A walking guide to Seville: 2 miles of culture, history, and fun

While many travellers headed to Spain for a well-earned break might opt for the tourist-centric city of Barcelona, or the sun-kissed shores of the Costa Del Sol, the streets of Seville have plenty to offer the curious traveller. The destination is filled with centuries of history, a blend of Islamic and Christian cultures, and magnificent architecture in the form of the Alcázar. To experience the lifestyle at the heart of southern Spain’s Andalucia, Seville is a fantastic choice. 

By day, enjoy gazpacho in an outdoor restaurant, and by night, see a breathtaking flamenco show. And for everything in between, you’ve got your two feet to carry you through all of Seville’s other highlights. We’ve put together a self-guided walking tour of the city to help you explore the city’s gems. 

Our itinerary involves just 40 minutes of walking in total, so it’s certainly easy to see a lot in a short period of time. Here’s where to begin your two-mile stroll in Seville:

Plaza de España

Begin your self-guided walking tour with a stop at one of Seville’s most frequented viewpoints, the Plaza de España. Set within the peaceful María Luisa Park, this semi-circular structure was constructed in the 20th century as part of the Exposición Iberoamericana (Ibero-American Exhibition) of 1929.

The plaza is striking with its fountains, archways, and bridges across the canal. Look closely, and you can observe ceramic tiles which map out each province in Spain. To get a different view, you can rent row boats to explore the waterways by the plaza. 

Royal Alcázar

Just under a 10-minute walk from the plaza is the Royal Alcázar. Make your way through Parque Prado de San Sebastian, gardens featuring 100 species of plants as well as attractions for the kids including play areas with zip lines and slides. Once you reach Royal Alcázar, you can witness centuries of history unfold. Built under Moorish rule during the early 900s, it is said to be the oldest European royal palace still in use.

Alcázar, an Arabic word meaning ‘castle’, is undoubtedly one of Seville’s most popular attractions. The UNESCO-listed complex houses ornate plasterwork, pools, courtyards, gardens, and the royal apartments, which are the official city residence for the reigning Spanish monarch. Take your time walking through and deepening your understanding of more than 1,000 years of Islamic, Christian and Jewish history.

Catedral de Sevilla

You won’t need to go far for the next stop on your Seville walking trail. Just opposite the Alcázar lies Catedral de Sevilla. This fascinating UNESCO-listed structure is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral in the world, at 124,000 square feet, followed by Milan Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral.

With construction beginning in 1401, it took another hundred years to complete. The elaborate design includes an impressive 80 side chapels. Be sure not to miss Giralda Tower, the tower preserved from the ancient mosque that previously occupied the site.

Los Gallos

You couldn't visit Andalucia without experiencing a flamenco show. The form of passionate dance and guitar music has a rich cultural past, and has strong ties to the Andalucian Roma of southern Spain. And the place to see it is Los Gallos, one of the city's longest-running tablaos (an institution of flamenco performance). The venue is famed for its rotating artists and dancers, changing daily.

Ovejas Negras Tapas

Just around the corner from the tower is Ovejas Negras Tapas, where you can break for a snack (or feast). This restaurant is the spot to get introduced to a wide range of Spanish tapas, including gazpacho - a chilled tomato dish belonging to Andalucia. The service is excellent, plus there is a range of vegetarian dishes, too. Our only recommendation is to arrive early, as this place certainly fills up fast!

Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador 

After lunch, it’s time for another church. Just a five-minute walk away lies Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, a church constructed between the late 17th and early 18th century on the site of one of the city’s main mosques. The beautiful baroque church is filled with elaborate altar with gold accompaniments and significant works of art. 

Palacio de las Dueñas 

To top off your day in historic Seville, walk 15 minutes to Palacio de las Dueñas, one of the most significant properties of the House of Alba, a noble family who came from 12th-century Toledo nobility. One stroll through the halls and gardens and you will see why, this Renaissance palace is home to incredible gardens, flourishing lemon trees, and intricate tiling.

See the captivating Moorish towers and imposing Gothic cathedrals, and let an expert guide you through it, on one of our escorted Seville tours.