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The Sunny Spanish City That's Known for Flamenco Dancing Has Tasty Tapas, Striking Landmarks, and Elegant Boutique Hotels

Here's what you need to know before visiting Seville.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

There are many reasons to visit Andalusia, but none are more compelling than its vibrant riverside capital. Originally founded by the Romans and later conquered by the Moors, Seville is rich in cultural traditions. “As one of the most significant Atlantic ports on the Iberian Peninsula dating back to ancient times, its monumental heritage creates an amazing combination of history, beauty, and food for travelers to enjoy,” says Alvaro Carmona , a ToursByLocals guide based in Seville.

Elegant and endlessly attractive, the city displays almost constant reminders of its time under Moorish rule with striking landmarks such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville (one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain ) and La Giralda as standouts. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco with many famous venues for visitors to take a lesson or catch a show. It’s also the storied backdrop for over 100 operas — among them "Carmen," "The Barber of Seville," and "Don Juan de Mañara" — and has some world-class museums. The tapestry of influences, abundance of regional products, and immense local talent translate to a culinary scene that rivals the many epicurean power players throughout the country. Plus, the Mediterranean climate means sunshine, blue skies, and warm weather throughout the year — so it’s always a good time for sightseeing and enjoying a glass of wine or sherry at an alfresco café.

Whether you're looking to tour UNESCO sites or sample tasty tapas (probably both, right?), use this guide full of recommendations from local insiders to plan the perfect trip to Seville.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

See a flamenco show.
Marvel at the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
Climb La Giralda for panoramic views.
Do a tapas tour.
Stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Courtesy of Nobu Hotel Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

What did the king of Spain do when he needed to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition? He commissioned a grand hotel befitting his high-status guests, of course. Nearly a century later, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville remains a symbol of grandeur and glamour that easily goes toe-to-toe with the most spectacular stays in Barcelona and Madrid.

Nobu Seville

The new Nobu Seville brings its signature sense of Japanese minimalism to Plaza San Francisco. While loyalists will find all the Nobu classics — black cod, rock shrimp tempura, and toro tartare with caviar — the 25-key property also exudes a soulful sense of place thanks to traditional Andalusian touches and a rooftop terrace with a guest-only plunge pool, leafy gardens, and sweeping city views.

Hotel Mercer Seville

Ever dreamt of snoozing in a palace? Situated inside the former Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the El Arenal quarter, Hotel Mercer Seville is full of history. The refined boutique atmosphere and relaxing suites complete with oak floors, crisp linens, and high ceilings make it an ideal place to unwind after visits to nearby Nueva Square and Real Maestranza Bullring.

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes

Originally built by Admiral López-Pintado in 1729 and later the residence of the Marquis of Villapanés and his descendants, Hotel Palacio de Villapanes still reflects its roots as a Baroque mansion. The tiled central courtyard with a fountain, leafy plants, and arched columns commands focus. Not to be outdone, noble suites show off immense carved wooden doors, high ceilings, and Philippe Starck-designed tubs.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla

For something a bit more modern, check into the Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla . The brand’s first outpost in Spain blends clean lines and local character. Blue velvet accent chairs evoke the Andalusian sky, while plants nod to the many leafy squares and gardens around the city. “It’s also well positioned in the shopping area and very close to many top tourist attractions,” adds Carmona.

Tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville.

The first thing on the to-do list for many travelers coming to Seville? A visit to the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning architectural masterpiece and historic royal palace crowned by ornamental tile work, carvings, and artwork that grew out of a 10th-century citadel.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Visit the Seville Cathedral.

The impressive Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic Christian church in the world. Size aside, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and also boasts the iconic La Giralda, which was originally constructed as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and later converted into a bell tower.

See a flamenco show.

“No trip to Seville is complete without experiencing the passion and intensity of a traditional Flamenco show,” says Antonio Morilla, head concierge at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville . La Casa del Flamenco and Tablao Flamenco El Arenal are some of the most famous theaters to watch the Andalusian dance.

Learn about Spanish history at the Archivo General de Indias.

Occupying a stately 16th-century merchant guild building, Archivo de Indias is an archive dedicated to the history of the “New World.” It holds more than 80 million pages of documents, photographs, drawings, and diaries from the likes of Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro.

Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

Stroll through the Plaza de España.

Designed by Sevillian architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-America Exhibition of 1929, Plaza de España is one of Seville's crown jewels. The famous plaza comprises magnificent buildings that marry elements from art deco, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Baroque Revival, and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, plus a large fountain, canals, and tile-accented bridges.

Irina Shatilova/Getty Images

Michelin-starred Cañabota draws admiration from diners and critics alike. “It’s well-regarded for its modern versions of classic Sevillian seafood dishes and fantastic wine list,” says Morilla. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the counter to watch the masterful cooking up close.

Abantal is an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant that’s famous for its refined, flavorful cuisine. Head chef Julio Fernández combines Andalusian cooking traditions, innovative techniques, and high-quality local ingredients into incredible gastronomic tasting menus. It’s worth splurging on the wine pairing.

