The district around the Basilica de La Macarena (Calle Bécquer, 1; tel. 95-490-18-00) is one of the most densely residential parts of the old city. To see the area at its best, spend a Saturday afternoon watching wedding parties come and go at the basilica. Men in traditional suits or tuxedos escort women resplendent in elegant shawls and flamenco-influenced designer dresses. When the happy couple rides off in their limousine, the Sevillanos pack into a bar across the street—and another wedding party floods into the church. You can also visit the church daily 9am to 2pm and 5 to 9pm. The 17th-century image of the Virgen de Mararena is one of the most venerated in the Holy Week processions. Church treasures are displayed in a separate exposition room, open the same hours. Admission with audioguide is 6€ adults, 4€ seniors and ages 16 and under.

Closer to the river than the basilica, the Torre de los Perdigones (Calle Resolana, 41;  tel. 95-490-93-53; www.torredelosperdigones.com) is an 1890 industrial tower that has been converted into a scenic overlook with a camera obscura inside to project images of the city on the wall of a darkened room. It is open Monday to Thursday noon to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 11:30am to midnight. Admission is 4€ adults, 2.50€ ages 5 to 12.