Andalusia bucket list - Best cities to visit in Andalusia - Seville, Spain
|

21 best photo spots in Seville, Spain (& where to find them)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase or booking, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your support!

Looking for the best photo spots in Seville, Spain? Then you have come to exactly the right place! Seville is one of the most photogenic cities in southern Spain, and I had so much fun finding cool angles in every corner of the old town.

The city has it all – a fortress-cathedral, a Moorish royal palace, tiled squares, blooming patios, rooftop viewpoints, and colorful hidden alleys. So many good backdrops for your camera roll.

All the photos in this post are mine, taken on my own trip to Seville, so use them as inspiration for the exact angles and framing at each spot.

Below I’m sharing all the best Instagram spots in Seville with photos, honest tips on the best time to visit for good light and fewer people, and Google Maps locations so you can find them yourself.

Let’s dive in!

1. Plaza de España

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Plaza de España is easily one of the most instagrammable places in all of Spain, not just Seville. It is a massive semicircular square built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, and every single surface is covered in ceramic tiles.

Fun little detail – designed by architect Aníbal González, the semicircle was meant to represent Spain embracing its former colonies, with the canal in front symbolizing the Atlantic Ocean. So poetic!

Fun fact – the plaza has been a film location for decades. It played the city of Theed on the planet Naboo in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and it was also a key filming spot for Lawrence of Arabia back in 1962.

Why it is a great photo spot – literally every direction. My favorite angles: the sweeping arched galleries down the sides (perfect for a long leading-line shot), one of the four bridges over the canal, and the 48 tiled alcoves that represent each Spanish province.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Sit on one of the tiled benches inside an alcove and you get an insanely photogenic close-up of the colorful azulejo work. Not gonna lie, my favorite shot from the whole trip was taken from one of these.

Real talk about crowds – Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most popular spots, so it gets very busy from around 10 AM until sunset. If you want photos without a hundred tourists in frame, you have to plan around that.

Best time for photos – either right when it opens at 8 AM (soft morning light, almost no people) or around 30 minutes before sunset (warm golden light on the tiles, still crowded but the light makes up for it).

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Heads up – as of 2024, Seville’s city hall has been discussing charging an entrance fee to the plaza. So far entry is still free, but check the latest info before you visit.

Location: Plaza de España

2. Royal Alcázar of Seville

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Patio de las Doncellas

The Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the top instagrammable spots in the city and easily one of the most beautiful places to photograph in all of Andalusia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest active royal palace in Europe.

The palace was originally a 10th-century Muslim fortress, later rebuilt in the 1360s by Pedro I of Castile using Mudéjar craftsmen from Granada and Toledo. The Spanish royal family still uses the upper floors when they visit Seville. So cool.

Game of Thrones fans – the Alcázar played the Water Gardens of Dorne in seasons 5 and 6. You will recognize the Patio de las Doncellas and the Baños de Doña María de Padilla the moment you walk in.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Patio de las Doncellas
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Gardens of the Royal Alcázar

Why it is a great photo spot – so many angles to try. The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) is the star, with its reflecting pool, carved arches, and symmetrical Mudéjar design.

My favorite shot is from the far end looking down the length of the pool. Truly one of the most beautiful angles in the whole city.

The gardens are another whole world – orange trees, terraces, hidden fountains, and lush greenery everywhere. Perfect for slower, dreamier shots. Don’t miss the Mercury Pond or the Galería del Grutesco upper walkway.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Gardens of the Royal Alcázar
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Baños de Doña María de Padilla

Real talk about crowds – the Alcázar is very popular and often sells out days in advance. Buy your tickets online well ahead of time and pick the first slot of the day (9:30 AM) if you want the Patio de las Doncellas to yourself. So worth the early alarm.

Best time for photos – first thing in the morning as noted. Also try around 5 PM once the tour groups thin out. Plan on 2-3 hours minimum for a proper visit – it is much bigger than it looks.

Location: Real Alcázar of Seville

3. Puerta del León

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Right before you enter the Real Alcázar, you pass through the Puerta del León – the Lion’s Gate. This is the main entrance to the palace complex, and it is one of the most overlooked photo spots in Seville.

