A travel guide to the free things to do in Seville, Spain.
Are you traveling to beautiful Sevilla, Spain on a tight budget and worried you won’t be able to afford to do anything when you get there? Well, don’t worry.
The city is one of the best places to visit in Spain, and there are lots of free things to do in Seville. In fact, many of the best things to do in Seville are the multitude of free things available for you to explore.
This guide will give you lots of great ideas for things to do with friends, things to do outside, and fun things to do on weekends.
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Top Things To Do In Seville, Andalucia
There are lots of great places to visit in Spain. While in Seville make sure not to miss these highlights:
- Plaza de Espana
- Maria Luisa Park
- Flamenco Shows
- Triana Neighborhood
- Seville’s Museums
- Cathedral of Seville and Giralda Tower
Useful Travel Information About Seville
✈ Book cheap flights to Seville with Skyscanner
⚘ Avoid tourist traps and get the customizable “Andalucia Like a Local” itinerary. – Get it here
✔ Book tours in Seville with GetYourGuide
➳ Find the best hotels in Seville with TripAdvisor
❖ Rent a car at the best rates with DiscoverCars
✎ Never leave without travel insurance! I get mine at SafetyWing. It is easy to set up, cheap and reliable.
$ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange charges with TransferWise (A free Mastercard debit card to spend money abroad)
Triana Neighborhood
As far as free things to do in Seville go, the historic Triana neighborhood is an absolute must-do.
When thinking of flamenco, Sevilla is the place that stirs the imagination of the Spanish. And Triana is the epicenter of flamenco dancing in Seville.
From the Torre del Oro, cross the Guadalquivir River via the Puente de San Telmo (San Telmo Bridge) and step into a historied world of flamenco and bullfighters.
Wandering the cobbled streets while soaking in the ambiance is one of the best free things to do in Seville.
Opening times: Always! (but check out the nightlife)
Plaza de España
The magnificent Plaza de España is always close to the top of any traveler’s must-do list, and it’s one of the most beautiful free things to do in Seville.
Set within the grounds of the Parque de María Luisa and surrounded by a boat-filled moat, this sensational building will take your breath away.
Opened in 1929 for the Ibero-American exhibition, visiting this imposing and ornate structure is quite simply one of the best things to do in Spain.
You may even find it familiar as it was used in Game of Thrones!
Opening times: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world. Completed as recently as 2011, this is one of the newer things to do in Seville, a city steeped in history.
The locals refer to it as the Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville) or simply Las Setas (The Mushrooms).
The structure caused much controversy upon opening. Not only was it completed late but the construction ran massively over budget.
An eyesore or a magnificent architectural achievement? Go and decide for yourself.
Opening times: 9.30 am to midnight daily
Maria Luisa Park
Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa de Sevilla) is the beautiful park that surrounds the splendid Plaza de España.
Featuring fountains, streams, and pavilions, while away an afternoon here is one of the best free things to do in Seville.
With the Plaza de España sitting close in the northern part, the park stretches all the way down to the Guadalquivir River at its southern end.
The varied, colorful foliage provides welcome shade from the stifling Seville summer heat.
Opening times: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Basílica de la Macarena
Dating from 1949, the Basílica de la Macarena was built in honor of the Virgin Mary.
This spectacular, ornate church is a source of great pride for the denizens of the Macarena neighborhood. Try visiting around Easter, when the whole area is decorated in bright colors.
The Macarena neighborhood in which the Basílica de la Macarena is set is packed with fun things to do with friends.
Here you’ll find lots of small bars that stay open until the early hours and quirky shops selling vintage clothes, books, and art and craft products.
Opening times: 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm daily
Santa Cruz Neighborhood
The Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz is the oldest area of Seville. As such, you’ll find an enchanting neighborhood that simply oozes history.
The narrow, labyrinth streets offer a surprise around every turn, and as far as free things to do in Seville go, this is quite relaxing.
The famous Santa Cruz neighborhood is great to stroll through, marveling at the magnificent architecture as you go.
You’ll discover many of the best tapas in Seville in this neighborhood. It’s great for those with limited time, as it’s really close to many Sevilla Spain attractions.
Opening times: Always!
The Triana Market
Located just over the Puente de Isabel II (Isobel II Bridge) at the northern end of the Triana district, you will find the Mercado de Triana.
