Seville is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable cities in all of Europe. With its exotic palaces, enchanting gardens, orange tree-lined streets, bright coloured houses, and beautiful plazas, its no wonder that Seville is a firm favourite amongst photographers.
I’ve put together this travel and photography guide to the most instagrammable spots in Seville to help you find all the most beautiful locations. I’ll also share the best times of day to visit and where to go to find those perfect insta-worthy photos.
If you are looking for a more detailed guide with everything you need to know about travelling to Seville, you’ll definitely want to check out our Seville 3 day itinerary.
๐ธ Most Instagrammable Spots in Seville
๐ Plaza de Espaรฑa
I’m not sure there are many places in the world as photogenic as Plaza de Espaรฑa. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andalucia and was easily my favourite place in all of Seville!
I spent hours here on two different mornings photographing it from many different angles, yet I still could’ve found more compositions!
Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, it is one of the most impressive plazas in Spain. Intricate tile work in a myriad of colours is set contrastingly against the red brick facade of the semi-circular plaza.
The canal that runs the perimeter of the plaza has even afforded Plaza de Espaรฑa the title of “mini-Venice”.
When to Go to Plaza de Espaรฑa
For the best photographs of Plaza de Espaรฑa, I’d recommend getting there early in the morning. At this time of day, you’ll find fewer people and will be treated (hopefully!) to warm colours and golden light as the sun rises.
It’s worth noting that the boat rides on the canal don’t start until 10am. Therefore, you will want to be prepared to stay a bit longer or arrive a little later if you want to include these in your photos.
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Plaza de Espaรฑa
Seville is one of the best cities in Spain, and Plaza de Espaรฑa is perhaps the most photogenic place within it! Take a photo anywhere.
Seriously, this place is so photogenic it would be hard to take a bad photo. However, I will take you through some of my favourite angles and compositions.
To start with, take a walk around the balcony. The photos taken from the balcony area looking out to the plaza were some of my favourites. Shooting from the balcony also offers you a bit of height to provide a different perspective.
The inclusion of any of the four bridges that cross the canal also makes for beautiful compositions. Whether you want to shoot wide and capture the entire scene or focus on the details, you can’t go wrong!
The archways at the centre of the buildings create perfect frames for your subject too… whether that’s you twirling around in a dress or tourists on a horse and carriage ride! There’s a few different angles you can try to include these ornate archways.
Last but certainly not least, are the provincial alcoves. There are 48 of these alcoves adorning the outer walls.
Each represents a province within Spain and is decorated with azulejos (colourful tiles). These tiles add a perfect splash of colour, while the curve of the building creates beautiful leading lines.
๐ท READ MORE:
All the gear you need to take AMAZING Instagram photos
โฒ๏ธ Real Alcazรกr de Sevilla
The Real Alcazรกr de Sevilla, aka Royal Palace of Seville, was on the top of my list of Instagrammable places in Seville to visit.
Unfortunately, it was unexpectedly closed on the day we had tickets to visit. But no list of the most Instagrammable places in Seville would be complete without the Real Alcazรกr.
Image: Adobe Stock.
When to Go to Real Alcazรกr de Sevilla
At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below.
The Real Alcazรกr de Seville is possibly the most popular place to visit in Seville. Therefore, I’d highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance. It is possible to get tickets on the day but you will have to wait in line, possibly for hours.
By booking in advance, you get to skip the line and have guaranteed entry. If tickets for the day you want to go are sold out, you can book a guided tour to receive priority entry.
For the best chance of getting those Instagrammable photos, go either first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day. Visitors are limited to 750 at any given time, but arriving early will help you get ahead of the crowd. Later in the afternoon can also be quieter.
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Real Alcazรกr de Sevilla
For those truly spectacular Instagram shots, head to Patio de Doncellas. Whether you include the entire courtyard or use the archways to frame your shot like Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad did below, you’ll get some stunning photos.
Don’t forget to save some space on the memory card for the gardens and the Salรณn de Embajadores (Ambassadors Hall). If you have one, it would be worth taking a wide-angle lens to the Salรณn de Embajadores to allow you to capture it all in a single frame.
Images: Abode Stock.
