Royal Alcázar of Seville

The Royal Alcazar of Seville started life as an Umayyad fortress in the middle ages; was converted into a royal palace following the (re)conquest of Seville by the Spanish in the 1248; and to this day remains a 'working' royal palace which the Spanish royal family stays at when visiting Seville. All this history is on display, showcasing the moorish, castillian and more modern aspects (such as the hedge maze), and you can spend many many hours wandering the building and the grounds. For the very reasonable price of c. €15 per person, it is well worth a visit! In terms of practical things - it is worth booking online, selecting your time spot, to enter. You can book in person at a ticket office, but you'll need a driving licence/passport/ID card to do this - booking online means you don't have to do this (and so don't need to take a passport out with you). It also means skipping any queues! Official guides will offer their services, at €10 per person, across an array of languages. However, it's perfectly possible to enjoy without a tour, which is what we did - we wandered the grounds with Wikipedia open! (Which is where the info in the first paragraph came from...) The buildings are impressive, if not quite on the scale of the Alhambra, or not of the original style/age of some other less built up alcabaza's (such as Almería). But the best bits were the courtyards, and the gardens - on a nice day, you can spend hours there. And best of all - they have peacocks and peahens! And there is also a garden maze, which is always good fun. Overall well worth a visit, especially for the price charged.

Well worth a visit. We booked on the official site and took the additional tour of the Royal state rooms. The whole building is highly decorated, with beautiful plasterwork throughout. The state rooms were magnificent and worth paying a little extra for. The gardens are delightful with gorgeous water features. Highly recommended.

The Real Alcázar of Seville is absolutely beautiful and worth visiting. The tickets are reasonably priced, and we went in early January when the crowds were light, which made it easy to take photos and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. That said, I’ll be honest — my teenage son only lasted about an hour before everything started to blend together for him. What makes the Alcázar truly interesting is the history, so I highly recommend reading a little bit about what you’re looking at before you enter the gates. Knowing the background makes a huge difference in how much you appreciate the architecture and the details. One surprise for me was the condition of parts of the gardens. In photos they look perfectly manicured, but in person some areas felt a bit neglected, with weeds, dead trees, and bushes that clearly needed attention. Some sections looked better than others, and it was still lovely to see ducks in the ponds and peacocks wandering around, but overall I expected the gardens to be better maintained. The biggest highlight is the phenomenal history and beauty of the palace itself. If you’re a parent visiting with teenage boys, I’d honestly recommend booking time to come back in the afternoon on your own — it’s the kind of place you’ll enjoy so much more when you can take your time and fully appreciate it.

The Real Alcázar of Seville is one of those rare places where the exterior beauty only hints at the wonders waiting inside. From the moment you approach the palace, the outside already sets the tone—strong Moorish walls, elegant archways, and lush gardens stretching out like an invitation to step into a different century. But it’s once you cross the threshold that the real magic begins. Inside, the palace feels like a living tapestry of cultures. The intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and peaceful courtyards all blend Moorish artistry with later Christian influences in a way that feels harmonious rather than contrasted. The Patio de las Doncellas is a highlight—its reflective pool and delicate arches make it feel like stepping into a dream. And if you wander deeper, the rooms reveal layer after layer of history, from royal chambers to salons decorated with impossibly detailed azulejos. The gardens outside are just as impressive as the interiors. They’re spacious, fragrant, and full of hidden corners—from fountains to shaded pathways and even peacocks wandering freely. It’s easy to spend as much time outdoors as you do inside, especially if you love photography or simply enjoy soaking in tranquil scenery. Overall, the Real Alcázar marries exterior grandeur with interior artistry in a way that few places can match. Whether you’re admiring its fortress-like facade or getting lost in its ornate rooms and gardens, it’s a palace that leaves a lasting impression.

Royal Alcázar of Seville is more than just a palace, it is a breathtaking journey through centuries of Spanish history. As one of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe, it is a must-visit destination that rivals the Alhambra in beauty and historical significance.The standout feature of the Alcázar is the Mudéjar architecture—a unique blend of Christian and Islamic styles. The Palacio de Don Pedro is the crown jewel of the complex. The intricate stucco work, vibrant tile patterns (azulejos), and the stunning golden dome of the Hall of Ambassadors are genuinely jaw-dropping. The Gothic Palace: Offers a stark, grand contrast with its high vaulted ceilings and massive tapestries, representing the Christian era of the palace’s history. The gardens are perhaps the most enchanting part of the entire visit. They are sprawling, lush, and incredibly well-maintained.. Game of Thrones Fans: You will immediately recognize these gardens as the Water Gardens of Dorne.

You'll enjoy it particularly if you're a game of thrones fan. I haven't watched the show, still I definitely appreciated the unique fusion of Spanish and Arabic architecture and vibrant colors. Get the tickets in advance and reach there at least 30mins before your slotted time.

Thanks to the weather, the line wasn’t too long. The palace is stunning, blending Muslim and Christian architectural styles, with many original sections beautifully preserved. It is well worth visiting.

This place is spectacular. Especially the gardens and the peacocks. Whatever you do book the first available tickets at the beginning of the day eight or 9 o'clock whatever time they open because the crowns are absolutely horrendous. We went Christmas week thinking it wouldn't be too bad but the crowds are just unbelievable. So I can only imagine what it's like during the high tourist season. Do not wait to get your tickets get them 6 to 12 months in advance and get the first opening slot to avoid the crowds. You have been warned. The peacocks you can go right up to them and get some amazing pictures just an absolutely stunning place!