This charming, colorful market is a working market where the locals do their shopping.
The market is worth visiting to see the signs above each vendor’s stall, which are decorated with the ornate ceramic tilework for which the area is famous.
For history buffs, the market was built on the ruins of the Castle of San Jorge, the seat of the court of the inquisition.
Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm (except Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm)
Discover the City’s Roman Roots
Seville is a city with a rich and varied history and part of that history included a period under Roman rule when the city was known by the Roman name of Hispalis.
The most striking reminder of this period is the ruins of the Caños de Carmona, the Roman aqueduct of Seville.
To explore this history further, visit the village of Santiponce, 9 km to the northeast of downtown.
In Roman times, Santiponce went by the name of Itálica and was the birthplace of the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian.
You’ll find some impressive ruins and one of the best free things to do in Seville here.
Opening times: Always
Divino Salvador Church
Though the country’s Catholic history dates officially to 589 when Catholicism became the official religion, Spain was an Islamic country while under Moorish control for the years between 711 and 1492.
Demonstrating the depth of this history, the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador (Divino Salvador Church) was built on the ruins of the Moorish era Ibn Adabbas Mosque.
It is second only to the Cathedral as the most important church in Seville.
Opening times: 10.15 am to 5.30 pm (closed Sundays)
Catch a Free Flamenco Show
Flamenco dancers in Seville are much like buskers in most countries and you can often witness performers of the art around Seville’s various plazas (it’s rare not to see any at the Plaza de España for instance).
Expect a hat to be passed around at some point though.
If you’d rather sit inside and watch a show, La Carboneria, magnificently situated in the Santa Cruz district, has shows nightly.
As one of the best flamenco shows in Seville to attend, keep in mind that it gets busy. Shows are free but drinks are compulsory.
Opening times: 7 pm to 1 am nightly
Giralda Bell Tower at the Catedral de Sevilla
The world-famous Catedral de Sevilla and the Giralda Tower is a spectacular sight that is usually on everyone’s must-do list of things to do in Seville Spain.
Not only is this one of the world’s largest Cathedrals, but in 1987 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Right in the center of town, the Catedral de Sevilla is in fact the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
This imposing structure is a sight to behold. The Giralda tower was built in the 12th century and formed part of the Great Mosque which was later replaced by the cathedral.
Opening times: 10.45 am to 5 pm (Sundays 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm)
Walk Along the Guadalquivir River and Torre del Oro
A stroll along the banks of the storied Guadalquivir River is one of the finest free things to do in Seville, especially in the evenings when the furnace-like daytime heat has subsided and a refreshing breeze drifts up from the river.
On the eastern bank of the river, you will find the historical Torre del Oro (Golden Tower).
Built as a military watchtower in the 13th century, when its purpose was to control access to the city via the Guadalquivir River, the tower even served as a prison in the Middle Ages.
Opening times:
Torre del Oro opens from 9.30 am to 6.45 pm (10.30 am to 6.45 pm on weekends)
Castillo de San Jorge
Located across the Puente de Isabel II (Isobel II Bridge) in beautiful Triana, the Castillo de San Jorge was a medieval castle that acted as the headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition.
Today, the restored ruins lay under the Mercado de Triana (Triana Market).
You can visit the ruins and the fascinating museum here by taking the steps at the end of the bridge down to the entrance.
The museum is always free to enter and is an educational way to learn about the history contained within the site.
Opening times:
11 am to 6.30 pm (10 am to 3 pm on weekends and holidays)
Visit Seville’s Museums on their Free Days
If you’re looking for free things to do in Seville, many of the best museums in Seville have days where admittance is absolutely free.
For example, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Inquisition Museum at the Castillo de San Jorge are always free to enter.
Otherwise, Monday is the main day for freebies at many of the city’s museums.
