Seville is a charming city in the heart of Andalusia with incredible architecture, a rich history and a great food scene. From tasty tapas to opulent palaces and authentic flamenco shows, there’s a host of wonderful things to do in Seville.
In this post, I’ll share the hidden gems and only the very best things to do for your next Seville trip including where to eat, drink and stay. I’ve travelled to this region of Spain several times and with the addition of a few up-market restaurants and hotels, not much has changed in 2024!
Find the hidden gems and epic roof terraces in my Ultimate Guide To Seville!
Why visit Seville?
With its jasmine-scented air, orange trees and magnificent monuments, Seville attracts visitors from all over the world and for good reason. For most of the year, you can sit in a sun-filled cobbled stoned square, enjoy tasty tapas, catch a flamenco show in the evening and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, there’s a lot to see and do in Seville!
It’s one of the most appealing cities in Spain and probably one of the most affordable too when compared to other European cities. Seville also makes a great base for exploring other areas of the Andalusian region including white-washed villages and stunning scenery – include a day trip in your itinerary.
Here’s what to do in Seville!
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN SEVILLE
SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and you’ll find it in the gorgeous old town, its grandness is very hard to miss. Inside is just as spectacular, for one, it’s enormous with tall arched ceilings and many historical details, the whole area just feels very ancient throughout.
You can see Christopher Columbus’s final resting place and for art lovers there are iconic paintings by Murillo inside the Chapter House – it’s incredibly unique.
When to visit the Cathedral of Seville?
A great time to visit the Cathedral is in the late afternoon – around 4pm, at this time there are fewer crowds and much better lighting.
GIRALDA TOWER
Giralda Bell Tower rises sky high above the cathedral and is even more ancient, there used to be a mosque which was destroyed in the middle ages leaving the tower standing – the cathedral was eventually built around it.
You can climb to the top for amazing views over Seville, there’s a narrow ramp with lots of twists and turns and it is well worth the effort for a birds eye view of the landmarks. You can also book queue jump tickets, which includes cathedral entry and bell tower admission.
Skip the line tickets:
REAL ALCAZAR PALACE
While the Cathedral might be the most striking landmark in Seville The Real Alcazar Palace is the most famous and wandering around it is one of the best things to do in Seville – despite the crowds it draws.
The Alcazar is a 10th-century masterpiece – intricate gold ceilings, gorgeous courtyards with colourful tiles, tall palm trees, fountains and exotic gardens to wander, its very impressive. You can also enjoy a coffee break with peacocks roaming the patio.
Tip! As there are frequent long queues to get in, to avoid a wait in the glaring sun, book queue jumping tickets in advance.
HISTORICAL GUIDED TOUR
One of the best ways to explore all three iconic attractions is to take a Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and Alcazar skip-the-line guided tour, especially during the high season. You’ll get a private entrance and a local guide to show you where all the hidden gems are in half the time, it’s definitely the way to go if you’re only visiting for a couple of days!
All three sights are just a short walk from each other, but there can be annoyingly long queues at each – if you want more for your money and ticket, this is your best option.
Book: Cathedral, Giralda & Alcazar Tour
SEVILLE FLAMENCO
One of the best experiences in Seville is spending an evening watching the live performances of enchanting musicians and flamenco dancers, it’s a must-do! Not all shows are the same, but one of the best options is a show at Casa de la Memoria – a very special little theatre dating back to the 15th century.
A good alternative is Los Gallos Tablao in the central historical district of Barrio Santa Cruz, watch the talented performers in an intimate venue and wonderful location. If you’re visiting in summer, the later shows are best – so good I went twice.
BARRIO SANTA CRUZ
Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the medieval Jewish Quarter is the real heart of Seville and the most desirable area to walk around. A typical Spanish old town with a maze of winding cobbled streets and picturesque squares to get lost in.
The best thing to do is wander, find local tapas bars and enjoy a nice café latte in one of the pretty orange-filled courtyards, framed by the typical white and yellow houses of this region. Check out Plaza Alfaro and Plaza Dona Elvira, they are two of the best.
Things to see in Barrio Santa Cruz:
- Rosina’s Balcony
- Jardins de Murillo
- Callejón del Agua
CASA DE PILATOS
Casa de Pilatos is a gorgeous palace in the Santa Cruz area of Seville, not as opulent as the Real Alcazar but still beautiful to walk around and worth visiting.
The Casa de Pilatos palace is one of many attractions in Seville that blend Renaissance styles with Spanish Mudejar. In the courtyard you’ll find a fountain, sculptures and a Gothic chapel, while the upper floor houses a huge collection of Spanish tiles.
PLACIO DE LAS DUENAS
If you have time to squeeze in one more palace, visit Placio de las Duenas, a gorgeous 15th-century palace with a beautiful patio similiar to the one in Casa de Pilatos.
It makes for a nice tranquil escape – lose yourself in a maze of courtyard and landscape gardens, Spring is a lovely time to visit when everything is lush and green.
MARIA LUISA PARK
Maria Luisa Park is a lush green botanical park filled with exotic plants, palms and orange trees and there’s a wonderful fountain in the centre. It’s all totally free to stroll or bike around and take a break from the midday heat and city bustle. You can easily visit before or after the Plaze de Espana as they are right next to each other.
