The best things to do in the city of Seville, Spain. For a more in-depth list, see my 50 Things to Do in Seville.
1. Things to Do in Seville: Giralda and Cathedral
Image: Damian Corrigan
Seville's cathedral, with its combination of Christian and Islamic architecture, is one of the most spectacular in Spain and was once the biggest in the world. Built on the site of a former mosque, the Giralda tower used to be a minaret.
2. Things to Do in Seville: Alcazar
Image: Damian Corrigan
Like the Giralda (above), the Alcazar is also of Moorish origins. The garden and fortress complex is a great dress rehearsal for visiting the Alhambra in Granada.
3. Things to Do in Seville: See a Flamenco Show
Cross the river and visit the old gypsy quarter of Triana, where the best flamenco bars can be found. Though the exact origins of flamenco are unknown, this part of Seville definitely played a part in its creation.
4. Things to Do in Seville: Take a Day Trip
Image: Damian Corrigan
Seville is ideally located to take a few day trips. Cordoba and Granada are both within easy reach and while they both deserve more than a day's visit (especially Granada), they're not to be missed however long you can spend there.
5. Things to Do in Seville: Museums
A city as steeped in history as Seville will of course have a number of great museums. Whatever your interest - flamenco, bullfighting, art, there'll be a museum for you in Seville.6. Things to Do in Seville: Tapas
Sample the best of Spain's cuisine in convenient bite-sized morsels. The full gamut of tapas is available in Seville - from classic staples in spit-and-sawdust bars to haute cuisine in classy modern establishments. A bit like nouvelle cuisine, only much cheaper (so you can afford to buy more and more!)7. Things to Do in Seville: See a Bullfight
Image: Damian Corrigan
Along with Ronda, Seville is seen as the birthplace of bullfighting. While bullrings in much of Spain are more for the tourists than true aficionados, Seville still attracts the die-hard fans.
8. Things to Do in Seville: Park Maria Luisa and Plaza España
Image: Damian Corrigan
See the quieter side of Seville at the Park Maria Luisa, but not before taking a look at the specatacular Plaza España (which was used in a scene from Star Wars Episode II).
9. Things to Do in Seville: River Guadalquivir
Take a river cruise down the river that dissects Seville, or walk along its banks and enjoy a drink or two. Cross the river from the city center (to the Barrio Triana side) and sample the nightlife of Calle Betis, or stay on this side and sit at one of the shaded riverside cafes.10. Things to Do in Seville: Barrio de Santa Cruz and Macarena
Take a breather from the grandiose cathedral and alcazar and wander around the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Stop for tapas or just admire the beautiful buildings in one of the most beautiful residential districts in Spain.
But if you don't like sharing your walk with all the other tourists, head over to the Macarena district instead. Not as picturesque as Santa Cruz, but just as full of character.