The gate itself is a stunning brick and stone archway with a big glazed tile panel of a crowned lion above it (added in 1894). The walls flanking the gate are actually the original 12th-century Almohad fortress walls.

Why it is a great photo spot – the archway makes a natural frame for photos of the Plaza del Triunfo behind it. And the red-toned brick wall is beautiful against the blue Seville sky.

Best time for photos – either right before you go into the Alcázar (early morning), or on your way out. Late afternoon light on the brick is especially warm.

Pro tip – even if you don’t go into the Alcázar, you can still photograph the gate from Plaza del Triunfo (which is free and always open). Truly worth a quick stop.

Location: Puerta del León

4. Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

The Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. And its bell tower, La Giralda, is basically Seville’s defining silhouette. Both are UNESCO-listed and both are absolute must-see landmarks.

Quick history – the cathedral was built between 1434 and 1517 on the site of the city’s Almohad-era Great Mosque. Christopher Columbus is buried inside (his tomb held up by four figures representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain).

The Giralda has a really unique story too. It was originally the mosque’s 12th-century minaret, and when the Christians converted it into a bell tower, they kept the original structure. The Renaissance top part was added in the 1560s.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – the exterior alone gives you five or six killer angles.

My favorites: the full cathedral from Plaza del Triunfo, the Giralda peeking above the orange-tree canopy in the Patio de los Naranjos, and the flying buttresses on the Calle Alemanes side.

Inside the cathedral, don’t miss the Retablo Mayor (largest altarpiece in the world), the Columbus tomb, and the beautiful stained glass windows. Photography is allowed – just no flash and no tripods.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

The absolute best photo comes from climbing the Giralda itself – it is one of the top viewpoints in Seville. Instead of stairs, you walk up 35 gentle ramps (originally designed so guards could ride horses to the top). Truly a fun climb.

From the top you get 360-degree panoramic views over the old town, the Alcázar gardens, the river, and the whole city. So worth doing on a clear day.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
The tomb of Christopher Columbus in the Cathedral of Seville
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Instagram spots in Seville

Real talk about crowds – this is the busiest attraction in all of Seville. Buy your ticket online in advance, and pick either the first entry slot of the day or the last one to have any chance at less busy shots.

Great little hack – the combo ticket for the Cathedral + Iglesia del Salvador costs the same as a Cathedral-only ticket, but if you buy at Salvador first, you can skip the massive Cathedral entrance queue entirely.

Best time for photos – early morning (9 AM entry) or last entry of the day. For exterior shots, sunset light hits the west facade beautifully.

Location: Catedral de Sevilla

5. Setas de Sevilla

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Setas de Sevilla (officially the Metropol Parasol) is the giant wooden mushroom-shaped structure right in the middle of the old town. Locals call it “Las Setas” – the mushrooms. It is easily one of the most photographed spots in modern Seville.

Fun fact – completed in 2011, it is officially the largest wooden structure in the world. 150 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 28 meters tall. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer H. and made of Finnish laminated timber.

The whole thing sits above Plaza de la Encarnación and includes a food market on the ground floor, a Roman archaeological site (Antiquarium) in the basement, and a walkway on top with panoramic viewpoints over the city.

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – two totally different vibes depending on where you shoot from. From below (free), the wavy wooden lattice makes an incredible abstract composition looking straight up.

From the top walkway (paid entry), you get one of the best viewpoints in Seville – a 360-degree panorama with the Cathedral, the Giralda, Triana across the river, and the whole old town spread out below. Truly incredible.

Real talk about crowds – the rooftop gets packed at sunset. If you want photos without a crowd in frame, either arrive when it opens (9:30 AM) or pick a weekday afternoon.

Best time for photos – sunset from the top walkway is legit incredible (the golden light on the Cathedral is unreal), but you pay for the drama with crowds.

Blue hour after sunset is my personal favorite – way fewer people and the illuminated structure looks amazing.

Great hack – your rooftop ticket includes a free return visit within 48 hours. So you can go once during the day and come back at night for the light show without paying again.