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๐ก Casa de Pilatos
While not quite as opulent as the Real Alcazรกr, Casa de Pilatos is definitely a must-see in Seville. Dating back to the 15th-century, it provides a perfect example of an archetypal Andalusian palace with a flawless mix of Italian Rennaisance and Spanish Mudejar style.
It is also home to one of the largest collections of azulejos in the world, with around 150 of the colourful ceramic tiles.
When to Go to Casa de Pilatos
Any time! Casa de Pilatos isn’t quite as popular as some of the other attractions in Seville. While it will likely be busier in the middle of the day, with a little patience you should still be able to get your photos without anyone else in them.
We visited at around 2pm in March and it was reasonably quiet. The edges of the courtyard and rooms are all shaded, which provided a cool relief from the heat of the day too.
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Casa de Pilatos
As one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seville, there are many different great angles to choose from!
The archways surrounding the courtyard and the windows provide a perfect frame. The double arch in the windows works great if you have a friend or loved one with you.
Shoot down the corridors around the courtyard to capture the multitude of architectural elements. I love how this angle includes so many different features, from the cheerful yellow ceiling to the colourful tiles, wooden door, decorative archways and checkered floor.
From inside the rooms surrounding the courtyard you can create a wistful mood by having the subject sat looking out of the window. To me, it has a real fairytale feel here, and the detail in the walls is phenomenal.
Make sure to venture out into the garden and outer courtyard. We were fortunate to be there when the bougainvillea was in bloom, adding a vibrant splash of colour to the photos.
๐ READ MORE:
Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Seville
๐ช Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Towering over Plaza de la Encarnaciรณn in the old quarter of Seville, you’ll find Metropol Parasol. This architectural marvel is said to be the world’s largest wooden structure. Its semblance to 6 mushrooms has earned it the name Las Setas de Sevilla (the Mushrooms of Seville).
The views from the walkway and lookout above are some of the most Instagrammable spots in Seville.
When to Go to Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
This is the perfect spot for sunset, giving you an amazing vantage point to watch the sun dip behind the city. Although it was busy at sunset, there were enough breaks in the crowds to capture those Instagram-worthy shots.
You canย book skip-the-line tickets onlineย with a virtual reality tour experience for โฌ22 to guarantee entry for the best photos.
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
The undulating walkways provide the perfect foreground, creating interesting textures and leading lines, with the Seville Cathedral and city in the background.
I love the contrast between the ultra-modern wooden structure and historic city backdrop. Use the wood to create a unique frame for the city.
If you have a zoom lens, you can ignore the wooden structure entirely and focus on specific parts of the skyline. I loved the light on Catedral de Sevilla and Iglesia San Luis de los Franceses, so I chose to focus on these.
๐ Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda
The Seville Cathedral is a magnificent gothic church located in the heart of the city. It is the largest gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church in the world, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Oh, and it’s beautiful, with both Muslim and Christian influence on the design. Originally a mosque in the 12th century, then a Christian church before eventually being converted to the mighty cathedral we see today.
La Giralda, the bell tower, was formerly the minaret of the mosque and is visible from all over the city.
When to Go to Catedral de Sevilla
Considering its central location, chances are you’ll walk past the cathedral plenty of times! If you want to go inside the church then I’d advise doing so early in the morning when the crowds are thinner. However, I loved shooting it from outside.
Sunset here is beautiful as well, but you’ll either have a lot of people in your shots or you’ll have to use a tripod and use some post-processing techniques to remove them.
If you do decide to visit the cathedral, this is another place that’s worth booking your tickets online in advance so you can skip the line or book a guided tour with priority entry.
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Catedral de Sevilla
Take a walk around this impressive building and you’ll find countless unique and beautiful perspectives. Many of the small streets around the cathedral will provide you with picturesque views looking back towards Seville Cathedral and La Giralda.
Framed with orange trees and small restaurants, one of my favourites is Calle Mateos Gago. Another beautiful view is from Calle de Placentines.
The gate leading to Patio de Banderas provides a gorgeous frame to the Seville Cathedral, with a few typical orange trees to add a splash of colour! With a wide-angle lens, you can also capture La Giralda and the northeast corner of Seville Cathedral from Plaza Virgen de los Reyes.
Right: Capture Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda from Plaza Virgen de los Reyes with a wide-angle lens.
