Quick Overview

Where is La Giralda?
La Giralda is the iconic bell tower of Seville Cathedral, right in the historic center of Seville, on the edge of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and a few steps from Plaza del Triunfo.

Approximate Address: Av. de la Constitución s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain (Seville Cathedral & La Giralda complex in the old town).
Main Visitor Entrance: Ticket control and entry to La Giralda are through Seville Cathedral — most visitors enter near Puerta de San Cristóbal / Puerta del Príncipe by Plaza del Triunfo. Follow signs for “Giralda” inside the cathedral.
Nearest Tram (MetroCentro): Archivo de Indias and Puerta de Jerez stops on line T1.
Nearest Metro: Puerta de Jerez (Line 1), about 8–10 minutes on foot.
Typical Visit Time: 1.5–2 hours for Cathedral + Giralda tower.

Best First-Time Option

If you are staying in the historic center (near Plaza Nueva, Santa Cruz, or the Cathedral), the easiest way is simply to walk. Follow signs to “Catedral” / “Giralda”. The tower is visible from many streets, so you can often use it as a landmark and just keep walking toward it.

Best Skip-the-Line Option

To avoid long queues in high season, book an advance ticket or guided tour that includes both the Cathedral and La Giralda. These options often have priority access and a set meeting point close to the entrance, which makes getting in very simple.

Option 1 — From Seville Old Town, Santa Cruz & Plaza Nueva

Perfect if you’re already staying in the historic center of Seville.

  • From Plaza Nueva: Walk along Avenida de la Constitución towards the Cathedral. You’ll see the tram tracks and cafes along the avenue. In about 5–7 minutes, the Cathedral’s massive façade appears on your right and La Giralda rises behind it.
  • From the Santa Cruz Quarter: Wander through the narrow streets (Calle Mateos Gago is the most direct). Walk downhill toward the Cathedral until the street opens up to Plaza Virgen de los Reyes — La Giralda stands directly in front of you.
  • From the Alcázar of Seville: Exit near Puerta del León, cross Patio de Banderas, and follow signs to the Cathedral. It is only 3–5 minutes on foot from the Alcázar’s main gate.

Tip for First-Time Visitors

If you’re combining the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and La Giralda in one day, it’s easiest to start with a guided combo tour that organizes all entrances and timing for you.

Option 2 — Tram, Metro & Buses (Most Common)

Using the MetroCentro Tram (T1)

The MetroCentro tram (T1) runs through the heart of Seville’s center and is one of the easiest ways to reach La Giralda.

  • Get off at Archivo de Indias or Puerta de Jerez. Both stops are a short walk (5–8 minutes) from the Cathedral.
  • From Archivo de Indias simply walk along Avenida de la Constitución with the trams behind you until you reach the Cathedral on your left.

Using the Metro (Line 1)

Seville’s metro network is small but useful if you’re staying slightly outside the center (e.g. Nervión or San Bernardo areas).

  • Take Line 1 to Puerta de Jerez.
  • From Puerta de Jerez, walk along Avenida de la Constitución towards the Cathedral for roughly 8–10 minutes. You’ll see La Giralda as soon as you approach Plaza del Triunfo.

City Buses

Many TUSSAM buses stop within a short walk of La Giralda. Look for lines that serve Prado de San Sebastián, Ponce de León, or Puerta de Jerez, then walk the last few minutes into the old town.

Arrival with Tours & Transfers

Some guided tours and day trips include hotel pickup and drop-off. Your guide will walk you to the Cathedral entrance and handle tickets, which is ideal if you prefer not to navigate public transport alone.

Tickets & Payment

Public transport in Seville typically uses rechargeable cards and single tickets. You can top up at tram/metro machines and most tobacco shops (estancos). Validate your card when entering buses, tram or metro.

Option 3 — From Santa Justa Station & Triana

If you are arriving in Seville by train or staying across the river in Triana, La Giralda is still very easy to reach.

  • From Santa Justa (Train Station): Take a short taxi ride (about 10–15 minutes) directly to Seville Cathedral / La Giralda, or use city buses (for example, lines toward the center) to reach Prado de San Sebastián or Ponce de León, then walk into the old town.
  • Walking from Santa Justa: It’s possible but longer — roughly 25–30 minutes on foot. Follow signs to the historic center, then aim for Avenida de la Constitución and the Cathedral.
  • From Triana: Cross the river via Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge) toward Plaza Nueva. From there, follow Avenida de la Constitución straight to the Cathedral and La Giralda (about 15–20 minutes in total).

Guided Orientation Option

Prefer to let someone else handle directions? Join a walking tour of Seville’s historic center that includes La Giralda area. It’s a relaxed way to learn the layout of the city.