PLAZA DE ESPANA
Plaza de Espana next to Maria Luisa Park is another spectacular landmark to see in Seville. Created around a grande semi-circle with striking coral bricks and blue and yellow tiles, it’s a feast for the eyes.
Along the perimeter of the Plaza, you will find an emerald-green canal with fountains and bridges, there’s even paddle boats for hire if you wish to float your way around for a bit of fun.
Mostly its a nice area to hang out, take pictures, relax and have a breather from the bustling old town, often there are some good street performers (flamenco and Spanish guitar) to entertain you.
TAPAS FOOD CRAWL
Tapas hopping is the primary social event in Seville’s oldest quarter – Barrio Santa Cruz. There’s an overwhelming amount of beautiful restaurants, hole-in-the-wall places and traditional local haunts to take your pick from – and with such a variety, it’s hard to know where to begin!
If you want to order more than a ham croquette staple and have a bit of fun doing so, then why not kick start your culinary adventures with a local guided tour with a few like-minded people? This highly rated small group tour will take you to three different neighbourhoods and markets in Seville.
Book: Seville Tapas Crawl Tour
THE REAL MAESTRANZA
Seville’s bullring is a historic landmark dating back to 1762, it’s one of the oldest (and largest) in Spain and is just a short walk from Plaza de Espana. Bullfighting has a long-standing tradition in Spain and many of the cities have their own bullring, however, these days they are mostly used for festivals or walking tours.
The Real Maestranza in Seville is pretty impressive, it is housed within a beautiful baroque building and the red and yellow colours are quite striking. If you’re looking to learn more about the culture of Spain and visit the museum, hop on a short guided tour – it’s run frequently throughout the day.
HISTORICAL HOTELS
Stay in a former Palace or a historical manor house, there are many beautiful boutique hotels in Seville with amazing original features and luxury room renovations. Some of the best include stunning courtyards, outdoor patios, rooftop pools and terraces, traditional Andalusian tiles and arches – all the Old World character you could wish for!
Hotel Alfonso XIII, and Palacio Villapanes are two of the best examples. If you’re not lucky enough to be staying there, you can easily visit and check out the restaurants, roof terraces and lobby’s.
TRIANA NEIGHBOURHOOD
Exploring the local neighbourhood of Triana is one of the best things to do in Seville if you have an hour or two to spare. Situated across the Guadalquivir, Triana is full of colour and cobbled streets and it’s where you’ll find some of the best local arts, crafts and ceramic stalls. While you’re there you can also visit the Triana Market for tapas and small bites.
LA TERRAZA ROOF TERRACE
What not to miss in Seville – the secret rooftop terraces! After a day of exploring enjoy a glass of something at one of Seville’s best rooftop bars with a view. Stylish La Terraza at the top of EME Hotel has the perfect outlook over the Cathedral, a long bar with tall stools and a fab cocktail menu. It’s one of the most popular places to go for sunset – head there early to snag a seat!
Love rooftop terraces? You can also check out the Pura Vida roof terrace at Los Seises Sevillia – this boutique hotel also is a popular sunset spot with a Seville Cathedral view.
METROPOL PARASOL
Metropol Parasol, known locally as Setas de Seville, is the largest wooden art installation in the world. It’s ultra modern and resembles the shape of a mushroom curving over La Encarnación square in an eye-catching way, but the real draw is the panoramic view you get from walking across the top of the structure.
Go during sunset for an unbeatable view of Seville or book a stay at the gorgeous boutique hotel Intelier Casa de Indias for a unique perspective.
TIME FOR A DAY TRIP?
Seville is well placed to visit some spectacular gems in Andalusia, from landmarks such as The Alhambra to the famous Pueblo Blancos (white villages) with gorgeous rolling green hill landscapes.
White Villages & Ronda Group Tour
There are dozens of these white villages across the Sevillian countryside, but a few of them are really outstanding namely Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera. If you have one spare day, book this small group tour to see the best of this area!
WHERE TO EAT IN SEVILLE
The food in Seville is delicious and inexpensive – even the fancy restaurants and it’s worth knowing where they are in advance to avoid the usual mediocre tourist fare. Some are well-known restaurants while others are hidden local gems or simply too beautiful not to be missed!
El Pinton
El Pinton is a beautiful restaurant, dine on the attractive terrace after a visit to the nearby Seville Cathedral for the perfect afternoon treat. It’s not all about looks though, the food is also presented well and delicious – I visited twice!
El Rinconcillo
El Rinconcillo is well known in Seville, dating back to 1670 it’s also the oldest and for that alone deserves a visit – if you can get in! It’s busy as a tourist hotspot these days, but you don’t have to wait for a table, you can stand at the bar with a drink and tapas.
La Chunga
La Chunga is a great option if you fancy a break from the old town, choose from a variety of tapas with a modern twist. I can recommend ordering around 4 or 5 dishes, especially the risotto, it was fresh and tasty.