โญ๏ธ Plaza del Cabildo
Within the tourist hub of El Arenal, just minutes from Seville Cathedral is this small oasis. Here, youโll find a picturesque semi-circular plaza with marble columns and decoratively painted arches.
When to Go to Plaza del Cabildo
Plaza del Cabildo, despite being so central, is still somewhat a hidden gem so it’s unlikely to be too busy at any time. I visited both at sunset and during that day, and at both times had the place to myself!
The Perfect Instagram Photos at Plaza del Cabildo
I’d recommend shooting here with a wide-angle lens to capture the curve of the plaza. I shot this at 15mm on a full-frame camera and still couldn’t quite squeeze it all in! However, I loved picking up the detailed paintwork from a lower angle.
๐ Seville’s Historic Old Town
Seville is home to one of the largest historic centres in the world, comprised of 12 districts. Take a short walk away from the city’s iconic sites and immerse yourself in the old town.
The historic centre is comprised of a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with orange trees and colourful houses. These charming streets provide some of the most Instagrammable spots in Seville.
When to Go to Seville Old Town
The streets will likely be busy during the day, but this can allow you to catch the atmosphere of the city. If you visit earlier in the morning then you’ll be able to capture empty streets.
The narrow streets and high buildings provide shade from the midday heat. However, this also creates a higher dynamic range during the middle of the day. This means that you’ll have to battle extremely bright skies as well as dark, shadowed streets.
The result will likely be that you end up with either your streets being too dark or your skies being too bright. To avoid this, shoot earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for softer light.
The Perfect Instagram Photos in Seville Old Town
The old Jewish quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, is just a short stroll from the busy tourist hub yet provides a moment of tranquillity. You’ll find some of the most Instagrammable spots in Seville in this area.
As you twist and turn through the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, you will come across many different Instagram-worthy spots. Flower-adorned balconies are the norm here, as are vibrantly painted homes and charming street lights.
๐ฉ Where to Stay in Seville: The Most Instagrammable Hotels
As this is an Instagram guide for Seville, it seems only appropriate that the hotels I recommend are based on their Instagramability!
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Booking.com rating: 9/10 โญ๏ธ
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 โญ๏ธ
For sheer opulence and Instagrammable spots in every corner, then look no further than Hotel Alfonso XIII. This luxury hotel will set you back a bit, but it sure looks like it’d be worth every penny!
Hotel Palacio de Villapanรฉs
Booking.com rating: 9.1/10 โญ๏ธ
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 โญ๏ธ
Want to feel like royalty? Hotel Palacio de Villapanรฉs will have you feeling like a princess (or prince!) in this converted palace. From the grand entrance to the stunning courtyard and rooftop, this hotel is an Instagrammer’s heaven!
Melia Sevilla
Booking.com rating: 8.4/10 โญ๏ธ
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 โญ๏ธ
The Melia Sevilla also has a rooftop pool, but this one offers spectacular views of Plaza de Espaรฑa. Being just minutes from Plaza de Espaรฑa, aka the most Instagrammable spots in Seville, is a bonus too!
EME Catedral Hotel
Booking.com rating: 8.2/10 โญ๏ธ
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 โญ๏ธ
The EME Catedral Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Seville’s historic centre, offers superb views of the cathedral. It has both a rooftop bar and rooftop pool overlooking Seville Cathedral and La Giralda for those perfect Instagram shots. Additionally, some rooms offer balconies with similar views to below.
๐ Tips for Getting the Most Instagrammable Photos in Seville
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below ๐
We’ve covered all of the best photography locations in Seville and some tips on how to get the best photos at each location. However, there are a few general tips that will help ensure you capture the perfect Instagram photo in Seville!
Donโt forget your camera!
Of course, having good camera equipment will help. However, you can still get some great shots with just your phone.
I use the Sony a7riii and have been in love with it ever since the first photo I took with it. However, weโve recently invested in a Sony Rx100 VI which will likely become my city camera as itโs so small and convenient!
Check out our post on travel photography camera gear to see what I used to take the photos in this post. If you are looking to invest in a camera, then you may also be interested in this blog post about the best cameras for blogging.
Choose the right lens
You will likely want a zoom lens to allow you to change your focal distance, as well as a wide-angle shot to capture some of the larger buildings. The lens we use most frequently is the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS as the zoom lens allows for the most diversity. We also often use the Laowa 15mm F2 for shots that require a wider angle.
