Sevilla, Spain
Sevilla was the Andalusian jewel of our February 2025 Spain travels — three nights in a cozy loft just steps from the cathedral.
Our experience
We were swept up by this passionate southern city: the soaring Gothic cathedral and its Giralda tower, the fairy-tale Royal Alcázar palace, the maze-like Santa Cruz quarter, and flamenco pulsing through warm evenings.
Orange trees line the plazas, the tapas culture is sublime, and the whole city seems built for strolling and lingering. Seville distills everything we love about Andalusia — Moorish and Christian history layered together, intense beauty, and a sensual, unhurried way of life that made three nights feel far too short.
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and its famous Giralda tower began as the minaret of the mosque that previously stood on the site. The cathedral also contains the tomb traditionally identified as that of Christopher Columbus.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda — explore the vast Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda for sweeping views across the historic center.
- Royal Alcázar of Seville — wander through the extraordinary palace complex and gardens, where Islamic, Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences come together. It remains an official royal residence today.
- Plaza de España — visit the grand semicircular plaza created for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, set within María Luisa Park.
- Barrio Santa Cruz — lose yourself in the narrow lanes, small plazas, and historic atmosphere of Seville's old Jewish quarter near the cathedral and Alcázar.
- Flamenco — spend an evening experiencing one of the art forms most closely associated with Andalusia, ideally in a smaller traditional venue.
- Metropol Parasol — see Seville's striking modern wooden landmark, nicknamed "Las Setas," and head up for views over the old city.
Our pro tip
We'd stay right in the old town near the cathedral, as we did — the historic center is wonderfully walkable, and many of Seville's biggest sights are within a short stroll of one another. February worked beautifully for us because we avoided the intense summer heat. Spring and fall are also excellent times to visit.
Book the Alcázar and cathedral in advance, especially when your stay is short.
Klook offers an Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda guided tour that combines Seville's three major monuments. There's also a Seville Cathedral & La Giralda ticket on Klook if you prefer visiting independently, plus a Seville walking tour with a flamenco show for the evening.