Sobretablas

Helmed by chef Camila Ferraro and sommelier Robert Tetas, Sobretablas celebrates the bounty of Andalusia in exciting and elevated ways. The cuisine puts a contemporary twist on classic regional recipes and pairs perfectly with the selection of natural and organic wines.

Bodeguita Romero

Out-of-towners and locals rub elbows over jamón ibérico, bull tail stew, and smoked sardine toast, plus Spanish wine and sherry, at Bodeguita Romero , a buzzy tapas bar in El Arenal that often has a line around the block. Carmona calls it “an essential stop in Seville.”

La Cochera del Abuelo

Tucked inside an 18th-century carriage house, La Cochera del Abuelo feels warm and intimate. The food very much matches the homey atmosphere. The curated menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new yet deliciously familiar to tickle your tastebuds.

With more than 3,000 sunny hours annually, Seville is really beautiful every day of the year. Carmona favors the beginning of spring when more than 40,000 bitter orange trees flower at the same time. “It’s simply magical!”

Seville Airport (SVQ) sits just six miles from the city center. It mainly receives domestic flights, so most travelers connect through Madrid. “If you're coming from another Spanish city, particularly the capital, taking the train is a great option. The high-speed trains (AVE) are very comfortable, reliable, and fast, allowing you to reach Seville from Madrid in approximately 2.5 hours,” explains Morilla.

The old Jewish quarter is known for its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, picturesque plazas, and the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Flamenco Museum.

“Located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal offers a vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and cultural attractions such as the Maestranza Bullring and the Torre del Oro. According to Morilla, it’s also a great neighborhood for tapas and nightlife.

Flamenco was born in Triana, and the residential neighborhood is still a great place to see a show. “The incredible views over the city center, the ceramic workshops, and the many bars also make it a wonderful area to spend time on a trip to Seville,” says Carmona.

Seville was plotted out long before the invention of cars, when people used to walk and ride horses. “In my opinion, strolling around is the best way to slowly savor the beauty of the many squares, churches, gardens, museums, landmarks, and bars,” says Carmona.

Everything you need to know before your trip to Seville: when to dine, what to pack and where you have to prebook

Mar 27, 2022 • 6 min read

Make your next Seville vacation even better with our key things to know before you go © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images / Image Source

Andalucía ’s enchanting capital embodies the best of Spain: scorching sun, passionate flamenco, citrus trees and romantically colorful buildings.

Spain’s third most-visited city behind Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is easy to fall in love with. The city’s picture-perfect maze of tiny cobbled streets and large elegant plazas are home to a fascinating array of attractions, from remnants of its Moorish past to magnificent palaces, grand monuments and an impressive bullring. Generally a very safe city, it’s best explored on foot. Before you head to Seville, here are a few things to know that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your trip to Seville

Book tickets to the real alcázar in advance.

While Seville is not as packed with tourists as Barcelona or Madrid, some of the more popular attractions can book up fast. This is particularly true of the Real Alcázar , the city’s magnificent Moorish palace. Since the complex only allows a limited number of people at a time, and you can only visit during a specific time slot, you should book tickets online a few weeks in advance, and guided tours even farther ahead. This is one sight in Seville you definitely shouldn’t miss.

If you want to see a flamenco show at one of the more popular venues, you may also want to book tickets in advance, as these can sell out quickly during high season.

People walk by tables on an outdoor terrace of a restaurant in a narrow side street in Seville, Spain

Etiquette in Seville

Don’t go out to eat too early.

Spaniards eat at rather precise times – and usually late in the day, particularly in Seville, where temperatures can stay elevated throughout the night. Restaurants will usually open for lunch from around 1pm, although most locals won’t be eating until at least 2pm. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat at midday, you’ll find most kitchens won’t be serving yet.

In the evening, restaurants will open around 8–8:30pm; again, you’ll find that most locals won’t arrive until around 9pm or even later. Like most Spaniards, Sevillians typically eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime, followed by generally lighter, tapas-style dishes for dinner.

Seville has a wealth of nightlife options, from buzzing bars and pumping clubs to lively flamenco shows. Remember that like restaurants, Seville’s nightlife doesn’t get going until late at night (or very early in the morning). Don’t even think about arriving at a club before 1am.

Dress to impress

Sevillians love to dress up and are very fashion-conscious. Even on an evening stroll, you’ll see that whole families will be dressed in their best. While tourists are not expected to pack formal attire, if you’re eating out at a nice restaurant, you may want to dress smartly to fit in.

Remember that if you want to visit the Seville Cathedral , you’ll have to abide by the strict dress codes. This means no bare shoulders, knee-length-or-longer shorts and skirts, and no flip-flops. You will also have to remove any hats or baseball caps. You may want to bring a light wrap with you in summer in order to cover any bare shoulders.