Torres Y Garcia
Torres Y Garcia is another of my favourite finds in Seville, a hip restaurant serving delicious food and ambience. Make sure you arrive early, this restaurant is one of the busiest in town – grab a local wine at the bar while you wait for a table.
On Ovejas Negras
On Ovejas Negras is another well-located restaurant just a few steps from Seville Cathedral that serves modern tapas with a great atmosphere. The restaurant is quite trendy for the area and finishes late into the night.
Filo
Filo is one of the best coffee shops in Seville with two locations to choose from, both equally good. Head here if you are nearby, they also serve good sandwiches and smoothies and the surrounds are dreamy boho.
Best restaurant in Seville
El Pinton is the best restaurant in Seville, it has the aesthetics and tasty food to match – and the location couldn’t be more ideal. Just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral – seek El Pinton after your visit you won’t be disappointed!
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Seville is a very walkable city and to be in the best possible location I recommend staying nearby the beautiful old town just moments from all the sights and sounds. Barrio Santa Cruz, Triana and El Arenal are all excellent neighbourhoods in Seville offering attractions on the doorstep and fantastic hotels.
BEST HOTELS IN SEVILLE
When it comes to accommodation in Seville, you’ll find small boutique hotels with original character and charm, some even have rooftop pools. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, converted palace or boutique, this list has something for you! Here are my top choices for where to stay in Seville.
Luxury Hotels
- Hotel Alfonso XIII check prices
- Querencia de Sevillia check prices
- Hotel Mercer Sevillia check prices
Boutique Hotels
- Casa del Rey Sabio check prices
- Placido y Grata check prices
- Hotel Amadeus check price
SEVILLE TIPS
BOOK EARLY
Seville is the most popular destination in the Andalusia region, so booking your favourite boutique hotel in advance is essential. Boutique hotels typically have fewer rooms and fill up fast, especially the coveted boutique hotel in Seville with a swimming pool and rooms with terraces and balconies.
ADVANCE TICKETS
Book your tickets online and in advance where possible to avoid waiting in long lines, particularly at the Real Alcázar, where the queues can be enormous! Reserve at least a week prior for Seville’s top experiences and two weeks for day trips. Here’s the top experiences I recommend:
To book in advance:
- Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda – top guided tour
- Casa de la Memorial – best flamenco show
- White Villages & Ronda – best day trip from Seville
HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE
Seville is a very accessible destination with good flight, train and bus connections – the beauty of travelling Western Europe. If you’re visiting from outside of Europe, you will likely have to stop in Madrid or another large airport before arriving to Seville.
BY AIR
Seville’s airport is Sevilla International Airport (SVQ) just North East of the City Centre. A taxi ride from the Airport to Seville Centre is €30 and takes 20 minutes and there’s also a 30-minute airport bus that runs frequently for €4.
RENTAL CAR
If you’re travelling around Southern Spain you can rent a car at the airport. hiring a car will be a more convenient and flexible way to do it. Discover Cars, are great they provide a comparison of car rental prices from various vendors across Seville ensuring you find a great rate without the hassle!
BY TRAIN
Seville’s train station is called Santa Justa it’s the third busiest train station in Spain and is well connected to the rest of the country – the high-speed train from Madrid is 2.5hrs. Reserve tickets in advance and check times before departure.
BY BUS
Seville has two centrally located bus stations, Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastian. If you’re in Malaga or Madrid it’s straight forward and comfortable, plus there’s amazing countryside views.
GETTING AROUND SEVILLE
Walk: Seville Old Town is very walkable, you can easily walk to all the major sights listed in this guide including the best neighbourhood of Seville, Triana and El Arenal.
Bike: To see more in a shorter time you can do a Seville Bike Tour and see the highlights in a unique way.
SEVILLE FAQ
When to visit Seville?
Seville has good weather all year around with mild winters and hot summers, where temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees! Spring, from March to May is the best time to visit Seville when the gardens are lush and green and the evenings are light, there are also fewer crowds to enjoy it!
Is Seville warm in January?
Yes! January in Seville is actually mild (16-18 Celsius) compared to other regions in Europe. Seville is always an attractive destination and the activities and accommodation can be enjoyed with appealingly low rates from January to March.
How many days in Seville?
A long weekend in Seville is perfect if you only plan on visiting the highlights, if you have 2 full days this is possible, but I recommend at least 3 nights to do it justice. In 4 nights you can absorb the vibrant culture better, wander around more and include a wonderful day trip.
Is Seville expensive?
Seville is one of the more affordable cities in Europe, especially when compared to Paris or London. In Seville it’s possible to find quality budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining and activities – a local glass of wine in a gorgeous square is as little as €3.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Seville is a stunning place to visit in Spain, with warm weather and plenty of amazing things to do, I love it so much that I have visited Seville several times. It’s a wonderful European city break or a great addition to a longer Andalusian road trip.
Plan your Seville trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Discover Cars: Best car hire price comparison
- Rail Europe: Best routes & prices across networks
Read Next:
- Best Boutique Hotels In Seville
- 7 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville Spain
- 5 Essential Things To Do In Granada
- Travel Tips For Ronda Spain
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