The Ultimate Guide To Seville, Spain (+Insider Tips)

Last updated on March 19th, 2025 at 11:41 pm

Planning a trip to Seville and wondering what to do? In this complete travel guide to Seville, you will discover the highlights and insider tips of this beautiful Spanish destination!

Seville is a charming cultural city in the heart of Andalusia with decorative architecture, a rich history and a great food scene, there’s a host of wonderful things to see and do in Seville.

I’m thrilled to share the hidden gems in this incredible city, 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 2025!

Here’s my ultimate guide to Seville – visiting Seville with this travel guide to hand will be a breeze!

WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE

At the heart of this Andalusian city is Seville old town and to make the most of your visit to Seville, you’ll want to stay as close to this historic area as possible, the most charming part of it is Santa Cruz.

If you stay in a hotel in Seville Old Town, you’ll have the best attractions in Seville on your doorstep including the magnificent Cathedral of Seville, the real Alcazar, flamenco and all the atmospheric cafes, restaurants and squares!

BEST HOTELS IN SEVILLE

Now you know which is the best area to stay in Seville, you’ll want to pick the perfect hotel, it’s the most important factor of your trip!

When it comes to choosing the perfect accommodation in Seville, there’s a tonne of great options, but here’s my top three picks in the old town!

Mercer Plaza Sevilla

Mercer Plaza Sevilla, is a lovely hotel with a very attractive roof terrace and pool area in the heart of the cities’ old town. I first visited this hotel when it was a Nobu hotel and the details haven’t changed, it is just as luxurious with upscale rooms and city views.

Hotel Mercer Sevilla

Hotel Mercer Sevilla, is a stylish 5 star hotel in the historic centre with a gorgeous courtyard, what really impressed me the most about this hotel was how friendly the staff were, nothing is too much and of course the aesthetics, my room came with orange-tree views!

Vincci Seleccion

Vincci Seleccion is a fantastic stylish hotel in the old town with a new refurb just moments from the Cathedral of Seville. This luxury boutique is modern and fresh with a beautiful restaurant and rooftop pool area, it preserves the style of the authentic Sevillian manor house it once was.

Read Next: You can read my specific hotel recommendations in my guide to the very best boutique hotels in Seville Spain!

SEVILLE WHAT TO SEE AND DO

You can find many things to do in Seville, whether you’re looking for incredible Spanish architecture, serene gardens, pretty squares or vibey rooftop terraces!

I recommend reserving ahead for the top Seville attractions (especially if it’s your first Seville holiday), like the Cathedral and Alcazar Palace, here’s what to do in Seville!

SEVILLE CATHEDRAL

As soon as you arrive in Seville you’ll want to see the Cathedral and Bell Tower (lookout point). It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a truly captivating historical sight within Seville’s old town, surrounded by orange trees, horse-drawn carriages and attractive buildings.

Inside the Cathedral is just as inspiring! You can visit Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the artwork from famous artists such as the painter, Murillo, it’s well worth going in to look around!

If you do plan on going inside, I highly recommend booking your skip-the-line tickets in advance. Tickets to visit the Cathedral are known to sell out, most commonly the morning time slots and especially if you are visiting in the summer!

Don’t miss…

Climbing to the top of the bell tower (La Giralda) for amazing panoramic views. You can climb to the top by walking up 34 ramps, which is surprisingly easy-going given the height – it’s a must visit in Seville for capturing the city from above!

REAL ALCAZAR PALACE

Just a stones throw from the Cathedral is the Real Alcazar Palace, a Moorish Palace with colourful tiles, artworks, extensive gardens, tall palms and peacocks roaming the grounds – it was even featured in Game of Thrones!

ALCAZAR GARDENS SEVILLE

Wandering around the enchanting gardens and courtyards was a highlight of my trip and it’s no wonder that the Alcazar gardens have long been one of the top Seville attractions!

Similar to the Seville Cathedral, I highly recommend booking your tickets to the Alcazar in advance of your trip. In fact, the Alcazar even offers skip-the-line tickets!! This will be a huge time-saver, especially during peak travel months (like summer).