Location: Setas de Sevilla

6. Torre del Oro

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

The Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is a 13th-century Almohad watchtower sitting right on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It is one of Seville’s most iconic riverside landmarks and one of my favorite photo spots in the whole city.

Quick history – built in 1220-1221 by the Almohad Caliphate. Its job was to control access up the river, and there was even a chain stretched across to Triana to block enemy ships. Truly an incredible piece of military history.

The name “Tower of Gold” probably comes from the golden shimmer of the original tiled facade in the sunlight. Some say it is because gold from the Americas was stored here later on, though that theory does not quite line up with the dates.

Today the tower houses a small naval museum, and you can climb to the rooftop terrace for a viewpoint over the river. Cheap ticket (around 3 EUR), and one of the most underrated views in Seville.

Why it is a great photo spot – the tower itself is really photogenic against the river backdrop. My favorite shot is from the opposite bank in Triana with the tower framed by palm trees.

You can also shoot it from Paseo Alcalde Marqués de Contadero (the riverside walk on the tower’s side) for a low-angle shot with the sky behind it.

Best time for photos – sunset is unbeatable. The tower is on the east bank, so the setting sun lights it up in warm golden tones from across the river. Truly a perfect shot.

Location: Torre del Oro

7. Patio de Banderas

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

The Patio de Banderas is a small orange-tree-lined square right behind the Alcázar. It is free to enter and easily one of the most photographed corners of Santa Cruz.

The name means “Courtyard of Flags,” from the old tradition of hanging flags here to welcome visiting royalty. Fun bit of trivia – this is actually the oldest human settlement in Seville, with archaeological finds going back to the 9th century BC.

Why it is a great photo spot – the killer shot is looking through the exit archway on the far side, where the Giralda frames itself perfectly at the end of a double row of orange trees. Truly one of the most iconic Seville shots you can take.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Also try shooting the central fountain with the surrounding pastel buildings, or wander around the edges for shots of the beautiful patios visible through wrought-iron gates.

Real talk about crowds – the Patio de Banderas is technically the exit of the Alcázar, so it fills up whenever a wave of visitors comes out. Time your visit for early morning (before 10 AM) if you want the archway shot without a hundred people in frame.

Best time for photos – early morning is best. The orange trees are still quiet, and the low sun lights up the Giralda through the archway. So pretty.

Location: Patio de Banderas

8. Casa de Pilatos

Most fantastic Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Casa de Pilatos is often called the “second Alcázar” of Seville – and honestly, it might be even more photogenic. It is a 15th-16th century Andalusian palace, still lived in by the Dukes of Medinaceli, and one of the most beautiful spots in the whole city.

Fun fact – it is called “Pilate’s House” after a very odd story.

In 1519, the first Marquis of Tarifa came back from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem convinced he had walked the exact dimensions of Pontius Pilate’s house. He remodeled his Seville palace to match, and the name stuck.

The architectural style is a stunning mix of Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Italian influences. And it has around 150 different azulejo tile designs, all made in the 1530s – one of the largest early-modern azulejo collections in the world.

Most fantastic Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Most fantastic Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – the main courtyard is one of the most beautiful spaces in all of Seville. Marble columns, Mudéjar arches, azulejo tilework wrapping every wall, and 24 busts of Roman emperors and Greek gods around the perimeter.

My favorite shot is standing in one corner shooting diagonally across the patio with the fountain in the foreground. So many different angles work here – just look up too, the coffered ceiling is stunning.

Movie trivia – the palace has been used as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Kingdom of Heaven (2005). So keep an eye out for spots you might recognize.

Best Instagram spots in the city of Seville in Andalusia, Spain
Best Instagram spots in the city of Seville in Andalusia, Spain

Don’t miss the gardens either – two peaceful little corners with orange trees, fountains, and more tilework. Perfect for slower, quieter shots after the main patio.

Real talk about crowds – so much better than the Alcázar. Casa de Pilatos is way less busy because most tourists just don’t know it exists. You can easily get shots without other people in frame.

Best time for photos – anytime works well because the crowds are so light. But late morning is especially good in the main patio – the sun comes over the roof and lights up half the columns in a beautiful play of shadows.