Bring a tripod
A tripod is an integral part of my camera gear. Beyond its designed intention to hold my camera and allow me to get photos of myself, it also has the magical power of providing a bit of authority! People are much less inclined to step in front of your shot! When I have a lot of walking to do (like in Seville!), I use the Manfrotto Be Free as itโs lightweight and easy to carry.
Get out and shoot as early as possible
As Iโve mentioned a few times in this post, youโll want to get out early to get the best photos without a ton of tourists in them. However, if youโve only got a few days in Seville you wonโt be able to visit all of these places early!
With this in mind, I would recommend prioritising Plaza de Espaรฑa, Real Alcazรกr and Catedral de Sevilla as these are perhaps the most popular attractions in Seville. As you need tickets for Real Alcazรกr, I recommend booking them online in advance to secure an early entry.
Wear comfortable shoes
Seville is easily walkable and best explored on foot. This means you’ll want some comfy shoes as you’ll likely rack up the miles exploring this wonderful city’s cute streets. Depending on the time of year, the right style of shoe may vary.
In the summer, open shoes will help with the heat, while waterproof shoes may be useful in the spring to stave off the rain!
Stay hydrated
Seville is one of the hottest cities in Spain so ensure you stay well hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle. The tap water in Seville is safe to drink, and in fact it apparently has the best tap water of all big cities in Spain.
You will see many public drinking fountains dotted around the city, and by law Andalusian restaurants and bars are required to provide free drinking water to customers.
Keep fully charged
Itโs likely youโll be using your phone to navigate around the city and to take photos or videos (and hopefully have this Seville photo guide saved to refer toโฆ *wink wink*). Bring a power pack with you to keep your phone charged on the go.
๐ง Final Thoughts on the Most Instagrammable Spots in Seville Spain
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below ๐
Seville is a charming city that just beckons to be photographed and shared on Instagram. Around every corner, you’re likely to find a new building or street that demands attention.
While I have listed what I consider to be the most instagrammable spots in Seville, I don’t doubt that with a little more than 3 days in Seville you could find plenty more.
It’s just that kind of city; picturesque and full of character! If you have more time in Andalusia then I’d recommend that explore further afield and visit Cordoba or see Granada in 3 days.
I hope you’ve found this photo guide helpful and inspiring. As always, I’d love to know your thoughts and, if you’ve been to Seville, where else you’d include in the comments below.
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Beautiful post! Thank for sharing โค๏ธ
Thank you!
Really beautiful photos, you have an eye for it. Loved reading about Seville this way.
Thank you so much ๐
What a beautiful guide — your photos of Metropol Parasol are the most stunning I’ve seen of that place! Gorgeous photography and amazing tips dear. Making me miss this city! ๐
Thank you so much Jiayi ๐ Your photos from Alcazar are still my favourite, so happy to be able to include them.
Beautiful photos and locations! Thank you for sharing. ๐
Thank you!
Wow your shots are amazing great inspo!
Thank you!
Absolutely love Seville! It’s photogenic at the best of times, but you’ve really captured it so beautifully (as usual)!
It truly is a beautiful city. It’s hard to take a bad photo there. Thank you ๐
this is amazing post thanks for sharing information wiith us
Thank you so much!
Beautiful photos! Iโm going next week ๐
Thank you! I hope you had an amazing time!
Enjoyed this post so much
Thanks for all the tips. Can’t wait to visit in January
Thank you so much for the kind words Maureen. I hope you have a wonderful time when you visit in January ๐
We have never been to Seville but your post really fuels our wanderlust to get on a plane and go to explore the city. Thank you very much for ideas. x x
You are welcome Martina and we hope you found it useful ๐
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Love everything from the colors, composition andโฆof course your dresses. Please tell me how you made your dresses flow like that. I have tried some times and the pictures came outโฆfunny. Weโre planning a trip to Spain late April next year. Thank you for sharing your stunning pictures and nice tips.
Hi Lan. Thank you so much for your kind words. To get my dress in motion I set my camera to burst mode and then twirl around. I get a LOT of very funny images but there’s always a gem in amongst them. With that said, some dresses work better than others for this! You do need to have a dress with plenty of skirt material to get a really good shape to it ๐