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Southern District

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The Southern District is of paramount importance to Seville. It encompasses not only the renowned Parque de María Luisa and the majestic Plaza de España – spectacular legacies of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition – but also elegant residential neighborhoods. This area is a fascinating blend of architectural opulence, vast green spaces, and sporting fervor, home to the Benito Villamarín Stadium of Real Betis Balompié.

Plaza de España and María Luisa Park are architectural masterpieces from the 1929 Exposition and are considered an essential part of Seville's historical heritage, linked to the UNESCO site. They are protected at the national level (Asset of Cultural Interest) and internationally for their universal value.

The 10 must-sees in Seville's South District

Boating in the Plaza de España.
Admire the Frog Fountain in María Luisa Park.
Vibrate at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Explore the Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla).
Take a walk along the Avenida de la Palmera.
Discover the Pavilions of María Luisa Park.
Visit iconic museums : archaeological museum, museum of arts and costumes…
Cycling on the Muelle Delicas.
Have fun on the Real Club Pineda golf course.
Have a picnic at Parque de los Bermejales.

Between history and culture, a perfect itinerary to make sure you don't miss anything in Seville's Southern District

This route immerses you in the architectural grandeur, lush nature and cultural history of the Ibero-American Exposition.

📍 Step 1: The Plaza de España

Begin your exploration in the heart of the district, at the monumental Plaza de España. Take the time to admire the semi-circular façade and the bridges that cross the canal.

Designed by Aníbal González, this square is a masterpiece of Spanish regionalist architecture, built for the 1929 Exposition. It is one of the most photographed places in the world.

Take a boat ride on the small canal surrounding the square for a romantic perspective or look for the ceramic (azulejos) bench representing your home region or favorite Spanish territory.

The Plaza de España was used as a filming location in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002). It's not the only one to have served as a filming location. Don't miss our article on Game of Thrones filming locations in Andalusia.

📍 Step 2: María Luisa Park

Leave the square and head straight south into the magnificent gardens of María Luisa Park. This park is Seville's largest green space. Originally, it was part of the private gardens of the San Telmo Palace, donated to the city in 1893 by Princess María Luisa.

Go in search of the famous Fountain of the Frogs (Fuente de las Ranas).

Frog Fountain

📍 Step 3: The former Expo 29 Pavilions

Continue south through the park, into the area that houses the former pavilions of the 1929 Exposition. The cultural richness of the area is concentrated here.

Visiting the iconic museums is essential: the Archaeological Museum (located in the former Pavilion of Ancient Art) and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (located in the former Mudéjar Pavilion) are architectural marvels, in addition to their collections.

Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions

📍 Step 4: The Seville Aquarium

Leave the park to the west to reach the quayside and the Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla). This aquarium is one of the main attractions on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It offers an immersive experience in marine biodiversity.

Its thematic journey focuses on the route of the voyage around the world of the explorer Ferdinand Magellan (who left Seville in 1519), illustrating the different stages of his expedition.

📍 Bonus Stop: Even further south

If you still have energy, consider continuing your adventure south through Seville's Southern District. These areas are further from the main walking route and are ideal for a bike ride or a focused trip, allowing you to experience both the sporting activity and residential life of the southern part of the yellow zone.

On the agenda:

Discover the Benito Villamarín stadium ;
Enjoy yourself alone or with others on the Real Club Pineda golf course;
Enjoy tapas in the student atmosphere of Bami ;
Strolling through Los Bermejales Park …

📍 Step 5: The quay and the banks of the Guadalquivir

Walk along the Muelle Delicias quayside northwards and head towards the University Campus. The Guadalquivir riverbank is ideal for physical activities such as walking or running.

Take advantage of the cycle paths along the quayside for a bike ride on the Muelle Delicias. It's a great way to see the river and the boats without the hustle and bustle of the city center. You then head back up towards the old industrial area.

Do you want to see the city from a new perspective? Hop on an eco-cruise on the Guadalquivir !

Our favorite part of the itinerary : the lights of the Plaza de España at sunset. It's so beautiful and peaceful to see this square empty of the daytime tourist crowds.

Our practical tips for visiting the southern area of Seville

This part of Seville is characterized by its wide open spaces and its academic and sporting focus.

Getting around the Southern District

Although the northern part of the area (Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa) is perfect for walking, the distances between the park and the southern part (Villamarín Stadium, Heliópolis) are significant. Cycling (SEVICI) is highly recommended, especially since the avenues (Av. de la Palmera, Av. de las Razas) are wide and have cycle paths.

Use the metro (Plaza de España station) to access the heart of the park from the rest of the city. It's the fastest and coolest way.

Note: The parks are huge. For example, allow plenty of time to visit María Luisa Park. We therefore recommend going there at sunrise.

If it is very hot, opt to visit the Aquarium during the hotter periods to stay cool away from the air conditioning.

Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere

When passing through the Old Tobacco Factory area and the Bami district (universities, hospital), be discreet. These areas are focused on university work and hospital services. As it's a predominantly student area, stop at a typical bar for an authentic tapas.

If you're heading to the Benito Villamarín Stadium (Heliópolis) on a Real Betis Balompié match day, be prepared for an electric and very crowded atmosphere. Access is often congested with the green and white-clad fans several hours before kickoff.