Tickets are around 12 EUR for the ground floor. You can add the upper floor (guided tour only) for a few euros more – worth doing if you love aristocratic interiors.

Location: Casa de Pilatos

9. Palacio de las Dueñas

Best Instagram spots in the glorious city of Seville, Spain

The Palacio de las Dueñas is a 15th-century Andalusian palace belonging to the House of Alba, and it is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Seville. It was the favorite home of the famous Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the late Duchess of Alba.

Fun bit of literary history – Spanish poet Antonio Machado was born here in 1875. There is a small plaque on the entrance mentioning it, and the palace opens up his childhood home to visitors alongside all the Alba family art.

The palace only opened to the public in 2016, so it feels much fresher and less “toured” than most other Seville sights. And truly – the House of Alba art collection inside is incredible: over 1,400 pieces including paintings by Ribera, Bassano, and Carracci.

Best Instagram spots in the magical city of Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – it is basically a garden inside a palace.

The whole complex is a series of courtyards, each with its own personality: the Lemon Patio, the Oil Patio, the Main Patio, and a pool patio, all with orange trees, palm trees, and lush greenery.

The most photographed spot is the main entrance facade covered in blooming bougainvillea. Truly one of the most iconic photo spots in Seville – the pink flowers against the ochre wall are unreal.

The tile above the main entrance archway is a beautiful piece too – a 17th century Triana ceramic shield of the Duchy of Alba. Great close-up detail shot.

Best Instagram spots in Seville city in Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville city, Spain

Inside, don’t miss the main courtyard with its central raised fountain, the tiled family chapel, and the room dedicated to Duchess Cayetana with her personal photos and objects.

Best Instagram spots in the incredible city of Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in the incredible city of Seville, Spain

Real talk about crowds – a lot lighter than the Alcázar since Dueñas is a bit outside the very crowded center. You can usually visit without any waiting, though the family still lives here so some rooms stay off-limits.

Best time for photos – late morning is my favorite. The light gets into the courtyards and lights up the tiles, and the bougainvillea facade looks unreal in direct sun.

Tickets are around 12 EUR and include an audio guide. Book online in advance.

Location: Palacio de las Dueñas

10. Plaza del Cabildo

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Plaza del Cabildo is one of Seville’s best-kept secrets and one of the most beautiful hidden photo spots in the old town. It is a small semicircular square with curved arcades, murals, a central fountain, and a peaceful atmosphere.

The trick is finding it – the plaza sits behind three narrow passageways off Avenida de la Constitución.

Walk past the fancy shops, look for a small archway on your right (there is one right across from the Archivo de Indias), and you slip into a totally different world.

The square is not actually that old (it was built in the 1950s), but the architecture is really pretty – a curved arcade of marble columns and murals of floral and geometric motifs on the walls. Very Andalusian style.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – so much visual variety in one small space. My favorite shot is from inside the passage tunnel looking out, framing the fountain and arcade in the archway. Great leading-line composition.

Also try shooting the curved arcades from one end of the semicircle for a symmetrical composition. Or get close to the wall murals for a colorful detail shot.

Real talk about crowds – way lighter than any other spot near the Cathedral, since most tourists literally do not know it is here. You can almost always have the plaza to yourself for photos.

Best time for photos – late morning or afternoon. The square gets full shade under the arcades most of the day, and midday light bounces around beautifully off the pale murals.

Bonus – every Sunday morning (9 AM to 2 PM), the plaza turns into a Collectors’ Market with vendors selling old coins, stamps, and antiques. Great for detail shots.

Location: Plaza del Cabildo

11. Calle Agua & Rosina’s Balcony

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Right behind the walls of the Alcázar, in the old Jewish quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz, is Callejón del Agua – a narrow whitewashed alley that is easily one of the most photographed streets in Seville. Basically every Instagram feed of Seville has a shot from here.

The name translates as “Water Alley” – it comes from a channel that ran along the top of the wall carrying water from the Caños de Carmona aqueduct into the Alcázar palace. So the whole street is basically an ancient plumbing route.

