14 Cheap (& Free!) Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Seville is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for travelers in Spain. With sights like the Real Alcazar, the Seville Cathedral, the General Archive of the Indies, and the Maestranza Bullring, it is easy to see why. However, just like any other European destination — visiting Seville can also be expensive.

If you eat at upscale tapas bars and go on expensive day trips, visiting the capital of Andalusia can get pricey. But there are also many ways to see the best of Seville without spending much money. There are many free and budget-friendly things to do in this city, but some are more interesting than others. So, to help you save money, here are the top cheap and free things to do in Seville!

This post was written by guest contributor Iphi from Travel Choreography, a travel blogger specializing in Southern Spain — particularly Seville! Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

Best Cheap & Free Things to Do in Seville

1. Santa Cruz Neighborhood

You can explore the famous Santa Cruz Neighborhood in Seville and other areas of the Casco Antiguo for free — it’s one of the best free things to do in Seville. Santa Cruz is Seville’s most well-known area, and you shouldn’t miss it. It’s in the oldest part of the city, stretching from the Church of San Salvador to the Real Alcazar.

There are many interesting corners to discover here, and the neighborhood has plenty of highlights. You can explore places like the Plaza de Doña Elvira, one of the most famous plazas in Spain, for being part of the story of Don Juan. There are also quiet spots in the Santa Cruz neighborhood known for their charming and simple beauty. You might stumble upon one of the hidden-away patios and the alleys running alongside the Alcázar gardens. This neighborhood is also a top recommendation of where to stay in Seville for tourists.

2. Cathedral de Sevilla (Seville Cathedral) & Giralda Tower

Seville Cathedral is in the heart of the historic center, on the edge of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The cathedral also houses the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. You can easily spot the large memorial to this well-known figure in world history on the right side of the church. Just look for the largest crowd inside!

While entry to the church and the Giralda (the bell tower) isn’t free, it’s not expensive either and costs about €12 (about $13). Admission is free in the late afternoon and early evening on Monday. For just a few dollars more, you can purchase skip-the-line tickets at this popular attraction that is one of the best cheap things to do in Seville. The cathedral is considered one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. Be aware that, unlike the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, you can only access the courtyard of orange trees if you pay admission.

3. Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador (The Church of the Divine Savior)

Located on the edge of Santa Cruz and Alfalfa and great for pairing with a visit to the Seville Cathedral for an affordable day out is the incredible Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador (Divino Salvador Church).

The main front of Divino Salvador stands tall in Plaza del Salvador, and despite being the city’s second-most important church — it surprisingly isn’t crowded. It’s free to visit with your admission to the Seville Cathedral, making it one of the top free things to do in Seville! You’ll find lavish gold altarpieces and a fascinating organ from the 18th century inside. You can also see the remains of the old mosque on which the church was built.

4. Torre del Oro

For a city with such sumptuous sights, getting a good look at it can be challenging without waiting in the long line to get up the Giralda. Sure, it’s cool that you can see Seville up high from places like the Cathedral, but if you like off-the-beaten-path places, there are other options!

That’s where the Torre del Oro comes in. It’s a cool place to visit for views across the city that don’t cost a penny — and hardly anyone knows about it. Climbing to the roof of the iconic Moorish tower (now a naval museum) is one of the best free things to do in Seville on Mondays (and only costs €3 per adult on other days of the week).

5. Guadalquivir River

Wander along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and you’ll soon spot many of the Sevillian monuments so synonymous with the city.

For instance, the Muelle Delicias, the Triana neighborhood, the emblematic pavilions of the Seville Expo ’92 (one of the best photo spots in Seville), and the impressive Torre del Oro await you along the Guadalquivir River. Also, fun fact — this river is Spain’s only major navigable river. If you’d like to pay a little more, one of the best cheap things to do in Seville is to take a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River. This Guadalquivir Yacht Tour includes food and drinks and is less than $30 per person.

6. Triana Neighborhood

One of the most interesting and authentic places to take pictures and experience present-day Seville is the Triana Neighborhood. This neighborhood is just a short distance from the city’s historic center and across the Guadalquivir River.

This pretty area, with its colorful houses, has its own appeal. What makes it special is its people, the lively atmosphere in its bars and markets, and its role as the birthplace of many famous flamenco singers.

One of the highlights of Triana is its charming ceramics district. Here, shops sell pottery and ceramics made locally right in Triana. This area, situated just west of the river, has beautiful tile artwork on street signs and buildings. It’s easy to imagine what life was like centuries ago. Nowadays, filled with apartments, tapa bars, and markets (like the local Triana Market), this neighborhood offers a delightful glimpse into the past, where you can almost sense Seville’s history coming to life.

7. Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcazar)

Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcazar) is a work of art, and it is free to visit every Monday from January 1st to May 31st. However, if you won’t be in Seville on a Monday, you can still purchase tickets to the Real Alcazar for about $20 per person. This stunning building is one of the world’s oldest palaces still in use and one of the best attractions in Seville.

The royal palace’s architecture is a tribute to the various rulers of Seville and stands out from other palaces in Europe. You don’t have to be an expert to admire the craftsmanship that went into making this stunning monument. 

The gardens of the Real Alcazar are some of the most beautiful in the region and are not to be missed. The stunning gardens are located inside the walls of the Royal Palace and are home to 178 species of plants.

8. Plaza de España

Although newer than other sights in Seville, Plaza de España is the city’s most iconic spot. Its beauty speaks for itself. Luckily, this landmark, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition, is entirely free to visit.