Tipping is optional, but always appreciated

Tipping in Spain isn’t expected as in the US and some other countries, and it’s not common among locals unless they’re dining out at a particularly nice restaurant. You don’t need to tip for drinks at cafes or other snacks – but if the service impresses you, consider rounding up and leaving your change as a tip. You may want to leave a little more at high-end restaurants; around 10 percent is perfectly fine.

To kiss or not to kiss?

When being introduced to someone for the first time, it is customary to give them one kiss on each cheek. As a foreigner being introduced to a local, you will be expected to do this as well. While COVID-19 put a temporary stop to this custom, it is likely to return once the pandemic has subsided.

Two women in red millinery kissing at a street festival in Seville, Spain

Health and safety in Seville

Keep cool and stay hydrated.

Seville is one of Europe’s hottest cities, with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s°F (30s°C) or even low 100s°F (40s°C) in July or August. Remember to always carry a bottle of water with you when walking around, and don’t forget sunscreen. You may even want to invest in a portable fan, as the locals routinely do. It’s also important to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day – so keep cool in shady parks, cafes or museums.

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Seville, avoid the hottest times of the year in July and August when sightseeing can be quite uncomfortable and many locals leave the city for the coast. Instead, visit the city in spring or autumn when temperatures are warm but mostly comfortable. Visits in winter bring temperatures around 60°F (16°C), with skies are typically blue and sunny.

The exterior wall of the Real Alcázar castle in Spain with a crest of a lion on the wall below the castellated top of the wall. In the foreground are tourists queuing for entry

Is Seville safe for tourists?

Seville is generally a very safe city, even late at night when it’s typically still buzzing with plenty of people out and about. Solo women travelers shouldn’t need to worry and can safely travel around on their own. With low crime rates, you’re unlikely to encounter problems; as in any busy urban area, though, you should still keep your wits about you.

While the narrow web of streets around the famous Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood are generally very safe at night, they can get quite noisy. Families traveling with children may prefer to stay around the areas of El Centro, El Arenal or Sur instead – still close to everything but more peaceful.

Seville has far fewer pickpockets than Barcelona or Madrid, but as with any major city, petty crime is not unheard of. You should particularly be aware in crowded areas or around popular tourist attractions such as Plaza de España and outside the Cathedral. Be aware of the ladies who try and offer you sprigs of rosemary and palm readings, as they’ll often demand money afterward or try and distract you while an accomplice attempts to snatch your belongings.

Use common sense and don’t leave your bag unattended when dining at a restaurant, and avoid leaving your phone or camera on the table or in your back pocket.

Remember that you should always report any incident of theft at the nearest local police station as soon as possible. It’s likely you will need a police report in order to try and claim any items back on your travel insurance.

You might also like: The 9 best day trips from Seville How to explore Seville with kids Top 20 free things to do in Seville

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36 Hours in Seville

Known for its many festivals, Moorish architectural flourishes and, of course, flamenco, the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region is a buoyant city whose many cultures are reflected in its cuisine, buildings, art and history.

By Susanne Fowler

Seville is more than its Holy Week and Feria celebrations, when prices go up and the lines to major sites like its famed cathedral and Royal Alcázar palace grow longer. The Andalusian capital reveals itself as a walkable — and bikeable — city with layers of its Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage still visible. Venture beyond the usual church-palace itinerary and discover more of this multicultural history in a startling, but less-visited basilica, in examples of Moorish-Gothic Mudéjar architecture, in minarets that became bell towers and in the remnants of a Jewish cemetery.

1) 5 p.m. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Begin in the Triana district, across the Guadalquivir river that once separated the aristocrats from the poor and working classes. Near the riverbank, the traditional Triana Market is a lovely, covered space where some vendors sell fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, their stalls marked with bright ceramic tiles, while others sell coffee, fancy pastries or souvenir posters and lacy fans.

But underneath the market are the remains of the medieval Castle of San Jorge, the seat of the notorious Spanish Inquisition and now home to the Museum of Tolerance. The exhibition chronicles abuses of power by the Catholic monarchy and takes a poignant look at some of the thousands of people who were imprisoned and tortured, including Jews who had converted to Christianity but were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. As visitors walk through the ruins of homes, stables and jail cells, they are urged to examine “the tragic nature of the past” (free).

2) 8 p.m. TAP(AS) INTO TRIANA

Once an area that sheltered sailors and ceramics workers, the residents still proudly refer to the area as the Independent Republic of Triana. For an introduction to Seville’s cuisine sample a few of the neighborhood’s characteristic tapas bars. A solo tour, guided by a young dancer named Jesús ( notjustatourist.com ; 95 euros, or about $111) was a perfect introduction to navigating the culture of the smaller tapas servings (versus the larger portions called raciones).