At one end of the alley is Plaza de Alfaro, and this is where you find Rosina’s Balcony – a beautiful corner balcony covered in blooming bougainvillea. The balcony is said to be the one that inspired Beaumarchais’s opera The Barber of Seville.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – the pink bougainvillea, the yellow ochre walls, and the wrought-iron balcony together make one of the most colorful photo compositions in the whole city. Truly the perfect shot for your Seville Instagram.

Beyond the balcony, the whole alley itself is worth shooting. Peek through the wrought-iron gates – many houses have gorgeous hidden patios visible from the street. Great little detail shots.

While you are here, look for the plaque at Callejón del Agua number 2. American writer Washington Irving lived here while writing Tales of the Alhambra. There is a bronze memorial from 1925.

Real talk about crowds – Rosina’s Balcony is one of the most Instagram-famous spots in Seville, so there is often a small line of people trying to get the shot. Not too bad, just be patient for 5-10 minutes.

Best time for photos – early morning (before 10 AM) is the quietest. Golden hour also works if you can time it right – the low sun hits the balcony from a great angle.

Location: Calle AguaRosina’s Balcony

12. Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Famous Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Famous Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

The Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is a 16th-century Andalusian house-palace right in the city center, and one of the most underrated photo spots in Seville. Most tourists walk right past the discreet front door without noticing it.

Here is what makes it wildly photogenic. The Countess of Lebrija bought the house in 1901 and spent 13 years remodeling it.

She was obsessed with Roman archaeology – so obsessed that she took beautiful Roman mosaics from the ruins of Italica and used them as the actual flooring.

You literally walk on 580 square meters (6,243 square feet) of original 2nd-century Roman mosaics as you tour the palace. The main patio floor is a stunning mosaic of the god Pan surrounded by love stories of Zeus.

Most famous Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Famous Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – the central patio is stunning from every angle. Mudéjar arches around all four sides, Roman mosaic floor, marble columns, azulejo tilework halfway up the walls. Truly a photographer’s dream space.

Also don’t miss the beautiful blue-tiled staircase leading to the upper floor – one of the most photogenic staircases in the whole city.

Real talk about crowds – much lighter than the Alcázar or the Cathedral. Truly a quiet corner of the city where you can take your time getting the shot.

Best time for photos – late morning is best. The sun gets into the central patio and lights up the mosaic floor, and the azulejo tiles glow beautifully.

Tickets are only a few euros. The ground floor is self-guided; the upper floor is a guided tour with a specific time slot. Truly one of the best-value visits in the whole city.

Location: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

13. La Terraza del EME

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

La Terraza del EME is a rooftop bar sitting right next to the Cathedral – and I do mean literally right next to it. The Giralda bell tower is about 30 meters (100 feet) away, so when you sit down with a drink, you feel like you can almost reach out and touch it.

The terrace is on top of the EME Catedral Mercer Hotel on Calle Alemanes 27. It is easily one of the best viewpoints in Seville and one of the most Instagrammable rooftop bars in the city.

Why it is a great photo spot – the panoramic view. You get a 360-degree look at the Cathedral, the Giralda, the Church of El Salvador, and the whole old town skyline. Truly one of the best angles you will ever get of the Giralda.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

The classic shot is standing at the terrace edge with the Giralda framed to one side and the cathedral roofline stretching across. My favorite composition is with a cocktail in the foreground and the Giralda behind – so cliche, but it works every time.

Real talk about crowds – the terrace gets crowded fast and has limited capacity. In high season, arrive at opening time (1:30 PM) if you want a table, or come back after 11 PM when the dinner crowd has left.

Best time for photos – sunset. The light hits the Giralda from the west and glows warmly on the sandstone. Around 7 PM in summer, 5-6 PM in winter. Blue hour after sunset is also incredible.

One tip – you don’t have to be a hotel guest to go up. Just walk into the hotel lobby, tell the staff you want to go to La Terraza, and they will send you up. Cocktails are pricey (10-15 EUR) but truly worth it for the view.

Location: La Terraza del EME

14. Archivo de Indias

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

The Archivo General de Indias sits right across from Seville Cathedral, and thousands of tourists walk past it every day without going in. Which is wild, because this is a UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible photo opportunities.

