12 free things to do and see in Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is fascinating for its Moorish architectural heritage and its art of living. If you’re on a tight travel budget or want to discover the city in a different way, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Seville’s beauty without spending a single euro. From emblematic monuments and picturesque districts to magnificent parks and renowned museums, here are 12 free activities and visits to do in Seville that will have you falling under the spell of this Andalusian gem.
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Download1. Stroll around the historic district of Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz district is the historic heart of Seville and the city’s former Jewish quarter. On this free walk, you can lose yourself in a maze of cobbled streets lined with white houses with flower-filled balconies. The small shady squares, open patios and typical Andalusian architecture create a unique atmosphere that you can savour at your leisure. Take time to admire the architectural details, the colourful azulejos and the authentic atmosphere of this emblematic district. For a more in-depth exploration, take theSeville audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of these alleys steeped in history.
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2. Admire the majestic Plaza de España
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, the Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most spectacular monuments, and admission is completely free. This neo-Mudejar semicircular square is impressive for its gigantic dimensions and architectural beauty. You can admire the 48 ceramic benches representing each Spanish province, the imposing towers and the central canal where you can hire boats. Admission is free 365 days a year, so take the opportunity to visit this marvel at different times of the day and watch the play of light on the azulejo-adorned façade.
3. Take a walk in María Luisa Park
Adjacent to the Plaza de España, the Parque María Luisa is Seville’s green lung, providing a welcome break from the heat on hot Andalusian days. This magnificent 34-hectare area is home to numerous botanical species, ornamental fountains and monuments dedicated to illustrious personalities such as Miguel de Cervantes. Totally free of charge and open until 10pm in winter and midnight the rest of the year, this park is home to a surprising array of wildlife, from green parrots to majestic swans. An unmissable visit that should be combined with a visit to the nearby Plaza de España.
4. Visit the Royal Alcázar free of charge on Mondays
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar in Seville is normally open to the public for a fee, but it is open free of charge every Monday during the last hour of opening. From April to September, take advantage of this free slot from 6pm to 7pm, and from October to March from 4pm to 5pm. Please note that places are limited, so bookings must be made in advance on the official website. This free tour will enable you to discover one of Europe’s oldest surviving royal palaces, with its sumptuous patios, lush gardens and exceptional Mudéjar architecture. To explore all the secrets of this extraordinary monument, theNavaway audioguide will accompany you on this historic discovery.
5. Discover Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the See and its famous Giralda bell tower open their doors free of charge from Monday to Friday between 2 and 3 pm (excluding public holidays). This Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in the Christian world, houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The Giralda, a former Almohad minaret converted into a bell tower, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city from its summit. Although booking is recommended for this free, time-limited visit, it is a unique opportunity to discover one of Andalusia’s most emblematic monuments free of charge. Sunday access from 4.30pm to 6pm is an alternative for weekend visitors.
Download the audio tour to discover Seville on foot and on your own
Discover Seville with our 8.4 km audioguided route, which takes you through 29 places of interest in just 3 hours and 20 minutes. From the Giralda to the Mushrooms of Seville, via the Alcázar and the Triana district, this complete tour of Seville will reveal all the secrets of the Andalusian capital with historical commentary and captivating anecdotes.
6. Explore the authentic Triana district
On the other side of the Guadalquivir, the Triana district invites you to discover the authentic, popular soul of Seville. The cradle of flamenco and the historic home of the gypsy communities, this district has retained its traditional character. Take a free stroll through its streets lined with colourful houses, discover its age-old ceramics workshops and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that reigns along Calle Betis. The Triana covered market is also worth a visit for its wrought-iron architecture and local produce. To reach this picturesque district, simply cross the Triana bridge, one of the oldest iron bridges in Spain.
7. Free museums for Europeans
Seville boasts a number of excellent museums that are accessible free of charge to European Union citizens. The Museum of Fine Arts, Spain’s second largest picture gallery, houses a remarkable collection of works by Spanish masters such as Murillo and Zurbarán, in a magnificent former convent. The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions showcases the wealth of Andalusian cultural heritage in a superb pavilion from the 1929 Exhibition. The Archaeological Museum will plunge you into the thousand-year-old history of the region, from prehistoric times to the Muslim era. These enriching cultural visits cost nothing if you are a European citizen, and are a great way to discover Seville’s art and history.
