Royal Alcázar of Seville
Step into a living royal palace where Moorish arches, tiled courtyards, and lush gardens have hosted sultans, kings, and film crews for over 1,000 years. The Alcázar isn’t just Seville’s top attraction — it’s the city’s beating heart.
Skip the guesswork and secure your entry before you arrive. Tickets often sell out, and walk-up lines in the Andalusian sun are the worst way to start your visit.
Which Alcázar Seville tickets should you choose?
Whether you want a quick self-guided visit or a deep-dive into history, there’s a ticket that fits your style, budget, and schedule.
Self-guided entry ticket
Perfect if you like to explore at your own pace. Enjoy full access to the palaces and gardens, with the freedom to linger where you like, revisit your favorite courtyards, and set your own rhythm.
Guided tour
Join a licensed guide and turn the walls, tiles, and courtyards into a vivid story of sultans, crusades, and royal intrigue. Ideal for first-time visitors.
Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda
The ultimate Seville essentials combo: explore the royal palace, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, and climb the Giralda tower for sweeping city views.
Alcázar + Cathedral + HOHO Bus Tour
Combine Alcázar and Cathedral entry with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass. A smart choice if you want to see more of Seville without worrying about transport.
Not sure which option is right for you? Compare all Royal Alcázar Seville tickets →
Before you visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville
Things to know before booking tickets
A magical visit to the Alcázar doesn’t start at the gate — it starts when you book your tickets. Choose the wrong slot or type of ticket and you could end up in long queues under the blazing sun, or worse, miss out on entry altogether.
Learn how to book like a pro: the best time slots, must-know rules, and smart tips to make sure you breeze past the lines and straight into the palace.
Read the full “know before you book” guide →Why visit the Alcázar of Seville
The Cathedral next door overwhelms with its size, but the Alcázar wins with its soul. It’s a labyrinth of tiny courtyards, whispering fountains, and tiled salons where every corner hides a new story.
If you’re wondering whether it deserves a spot on your itinerary, discover five essential reasons why the Alcázar is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Seville.
Discover why you must visit →What to see in Alcázar of Seville
From fortress gates to secret cisterns and sprawling gardens, these are the six unmissable highlights inside the Royal Alcázar.
Image credit: Iantomferry
Puerta del León (Lion’s Gate)
Your journey begins at the Lion’s Gate, set against a bold maroon-red wall and crowned with a ceramic lion holding a cross. Passing through this gate, you leave modern Seville behind and step into the Patio del León, the former parade ground of the 12th-century Almohad palace.
Palacio Mudéjar (Palace of King Peter I)
The star of the Alcázar. Built in the 1360s for King Pedro I and crafted by Moorish artisans from Granada, this palace is the finest example of Mudéjar architecture in the world — a breathtaking fusion of Islamic calligraphy, carved ceilings, and Christian symbols.
Palacio Gótico (Gothic Palace)
Built after the Christian reconquest by King Alfonso X, this palace contrasts sharply with the delicate Mudéjar style. Expect tall, vaulted halls and grand European rooms. The highlight is the Hall of Tapestries, lined with enormous works depicting Charles V’s 16th-century naval expeditions.
Casa de Contratación (House of Trade)
Once the nerve center of Spain’s voyages to the New World, this was where Columbus met with the crown and where explorers like Magellan planned their routes. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Admirals and the painting The Virgin of the Navigators, one of the earliest depictions of the discovery of America.
Baños de Doña María de Padilla
Hidden beneath the Gothic Palace, these 14th-century rainwater cisterns feel like a secret underground world. The long reflecting pool, vaulted ceiling, and cool air make it one of the most atmospheric — and most photographed — spots in Seville.
The Alcázar Gardens
A 17-acre oasis of more than 170 plant species, fragrant orange trees, fountains, and freely roaming peacocks. Don’t miss Mercury’s Pond, the Garden of the Poets, and the elevated Galería de Grutesco for unforgettable views over the gardens.
Want the full run-down of every must-see corner? Explore the complete “what to see” guide →
Essential visitor information
Opening hours
The Alcázar follows two main seasonal schedules, and last entry is always at least one hour before closing.
- Summer (Apr 1 – Sep 30): 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31): 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Getting to Alcázar of Seville
Nestled deep in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the Alcázar sits inside a maze of narrow, medieval streets — beautiful, but tricky for cars and taxis.
Discover the smartest ways to arrive on foot, by tram, taxi, or public transport, and avoid getting lost in the old-town labyrinth.
Read the full “how to reach” guide →Alcázar Seville entrances
Despite its massive walls, there’s just one entrance for regular visitors: the Lion’s Gate on Plaza del Triunfo, right across from Seville Cathedral. Look for the towering maroon-red wall — you can’t miss it.
Inside the Alcázar: gardens, dress code & map
Alcázar Seville gardens
The Alcázar is a tale of two wonders: the palace and its gardens. Stretching over seven hectares, these gardens are a living museum of art, history, and botany — far more than just a “backyard”.
Learn how to explore the most beautiful corners, from hidden pavilions to reflecting pools and quiet, shaded walks.
Explore the Alcázar gardens guide →Alcázar Seville dress code
The Alcázar is a royal palace and museum, not an active religious site, so the rules are simple — but still important.
- You must wear shoes (no bare feet).
- Swimwear is not allowed.
- Your shirt must stay on at all times.
Alcázar map
The Royal Alcázar is a beautiful 1,000-year-old labyrinth. A good map is the difference between wandering aimlessly and confidently uncovering every palace, patio, and garden.
The real-life palace of Dorne @ Alcázar of Seville
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, the Royal Alcázar of Seville isn’t just another landmark — it’s a pilgrimage. The palace doubled as the Water Gardens of Dorne, home to Prince Doran, the Sand Snakes, and some of the show’s most unforgettable scenes.
Walk through the same tiled courtyards and lush pools where the royal family of Dorne plotted, schemed, and strolled on screen. With the right ticket and timing, you can stand in the exact spots where your favorite scenes were filmed.
See all Game of Thrones locations at the Alcázar →Go deeper: Alcázar history & Seville highlights
Alcázar Seville history
The Royal Alcázar is Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use and a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture. But it’s not just one building. It’s a layered story of Roman foundations, Moorish palaces, and Christian additions, each dynasty building on the last.
Trace 1,000 years of conquests, royal romances, and political power plays that shaped both Seville and Spain.
Read the full history of the Alcázar →Top things to do in Seville
Seville is not just a city you visit — it’s a city you feel. From flamenco in tucked-away bars to Gothic spires and orange-scented plazas, the capital of Andalusia is alive with color, music, and history.
Discover the must-do experiences that pair perfectly with your Alcázar visit: cathedrals, plazas, riverside walks, and more.
Explore the top things to do in Seville →