Quick history – this is where Spain stored all the original documents from the colonization of the Americas. Columbus’s journal, letters from Hernán Cortés, Ferdinand Magellan, Francisco Pizarro. About 80 million pages of world history in one building.

The building is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, designed by Juan de Herrera in the late 16th century. It was originally built as the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes (Merchants’ Exchange) and turned into the national archive in 1785.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – the interior symmetrical patio is stunning. Two floors of archways around a peaceful open courtyard, all in classic Herrerian Renaissance style. So photogenic, and completely empty of tourists.

The Renaissance halls upstairs are also beautiful – huge shelves lined with historic documents, coffered wooden ceilings, and permanent exhibitions with original letters from Columbus and early maps of the Americas.

Real talk about crowds – almost none. It is a museum that hardly anyone visits, so you can take your time getting the shot without any tourists in frame. Truly a photographer’s dream.

Best time for photos – late morning, when the sun gets into the interior patio and lights up half the arcade in beautiful shadows. Great for architectural shots.

Best part – entry is completely free. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 10 AM to 2 PM. Closed Mondays. Plan around 30-45 minutes for the visit.

Location: Archivo de Indias

15. Plaza de San Francisco

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Plaza de San Francisco is the historic main square of Seville, sitting right in front of the beautiful 16th-century Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). It has been the political center of the city for over 500 years.

Here is a wild bit of history – this square was once the site of public executions during the Spanish Inquisition. Today it is a busy pedestrian square lined with cafes and shops, and one of the most underrated photo spots in the old town.

The Town Hall itself is a stunning Renaissance-style building with a gorgeously ornate Plateresque facade. Basically every inch is carved with decoration – such a beautiful backdrop for photos.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – at the south end of the Town Hall, there is a tunnel-like passage cutting through the building. Frame your shot through the archway and you get the Cathedral spire in the distance. Truly a killer composition.

Also try shooting the Plateresque facade itself for a detail shot – the carvings are so intricate they photograph beautifully even in overcast light.

Real talk about crowds – the square gets busy with foot traffic all day, but the archway spot is often quiet. It is a passthrough that most tourists just walk through without stopping to shoot.

Best time for photos – early morning is quietest. Golden hour is also great since the Town Hall faces east and gets beautiful morning light on the facade.

Location: Plaza de San FranciscoPhoto location

16. Parque de María Luisa

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Parque de María Luisa is Seville’s biggest and most beautiful park, right next to Plaza de España. It stretches along the river and covers around 40 hectares of lush greenery, palm trees, ponds, monuments, and hidden little corners.

Fun history – the park was originally the private garden of the Palace of San Telmo. Princess María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón donated it to the city in 1893.

It was redesigned for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, so Plaza de España, Plaza de América, and the park are all connected in one big master plan.

Why it is a great photo spot – so many different photogenic corners in one park. The Fuente de los Leones (Lion Fountain), the tiled Glorieta de Bécquer with its cypress tree and statues, and the little Isleta de los Pájaros (Bird Island) in the central pond.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

My favorite shots are the pathways lined with palm trees and the massive flower bushes bursting in bloom (spring is unreal). Truly one of the most peaceful photo spots in the whole city.

Real talk about crowds – way quieter than Plaza de España. The park is huge, so even on busy days you can find a quiet path to yourself.

Best time for photos – late afternoon is my favorite. Golden light hitting the palm trees and the tiled benches is stunning. Spring is the absolute best season, with all the flowers in bloom.

Fun tip – rent a bike or one of those pedal-powered carriages for a slow ride around the park. Great for a more unique shot.

Location: Parque de María LuisaIsleta de los PájarosFlower bushes

17. Plaza de América

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Plaza de América is the sister square to Plaza de España, sitting at the south end of Parque de María Luisa.

Everyone talks about Plaza de España, but almost nobody knows about this one. And that is truly a shame – it is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Seville.

Locals call it the “Plaza of Doves” because there are literally hundreds of white doves flying around. Feed them a handful of birdseed (buy from the local vendor) and you get incredible shots with the birds swirling around you.