8. Visit the Torre del Oro and its naval museum
This 13th-century dodecagonal tower, built by the Almohads to control access to the port of Seville, can be visited free of charge on certain Mondays. Today, the Torre del Oro houses a small naval museum that traces the city’s maritime history and its crucial role in trade with the Americas. From the top of this 36-metre-high tower, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Guadalquivir and the rooftops of Seville. Free admission is usually offered on Mondays between 3pm and 7.30pm, but you should check the times before your visit as they can vary according to the season.
9. Discover the Triana Ceramic Centre
Housed in the former Santa Ana ceramics factory, this centre traces the history and techniques of Sevillian ceramic art, a tradition inherited from the Muslim period. You can visit free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday between 11am and 5.30pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 2.30pm. Here you can find out how the famous azulejos that adorn so many of Seville’s monuments, including those in the Plaza de España, were made. The demonstrations by the craftsmen and the historical pieces on display will help you to understand the importance of this craft to the city’s cultural identity. A particularly interesting visit after admiring the ceramics in the city’s monuments.
10. Getting lost in the Maestranza bullring
The Real Maestranza bullring, a listed historic monument since 1984, opens its doors free of charge on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. This bullring, considered to be one of the most beautiful and important in Spain, can hold up to 14,000 spectators. Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, the exceptional architecture of these Baroque arenas is well worth a visit. You can visit the arena, the stables and the chapel and discover the history of this controversial tradition that is so deeply rooted in Andalusian culture. This is also the venue for the famous Feria de Abril, one of Seville’s most important fiestas.
11. Contemplating the Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art
Located in the impressive Carthusian monastery of La Cartuja on the island of the same name, the CAAC is open free of charge from Tuesday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 9pm. This contemporary art centre, housed in an exceptional historic monument combining Gothic and Mudejar styles, presents modern works of art in a remarkable architectural setting. The island of La Cartuja, accessible by bridge, also offers a pleasant walk along the Guadalquivir. The monastery’s gardens, historic chapels and old craft installations complete this free cultural visit to a place steeped in history and legend.
12. Stroll along the Alameda de Hércules
This historic promenade, one of the oldest in Europe, is the beating heart of Seville’s alternative nightlife. Lined with trendy bars, restaurants and terraces, the Alameda de Hércules offers a relaxed atmosphere that is particularly popular with young Sevillians and students. The ancient columns that give the avenue its name (the Columns of Hercules) bear witness to the city’s rich Roman past. With free access at all hours, this walk will allow you to discover contemporary Seville, far from the traditional tourist circuits. It’s the ideal place to take the pulse of the modern city and observe young Andalusians in their natural environment.
In conclusion, Seville generously reveals its treasures to those who know where to look. These 12 free activities will enable you to discover all the facets of the Andalusian capital, from its exceptional historical heritage to its contemporary lifestyle. With its UNESCO monuments, authentic districts and lush green spaces, your free visit to Seville will be all the richer and more authentic. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these free marvels and get the most out of your discovery of the city, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by theNavaway audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of this Andalusian pearl.
FAQ
What are the free opening times for the Alcázar in Seville?
Seville’s Alcázar is open free of charge every Monday during its last opening hour: from 6pm to 7pm from April to September, and from 4pm to 5pm from October to March. Prior booking is required on the official website, as places are limited.
Is the Plaza de España really free all year round?
Yes, access to the Plaza de España is completely free 365 days a year. There is only a charge for activities such as boat hire on the central canal. The square is open day and night, but is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Are museums really free for all Europeans?
Seville’s main museums (the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions) are effectively free for EU citizens on presentation of an identity document. Checks are generally easy.
How long does it take to visit Seville for free?
A weekend of 2-3 days will allow you to discover all these free activities in comfort. Allow half a day for Santa Cruz and the main monuments, half a day for Triana and the museums, and free time to wander around the parks and the Alameda de Hércules.
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