Start by admiring the azulejo tiles and vintage bullfight posters at Casa Cuesta , in operation since 1880. Try a tinto de verano, a fizzy red-wine-based drink, while sampling pork-cheek stew, an Arab-influenced spinach and chickpea casserole, or fried eggplant fingers drizzled with dark cane-sugar syrup. Move on up the road to the original outpost of Las Golondrinas for a glass of Cruzcampo pilsner and a dish of grilled mushrooms with parsley aioli, or a slab of sizzling hot, salt-flaked pork loin on bread that soaks up the juices. The final stop on our tour was the sleeker Tipico for dry white sherry and traditional dishes presented in fresh ways, including an olive oil and potato salad with tuna and diced red onion.

3) 10 a.m. BARGAIN BREAKFAST

Stroll a few minutes east of the old city walls for a low-key but filling breakfast at La SinMiedo, a cultural center and cafe with a feminist ethos. Sit in the open-air, family-friendly courtyard sipping a café con leche (1.30 euros) while the woman behind the bar prepares toasted brown bread with ham and havarti cheese (1.20 euros) or a bowl of yogurt and fruit (2.20 euros). Buy a souvenir coffee mug with an image of Simone de Beauvoir, Rosa Parks or the Spanish writer Emilia Pardo Bazán, and consider returning for an evening concert or dance performance in the center’s Isadora Duncan Room.

4) 11 a.m. DO THE MACARENA (NEIGHBORHOOD)

Continue to Calle San Luis, a long, narrow street anchored by the neo-baroque and relatively recent (1941) Basílica de la Macarena. Behind the altar is the bejeweled 17th-century “Virgin of Hope,” a centerpiece of Seville’s Holy Week festivities. Time it right and you might encounter a wedding ceremony and women wearing lace mantillas elevated by ornate hair combs.

Continue down San Luis for a snack of marinated salmon with egg salad and toast (6.5 euros) at Kök Tu Cocina , which calls itself a gastronomic atelier, with the contemporary décor to match. Then check out the wares at the nearby Janmei boutique: colorful ceramic bowls (6.95 euros) and dangly earrings (12.50 euros), among other items. Continue to Plaza San Marcos to view the Moorish accents on the tower of the Catholic church. The tower, like that of Seville Cathedral, replaced a long-ago minaret.

5) Noon. SPANISH STEPS

Seville has no shortage of places to see hip-swiveling flamenco dancing, some less touristy than others. Why just see a show when you can be the show? At Casa de la Memoria you can join a one-hour beginner’s flamenco lesson (10 euros). (A staff member might even use your smartphone to record the result so you can practice at home.) The Casa also offers live flamenco performances in the evenings where you might see your instructor do those tricky wrist movements, foot stomps and hand claps at professional speed. Ask about a lesson-show package (25 euros).

6) 2 p.m. HERCULEAN APPETITE

Head to the Alameda de Hércules, a rectangular plaza ringed with trees that has become a hipster haven, and which is notable for a pair of Roman-era columns supporting statues of Hercules and Julius Caesar. Grab an outdoor table under an umbrella at Arte y Sabor , which is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. Try the fresh-mushroom soup (3.60 euros) and falafel with yogurt sauce (2.90 euros), accompanied by herbed green olives, seeded rolls and crunchy crackers called picos.

7) 4 p.m. BATH TIME

Rest those tired feet and weary shoulders at the Aire de Sevilla thermal baths. Enter a 16th-century Mudéjar-style palace said to have been built over the site of a first-century bath house. Stash your belongings in a locker and change into a swimsuit and robe before descending a candlelit staircase to the salt pool in the oldest part of the spa. Move on to the hammam steam room and the cold-blast shower stall, then climb the stairs to laze in the Moorish atmosphere of the tepidarium’s turquoise waters beneath brass lanterns. Try the smaller hot tub and the cold plunge pool, or visit the Bath of a Thousand Jets, which accommodates at least a dozen people. Afterward, relax in the sunny courtyard with a glass of lemony water. (37 euros on weekends; extra for massages or a wine bath in a marble tub.)

8) 6 p.m. CYCLING TOWARD SUNSET

A guided Sevilla BikeTour leaves from the Mak In Line cycling shop. Pedal along the river and across the Isabel II Bridge to parts of the city few tourists see. The route can swing through the courtyards of the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art — a former monastery turned ceramics factory turned museum, where the eerie Cristina Lucas “Alicia” installation pokes through the windows — and roll past sites that remain from Expo ’92, including a towering model of an Ariane rocket outside what was the Pavilion of the Future. Navigation becomes trickier as you circle back across the river, past cars and children kicking soccer balls, to the Plaza de España (“Star Wars” fans may recognize it as the capital of Naboo) and back along the river as young people gather along the banks with classical guitars to serenade the sunset. (Roughly two hours, 25 euros.)

9) 8 p.m. SUNDOWNERS’ CLUB

Instead of waiting in line at the EME Catedral Hotel for a seat at its rooftop bar with a cathedral view, try the panorama from the Hotel Inglaterra’s rooftop bar, La Terraza . Another choice is the multilevel Roof bar atop the Hotel Casa Romana, for its take on a Negroni.