Besides enjoying the sunshine in this lovely Spanish plaza, you can also see the filming sites of famous Hollywood movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, take a boat ride in the small canal, and visit every province in Spain by checking out the 48 colorful alcoves around the plaza’s edge. Around the square, many street performers offer music, dance, juggling, and more. It’s also one of the best places to snap an Instagram photo in Seville!

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the gardens of the Parque de María Luisa. The Plaza de España is in one of Seville’s largest and most beautiful parks.

9. Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park)

The parks in Andalusia are huge and incredibly lush. The Parque de María Luisa is probably one of the most famous, as it sits beside the beloved Plaza de España.

Some of the most amazing things about the park are its many surprises, whether it’s a hidden statue or a wild peacock. You can take a leisurely walk in this park, known as the green heart of Seville, or grab a cone of adobo sevillano (marinated dogfish) for a quick snack in the shade. Just remember, it can get hot in the summer afternoons, and there’s not much breeze. If you’re in Seville for two days or more, Maria Luisa Park is worth a quick visit, as it’s very close to some of the city’s must-see attractions.

10. Las Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Sometimes, you must appreciate whoever designed a place — especially for the impressive result. That’s undoubtedly true for Las Setas de Sevilla (also called the Metropol Parasol) — one of the world’s largest wooden structures.

If you’re used to Seville’s Mudejar and Gothic styles, you might be surprised to discover this vast modern architectural wonder right in the heart of the city’s historic center. While going to the top costs some money (you can purchase tickets here if you’re interested), you also can admire the beauty (and shade from the six “mushrooms”) of the Metropol Parasol from the ground for free.

You can also visit the Antiquarium Museum, which displays remains from the Roman period to the 13th century discovered during the site’s construction. Entrance is free with your ticket to the Real Alcazar. Otherwise, it’s only two euros.

11. Basílica de la Macarena

Located in the La Macarena neighborhood, the Basílica de la Macarena is another famous church in Seville. Despite its unassuming exterior, the inside of the church is lavishly decorated and simply stunning. It’s definitely worth a visit. You can enter the church for free, but there is a small fee to visit the museum of the Macarena Brotherhood.

Honestly, since the Basílica is at the far end of the Macarena neighborhood, it’s a great reason to explore this authentic area of Seville. If you’re there on a Thursday, check out the Mercadillo El Jueves, which is the most colorful flea market in the city.

12. Casa de Pilatos (Pilate’s House)

Casa de Pilatos is the most singular of the large palaces that once lined the streets of Seville’s old Jewish Quarter. At Casa de Pilatos, architectural styles like Renaissance, Mudejar, Medieval, and Gothic mix around a typical Andalusian courtyard decorated with fountains and statues. This location is a must-visit for those who like palaces and noble residences. It only costs about $13 per person to visit, so it is one of the best cheap things to do in Seville. You can purchase tickets here.

While it’s fun to explore on your own, using the audioguide that comes with the inexpensive entry ticket to learn more about the palace is a good idea. According to local stories, the Casa de Pilatos was partly inspired by a trip to Jerusalem.

13. Seville Museum of Fine Arts

In a city famous for its art and culture, one of Seville’s hidden gems is the Seville Museum of Fine Arts. It’s located in a beautiful old building that used to be a convent of the Order of the Merced Calzada de la Asunción. The museum displays artwork from Seville’s Golden Age, including several by Murillo.

One of Diego Velázquez’s earliest works is a standout piece: Portrait of Cristóbal Suárez de Ribera. Today, the museum is free for citizens of the European Union to visit. Non-EU visitors must pay a small fee of €1.5 (about $2). This museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours and escape the hot summer sun.

14. Flamenco Show

If you thought you always had to pay for flamenco shows — think again! You might not think of a flamenco show as one of the best free things to do in Seville, but there are a few places in the city where you can see one for free with the purchase of a meal or drink. You just need to know where to go!

Flamenco performances usually happen in places where you have to pay in advance for a seat. But if you want an authentic experience, go to a local restaurant. The best part? Not only can you get in for free without booking, but you can also have a few drinks while enjoying the show, making this one of the best cheap things to do in Seville.

La Carbonería is a popular spot with tourists. It’s located in the courtyard of an old coal factory in the Santa Cruz neighborhood on Calle Céspedes. If you prefer the vibes of Triana, try Los Cuevas for a midnight performance. If you do want to book flamenco show tickets, they are usually not too expensive — they are usually under $30 per person.

Is Seville Affordable?

Yes, Seville is a very affordable city to visit. Once you’re here, you’ll find many cheap and free things to do in Seville that let you soak up its rich culture. From leisurely walks around the quaint old town to enjoy the beauty of its Andalusian gardens, charming courtyards, and some stunning landmarks — there are plenty of free things to do in Seville!

Seville is a city that genuinely wants to share its beauty and heritage with tourists. It’s in the little moments — like sipping traditional Spanish coffee at a local café or strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets of the historic center — where you truly experience the essence of Seville. And many of those moments are completely free of cost!

FAQs – Cheap & Free Things to Do in Seville

Enjoy These Cheap & Free Things to Do in Seville

Vacationing in Seville doesn’t have to be expensive. The city is much more affordable than many other popular European destinations because there are so many cheap and free things to do! With some foresight, you can enjoy your trip to Andalusia without breaking the bank.

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