Is the Setas de Sevilla worth visiting?

Yes, it is a must-see for its unique architecture and the 360-degree views from the top. Even if you don't go to the roof, the plaza underneath offers a great perspective of the massive wooden structure.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Late morning is excellent for seeing the Mercado de la Encarnación at its liveliest. Alternatively, late afternoon allows you to enjoy the shops on Calle Regina and finish with a sunset view from the Setas.

Where is the best place for independent shopping in Seville?

Calle Regina is the top destination for independent shopping. It is known for its artisan boutiques, vintage stores, and local designer labels, offering an alternative to the big brands on Calle Sierpes.

Can I see Roman ruins in the center of Seville?

Yes, the Antiquarium located beneath the Setas de Sevilla houses significant Roman ruins, including beautiful mosaics and remnants of ancient houses dating back to the 1st century.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Absolutely. The route is mostly pedestrianized and flat. Children often enjoy the open space of Plaza de la Alfalfa and the futuristic look of the 'giant mushrooms' at Las Setas.

How difficult is the walk from Plaza de la Alfalfa to Calle Sierpes?

The walk is very easy and entirely flat. The total distance is less than 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile), making it accessible for most fitness levels and strollers.

Are there many places to eat along this route?

Yes, there are numerous options ranging from traditional tapas in Plaza de la Alfalfa to modern food stalls in the Mercado de la Encarnación and trendy cafes on Calle Regina.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Seville is often celebrated for its Gothic cathedrals and Moorish palaces, but there is a pulse of contemporary energy that transforms the city’s historic center into a playground for modern architecture and design. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the intersection of the ancient and the avant-garde. Your journey begins in the lively Plaza de la Alfalfa, a neighborhood hub that has served as a social center since Roman times, before moving toward one of the world’s most daring architectural statements: the Metropol Parasol, locally known as Las Setas. This massive wooden structure redefined Seville’s skyline and rejuvenated a district once dominated by a derelict parking lot. As you follow this walking route, you will discover how Seville balances its past with its present. You will descend into the earth to view remarkably preserved Roman mosaics at the Antiquarium and then rise to street level to browse the independent boutiques of Calle Regina, the city's unofficial headquarters for artisan makers and creative entrepreneurs. The walk concludes on the iconic Calle Sierpes, where traditional commerce meets modern retail in a snaking pedestrian thoroughfare that has been the heart of Seville’s shopping scene for centuries. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to see more than just the classic monuments. Whether you are interested in innovative urban planning, searching for the perfect locally-made souvenir, or simply want to experience the daily rhythm of Sevillanos, this route offers a comprehensive look at the city’s evolving identity. Explore at your own pace, stopping for a coffee in a hidden plaza or lingering over the panoramic views from the top of the 'Mushrooms.' This is Seville as it lives today: vibrant, creative, and endlessly surprising. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The world's largest wooden structure: Las Setas (Metropol Parasol)

Subterranean Roman and Visigothic ruins at the Antiquarium

Gourmet food stalls at the modern Mercado de la Encarnación

Independent artisan shopping on the trendy Calle Regina

The historic and lively atmosphere of Plaza de la Alfalfa

Traditional Sevillian storefronts on the iconic Calle Sierpes

Tour Stops (6)

Plaza de la Alfalfa

Start your self-guided adventure in Plaza de la Alfalfa, one of the most authentic social hubs in the city. While it today feels like a cozy neighborhood square filled with families and tapas bars, it occupies what was once the Roman Forum of Hispalis. For centuries, this was the highest point in the city, making it safe from the frequent floods of the Guadalquivir River. In the medieval period, it was a bustling silk market and animal exchange. Notice the mix of architecture surrounding the plaza—traditional Andalusian balconies sit alongside small, modern storefronts. It is the perfect place to observe the local 'slow life' before heading into the more modern commercial districts.

Mercado de la Encarnación

Step into the Mercado de la Encarnación, a space that represents the successful revitalization of a historic site. For decades, this area was a vacant lot after the original 19th-century market was demolished. Today, it is housed within the ground floor of the stunning Metropol Parasol structure. As you wander through the stalls, you will find a vibrant display of Andalusian produce, from mountains of fresh olives and locally caught seafood to artisanal cheeses. This market is a favorite among locals for its cleanliness and modern layout while maintaining the high quality of traditional Spanish market culture. It is an excellent spot to grab a light snack or simply soak in the culinary atmosphere.

Setas de Sevilla

Look up at the towering wooden lattice above you. Officially known as Metropol Parasol, but affectionately called 'Las Setas' (The Mushrooms) by locals, this structure is the largest wooden building in the world. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, it was completed in 2011 after a long and controversial construction period. The design was inspired by the vaults of the Seville Cathedral and the nearby ficus trees. The structure provides much-needed shade for the plaza below, which often hosts community events and public art. If you have time, consider taking the elevator to the panoramic walkway on the roof for a 360-degree view of the city’s rooftops and church spires.

Antiquarium

Beneath the modern wooden canopy lies a hidden world. During the initial construction of the Metropol Parasol, workers discovered extensive Roman and Visigothic ruins, which halted the project for years. Rather than removing them, the city built the Antiquarium, an archaeological museum that integrates these ruins into the modern landscape. Through the glass walls and elevated walkways, you can see remarkably preserved mosaics from Roman houses dating back to the 1st century AD. It is a striking contrast to see these ancient foundations sitting directly below the futuristic 'Mushrooms' above, reminding us that Seville is a city built layer upon layer through time.

Calle Regina

Just a few steps away from the grandeur of the Setas is Calle Regina, the heart of Seville’s 'Soho.' This street and its surroundings have become a haven for independent designers, vintage clothing shops, and organic cafes. As you walk, notice the absence of major international chains; instead, you will find locally-owned businesses that pride themselves on craftsmanship and unique aesthetics. This area experienced a renaissance following the completion of the Metropol Parasol, turning a once-quiet residential street into one of the city's most fashionable corridors. It is the best place in the city center to find a truly unique gift or to see the creative side of modern Seville.

Calle Sierpes

Conclude your walking route on Calle Sierpes, perhaps the most famous shopping street in Seville. Its name, meaning 'Street of the Snakes,' likely refers to its winding shape. For centuries, this has been the commercial heart of the city, once home to the Royal Prison where Miguel de Cervantes is said to have conceived the idea for Don Quixote. Today, it is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare where traditional hat shops and fan makers sit side-by-side with modern global brands. In the summer, large canvas awnings are stretched across the tops of the buildings to provide shade, creating a unique outdoor shopping mall atmosphere that has existed for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full self-guided walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to browse the market stalls and walk the length of the shopping streets at a leisurely pace.