10) 10 p.m. DINNER, FINALLY

Spaniards eat late, and it’s not unusual to see people waiting for seats in the bustling Santa Cruz neighborhood. But tables can turn quickly at casual venues like La Bartola, and its generous tapas portions of organic vegetable combos and Spanish-Asian fusion dishes like a spicy pork “wok” (4.50 euros) and tuna carpaccio (4.50 euros), or a more traditional garlic and almond soup (3 euros) are worth the wait. The place is also a wine bar — try a glass of the red, oak-aged Tetas de la Sacristana or a young, citrusy white called K-Nai.

11) 11 a.m. SEPHARDIC SCHOLARSHIP

Gain insight into the another aspect of Seville’s past during a walking tour from the Center for Jewish Interpretation. Over roughly two hours, you’ll be introduced to streets that used to be named for the shoemakers and bakers who had lived in the now-vanished community. You will see a convent built in the 14th century on what had been the site of a synagogue, and visit an underground parking garage that displaced all but one of some 300 graves from what had been the Jewish cemetery. The one grave that was not relocated is preserved behind glass at stall No. 9 (22 euros).

12) 2 p.m. SWEET FINALE

For a souvenir that weighs next to nothing, try Inés Rosales Tortas de Aceite. These crisp, sugar-dusted wafers from the Seville region are made with olive oil and come in flavors like orange, cinnamon or anise and sesame. A package of six runs about 2.5 euros at the brand’s shop a few minutes’ walk north of the cathedral.

The 50-room Hotel Palacio Villapanés ( Calle Santiago 31 , 34-954-50-20-63; palaciovillapanes.com ; from around 200 euros, without breakfast, off season; hotel prices in Seville rise during festival periods) is a converted 18th-century Sevillian baroque palace with lacelike iron gates and a traditional open, marble-pillared courtyard that doubles as a palm garden and cocktail lounge. Check-in takes place in a quiet antechamber as you sit with a glass of sparkling cava or a cup of tea. Rooms feature wooden flooring and fluffy white duvets and a minibar with all of its contents free, including fizzy sangria in a bottle. Hanging in the large bathrooms are robes you can wear to the basement spa where wet and dry saunas await.

Triana House (Calle Rodrigo de Triana 98; 34-644-889-810; trianahouse.com ; from around 170 euros) has no lobby and no communal spaces unless you count the marble staircase, but behind its unassuming exterior are possibly the loveliest and quietest bedrooms on the Triana side of Seville, with a whiff of Art Deco design in its chevron-patterned black and white stone floors. A hearty breakfast that might include cured ham, tomato tapenade, muffins, toast and olive oil is delivered to your door at the requested time. Its six rooms are tastefully decorated according to themes like Paris, Napoli or Beijing.

If you do plan a trip to Seville, check out these suggestions on what to pack for the trip from our colleagues at Wirecutter .

Susanne Fowler was an editor in the London and Paris offices of The New York Times. More about Susanne Fowler

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Seville Travel Guide: Best Things to do and see

Seville – the perfect Andalusian flair. We daresay that a trip to Andalusia without visiting the capital of Seville would be incomplete. This city has so much character, so much history, and so much spark for life that we were left speechless on more than one occasion.

In the eyes of many, Seville is the most beautiful city in Spain . In this blog article, we will share with you what makes Sevilla so special and introduce you to the most beautiful sights and highlights in Seville – and, of course, our personal tips. Ready for a hit of the Andalusian flair? Here we go!

1. Sevilla: Interesting Facts & What to Expect

2. seville travel guide: what to do and see, 3. relaxing experience: aire de sevilla baños arabes, 4. food and drinks in seville: our tips for cafes and restaurants, 5. where to stay in seville: our accommodation tip.

We have visited many Spanish cities but Seville has a very special vibe and character, which makes it stand out from many other cities. Seville is impressive, magnificent, lively and hot. Apparently in the summer months, the temperature often rises to over 40 degrees Celsius!

On a trip to Seville, you can look forward to countless sights – and we mean higher than the average number. Some of the most outstanding being the gigantic Cathedral and the Alcázar of Seville – which we will tell you all about in our Seville: Sights and Highlights section in this article.)

Seville is also a university city, meaning that there is a very young, buzzy vibe in contrast to all of the history and old buildings. There are countless bars and many hip cafes around the city.

How much time should I plan for Seville?

We ourselves stayed in Seville for three nights. While we had enough time to visit the most important sights, we would have personally preferred to stay longer. Since we also got a rainy day, we did find it a bit of a tight squeeze to fit in all the sightseeing.

If you prefer to take it a little slower and your itinerary (or time) allows, we would suggest four nights in Seville. If you are super rushed, then minimum of two nights, but we would not recommend it. Honestly, there is an incredible amount to see and explore in Seville!

Explore the Old Town of Seville

Although many sights are located in the Old Town, we wanted to briefly share this part of the city to you separately. The Old Town of Seville is a charming labyrinth of streets in which you will most likely get lost in – which is not necessarily a bad thing!

