Hi all,
We are in Sevilla and going to book tickets to the Alcazar and Cathedral. Has anyone used the Cathedral's English guided tours? It says it includes the Giralda; do escort you up?
I'm trying to decide between the Cathedral's official guide and Concepcion. The price is preetttyy similar. Concepcion does not take you up the Giralda.
Thank you!
This time of year the can’t believe there’s too much of line to get into either. Since you’re there already try walking up to the entrance first before booking online. You may be able to get tickets on the spot.
I’ve never taken an official cathedral tour so can’t help with that. The cathedral was free to enter and there was never a line when I lived there decades ago. Those were the days (before mass tourism).
Don’t know about the Giralda but we did the Cathedral rooftop tour in September and it was, for us, a highlight of Andalucia.
We were in Sevilla in November, a few years ago. I was surprised how busy it was, tho manageable. For the Alcazar, you should try to either book tickets in advance or get in line before opening. Friends were just in Sevilla in October and couldn't get advance tickets for the Alcazar and ended up getting in line an hour before opening. We just used the information in the Rick Steves guide to do a self guided tour.
We also did the cathedral on our own using the tour in the Rick Steves book. We first went to the Church of the Savior and bought the combined ticket and then headed to the cathedral which avoided any lines. We did purchase a ticket to go up the Giralda for a very nice view. I think a guide affiliated with the cathedral goes up with ticket holders.
For future planners:
We ended up booking the group tour with Concepcion (Seville Walking Tours). We booked it two days ago (December 17) for the week after Christmas and there were no tours left (through the Alhambra or Seville Walking Tours) to go to the Upper Chambers. They are SOLD OUT! We can tour the main part of the Alcazar and the Gardens, just not the upper chambers.
Off to book my tickets to the Mezquita in Cordoba before that sells out!
Thank you Nick!
We went to the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla today and loved it! Then we had a lovely lunch at Tradevo Central! I would love to go back for dinner next week but it is booked except on the Terrace and I'm afraid it will be too cold in the evening.
Tomorrow we are going to the Archivo de Indias, then the Palacio de las Dueñas on Thursday!
We are planning to go to Cordoba on Saturday for the day to see the Mezquita and have lunch. I am thinking 6 hours there should do it; does that sound right?
We went to the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla today and loved it!
😊 Such a hidden gem, isn't it?
Sounds like you are doing Cordoba on a day trip? We spent 2 nights there and wished we had more. There is much beyond the Mezquita. There's the bridge and the beautiful Jewish quarter with gorgeous patios. My point, if you are doing Cordoba on a day trip, I'd leave as early as possible in the morning and plan for a full day.
And, I agree with Nick on the Alcazar. The part you will see is stunning, and awe inspiring. In some ways, I liked it more than the Alhambra. You will not be disappointed.
