — and still serves as the official residence of Spain’s royal family when in Seville.

Visitors are entranced by its architecture, a masterpiece of Mudéjar style: intricate stucco work, shimmering tile mosaics, and wooden ceilings carved with celestial patterns. Highlights include the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), with its tranquil reflecting pool, and the Salon de Embajadores, whose gilded dome symbolizes the heavens.

The gardens, sprawling and romantic, offer a serene contrast to the palace’s grandeur. Orange groves, fountains, and hidden pavilions create the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Lovers of literature will appreciate that the Alcázar inspired scenes in Cervantes’ Don Quixote, while television enthusiasts may recognize it as the Water Gardens of Dorne in Game of Thrones.

Insider Tip: A private, after-hours guided tour of the Alcázar allows you to experience its magnificence without the crowds — an exclusive service that can be arranged on request.

2. Visit Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tower

Seville Cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque in the 15th century as a symbol of the city’s power and devotion. Its vast interior, filled with golden altarpieces, stained glass, and ornate chapels, leaves visitors awestruck. The Altarpiece of the Capilla Mayor, carved in gilded wood, is considered the largest in Christendom.

Among its treasures is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, carried by symbolic figures representing Spain’s kingdoms. The cathedral’s quiet chapels provide a contemplative retreat, reminding visitors of Seville’s spiritual depth.

La Giralda, the bell tower of the cathedral, was originally a minaret constructed by the Almohads in the 12th century. Instead of stairs, the ascent consists of 34 sloping ramps, designed so riders on horseback could reach the top. The reward is one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Seville — rooftops, bell towers, and a sea of orange trees stretching into the distance.

Luxury Touch: Arrange a private rooftop visit, where exclusive access provides rare angles of the cathedral’s flying buttresses and hidden sculptures, along with unforgettable views at sunset.

3. Wander Through the Barrio Santa Cruz

The Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s old Jewish Quarter, is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Spain. Its labyrinthine streets and narrow alleyways are lined with whitewashed houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with bougainvillea. Every turn seems to reveal a secret square, where fountains gurgle and orange blossoms perfume the air.

This quarter holds centuries of history. During the medieval period, it was home to Seville’s thriving Jewish community, and traces of synagogues can still be found hidden among the streets. Today, it is a lively district filled with artisan shops, tapas taverns, and boutique hotels that retain their historic charm.

At dusk, when lanterns flicker and the streets are quieter, Santa Cruz becomes irresistibly romantic — ideal for couples seeking a peaceful stroll before dinner.

Hidden Gem: Seek out Plaza de Doña Elvira, a serene square tiled with azulejos where musicians sometimes play under the stars. It is one of Seville’s most enchanting spots.

4. Experience the Passion of Flamenco

To visit Seville without experiencing flamenco is unthinkable. More than a performance, flamenco is an art form that channels raw emotion through song, dance, and guitar. Born in Andalusia, it remains one of the region’s most authentic cultural expressions, now recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In Seville, flamenco is best experienced in an intimate venue, where the proximity to the performers allows you to feel the rhythm deep within your soul. Two outstanding venues are Casa de la Memoria (Calle Cuna, 6 – casadelamemoria.es) and Tablao El Arenal (Calle Rodo, 7 – tablaoelarenal.com), both known for their authenticity and artistry.

For a luxury experience: Portugal Magik can arrange a private flamenco evening in a historic palace, complete with a sommelier-curated Andalusian wine pairing. Imagine sitting beneath a 16th-century coffered ceiling while a dancer’s footwork resonates through the room — a moment of pure Andalusian magic.

5. Explore Plaza de España

Few plazas in Europe are as grand as Seville’s Plaza de España, built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. Its sweeping semi-circular design, flanked by towers and adorned with ceramic tiles, is a triumph of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. The plaza represents Spain’s provinces through beautifully decorated alcoves, each showcasing traditional tilework.

Visitors may stroll the colonnades, admire the bridges over the canal, or hire a rowboat for a whimsical glide along the water. The plaza’s scale and beauty make it a favorite backdrop for films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II.

At sunset, when the light warms the brick and the sound of horse-drawn carriages echoes across the square, Plaza de España feels both cinematic and timeless.

Insider Experience: Early morning visits, when the plaza is nearly empty, allow photographers and dreamers alike to enjoy its grandeur in near solitude.

6. Relax in María Luisa Park

Adjoining Plaza de España, María Luisa Park is a lush, romantic garden once belonging to the San Telmo Palace. Landscaped in the late 19th century, it is filled with meandering paths, tiled fountains, hidden pavilions, and exotic plantings.

For visitors seeking respite from the Andalusian sun, this park is a sanctuary. Locals come to cycle, stroll, or enjoy picnics under its shaded canopies. Birdsong fills the air, and every corner seems to reveal a new vignette: a ceramic bench, a Moorish-inspired fountain, or a secluded gazebo.