In the Barrio de Santa Cruz (the former Jewish district), you’ll find it particularly narrow and winding around here. Located in the heart of the Old Town, just east of the Cathedral and the Real Alcázar – the alleys here are sometimes uncannily narrow and reserved just for pedestrians.

Quaint tapas bars, bodegas and small shops are located in the streets and squares of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The best thing is to just let yourself wander around – without a city map. Don’t forget to look up once in a while to admire the flower-filled balconies.

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is an icon. In fact, it is the largest Gothic church in Spain and one of the largest in the world. And believe us when we say: once you stand in front of it yourself, you will find it hard to snap out of your amazement. The cathedral is incredibly impressive from the outside already.

But wait till you go inside! It just never stops continuing to impress you! If there’s only one cathedral you should visit on your trip to Seville, let it be this one. (Oh and the Mezquita in Cordoba, which is definitely a must-see!). The size of this place is speechlessly enormous.

One of the highlights is climbing the bell tower called La Giralda. It was once the minaret of the mosque, hence the Moorish influence in architecture. The interesting thing about this tower is: instead of climbing stairs, you go up a total of 35, gently elevated ramps. One of the most famous views in Seville is waiting for you at the top.

Because there is a lot to see in the cathedral, we would recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours to explore. Our tip: Depending on the season, you want to get there as early as possible. We visited the cathedral at the end of November (i.e. in the off-season) during the afternoon and the Giralda bell tower in particular was very crowded.

Information about buying a ticket

The rush is enormous, especially in the high season. Therefore, we would strongly recommend that you buy your tickets online in advance during the busy months. You can easily do this on the official website of the Seville Cathedral. There are countless websites, which also sell tickets, but we would prefer to stay with the official site.

Official website: Sevilla Cathedral

Extra little tip: Since the ticket also applies to the Iglesia del Salvador, which is a little further away, you can also buy it there. The queues at Iglesia del Salvador are usually a lot shorter.

Price: 10 Euros (ticket valid for Cathedral, Giralda and the Iglesia del Salvador) Opening times: can be found on the official website (see above)

Real Alcázar

The entrance to Real Alcázar, the second major highlight in Seville, is directly opposite the cathedral. The Real Alcázar is a palace complex consisting of countless courtyards and gardens. This characteristic Arabic-Christian mix of styles is called Mudéjar.

The Real Alcázar is incredibly impressive. The most famous photo motif is the Patio de las Doncellas with its magnificent arcades. We were also very impressed with the filigree, gold-coloured ceiling of the Salón de los Embajadores.

Even if the Real Alcázar looks a bit overwhelming at first, you can find your way around with the map that you receive at the entrance. All courtyards, rooms and gardens are numbered, so you can just start at 1 and then explore everything on your own step-by-step. We would allow at least two hours for the visit.

Good to know: As you can imagine, the Real Alcázar is extremely popular and always a little crowded. Sometimes you need a little patience if you want to take a good photo. In any case, prepare yourself for lots and lots of people.

There is a maximum capacity of around 750 people, which is why you sometimes have to wait for hours during the high season. Therefore, we recommend that you buy your tickets online in advance. Although, you might still have to wait a little while at the entrance, there is a separate queue for pre-purchased tickets and online ticket holders get priority.

You can purchase the tickets from the official website (more on that in a moment). In addition, there are many websites also offering tickets (some with options for guided tours). We bought our tickets on the official website without any problems.

The ordering process is a bit confusing (sometimes the page changes to Spanish), but it’s really quite straightforward. For a “normal” tour, you should select the ticket named “Visita General” or “General Tour”. (Don’t be confused by the additional information “desde 1 Euro” (ie “from 1 Euro”) – this is the price for the (almost) free entry for under 16 year olds and other people.

This regular ticket does not include a visit to the Cuarto Real Alto (the apartments of the royal family). The Cuarto Real Alto is only accessible on a guided tour. You can also book this ticket option on the official website.

Official website: Real Alcázar

Information about visiting the Real Alcázar

Price: 11.50 Euros (12.50 Euros if you buy your ticket online) Opening times: October to March daily from 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m // April to September daily from 9:30 a.m to 7 p.m

Plaza de España

Venice meets Andalusia! The Plaza de España with its water channels and bridges is simply a dream. The dimensions are enormous. We had read in advance that this place was huge – but we were still profoundly speechless.

We will cross our fingers for you that when you visit, there will be some talented street artists performing a few Spanish folk songs in front of the Azulejos. The nice gentleman in the photo actually gave us one of the most impressive performances in all of Andalusia – too good to be true and a very treasured memory of ours.

By the way: With a wink, the Plaza de España is also called the frying pan of Andalusia – because in the summer, the high temperatures make it rather unpleasant to endure the hottest part of the day. Therefore, an evening visit is often worthwhile, both during the hot season and in general. The Plaza de España is very beautifully illuminated at night.

