Seville: the back story

About Seville: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Andalusia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and its most theatrical city: the Alcázar and the cathedral, the lanes of Santa Cruz, the river and Triana across it, and, every spring, Holy Week and the April Fair.

The monuments

The cathedral and the Giralda, the Real Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias stand side by side; book timed tickets for the Alcázar and the cathedral. The Plaza de España and the Setas are the modern landmarks.

Neighbourhoods

Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter of lanes and squares; the Arenal runs down to the river and the Maestranza; Triana, over the bridge, is the home of ceramics and flamenco.

The cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias form one UNESCO World Heritage site (1987).

Eating

Seville has three starred restaurants in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide (Abantal, Cañabota and, north of the city, Ochando), and hundreds of tapas bars.

Seasons

Spring and autumn are ideal. Holy Week 2027 runs from 21 to 28 March; the city fills up, so book early. High summer is very hot.

Our advice: visit the Alcázar first thing in the morning, then the cathedral, and keep the afternoon for Triana.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Seville: the back story before you go.