Luxury Touch: For couples, a private horse-drawn carriage ride through the park and surrounding boulevards is a romantic way to appreciate Seville’s elegance at a slower pace.

7. Visit the Metropol Parasol (“Las Setas”)

Seville is not only about tradition — it embraces bold contemporary design as well. The Metropol Parasol, affectionately called Las Setas (“The Mushrooms”), is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Designed by Jürgen Mayer, its sweeping lattice canopy shades Plaza de la Encarnación while hosting a market, event spaces, and restaurants beneath.

Visitors can ascend to the panoramic walkway for striking views across the city, where the juxtaposition of medieval rooftops and avant-garde curves is striking. At sunset, the golden light turns Las Setas into a luminous sculpture.

Luxury Tip: Pair your visit with a tasting menu at La Azotea, located nearby, blending modern Andalusian cuisine with rooftop views.

8. Discover the Casa de Pilatos

Casa de Pilatos remains one of Seville’s most underrated treasures. This aristocratic palace, built in the 16th century, fuses Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar influences into a harmonious whole. Its tiled courtyards, grand staircases, and gardens showcase some of Spain’s finest azulejo collections.

The house is still owned by the Dukes of Medinaceli, which lends it a lived-in authenticity compared to more museum-like monuments. Sculptures from antiquity, lavishly painted ceilings, and a quiet patio filled with orange trees make it an intimate counterpoint to the Alcázar.

Exclusive Option: With special arrangements, private evening visits can be organized — an atmospheric way to enjoy this palace illuminated by lantern light.

9. Taste Authentic Andalusian Cuisine

Seville’s culinary scene is a reflection of Andalusia itself: bold, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Tapas culture thrives here, where meals unfold as a series of small dishes shared among friends.

Essential dishes include salmorejo (a chilled tomato and bread soup, richer than gazpacho), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas, a legacy of Moorish cuisine), bacalao con tomate (cod with tomato), and the city’s beloved torrijas (a Spanish take on French toast, often enjoyed during Holy Week).

For travelers seeking the best, here are three standout dining experiences:

• El Rinconcillo (Calle Gerona, 40 – elrinconcillo.es): Established in 1670, this is Seville’s oldest tavern, where history and tradition meet.

• La Azotea (Calle Zaragoza, 5 – laazoteasevilla.com): A chic modern tapas bar offering innovative dishes alongside classics.

• Abantal (Calle Alcalde José de la Bandera, 7 – abantalrestaurante.es): Seville’s Michelin-starred jewel, perfect for an indulgent evening.

Luxury Idea: Portugal Magik can arrange a private food tour, including market visits, wine tastings, and exclusive dinners hosted by a local chef in a private Andalusian home.

10. Cruise the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir River, once the artery of Spain’s maritime empire, remains central to Seville’s identity. From this river, expeditions sailed to the New World, bringing wealth and cultural exchange that transformed the city into one of Europe’s richest during the 16th century.

Today, the river offers a more tranquil perspective. Cruises showcase landmarks like the Torre del Oro, Triana Bridge, and riverside gardens. Options range from shared sightseeing boats to intimate luxury charters.

For the ultimate experience: Charter a private yacht with champagne service, gliding along the Guadalquivir as the sun sets over Seville’s skyline. It is a fitting finale to a journey through one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

Where to Stay in Seville – Luxury Hotels

A visit to Seville is elevated when paired with accommodations that embody Andalusian elegance. For luxury travelers, these are among the finest:

• Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Calle San Fernando, 2 – marriott.com): Seville’s most iconic hotel, built in 1929, with Moorish-inspired architecture and regal interiors.

• Gran Meliá Colón (Calle Canalejas, 1 – melia.com): A contemporary luxury hotel with an art-inspired design and impeccable service.

• Corral del Rey (Calle Corral del Rey, 12 – corraldelrey.com): A boutique gem in the heart of the old town, blending intimacy with sophistication.

Each of these hotels offers not only comfort but also a sense of place, ensuring that guests feel immersed in Seville’s elegance from morning until night.

Planning Your Seville & Southern Spain Journey

Seville offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and lifestyle — yet it is only the beginning of Andalusia’s treasures. Just a short drive away lie Córdoba with its Great Mosque, Granada with the Alhambra, and the hilltop towns of Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera. Together, these destinations form one of Europe’s most compelling circuits, especially when combined with Portugal’s Douro Valley, Lisbon, or Porto.

Portugal Magik Private Tours is an award-winning company with over 14 years of experience in designing customized multi-day itineraries across Portugal and southern Spain. Traveling in a luxury Mercedes-Benz fleet with professional English-speaking driver-guides, our guests enjoy a seamless journey — always at their own pace, relaxed, and tailored to personal preferences.

Many of our guests begin in Lisbon or Porto, explore Portugal’s highlights, and then extend into Andalusia to experience Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and beyond. The result is a comprehensive Iberian adventure, blending the best of two cultures with none of the stress of planning or logistics.

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