Seville, Spain — Where to Go
Seville Sightseeing Overview
Seville is a relatively compact city with most of its major sights within walking distance. The cathedral is a useful central landmark and a slow climb up the bell tower (La Giralda) to take in the view is highly recommended for getting your bearings.
From the cathedral, the labyrinth of narrow walkways and charming patios of the old Santa Cruz quarter are just a few steps away. In the opposite direction, it's an easy stroll to the grandeur of the Torre del Oro and Maestranza bullring in the Arenal quarter.
Even crossing the river to Triana is no great hardship, particularly if you're spurred on by the thought of a riverside drink/cold beer at one of several terrace-bars located along Calle Betis.
The only major sights where public transport might be a better idea than tired feet are the Isla Magica and the old city walls in La Macarena quarter.
Seville Tourist Information
OficinadeTurismo de Sevilla
Plaza del Triunfo 1
Tel: 95 450 1001.
Website: www.turismosevilla.org
Seville Sightseeing
The Sevilla Card offers discounts on a range of shops, bars, restaurants and shows plus free admission to most of Seville's museums and monuments. The card also entitles the holder to unlimited use of public transport (TUSSAM bus lines) and sightseeing buses. The card is available from the main tourist offices, the airport, railway station, travel agencies or online (www.sevillacard.es).
Seville Sightseeing
The Sevilla Card offers discounts on a range of shops, bars, restaurants and shows plus free admission to most of Seville's museums and monuments. The card also entitles the holder to unlimited use of public transport (TUSSAM bus lines) and sightseeing buses. The card is available from the main tourist offices, the airport, railway station, travel agencies or online (www.sevillacard.es).
Key Attractions in Seville, Spain
RealesAlcázares(RoyalPalaces)
Dating from the 14th century, the Reales Alcazares complex provides a perfect example of Moorish architecture and houses some prime examples of mudéjar artistry plus the most ornate gardens in Seville.
Patio de Banderas
Tel: 95 450 2323.
Website: www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700 (Oct-Mar); daily 0930-1900 (Apr-Sept).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
UNESCO site: Y.
Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda (Seville Cathedral and bell tower)
Built in the 15th century on the foundations of the al-Moharrem Great Mosque, this gargantuan cathedral is the world's largest gothic temple and third largest Christian church after St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London. La Giralda was the minaret of the former mosque and in its day was the highest tower in the world, still affording great views of Seville's rooftops today.
Fray Caferino Gonzalez
Tel: 95 421 4971.
Website: http://catedraldesevilla.es
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1100-1730, Sun 1430-1830 (Sep-Jun); Mon-Sat 0930-1630, Sun 1430-1830 (Jul-Aug).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
UNESCO site: Y.
Torre del Oro and Museo Naval (Tower of Gold and Naval Museum)
Formerly a Moorish watchtower when it was built in the early 13th century, the Torre del Oro marked the edge of Seville's defenses, later becoming a storage depot for gold and riches gathered on voyages to the Americas. Today it houses a small naval museum.
Paseo de Colón
Tel: 95 422 2419.
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1400, Sat-Sun and holidays 1100-1400.
Admission charge: Y (free Tues).
Disabled access: Y.
La Maestranza (Bullring)
Seville's yellow and white bullring, revered by Andalucians, is considered to be one of the most important bullfighting arenas in Spain.
Paseo de Colón
Tel: 95 422 4577.
Website: www.realmaestranza.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-2000 (May-Oct); daily 0930-1900 (Nov-Apr).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
Plaza de España
Seville's Plaza de España is a huge public area bordered by a crescent of government buildings facing a monumental fountain. A moat flows under ornate staircases and gently past a succession of brightly tiled alcoves, one for each of Spain's provinces.
Plaza de España, next to Parque de Maria Luisa
Further Distractions
HospitaldelosVenerables Sacerdotes(HospitalfortheVenerable Priests)
Constructed in 1676 as a rest home for priests in the old quarter of Santa Cruz, this building is now used to promote culture in Seville. The interior patio is one of the prettiest in Andalucia.
Plaza de los Venerables
Tel: 95 456 2696.
Website: www.focus.abengoa.es
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1400 and 1600-2000.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
IslaMágica
A legacy of the Expo 92 trade fair, Isla Mágica is an amusement park themed around the golden days of Seville's illustrious seafaring trade.
Pabellón de España, Isla de la Cartuja
Tel: 902 161 716.
Website: www.islamagica.es
Opening hours: 1030/1100-1900/midnight (hours vary throughout the year).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