University of Seville

On the way from the Old Town to Plaza España, you can make a stop at the University of Seville. This is housed in the historic royal tobacco factory and is quite impressive.

The entrance portal on Calle San Fernando is particularly worth seeing. The university is freely accessible. So you can just walk in and look around. Our conclusion: not one of the major highlights in Seville, but definitely worth a short visit.

Palacio de las Dueñas

Seville is known for its magnificent, centuries-old palaces, some of which are hidden behind inconspicuous walls and gorgeous courtyards. One of the most famous in the city is the Palacio de las Dueñas. It dates to the 15th and 16th centuries and is a fine example of the mix of Gothic and Moorish styles. The spacious and well-tended garden area is definitely worth a stroll through.

Incidentally, the Palacio de las Dueñas has only been open to the public since 2016. Good to know: We happened to be visiting on a Monday afternoon and apparently it’s Free Entry on Mondays from 4 p.m onwards! Surprisingly, there weren’t a lot of people – granted, it was the off-season. We would imagine it to be much busier in the high season – and would probably avoid this time.

Information about visiting the Palacio de las Dueñas

Price: 10 Euros (audio guide 2 Euros extra) Opening times: April to September from 10 a.m to 8 p.m // October to March from 10 a.m to 6 p.m (last entry 45 minutes before closing), free of charge on Mondays from 4 p.m onwards.

Casa de Pilatos

The Casa de Pilatos dates back to the 16th century and the architecture here was what really impressed us. The inner courtyard of this city palace is somewhat reminiscent of that in the Real Alcázar – a mini version of the Real Alcázar, so to speak. We loved the mix of different style elements. It’s incredibly impressive and photogenic.

There is free entry to the Casa de Pilatos every Monday from 3 p.m onwards. Unlike the Palacio de las Dueñas, there was a long queue during our visit (in November 2019). Especially during high season, you might be better off paying the price for a regular ticket.

Information about visiting the Casa de Pilatos

Price: 10 Euros (12 Euros including the upper floor – with a guide), free of charge on Mondays from 3 p.m. onwards Opening times: April to October from 9 a.m to 7 p.m // November to March from 9 a.m to 6 p.m

Metropol Parasol

At first glance (and probably also at second glance) the modern icon of Seville does not fit into the cityscape at all. A lattice-shaped construction made of wood, concrete and steel winds above the roofs through Seville’s old town. The futuristic shape is reminiscent of mushrooms, which is why the construction is also called Las Setas (“the mushrooms”) in Seville.

There is an archaeological museum in the basement, but the highlight is on the roof. There is a (short) circuit route with wonderful views over Seville.

Although it is probably the busiest at sunset, we of course chose to come at this time and did not regret it for a second. The Metropol Parasol is honestly the perfect place to catch the last rays of the day.

Information about visiting the Metropol Parasol

Price: 15 Euros Opening times: Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m to 11 p.m // Friday and Saturday until 11:30 p.m (last entry half an hour before closing)

Plaza del Cabildo

This gem is hidden in a courtyard right next to Seville Cathedral. The Plaza del Cabildo is a semicircular square with a rather impressive architecture. The archways and beautiful frescoes give the place a very romantic flair.

Although Plaza del Cabildo is not an absolute must-see in Seville, we would recommend that you drop in before or after visiting the cathedral. Definitely worth it! Incidentally, it’s only accessible during the day (approximately between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.), as the Plaza del Cabildo is closed at night.

Beautiful Places by the River (Río Guadalquivir)

The river of Río Guadalquivir winds its way through the city of Seville and there are many places worthwhile seeing near the riverside. In this section, we will share with you some of the districts and highlights. You can easily explore these places on a leisurely walk. From the Old Town (Cathedral) you can reach the river bank by foot in about 10 minutes.

It starts with a walk over one of the most famous bridges in Seville, the iron Puente de Isabel II. It leads you more or less directly to the Triana district . Triana is considered one of the birthplaces of the flamenco. The small streets with their colourful houses are worth seeing. It is relatively quiet here during the day, but it should be much more happening at the bars in the evening.

Make your way slowly south to the San Telmo Bridge. The bridge itself is not a highlight, but from here you have a beautiful view of the Torre del Oro, a former defence tower. You can also climb to the top, but we had read from a few sources that it’s not super worth it .

The promenade at the Río Guadalquivir is also a great place to watch the sunset. Best way to end the day with something cool to drink from a supermarket and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

All throughout Andalusia, you will find hamams – where you can experience traditional Arabian bathing culture in a modern atmosphere. Seville also has several hamams, with the best known as “Aire”. It was just a stone’s throw away from our accommodation, which is why we did not think twice on a rainy afternoon and treated ourselves to a session in the hamam.

In the Aire de Sevilla, a dream of 1001 nights await you. Unlike in Moroccan hamams, you are not scrubbed, but bathed in water pools, which have different temperatures. There is also a salt water pool and a steam room.