On Mondays, you can visit the Alcazar, the Torre del Oro (9.30 am to 6.45 pm), Casa de Pilatos (3 pm to 7 pm), plus the bullring and museum (3 pm to 7 pm), all for free.
| Archivo de Indias | Free daily with an appointment |
| Castillo San Jorge | Free daily |
| Torre del Oro | Monday |
| Fine Arts Museum | Free daily with an EU ID card |
| Casa de Pilatos | Free Wednesday afternoon with EU ID card |
| Alcázar Palace and Gardens | Monday afternoon |
| Contemporary Art Museum | Tuesday to Friday afternoons; all day Saturday |
The Courtyard at the Royal Alcázar
The sensational Courtyard of the Maidens at the Royal Alcázar is a must-see on any itinerary of a trip to Seville.
The stunning Seville architecture of the buildings that flank the courtyard is so intricate and ornate that it will stop you in your tracks.
Splendor at the colorful latticework and bask in the tranquility while soaking up the history. You can even visit this amazing venue for free on Mondays!
While you’re here, take some time to relax in the beautiful Jardines de Murillo (Murillo Gardens) which are right next to the Alcázar. This is the most impressive free activity in Seville and you won’t regret it.
Opening times:
Free on Mondays (4 pm to 5 pm October to March; 6 pm to 7 pm April to September)
Where to eat in Seville
Lunch in Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo
The choice is so bewildering that it’s difficult to decide exactly what to eat in Seville!
A great place for lunch is Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo (located on the lively Calle Teodosio), where they serve up specialties such as Tortilla de Patatas and Boquerones en Vinagre.
Enjoy Tapas in Las Teresas
For fun things to do with friends, tapas bar hopping is high on the list. Visit the old-school Las Teresas to indulge in some of that famed local cuisine.
Make sure to try the Gambas al Ajillo, Espinacas con Garbanzos, and Gazpacho. All washed down with a jug of Spanish Sangria, of course!
Dinner in MareaViva Restaurant
If you’re wondering where to eat in Seville, check out the marvelous MareaViva restaurant.
The seafood here is sensational, so if you’re a seafood lover and looking for things to do with your best friend, take them there. Make sure to sample the Salmorejo.
Best Hotels in Seville, Southern Spain
Below we’ve provided three accommodation options, one to suit every budget.
Lola de Triana Apartment – Luxury
Located in beautiful Triana, these apartments are perfect for those looking for a home away from home.
Set on a quiet residential street, this is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Seville while remaining within touching distance of the action.
The apartments are spacious and modern, containing everything you could possibly wish for.
Hotel AACR Museo *** – Mid-Range
With a great central location that’s within easy walking distance of all the main sights, the Hotel AACR Museo makes a superb base from which to explore fascinating Seville.
The rooms are modern and bright, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool. The location and pool make this one of the best family hotels in Seville.
Hotel Boutique Corral del Rey **- Budget
This small private hotel from the 17th century is located in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa in Seville center. This stylish hotel provides an impressive range of amenities, including a plunge pool and rooftop terrace.
All 17 rooms in this Seville hotel are beautifully furnished and fully equipped with satellite channel TV, Bluetooth speaker, and DVD player.
Getting Around Seville
You’ll find the center of Seville surprisingly compact. If you’re staying downtown, all the major attractions are within easy walking distance.
Public transport in Seville is excellent. There is an extensive bus network, run by the local operator, TUSSAM.
Tickets are cheap, they can be purchased on board. If you’re going to be staying a few days it may be worth considering a travelcard. – Get your ticket here.
Travelcards can be bought at any of the ubiquitous kiosks/tobacco shops you’ll find spread around the city.
There are several options, including a pay-as-you-go reachable card, and both one-day and three-day cards that offer unlimited travel.
You will find several open-top buses offering a hop-on/hop-off service. As these buses are aimed at tourists, you’ll find them a great way of getting between the major sights. – Get tickets here.
If you are planning a 1 week itinerary in Andalucia, Seville is on our list as well and a city that should be visited at least once.
Check out our article on the best hiking trails near Seville if you want to have some action while visiting this city.
Short FAQ about the Free Things to do in Seville
What is Seville best known for?
Seville is known as ‘the furnace of Europe’. Though in addition to the heat, there is of course the famed flamenco dancing, of which Seville is the home.
The rich history, architecture, and food are also prominent among the many other things for which Seville is famed
Is Seville a walkable city?
Seville is a great city in which to walk. The center is quite compact so if you are staying centrally, you’ll find all the major sights within easy walking distance.
Be warned though, if you’re there in the summer months, it gets hot!
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!