Seville is famous for ornate architecture, flavoursome tapas and flamenco dancing. The historic streets sing with magnificent buildings, blending Moorish, Arabian and Spanish inspiration.

In the centre, amidst these historic buildings, there are lots of one-way streets and narrow roads so do take care when navigating.

There are numerous public car parks on the outskirts of the historic centre. Park your hire car at the Plaza de Armas bus station or the Jardines de Murillo, if you want to enjoy a sunny stroll around the heart of the city.

You’ll notice many fixed speed cameras around Seville, so make sure you stick to the limits. Autopista (motorways) have a limit of 120 km/h (74 mph) while dual carriageways, or Autovia, are 100 km/h (62 mph) and single carriageways are set at 90 km/h (55 mph). When driving on smaller roads in towns, the top speed is usually 50 km/h (31 mph). 

Venturing further afield? Less than an hour and a half outside of Seville is the ancient port city of Cadiz. Head south out of the city on the A-4, then pick up the E-5 down to Cadiz. There are many attractions to fill your day, including the 18th-century Cadiz Cathedral and as many of the 100 watchtowers that you can find.

Round off your trip with a coastal break in Malaga. From Seville, this Costa del Sol favourite is just more than two hours’ drive, following the A-92. If you’re dreaming of sun, sea and sand, this is just the place. 

Seville is overflowing with things to see and do. Discover every corner of this enchanting city, soaking up an eclectic blend of architecture and history, relishing Spanish cuisine and perhaps even trying a spot of flamenco.

Experience the Alcázar

For Game of Thrones enthusiasts, the Royal Alcázar will be top of the priority list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stands in the centre of Seville, was used as the breathtaking backdrop to the fictional kingdom of Dorne.

Originally built for Christian king, Peter of Castile, the magnificent site was built on a Muslim fortress. Inspired by Moorish and Renaissance styles, together with some elegant Italian additions later on, this eclectic royal palace feels like the perfect setting for the fantasy series.    

From the gold-gilded ceilings to the mesmerising peacock arch, the Royal Alcázar has to be seen to be believed. Park your hire car in one of the various spaces around the palace, like Jardin de Murillo, and start exploring.

Cathedrals and Columbus

Walk out of the palm-lined, fountain-filled grounds of the Alcázar and you’ll immediately stumble upon another UNESCO World Heritage Site – Seville Cathedral, or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See.

This is the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral, and quite rightly one of Seville’s most celebrated landmarks with every inch of stone ornately decorated. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of explorer Christopher Colombus, who sailed across the Atlantic and discovered the ‘New World’.

There are 80 side chapels within the cathedral, adding to the sense of grandeur which fills the site. Climb to the top of the Giralda Tower, the cathedral’s bell tower, to enjoy stunning views. The colourful rooftops of Seville are a masterpiece, painting the landscape beneath the vivid blue sky.

Both Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar are in the stunning neighbourhood (or barrio) of Santa Cruz. Explore the labyrinth of winding streets, picking up souvenirs and enjoying al fresco tapas on the pavement under the shade of orange trees.

Flamenco fiesta

Enjoy the full, authentic flamenco experience – Seville takes this Spanish tradition extremely seriously. There are so many tablaos (flamenco clubs) to choose from, but El Arenal and Los Gallos are two of the most popular.

El Areal is famous not only for incredible dancing but also friendly staff and great food, while at Los Gallos you’ll get the intimate show experience. Wherever you catch flamenco in Seville, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve witnessed true Spanish culture at its finest.

Wander the Plaza

Easily the most breathtaking plaza in Seville, Plaza de España is the perfect place for romantic walks at sunset.

Designed by Seville architect Aníbal González in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, the plaza sprawls elegantly over 50,000 square metres. Stroll through the elegant arches and hop on board a boat to sail along the rippling emerald waters of the canal.

Whatever it is that’s drawing you to this Seville – the mesmerising buildings, the indulgent smell of tapas – relish every experience with the help of a hire car.