Option 4 — Scenic Walks & Viewpoints around La Giralda

Walking is one of the best parts of visiting Seville. La Giralda is surrounded by plazas, orange trees, patios, and historic streets — it’s easy to turn your journey into a mini sightseeing tour.

  • Through Santa Cruz: Enter the Santa Cruz neighborhood and follow charming alleyways such as Calle Mateos Gago and Calle Joaquín Romero Murube. The streets are narrow and atmospheric, and they naturally lead you toward the Cathedral and tower.
  • From the Riverfront: Walk along the Guadalquivir River near Torre del Oro, then cut inland toward Puerta de Jerez and Avenida de la Constitución. You’ll see the tram line and, soon after, the Cathedral.
  • Plazas & Patios: Make time to pause in Plaza del Triunfo and Plaza Virgen de los Reyes. Both offer beautiful views of La Giralda’s intricate Moorish and Renaissance details.

Photo Tip

One of the best angles is from Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, looking up at La Giralda with the fountain in the foreground. Another great view is from the Patio de los Naranjos inside the Cathedral complex.

Option 5 — From Seville Airport & Other Cities

From Seville Airport (SVQ)

Take the EA Airport Bus into the city. It stops at key hubs like Santa Justa station and Prado de San Sebastián. From Prado, walk or transfer to tram/metro to reach Puerta de Jerez and then walk to La Giralda.

Taxis and rideshares from the airport to the Cathedral area take around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Córdoba & Other Andalusian Cities

High-speed trains (AVE or Avant) connect Córdoba and Seville in about 45 minutes. From Santa Justa station, follow the directions above to reach La Giralda.

If you prefer everything arranged, consider a day trip with a guided visit to the Cathedral and tower.

Guided Day Trip Option

Several operators run full-day tours that include transport plus a guided visit to Seville Cathedral and La Giralda. Ideal if you’re based in another Andalusian city but want to see Seville’s highlights.

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off

Many private and small-group tours include hotel pickup within central Seville. The guide then walks you to the Cathedral, so you don’t have to worry about finding the exact entrance on your own.

Driving, Parking & Accessibility

Driving to La Giralda

The area around La Giralda and Seville Cathedral is largely pedestrianized, with very limited vehicle access. If you’re driving, you will need to park outside the old town and walk in.

Parking

Look for paid car parks near Prado de San Sebastián, Puerta de Jerez, or other central garages. From there it’s typically a 10–15 minute walk to the Cathedral area.

Bikes & Scooters

Seville is very bike-friendly and has many cycle lanes. You can ride near the center but must park bicycles or scooters outside the main pedestrian squares and never inside the Cathedral complex.

Accessibility

The Cathedral offers step-free access and accessible routes in many areas. La Giralda itself is climbed via a series of gentle ramps rather than stairs, but the ascent is long and may still be demanding if you have reduced mobility. Check official guidance or ask staff for the most suitable route.

Arriving by Taxi or Rideshare

Ask the driver to drop you at Puerta de Jerez or Plaza Nueva. From either point, it is an easy walk along Avenida de la Constitución to the Cathedral and La Giralda.

Practical Visit Tips for La Giralda

Arrive Early or Late in the Day

Mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded than midday, especially in summer. Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before your time slot to clear security and orient yourself inside the Cathedral.

What to Wear & Bring

La Giralda is part of a religious site, so dress respectfully (shoulders covered is recommended). Wear comfortable shoes — the walk up the tower ramps is long but gentle, and you’ll be on your feet for a while.

Tickets, Audio Guides & Guided Tours

You can choose a simple entry ticket or upgrade to an audio guide or guided tour that explains the history of both the Cathedral and tower. Guided tours usually have a meeting point very close to the Cathedral entrance, which simplifies arrival and check-in.

La Giralda Getting There Cheatsheet

Exact Location

La Giralda is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, by Plaza del Triunfo & Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, in the historic center.

Closest Tram & Metro

Tram T1 to Archivo de Indias or Puerta de Jerez. Metro Line 1 to Puerta de Jerez, then walk ~8–10 minutes.

From Santa Cruz & Alcázar

Only 3–5 minutes on foot through atmospheric lanes — perfect to combine in one visit.

From Santa Justa Station

Taxi ~15 minutes • Bus + walk ~20–30 minutes • Direct walk ~25–30 minutes to the Cathedral area.

Driving & Parking

Park in central garages (e.g. near Prado de San Sebastián), then walk 10–15 minutes into the pedestrian center.

Best for Fewer Crowds

Weekday mornings and early evenings are usually calmer than weekend midday slots.

Ready to Climb La Giralda?

Walk or ride into Seville’s historic center, follow the sound of the Cathedral bells, and climb the gentle ramps of La Giralda for one of the best panoramic views in Andalusia.

See Tickets & Tours