What to do in Metropolitan Area of Seville

Seville Cathedral, Catedral de Sevilla or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See; whatever you choose to call this behemoth of piousness, you can't fail to be overwhelmed. This is the third-largest church in the world, and the result of many a skilled craftsman.

There are many things that make the Royal Alcázar, Seville's royal palace, special. It's particularly gratifying to know that Spain's royal family still uses part of it as a residence today. This astoundingly intricate complex is indeed worthy of any monarch – a rich mix of mudéjar architecture and subsequent embellishments made through the ages. This is not just one building, but a collection of them, ensconced in lush gardens.

See thrilling competitions between top sporting stars at Seville’s huge Olympic Stadium. The vast arena opened in 1999 for the World Athletics Championships with a capacity of up to 70,000 seated spectators. It was during this tournament that the American sprinter Michael Johnson broke the world record for the 400-meter race.

Until its renovation between 2006 and 2008, La Alameda was an unsavoury area. Visit today, as it is one of the most popular spots in the city, an enclave of trendy bars, cafés and clubs.

Seville is a city awash with historical architecture, and la Giralda is the jewel in its crown. La Giralda was initially constructed as a minaret, completed in 1196. Those behind it were the Almohades, a Berber-Muslim dynasty which had a stronghold over Iberia during the 12th and 13th centuries. This is the only minaret of its kind in Spain; the other two are in Rabat and Marrakesh. During the Reconquista of 1248, the country's Christians decided not to tear the minaret down, but rather to incorporate it into a cathedral. The top third of the tower was added in the 16th century, its architecture decidedly different to the rest.

The Metropol Parasol is a marvel of modern architecture, a colossal wooden structure located in Seville's old quarter. It consists of six linked parasols and is known locally as Las Setas, or The Mushrooms, for its unusual form. The striking building holds shops, a market, an open-air space for concerts and a basement filled with Roman archeological ruins.

Take some time to relax in the extensive grounds of Maria Luisa Park and explore the gardens, pools, monuments and historic buildings. Formerly the garden of a royal palace, the 85-acre (34-hectare) green space was donated to the city by the Infanta María Luisa Fernanda upon her death in the late 19th century.