A bathing session lasts 90 minutes. That is how long you have to bathe in the pool or use the steam bath. If you need a break in between, there is a room with seating and tea – but they don’t have your typical relaxation room with chair beds to lie down on.

There is also the option to book a massage with your visit and the massage sessions start from 15 minutes. (Good to know: The massage is done during your session. Although we were not asked to take off our wet swimming trunks, we did find it a bit annoying during the massage.)

In our opinion, they have a strange rule whereby you only get access to the roof terrace with a view of the cathedral if you have a massage booking of 45 minutes. We only have a photo of it because we could see it directly from the terrace of our accommodation. We did not take a photo of the baths themselves, because we locked our things up in the lockers.

Price: 37 Euros (90 minute session for the baths), 76 Euros (90 minutes bathing + 30 minutes massage), they offer many other options too.

You can book your visit to the hammam here (official website): Aire Sevilla

The culinary offer in Seville is huge and overwhelming to say the least. There are more eateries than you can count, making it rather difficult to choose a place – so we’ll share our favourites with you here.

Ovejas Negras: Whilst on the hunt for an authentic tapas bar that also offers vegetarian dishes, we ended up here. Our conclusion: delicious tapas in a great, young and modern atmosphere. The staff were also very courteous. It’s a very popular place but we managed to get a seat in the end!

Virgin Coffee: This small coffee bar, which is located right next to the Metropol Parasol, serves delicious espresso. Perfect for a caffeine-hit in between.

Paradas 7: Paradas 7 is a cozy, hip place for a healthy breakfast or lunch. It offers salads, soups and sandwiches as well as delicious cakes.

Bar El Comercio: a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without churros – the deep-fried dessert made from choux pastry. Supposedly the best churros from Seville are found in the bar El Comercio. Our conclusion: it was good, but personally a little too greasy for us. However, the ambience is really unique – a typical Spanish restaurant that’s a bit squished for space and lots of chatter. It’s best to take a seat at the bar – this makes the experience even more authentic.

We spent three nights in the magnificent Palacio Marmoles , which is basically a beautiful historic city palace. The atmosphere is very special and unique – you feel like you’re in a museum. Despite the Palacio Marmoles being located right in the city center, it’s actually very quiet here.

There are only seven apartments in total. We were on the first floor in Apartment 6. Each apartment is individually and very thoughtfully decorated. If we had to find a fault, then we would say that the rooms were a little dark – but that’s due to the unique architecture of the house.

The biggest highlight is up on the roof terrace where you can catch a spectacular view of Seville including the cathedral. Honestly, sunset here with this view is simply magical. While it is a slightly more expensive place to stay (depending on the season), it’ll be one that stays with you for a long time.

You can book the apartment here: Palacio Marmoles

Tip: Parking in Seville

Here’s the not so good news: just like in almost every major city in Andalusia, parking can be rather tedious. You can basically forget about finding parking spaces in the old town itself. (Some streets are so narrow that we personally wouldn’t even dare to attempt driving though.)

If your accommodation does not have free parking spaces for you, then you will have no choice but to park your car in a public parking garage. The rule of thumb: the closer to the centre, the more expensive parking is. We ourselves parked in an underground car park on Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo. This parking lot was the most run-down but consequently, also the most expensive one on our entire trip to Andalusia. For 24 hours, we paid 25 Euros here!

We would recommend that you contact your accommodation in advance and ask for parking tips. It might even be worth parking on the outskirts of the city and then taking a taxi to the hotel.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. Many thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Seville? How did you like it? Perhaps you have some extra tips for us? We look forward to hearing your experience!

You might also be interested in this

Two Week Road Trip through Andalusia: Our Travel Itinerary

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Has anyone ever used TravelRepublic .com to book a room - i have seen a deal and it seems too good to be true compared to the other sites that usually come up on TA.

We have used Travel Republic many times and have always been pleased with their service.

However, for our last 4 trips we have used http://www.lastcheck.co.uk who we have found to be cheaper still!.

Just checked and you are right, it is a cheaper site - good news is Travel Republic price match!!

Just to let anyone know http://www.lastcheck.co.uk have cheaper deals but are not ABTA covered so for the sake of £7 i have booked with Travel Republic who are.

Travel Republic will only price match if the company that are offering a cheaper deal are ABTA protected, unfortunately http://www.lastcheck.co.uk are not.

LastCheck are part of the very reputable OnHoliday group and offer Supplier Failure Cover for peace of mind.

Travel Republic made some errors in the booking the only time I have booked with them.

However (fortunately having spotted this in advance) when I phoned them they were an absolute pleasure to deal with. I got the impression of a smallish travel agent where the staff actually communicated with each other (rather than a huge call centre), and the issues were sorted quickly.

Would happily book with them again.

My experience with them could not have been better, they met all my requests - we are booking with them again this year. Just shows how different things can be for everyone.

Good luck hope it goes ok for u

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