Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It's famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood.
Some cities blast you away, others slowly win you over. Seville disarms and seduces you. Its historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes. Flamenco clubs keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive whilst aristocratic mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and, later, a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade.
11:30am-12:00pm : Museo Lara
Step into a grim reality of Museo Lara and see the diverse collection of curiosities of Juan Antonio Lara Jury. Starting with a large collection of watches on the main floor, stroll through the halls of the museum to see old sewing machines and typewriters next to handguns and microscopes. Descend into the basement to experience the truly unique part of the museum--the exhibition of witchcraft and the Spanish Inquisition's sinister torture devices, including a stretching rack with a display mannequins. Gaze at immitation dragons, life-sized mermaids, and werewolf taxidermy, part fo the monstrous experience.
10:00am-11:00am : Puente Nuevo
Puente Nuevo is the newest and largest of three bridges that span the 120-m (390-ft) chasm that carries the Guadalevín River and divides the city of Ronda. For views of the 18th-century bridge itself, head to the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora. To learn more about how the bridge was built and why its chamber was used as a prison, go to the visitors’ center. Take in the views of the surrounding natural landscape, but be very careful near the edge.
10:00am-11:00am : Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
The largest wooden structure in the world, Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) stands 150 by 70 m (490 ft by 230 ft) over La Encarnación Square. Organized on four levels, the mushroom-like structure houses four different sites. View the Moorish and Roman remains on the lower level and the central market on the first level, for example. Panoramic terraces overlook the city on the second and third levels. This attraction is commonly known as the "Encarnación's mushrooms" due to its distinctive shape.
11:30am-12:00pm : Ceramicas Sevilla
12:30pm-3:00pm : Parque de Maria Luisa
Tour the lush gardens and ornate architecture of Parque de Maria Luisa. Located in the heart of the city, the park stretches along the Guadalquivir river and is home to many important monuments and historical structures. Visit the impressive Mudéjar Pavillion that now houses the Museum of Arts and Traditions, or admire the famous statue of Miguel de Cervantes, located in the gardens. Explore the tile-adorned Plaza de España complex, connected by bridges over a moat. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available through the gardens.
3:30pm-6:00pm : Plaza de España
Natives of Seville love to have their wedding photos taken at Plaza de España, while passing tourists enjoy taking a long breather at this historic square built for the 1929 Latin American Expo. Painstakingly restored to its original splendor after years of neglect, the plaza is one of the country’s finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture. The square faces a large park, another city landmark built for the same international exposition. The entire area is surrounded by impressive buildings carefully designed to represent the city’s glorious past. Many of these structures blend elements of the region’s Moorish and Christian heritage, with the grandest mansions on the square now serving as museums and government offices.
10:00am-11:30am : Museo De Bellas Artes De Sevilla
Housed in an ornate former convent dating back to 1594, Museo De Bellas Artes De Sevilla features works by mostly Spanish artists from the medieval period until the early 20th century. A collection of paintings from the Golden Age of Sevillian painting, which dates to the 17th century and includes pieces by Zurbarán, Murillo, and Leal, serves as the highlight. The works are arranged chronologically throughout the museum, helping you see the development of Spanish painting over a handful of centuries. If you’re traveling with children, ask ahead of time about family programs.
12:00pm-3:00pm : Wine Tours & Tastings
3:30pm-6:00pm : Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla
Admire imposing Baroque architecture of Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla, one of Spain's oldest bullrings. The 12,000 capacity venue serves as the center of activity during Seville's April Fair, which starts off the bullfighting season each year. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of bullfighting, an important yet controversial aspect of Spanish culture. Equipped with an audio guide, you can explore stables and museum, which boasts an impressive collection of bullfighting memorabilia. After, walk out into the massive arena to get a sense of the frenzied atmosphere of the corrida.
