La Giralda Seville – Best Activities, Highlights & Things to Do (2025)
Climb the iconic Giralda tower, step inside the vast Seville Cathedral, wander orange-scented courtyards, and join guided tours that bring Moorish and Christian Seville to life. This 2025 guide covers the top things to do at La Giralda, best tours, tickets, and smart tips for your visit.
Top Experiences at La Giralda & Seville Cathedral
La Giralda is more than a tower – it’s the symbol of Seville. Take your time between the bell tower, cathedral interior, and peaceful patios for a complete experience.
Climb the Giralda Tower Ramps
Walk up the gentle ramps (instead of stairs) that once let riders ascend on horseback. As you climb, stop at windows for ever wider views over tiled rooftops and church domes.
Enjoy 360° Views Over Seville
At the top of La Giralda, step out onto the viewing platform for sweeping panoramas over the Alcázar, old Jewish quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz), and the Guadalquivir River.
Explore the Vast Gothic Cathedral
Wander one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals, with soaring vaults, golden altarpieces, chapels full of artwork, and intricate stonework everywhere you look.
See Christopher Columbus’s Tomb
Visit the imposing tomb held aloft by four heraldic figures – one of the cathedral’s most famous sights and a major reason many visitors choose a guided tour.
Stroll the Patio de los Naranjos
Step into the shaded Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard), a remnant of the former mosque, perfect for photos and a quiet break after your climb.
Hear the Giralda’s Bells
Time your visit close to the hour and feel the vibration of the bells above you (they are loud – especially for children and those sensitive to sound, so be prepared near the top).
Use an Audio or Guided Tour
Choose an audio guide or guided visit to understand how La Giralda evolved from Almohad minaret to cathedral bell tower, including its blend of Islamic and Christian design.
Combine with the Royal Alcázar
Make the most of your time in the historic center by booking a combo tour that includes the Real Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda with skip-the-line access.
Things to Do Around La Giralda in Seville
La Giralda sits in the heart of Seville’s old town, so it is easy to fill a full day with nearby sights, tapas bars, and atmospheric streets.
Real Alcázar of Seville
Just steps from the cathedral, the Real Alcázar offers Moorish palaces, tiled courtyards, and lush gardens. Many visitors book a combined tour with La Giralda for a deeper historical story.
Barrio Santa Cruz
Wander the former Jewish quarter’s narrow lanes and whitewashed houses right behind the cathedral. It’s full of small plazas, hidden corners, and atmospheric photo spots.
Archivo de Indias
Visit the General Archive of the Indies, another UNESCO site, to see historic documents related to Spain’s voyages and colonies in the Americas.
Plaza de España & María Luisa Park
Take a stroll or short tram ride to the grand Plaza de España and shady Parque de María Luisa, two of Seville’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Guadalquivir River Walks
Walk down to the riverfront near the Torre del Oro, enjoy sunset views, or combine your cathedral visit with a gentle river cruise.
Flamenco & Evening Atmosphere
Finish your day with an authentic flamenco show or tapas tour – many venues are only a few minutes’ walk from La Giralda.
Which La Giralda Ticket or Tour Should You Choose?
You can visit La Giralda and Seville Cathedral independently or with a guide. These popular ticket options match different travel styles and budgets.
Cathedral & La Giralda Entry Ticket
Simple, good-value entry ticket to Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower. Explore at your own pace, climb the ramps, and enjoy the views from the top.
Guided Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tour
Join a guided tour of the cathedral and Giralda tower to learn about its Moorish origins, Gothic expansion, and stories behind key chapels and artworks.
Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda Combo Tour
Ideal if you’re short on time: visit the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda on one skip-the-line tour, with a guide to connect all three UNESCO sites.
Priority Access Small-Group Tour
Choose a priority access tour of the Cathedral, Giralda & Alcázar for smaller groups, less waiting, and more time inside with your guide.
Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Prefer to explore independently? This option includes cathedral & tower entry plus an audio guide on your phone with clear explanations in multiple languages.
Tip: Many tickets include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can keep your plans flexible if the weather or your schedule changes.
Food & Drink Near La Giralda
You’ll find plenty of spots for tapas, coffee, or a relaxed meal within a few minutes’ walk of the cathedral.
Tapas Bars in Santa Cruz
The lanes behind the cathedral are packed with traditional tapas bars. Ideal for trying tortilla, croquetas, Iberian ham, and local seafood after your climb.
Terrace Cafés with Cathedral Views
Look for rooftop and terrace cafés near Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza del Triunfo, where you can sip a drink with La Giralda rising above the skyline.
Quick Coffee & Breakfast Stops
If you’ve booked an early tour, grab coffee and a pastry at one of the bakeries around the cathedral before joining your guide.
Evening Tapas & Flamenco
Combine a visit to La Giralda with an evening flamenco show or tapas crawl. Many organized experiences start close to the cathedral area.
Quick Visitor Tips for La Giralda & Seville Cathedral
Best Time to Visit
Mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter and cooler. Midday can be hotter and busier, especially in spring and autumn.
How Long to Allow
Plan around 1.5–2 hours if you want to see the cathedral interior and climb La Giralda, and longer if you read every panel or take many photos.
Dress Code & Modesty
The cathedral is an active place of worship. Avoid very short shorts or tops, and bring a light cover-up if you plan to attend mass.
Footwear & Fitness
Wear comfortable shoes: the tower is climbed via ramps and a few steps, and you’ll spend a lot of time standing and walking on stone floors.
Heat & Sun Protection
Seville can be very hot from late spring to early autumn. Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you’re visiting around midday.
Accessibility
Parts of the cathedral are wheelchair accessible, but the Giralda tower climb is not suitable for everyone. Check accessibility details in advance if mobility is a concern.
Photography Rules
Photography is generally allowed without flash, but some chapels or times (such as services) may have restrictions. Always follow staff instructions and posted signs.
Tickets & Lines
Booking skip-the-line or priority access tickets in advance can significantly reduce waiting time on busy days and during holidays.
Ready to Explore La Giralda in Seville?
Climb the Giralda tower, admire Seville Cathedral’s vast Gothic interior, and soak up the views over the historic center. Choose the ticket or tour that suits you, then add nearby sights, tapas, and flamenco for a perfect Seville day in 2025.