The plaza was designed by architect Aníbal González for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition (same guy who designed Plaza de España). And you can absolutely see the family resemblance – azulejo tiles, brickwork, and stunning Mudéjar-Revival architecture everywhere.

Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain
Hidden gems and unique things to do in Seville, Spain

Why it is a great photo spot – two stunning buildings bookend the plaza. The Archaeological Museum (Neo-Renaissance) on one side, and the Museum of Popular Arts (Neo-Mudéjar, ornate and colorful) on the other. Perfect symmetrical composition either way you shoot.

My favorite shot is standing at the pond in the middle looking across the water at the Museum of Popular Arts – the tiled facade reflects beautifully in the water.

Real talk about crowds – way lighter than Plaza de España. Most tourists never venture down here. You can usually get shots with just a few people (and a lot of doves) in frame.

Best time for photos – late afternoon golden hour is unbelievable. The golden light makes the azulejo tiles glow, and the doves come out in flocks for their evening feed.

Location: Plaza de AméricaMuseum of Popular Arts and Traditions

18. Murillo Gardens

Best things to do in Seville, Spain
Fuente De Catalina De Ribera
Best things to do in Seville, Spain
Glorieta’ dedicated to painter José García Ramos

The Murillo Gardens are a peaceful stretch of gardens running along the outer walls of the Real Alcázar in Barrio Santa Cruz.

Named after Sevillian Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, they are one of the most peaceful photo spots right in the middle of the city.

The gardens were designed by Juan Talavera y Heredia in 1911, using land that was originally part of the Alcázar’s kitchen gardens. You can still see fragments of the old palace walls along one edge.

Why it is a great photo spot – beautiful tiled benches, orange trees, palm trees, small fountains, and shaded pathways. Perfect for calmer, more peaceful photos after the busy Alcázar visit.

Best things to do in Seville, Spain
Glorieta’ dedicated to painter José García Ramos
Best things to do in Seville, Spain

My favorite spots inside are the Fuente de Catalina de Ribera (a stunning fountain with a spectacular tiled backdrop) and the circular Glorieta dedicated to Sevillian painter José García Ramos.

Also don’t miss the Monumento a Colón (Columbus Monument), a beautiful obelisk with a lion and a small caravel on top. Great detail shot.

Real talk about crowds – the gardens are shockingly quiet even in peak season. Most tourists focus on the Alcázar and miss the gardens right next door.

Best time for photos – any time works because it is always peaceful, but late morning is my favorite. The light gets through the tree canopy and creates beautiful dappled shadows on the tiled benches.

Entry is completely free, and the gardens are open all day.

Location: Murillo GardensFuente De Catalina De RiberaGlorieta

19. Puente de Isabel II / Puente de Triana

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

The Puente de Isabel II (locally called Puente de Triana) is a 19th-century iron bridge crossing the Guadalquivir River, connecting the old town to the Triana neighborhood. It is one of the most beautiful bridges in Seville and a classic photo spot.

Quick history – built between 1845 and 1852, this was the first stable bridge across the river in Seville. Before it was built, the river was crossed only by boats or floating pontoon bridges.

The design was inspired by the Pont du Carrousel in Paris, with three big cast-iron arches and elegant lantern-topped towers on both ends. Truly a beautiful piece of industrial-era design.

Why it is a great photo spot – the classic shot is from the riverside walking path looking along the length of the bridge, with the arches framing the shot. My favorite angle is from the Triana side just after sunset, when the bridge lights up.

Also try shooting from directly underneath one of the arches for a symmetrical composition looking back at the city.

Real talk about crowds – the bridge gets busy with foot and bike traffic, but the riverside walk on either side is usually quiet enough for photos.

Best time for photos – sunset or blue hour. The bridge is lit up beautifully at night, and the light reflecting off the river adds another layer to the shot. Truly one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seville after dark.

Location: Puente de Isabel II

20. Arco de la Macarena

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain
Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Arco de la Macarena is a bright yellow-and-white city gate on the north side of Seville’s old town. It is one of only three original gates surviving from the ancient city walls – and truly one of the most photogenic spots in the northern part of the old town.