10:00am-1:00pm : Walking tours
1:30pm-4:00pm : Barrio Santa Cruz
A picturesque quarter in the heart of the city, Barrio Santa Cruz is intersected by small, winding streets and dotted with museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops. It’s easy to get lost meandering through the narrow, labyrinthine alleys that once enclosed the old Jewish quarter. Getting lost, however, is part of the adventure in this jasmine-perfumed old part of the city. This neighborhood is the location of many of the region’s oldest religious structures, including the city’s world-famous Gothic cathedral, one of the biggest churches in the world. As you search for the way out, you just may stumble upon an ancient convent, medieval palace, bustling plaza, or even a modern hotel. Pick up a souvenir of your explorations from one of many street vendors in this historic district.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Catedral de Sevilla
One of the largest Gothic churches in the world, Catedral de Sevilla is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and a World Heritage Site. The awe-inspiring cathedral is 126 m (413 ft) long and 83 m (272 ft) wide, built on the site of a former mosque. The mosque’s minaret, now serving as a converted bell tower, still stands right next to the cathedral. Climb up this emblematic tower for sweeping views of Seville, or tour the interior to see the longest nave of any cathedral in the country. Inside the main body of the cathedral, the most noticeable features are the choir lofts and the carved scenes from the life of Christ. A single craftsman, Pierre Dancart, spent his entire life completing the work on the richly detailed altarpiece, considered one of the finest in the world.
11:30am-12:00pm : Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor
12:30pm-2:00pm : Alameda Del Tajo
2:30pm-4:00pm : El Tajo de Ronda
The town of Ronda seems impossibly perched atop El Tajo de Ronda, a 130 m (427 ft) canyon yielding views at once spectacular and a little bit frightening. Completed in 1793, the Puente Nuevo spans the gorge, its old age lending it splendor, while making the prospect of crossing slightly unnerving at the same time. If you’re up for a hike, walk the path from town down into the gorge and pass under this bridge, the tallest of three. Stop in the bridge’s small museum, detailing its history and that of the town.
4:00pm-4:30pm : Mirador de Aldehuela
Mirador de Aldehuela awards visitors with unforgettable views of the gorge and the whitewashed town that sits upon it. Named after the renowned Spanish architect who built the neighboring Puente Nuevo as well as the town's bullring, the viewpoint offers a convenient sneak peek into Ronda's historical landmarks. Don't forget to bring your camera.
11:00am-12:30pm : Fundacion Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre
1:00pm-2:30pm : Feria del Caballo
3:30pm-5:00pm : Bodegas Tio Pepe
At Bodegas Tio Pepe, take a trip back to Jerez's 19th-century glory days as one of the world's leading producers of wine. Board the train to tour the vast grounds of the winery and sherry warehouse, including a round building built by famous architect Gustav Eiffel. See over a hundred barrels ready for export as well as wine barrels displayed with autographs of the rich and famous. Learn how sherry is made and watch the warehouse mice take samples from their own cup of sherry. The tour finishes in the banquet hall, where you can sample dry and sweet sherries. Tour prices vary according to how much wine you choose to sample and whether or not you include tapas with your tasting.
10:00am-2:00pm : Centro Historico de Sevilla
Roam about the lively streets and squares of Centro Historico de Sevilla where Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, and Christians left their mark and discover the buoyancy of colors, flavors, and scents. The most visited part of the city, its historical center boasts theaters, museums, and palaces that share space with avant-garde stores, restaurants, and tapas bars. Highlights include the impressive Gothic-style Cathedral of Seville and a royal palace, one of the best examples of Moorish architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.
2:30pm-5:00pm : Royal Alcázar of Seville
Experience living history on a guided tour of Royal Alcázar of Seville, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Built primarily during the 1300s, this World Heritage–listed site is one of the country’s finest examples of Moorish architecture, featuring a myriad of exquisitely decorated rooms, lavish gardens, paved courtyards, and sparkling ponds. Originally used as a fort, the site was reconstructed and vastly expanded numerous times over the centuries. The upper levels of the palace are still the official Seville residence of Spain’s royal family. When you visit, be sure to check out the room where Christopher Columbus’ journey to the Americas was planned. Advanced tickets are available online. Try to time your trip for one of many musical concerts regularly held in the gardens.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Torre del Oro
Built by the Almohad dynasty to protect the city from invading forces, Torre del Oro looms over the entrance to the city along the Guadalquivir River. Learn about Sevilla’s naval history in the military watchtower’s maritime museum, which contains fossilized marine debris, compasses, old charts, historical documents, a 16th-century cannon, anchors, and flags. The top of the tower also offers outstanding views of the city and river.
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