1. Alcázar

Walk in Christopher Columbus' footsteps at the Alcázar palace, which is adjacent to the Catedral in the Old Town. Originally built for Moorish rulers and their harems, it later served as the home of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (of Columbus fame); even today Spanish royalty stays here on visits to Seville. Undoubtedly the palace's most famous former resident is Pedro I (also known as "Pedro the Cruel"), who greatly influenced the palace's architecture—famous for its Mudéjar style. Make sure to visit the Alcázar's exquisite gardens.

A general ticket to the palace is €7, although visiting certain rooms will cost a few extra euros. Students get in free. The Alcázar is open daily.

2. Catedral de Sevilla/Giralda Tower

Seville's cathedral, arguably the largest Gothic church in the world, has a rather imposing presence. Inside the cathedral you'll find a monument to Christopher Columbus and works by the likes of Francisco Goya, one of Spain's most famous artists. The Alcázar palace and stunning Plaza del Triunfo are nearby, and from the back of the cathedral you can access its sunny Patio de los Naranjos.

The Giralda tower is attached to the cathedral. When the mosque that stood on the cathedral's current site was razed, this beautiful minaret remained. Today it is Seville's most famous symbol.

The cathedral's entrance fee is €7 for adults and €2 for children and students. Although it's open everyday, try to stop by on a Sunday, when it's free for everyone.

3. Casa de Pilatos

A blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance architectural styles, the Casa de Pilatos was once (erroneously) thought to be the home of Pontius Pilate. The highlights of the museum are its Roman sculptures and frescos by European masters, as well as gardens filled with the orange trees that have made the city famous. The house is located along the northern edge of Barrio Santa Cruz.

Entrance to the Casa de Pilatos is €5 for the first floor only, €8 for both floors and an extra €5 for the gardens. Or, stop by on a Tuesday afternoon, when you can visit for free from 1-5 PM.

4. Hospital de la Caridad

Centrally located in the Old Town near the Archivo de las Indias, the art-filled Hospital de la Caridad was built in the 1600s by Don Miguel de Mañara (who may have been the inspiration for Byron's "Don Juan" character). The hospital is famous for its many museum-worthy paintings by Murillo and Valdés-Leal. Today, monks and nuns continue Mañara's tradition by continuing to care for the sick here.

Adult admission to the hospital is €5 and free for children under 12. Note: the Hospital closes every afternoon for siesta.

5. Archivo de las Indias

Wedged between the Cathedral and the Hospital de la Caridad, this former stock exchange ("Casa Lonja") houses rare antique documents, including letters between Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus. The collection also features maps, drawings, and letters by Magellan, Cortés, and George Washington.

Perhaps the best part of the Archivo de las Indias is that admission is free!

6. Barrio Santa Cruz

If you're in Seville, be sure to set aside some time to wander the narrow medieval streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz, located near the Alcázar. Once a Jewish ghetto, this quintessentially Andalusian neighborhood is distinguished by its wrought-iron gates, flower-filled balconies, and tiny squares. And while you're here, stop for a picnic or a stroll in the pretty Jardines de Murillo.

7. Plaza de Toros de la Maestra/Museo de la Maestranza

Spain is especially famous for bullfighting—and the Maestranza bullring is the most famous ring in the world. It's mentioned in countless novels and films, and even featured in the opera Carmen. The ring is also huge: it holds over 13,000 people. Between Easter Monday and the Feria de Abril there are fights and on Sundays and holidays through October.

For some history, visit the bullring's Museo de la Maestranza, which contains matador memorabilia and artwork, as well as the heads of slain animals (for good measure).

The bullring is open daily and tickets to bullfights range from €7.50 to €125. Admission to the museum is €4.

8. Museo de Bellas Artes

Seville's Museo de Bellas Artes, located in the city center, is one of Spain's best art museums—second only to Madrid's Prado. The museum, founded in 1835, is a former convent. Don't miss Room 5: it used to be a church but its domed ceiling maintains its former grandeur and provides an appropriate setting for one of Zurbarán's most famous works. Although there are paintings by El Greco and Zurbarán, most of the museum focuses on Sevillian artists like Murillo and Valdés-Leal.

The museum is open daily and admission is only €1.50. Admission is free for visitors with an EU passport.

9. Plaza de España

A bit south of the Old Town you'll find the Plaza de España. The main feature of this striking plaza is its semicircular building complex. Be sure to take a look at the buildings' alcoves, which have tile murals depicting the characteristics of Spain's 50 provinces. The plaza is a great place to read, or, if you're feeling more energetic, you can rent a boat and go for a ride on the tiny nearby canal.

10. Museo del Baile Flamenco

Seville is the home of flamenco, and the Museo del Baile Flamenco, situated near the Casa de Pilatos in Barrio Santa Cruz, is a wonderful introduction to the Spanish dance tradition. The museum covers the history of flamenco and features biographies of famous dancers. One of the museum's highlights is its collection of colorful costumes worn by flamenco greats like Antonio Gades and Cristina Hoyos, the museum's founder.

Adult admission is €10 and the reduced price is €6. The museum is open daily.