Do not miss the Alcazar Gardens Seville, book it now!

If you want a deeper dive into Seville’s top attraction, check my complete guide to the Alcazar Gardens Seville, it includes how to experience it, ticket options and more!!

GUADALQUIVIR RIVER CRUISE

Guadalquivir River separates the neighbourhood of Triana with the city, the river’s banks are lined with colourful buildings, palm trees, and charming bridges (like the iconic Puente de Triana).

It creates a romantic and lively atmosphere, especially at sunset when the light reflects beautifully on the water. A private luxurious cruise offers a unique way to explore Seville’s sights, including the Plaza de Toros and Torre del Oro alongside delicious haute cuisine paired with wine and sangria.

I love this luxury private river cruise for a personalised touch with sightseeing opportunities, haute cuisine, music and wine and it’s perfect for romantic couples, celebrations or small groups. By far the best river tour in Seville!

PLAZA DE ESPANA

Plaza de Espana is another enormous landmark you cannot miss when visiting Seville, it’s one of Spain’s most famous squares – I love wandering around it and seeing all the intricate blue tile details, bridges and columns, it’s very striking, especially on a blue-sky day!

There’s a central semi-circular moat with a fountain, if you want to relax here for an hour or so you can hire a boat and float around!

MARIA LUISA PARK

Mario Luisa Park offers a nice oasis near the bustling old town, you can take a walk through the Maria Luisa Park on the way to the Plaza de Espana and enjoy the palm trees and parakeets, this park has clear marked pathways to follow.

SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter is the real heart of Seville and loveliest area to wander. You’ll find all sorts of charming hidden gems in this old town with a maze of narrow winding cobbled streets, decorated balconies and picturesque squares to get lost in.

I found some of the best local tapas bars and enjoyed a vino or two in one of the pretty orange-filled courtyards. Check out Plaza Alfaro and Plaza Dona Elvira and see if you can find Rosina’s Balcony!

CASA DE PILATOS

Casa de Pilatos is another lovely spot to walk around in Seville, its decorated in bougainvillea, mosaic tiles and murals – similar to Alcazar gardens Seville. It’s one of the more well-known palaces with a charming central courtyard.

It’s a nice place to visit in the Spring when the purple flowers are in full bloom! You can purchase your tickets online.

SEVILLE FLAMENCO

An evening of flamenco is one of my favourite things to see in Seville, it originated here after all! The dancers at authentic Casa de la Memoria put on an a great show and it allows you to experience the Spanish Culture a little deeper, I cannot recommend this authentic theatre enough!

I love the Casa de La Memoria flamenco show, the venue is stunning, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Seville!

SETAS DE SEVILLA

Setas de Seville, is an immersive attraction is Seville, ‘Setas’ translates to mushroom and it’s called this because it does resemble a mushroom!

You’ll find the large wooden art installation in La Encarnación square, one of the best things to do in walk along the upper levels for interesting and panoramic views – sunset is a lovely time to go!

MORE THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE SPAIN

THE REAL MAESTRANZA

Seville’s bullring, The Real Maestranza is a historic landmark dating back to 1762, it’s the oldest and largest in Spain and just a short walk from Plaza de Espana.

You can visit with a short guided tour, where you’ll see the beautiful colourful baroque building up-close, which is striking. If you’re looking to add more culture to your trip I recommend booking the 1-hour tour, I found it really interesting and if you’re going to visit one, you may as well see the oldest!

HISTORICAL HOTELS

Lastly, one of the hidden Seville attractions is visiting a former palace or historical manor house, there are many luxurious hotels in Seville with amazing original features.

Hotel Alfonso XIII, and Palacio Villapanes are two of the best hotels and former palaces in Seville – check out the restaurants, roof terraces and lobby’s – grab a drink, they are so beautiful and characteristic.

BEST DAY TRIP FROM SEVILLE

WHITE VILLAGES

If you have not seen the famous white villages of Andalusia before, this is your opportunity do to so!

Seville is well placed to visit some spectacular gems in Andalusia and there’s a host of day tours from Seville that will enhance your experience!

Set among some of the best scenery in Spain, Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra are without a doubt the best white villages with postcard scenery, winding roads, castles and stunning view points While nearby Cordoba and its historic flower patios is a magical spot to visit!

If you’re looking for more day trip ideas, check out my FULL GUIDE to the best day tours from Seville!

WHERE TO EAT IN SEVILLE

Eating and drinking in all the cool and atmospheric restaurants and tapas bars is one of the highlights of visiting Seville! Here’s a selection of my favourite places! (It’s worth knowing where to eat in advance to avoid the usual mediocre tourist fare).

EL PINTON

El Pinton is a beautiful restaurant with a fantastic ambiance and food, the attractive terrace sell it! I discovered El Pinton after a visit to the Cathedral – just around the corner AND HIGHLY recommend it!

EL RINCONCILLO

El Rinconcillo is the oldest bar in Seville – a history 17th century Tavern that’s now a popular tourist attraction in Seville. It’s still worth checking out, if it’s busy don’t have to wait for a table, you can stand at the bar with a drink and tapas.

LA BRUNDILA

La Brunilda is for classic tapas with a modern twist – and it’s one of my favourite tapas bars in all of Seville. You will find it located behind a big blue door and inside there’s plenty of atmosphere, charm, larger than normal portions.

PETIT COMIT TAPAS

Petit Comite is another one of my favourite finds – recommended to me by a local, a hidden gem with upscale tapas in a cosy and romantic small tapas restaurant. My favourite dish was the octopus with truffle whipped potatoes. It’s a must visit!

FILO

Filo is one of the few places in Seville that offers healthy bites, such as vegetarian sandwich, fresh juices, carrot cake with coffee, I know it sounds basic, but it’s rare for traditional Seville to find somewhere so cool!

If you’re looking for more tapas options, check out my guide to the best tapas bars in Seville!

THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE AT NIGHT

Seville transforms at night! The streets and restaurants become more atmospheric with candle lights and Spanish music! Here are a few of my favourite nighttime spots!

LA TERRAZA ROOFTOP BAR

Sunset dinks on a stylish roof top terrace with epic views over the Seville Cathedral, there’s no better place to gather! La Terraza at EME Hotel is the perfect rooftop with a long bar, tall stools, cocktail menu and good vibes. Arrive early though as the terrace fills up fast!

Love rooftop terraces? You can also check out my full guide to the best rooftop bars in Seville for amazing views!

FLAMENCO SHOW

As highlighted seeing an authentic Flamenco show in Seville is a must do! It’s particularly great to go in the evening once the sun has cooled, often the shows start at 7or 8pm and the last one at 10pm, you can start your evening here then try a few tapas and wine places afterwards.

Casa de la Memoria or Tablao Flamanco Los Gallios in Santa Cruz are both fantastic spots for starting your night, I have visited both and highly recommend both! Flamenco shows are the best things to see in Seville!

CALLE MATEOS GAGO

The liveliest street in Santa Cruz is Calle Mateos Gago, a vibrant hub lined with bustling tapas bars, traditional restaurants, and lively cafes.

With stunning views of La Giralda, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, offering an authentic Sevillian atmosphere. It’s perfect for an evening stroll, it really captures the essence of Seville’s charm and nightlife – grab an orange wine!

Looking for help putting together an itinerary for Seville? Check out my complete 1 Day In Seville Itinerary or my 2 Days In Seville Itinerary!!!

GUIDE TO SEVILLE TIPS

Now you know what to see in Seville, here’s some important planning information to perfect your trip!

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.

AIRBNB IN SEVILLE

One thing to know is that there are hundreds of Airbnb’s in Seville, however there’s a lot of noisy streets and neighbourhoods that are scattered around Seville City, that are not all that desirable. A lot of these Airbnb apartments are above shops and restaurants etc.

For a hassle-free Seville holiday, particularly if it’s your first visit, stick to nice hotels! This way you don’t waste a moment checking in and exploring!

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.

To book in advance:

• Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda – top guided tour
• Private Luxury River Cruise – best river cruise!
• Casa de la Memorial – best flamenco show
• Cordoba – best day trip from Seville

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING 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 close to Seville.

WHEN TO VISIT SEVILLE

An excellent time to visit Seville is in Spring, when the flowers and orange trees are in full bloom and it’s not too hot yet. If you’re looking for winter sun, Seville is also a great choice between October and December.

HOW MANY DAYS IN SEVILLE

How many days do you need in Seville? A long weekend break is the perfect amount of time to spend in Seville, around 3 to 4 days, if you want to also include a fantastic day trip to the White Villages and spectacular scenery!

HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE

AIRPORTS CLOSE TO SEVILLE

Seville’s airport is Sevilla International Airport (SVQ) is the closest airport, however if it doesn’t work with your international flight you can consider Madrid Airport or even Malaga Airport. All three airports have easy links to Seville City.

TRAINS TO SEVILLE

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 AVA 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 – and is often more reliable than the train.

RENTAL CAR

If you’re travelling around Southern Spain independently you can rent a car at the airport. Discover Cars, are a great option as they provide a comparison of car rental prices from various vendors across Seville ensuring you find reasonable rates without the hassle!

PRIVATE DRIVER

For peace of mind, I recommend booking a private driver with Welcome Pickups, you can arrange a private transfer with a professional driver to pick you up and drop you off at any location in or around Seville.

GETTING AROUND SEVILLE

Walk: Seville is a very walkable and relatively flat city, you can easily walk to all the major sights listed in this guide including the best neighbourhoods of Seville – Santa Cruz, 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.

Horse-Carriage: Take a short trip to see the sights around Santa Maria Park via the Guadalquivir River and Plaza de Espana.

Looking for a beautiful boutique hotel in Seville? Check out my guide to the best luxury and boutique hotels in the old town of Seville!

GUIDE TO SEVILLE FAQ

Is Seville warm in January?

Seville city sees one of the mildest Januarys in Europe (16-18 Celsius) – it’s an attractive destination to visit all year round. Plus activities and accommodation can be enjoyed with appealingly low rates from January to March.

What not to miss in Sevilla Spain?

Whether your visiting for 1 day or 4, do not miss the Alcazar Gardens Seville, Spanish Square and wandering around Santa Cruz – the oldest most charming part of Seville! Also you must catch an authentic Flamenco Show!

What should I know before visiting Seville Spain?

If you’re not keen on festivals, you should probably avoid the holidays in Seville city center, because they are extra! This includes Easter holidays and the September festival – it takes over the Andalusia region!

Is Seville expensive?

Seville is not expensive, in fact Seville is one of the more affordable cities in Europe, especially when compared to Paris or London. It’s possible to find quality budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining and activities – a local glass of wine in a atmospheric square is as little as €3.

Is Seville near the sea?

If you want to visit the coast for the day, Cadiz makes a great day trip from Seville, you can visit this lovely seaside location quite easily with the trains from Cadiz to Seville running frequently, plus there’ organised excursions!

GUIDE TO SEVILLE 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 several times!

I hope you have found this guide to Seville Spain helpful in planning your own itinerary, whether that’s a European city break or part of a longer Andalusian road trip.

Pick your favourite things to see in Seville and include a day tour to the surrounding white villages – it’s a must-do!

Accommodation also plays a huge role in the kind of experience you’ll have while in Seville, luckily I have scoured the best areas and handpicked the best luxury and boutique hotels for you, choose your ideal Seville hotel here!

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Plan your Seville visit!

Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours for travel in Seville!

• 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
• Welcome pickups – travel to Seville Spain in luxury

Read Next:

• Best Boutique Hotels In Seville
• Complete Guide To Alcazar Gardens Seville
• 7 Best Rooftop Bars In Seville For Views
• 5 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville
• 7 Best Tapas Bars In Seville
• 1 Day In Seville Perfect Itinerary
• 2 Days In Seville Itinerary: What To See & Do
• 25 Magical Things To Do In Seville Spain
• Seville To Cordoba Day Trip: Perfect 1 day Itinerary

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