Seville, located in the Andalusia region of Spain, is a charming city with incredible architecture, a rich history and a great food scene. There’s a host of wonderful things to do in Seville that are perfect for a long weekend city break.
In this post, I’ll share all the secrets 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 (even in January), enjoy traditional 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 parts of Andalusia – in my opinion, the most attractive region in Spain – check out the best 7-day tours from Seville here.
Here’s what not to miss 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 heart of the old town, its grandness is very hard to miss. Inside is just as spectacular, there are 80 chapels and many historical relics to explore. One of those is Christopher Columbus’s final resting place and you must also stop by the domed Chapter House to admire the paintings of Murillo, there is a great deal of history under one highly detailed Gothic roof!
GIRALDA TOWER
Don’t miss the Giralda Bell Tower climb (35 stairs, if you wondered) for epic panorama views over the city of Seville, it is well worth the effort. You can also book these queue jump tickets ahead of time, which will take you straight into the cathedral and includes the bell tower admission – it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Seville.
When to visit the Seville Cathedral?
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.
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.
Discover intricate gold ceilings, gorgeous courtyards with colourful tiles, tall palm trees, fountains and exotic gardens as you walk from one attractive courtyard to the next. The restaurant’s terrace might be my favourite part of the whole experience, here you can take a coffee break with peacocks roaming the patio, so very dream-like.
Similarly to the Alhambra in Granada, the Real Alcazar is opulent, and decorative and shows many influences of Moorish Spain. Also, just like the Alhambra it draws a huge crowd and lines of people queuing to get in, to avoid a wait in the glaring sun, book your skip-the-line ticket here.
HISTORICAL GUIDED TOUR
If you’re looking for a historical guided tour of all three of the above main attractions; Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and Alcazar then I recommend this highly rated small group tour, you’ll get a private entrance and a local guide to show you where all the hidden treasures are in half the time! All three sights are just a short walk from each other, but there can be annoyingly long queues at each, if you don’t want to waste time, this is your best option.
Book: Seville: Cathedral, Giralda & Royal Alcazar Guided Tour
PLAZA DE ESPANA
Plaza de Espana next to Maria Luisa Park is another spectacular sight you cannot miss when visiting 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. Most people just hang out here, take pictures, relax and have a breather from the bustling old town, sometimes there’s an impromptu (mini) flamenco show for entertainment as well – more on that below!
TIP! Arrive in time for sunset and take a walk through the lovely Maria Luisa Park on the way, at this time the sunlight will be beautiful, read this post for more sunset tips!
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 most are used for festivals or to showcase via a walking tour.
The Real Maestranza in Seville is I must admit 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. You can also check out this guide for more Spanish Culture tips!
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 lose yourself 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.
Historical sights in Barrio Santa Cruz:
- Rosina’s Balcony
- Casa de Murillo
- Palacio Duenas
- Casa de Pilatos
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 start!
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
TRIANA NEIGHBOURHOOD
Exploring the local neighbourhood of Triana is one of the best things to do in Seville. Situated across the Guadalquivir, Triana is full of flavour and you’ll find some of the best local arts, crafts and ceramic stalls as well as authentic flamenco.
After exploring the streets you could go for an traditional bite to eat at Triana Market or check out the trendy Hotel Zenit rooftop terrace for a drink, it’s probably the most sleek in the whole of Seville!
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.
HISTORICAL HOTELS
From former Palaces to stately Manors and luxury iconic stays, many wonderful historical properties in Seville have been converted into the most amazing hotels. Some of the best include dreamy courtyards, outdoor patios, roof terraces, traditional Andalusian tiles, arches and original ceiling beams – all the Old World character you could wish for!
Hotel Alfonso XIII, boutique Corral del Ray and Placido y Grata are three of the best examples. If you not lucky enough to be staying there, you can easily visit and check out the restaurants, roof terraces and lobby’s.
Book a stay at a beautiful Historic Hotel
LA TERRAZA ROOF TERRACE
What not to miss in Seville – the secret rooftop terraces! After a day of exploring enjoy a cool drink at one of Seville’s best rooftop bars with a special 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.
La Terraza is one of the best places to go to for sunset, head there early as it’s very popular- and the atmosphere is wonderful!
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.
TIME FOR A DAY TRIP?
Seville is well placed to visit some spectacular gems in Andalusia, from the local vineyards to the famous Pueblo Blancos (white villages). With gorgeous landscapes and white-washed photogenic houses set amongst rolling green hills, they are a must-visit.
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!
Book: Seville: White Villages & Ronda Small Group Full Day Tour
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 accommodations.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN SEVILLE
When it comes to accommodation in Seville, you’ll find small boutique hotels with original character and charm and many stunning boutique hotels, some even have rooftop pools. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, boutique or an apartment, this list has something for you!
Here’s my top picks 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
- Hotel Boutique Corral del Ray check prices
- Placido y Grata check prices
- Hotel Amadeus check prices
Apartments
- Mylu Suites check prices
- Well Done Apartments check prices
- Suites Maestranza Santas Patronas check prices
SEVILLE TIPS
Seville is a popular European city to visit, I highly recommend booking your tickets online and in advance to avoid waiting in long lines, particularly the Real Alcázar, where the queues can be enormous!
Book at least a week in advance for the best flamenco show and the guided skip-the-queue tour of Seville’s top three attractions; Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda – note this tour fills up fast, book it as soon as you can it’s one of the best things to do in Seville!
BOOK ACTIVITIES
HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE
Seville is a very accessible destination with good flight and train connections from other European cities and local trains to other places in Andalusia.
BY AIR
The nearest Airport to Seville is Sevilla International Airport (SVQ). Seville is fortunate to have an airport and it’s just a 20-minute taxi ride from the centre of town. There’s also an airport bus that runs approximately every 25 minutes to the station nearby Santa Cruz the journey time is around 35 minutes.
Costs: Taxi €25-30, Bus €4
BY TRAIN
The train is the best way to get to Seville if you’re already in Spain. Seville’s Santa Justa train station is well connected with high-speed trains to other major Spanish cities, including, Cordoba (50 minutes) and Malaga (2 hours). It is recommended to book in advance and check times before departure. Check rail travel here.
BY BUS
Seville has two centrally located bus stations, Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastian. If travelling by bus around Andalusia you are in for countryside views and long and windy roads and the buses are relly coaches, you can look at the time table and reserve your seat here.
GETTING AROUND SEVILLE
Seville Old Town is very walkable, you can walk around pretty much everything in this guide in less than 40 minutes! Triana is just across the bridge and if you’re heading to the city centre it will be an extra 20 minutes to Macarena.
HIRE A CAR
If you’re planning on exploring more of the region and the attractive towns near Seville; Cordoba or Carmona and the interesting smaller villages ‘Pueblos Blancos’ hiring a car will be a more convenient and flexible way to do it. Consider using Discover Cars, they provide a comparison of car rental prices from various vendors across Seville ensuring you find a great rate – it’s an effective way to secure a rental without the hassle!
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! March to May is the best time to visit Seville when the gardens are lush and green and the evenings are light. In these months there are also fewer crowds and better hotel prices – Seville is one of the best winter-sun destinations closer to home.
Is Seville warm in January?
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 3 nights you can absorb the vibrant culture better, wander around more and factor in a holiday-enhancing activity in Seville or nearby.
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 entertainment, remarkably a glass of wine in a pretty orange tree-filled square is as little as €3 – and a tapas from €1.50.
Is Seville a good European city break?
Seville stands out as one of the best European city breaks. Boasting excellent connection links from most major European cities, a vibrant cultural scene, and abundant sunshine throughout the year, it’s the perfect choice for a cultural weekend getaway.
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 four 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 booking flights, 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:
- 5 Essential Things To Do In Granada
- Travel Tips For Ronda Spain
- 7 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville Spain
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