The gate dates back to the 12th century Almohad period, though it was rebuilt in Neoclassical style in 1795. The bright ochre color is what makes it pop so well against a blue sky.

Right next to it is the Basílica de la Macarena, home to the famous Virgen de la Macarena statue – one of the most beloved religious images in Seville. The whole area lights up during Holy Week when this statue leads the procession.

Why it is a great photo spot – the shot straight through the archway with the church spire visible on the other side is beautiful. Truly one of the most colorful photo compositions in Seville.

Real talk about crowds – very few tourists come this far north, so you can usually shoot without any crowds. Some caution though – there is a fairly busy street running past the gate, so you have to time shots between passing traffic.

Best time for photos – early evening. The setting sun lights up the yellow facade beautifully, and traffic dies down. Also great in the morning if you catch it before rush hour.

Location: Arco de la Macarena

21. Portillo de la Muralla

Best Instagram spots in Seville, Spain

Portillo de la Muralla is a small ancient gateway carved into the old city walls in the middle of the old town. It connects Calle Miguel Mañara with Avenida de la Constitución, and it is one of the most overlooked photo spots in Seville.

The gate is a fragment of the medieval city walls that surrounded Seville until the 19th century. Most of the walls were torn down as the city expanded, but a few sections like this one survived.

Why it is a great photo spot – if you look through the archway, you get a beautiful framed view of the Edificio Coliseo building – a stunning 1920s theatre building with a striking domed corner.

My favorite shot is standing right on Calle Miguel Mañara looking through the gate with the Coliseo dome in the distance. Great leading-line composition.

Real talk about crowds – almost zero tourists know about this spot. You can usually shoot without any people, though there is some foot traffic from locals passing through.

Best time for photos – early morning is best. There is less foot traffic through the arch, and the light is soft enough to keep both the arch and the distant building well-exposed.

Location: Portillo de la Muralla

FAQs about photo spots in Seville

What are the best photo spots in Seville?

Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar (Patio de las Doncellas), the Cathedral & La Giralda, Setas de Sevilla rooftop, Casa de Pilatos, and Rosina’s Balcony in Callejón del Agua are the top spots. Palacio de las Dueñas and Torre del Oro at sunset are also stunning.

What are the most Instagrammable places in Seville?

Plaza de España, Rosina’s Balcony in Callejón del Agua, La Terraza del EME rooftop, Palacio de las Dueñas with its bougainvillea facade, Setas de Sevilla, and the Patio de Banderas Giralda framing shot are the most Instagrammable spots.

Where are the best viewpoints in Seville?

The best viewpoints in Seville are the top of La Giralda bell tower, the Setas de Sevilla rooftop walkway, La Terraza del EME rooftop bar next to the Cathedral, and the roof of Torre del Oro along the river.

When is the best time to take photos in Seville?

Early morning (8-10 AM) for the fewest crowds at popular spots like Plaza de España and Patio de Banderas. Late afternoon golden hour for warm light on the sandstone facades. Blue hour after sunset for stunning shots of the Cathedral, Setas, and Puente de Triana.

Is Plaza de España free to visit?

Yes, Plaza de España is currently free to enter and open all day. As of 2024, Seville’s city hall has discussed charging an entrance fee, but no fee has been introduced yet. Always check the latest info before your visit.

Read more about traveling in Andalusia

Seville is truly a dream for anyone who loves taking photos. You can shoot a Moorish palace in the morning, a Renaissance archive at noon, a rooftop panorama at sunset, and a lit-up iron bridge over the river at blue hour – all in one day.

What I loved most is how the whole old town is basically one giant photo set. Every corner has some detail worth stopping for – an azulejo panel, a wrought-iron balcony, a blooming bougainvillea, a Giralda peek through an archway. Truly endless material.

Take your time, wander slowly, and don’t just stick to the famous spots – some of the best shots you will take are the ones you find yourself. Happy exploring!

If you are planning a bigger Andalusia trip, here are a few more guides from the region that might come in handy.

More Andalusia travel inspiration:

Travel guides to nearby towns:

PIN FOR LATER!

Ultimate best Instagram photo spots in Seville, Spain
Ultimate best Instagram photo spots in Seville, Spain

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *