Guided City Walk, Seville

Seville's historic core is reasonably walkable, so a guided stroll is a great way to get acquainted with this city and learn about its 2,000-year history. After meeting your guide, you'll walk through the historical streets, stopping at many essential monuments that tell Seville's unique and diverse story. Some highlights include entering the 15th-century Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic church in the world), strolling through the Jewish Quarter, and checking out the modern architecture of Metropol Parasol.

Despite being easily walkable, Seville has Europe's largest historic center, meaning every street and corner is a history lesson. And one thing that makes the city so special is its Mudéjar architecture, a mix of Islamic and Catholic architectural styles. The Moors ruled Seville for more than 500 years before the Catholics took control, and the city did an excellent job preserving this history, which your guide will happily retell. After meeting by the entrance to City Hall at Plaza Nuevo, you'll set off on your stroll through Seville.

During this 4-hour walk with an expert local guide, you'll visit many of Seville's famed monuments and buildings. You'll start at Plaza Nuevo and make your way toward the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in the world, and an awe-inspiring testament to holy grandiosity. You'll also view La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. There's a noticeable stylistic difference between the two structures, as this 12th-century pillar was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque back when the Moors ruled Andalusia.

Next to the cathedral is the Indian Archives, documents from the historic Spanish Empire housed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two more important sites are just a few steps away, the Royal Alcázar of Seville, with its palaces and gardens, and the Royal Tobacco Factory, now part of the University of Seville. Though you won't enter these buildings, your guide will share the historical details and why they're critical to the city's history. 

Soon, you'll arrive at the incredible Plaza de España, one of the city's most important squares. Follow your guide as you view the artificial river and admire all the painted ceramic tiles representing each province in Spain. The different buildings represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain and mix Art Deco with Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Baroque Revival, and Neo-Mudéjar styles. You'll also visit the monument's neighboring Maria Luisa Parque, home to a half mile of beautifully tiled fountains, pavilions, pathways, trees, flower beds, and more. 

Next, start walking along the shores of the Guadalquivir River, passing the Palacio de San Telmo, Torre del Oro, and royal bullring before crossing the Puente de Triana bridge. Your guide will lead you through a small portion of Triana, an iconic neighborhood known for its authentic artisan crafts and flamenco theaters. Cross back over the river and stroll through the orange tree-filled Santa Cruz neighborhood, known as the Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and quaint squares. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars—the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a drink with your guide. 

Your walk ends at Seville's most modern monument, the Metropol Parasol. The locals refer to the structure as Las Setas, meaning "The Mushrooms," which fits considering the unique shape of this complex. Walk to the top of the structure for incredible views of Seville's skyline and the colorful rooftops. Your guide will leave you here to enjoy the vistas and with an informational sheet about the city, which you can use during your remaining time in Seville.