The Spanish City Everyone Needs to Visit: A Sevilla Guide
About Seville
Seville, the fourth largest city in Spain, captivates with its picturesque charm and rich history. Influenced by ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Muslim empires, the city's intricate architecture stands as a reflection of its heritage.
As the birthplace of Flamenco, Spanish art put into a dance, Seville has impressive nightlife, lively festivals, and numerous bars and restaurants serving delectable Spanish cuisine for its size.
It's a destination that is quite easy to reach as it has its own international airport in close proximity and is only a three-hour train ride from Madrid, Spain’s capital.
One advantage that Seville has over its competing Spanish cities is that it’s quite affordable and has a more calm and cozy atmosphere.
When to Visit
Seville receives most of its visitors in the fall, spring, and winter due to intense, scorching hot summers. Winters tend to be mild, while temperatures tend to be perfect in the fall and spring, averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in March and November. Peak season is March-April when visitors can experience Seville’s most renowned festivals. La Semana Santa (Holy Week), takes place over the seven days leading up to Easter, and La Feria de Abril (the April Fair), follows just two weeks later. Due to high demand, it's advisable to secure bookings well in advance as these festivities attract a record number of attendees each year. Expect to pay more for lodgings during these festivals.
The best time to go for budget travelers: July, August, December and January.
Where to Stay
There are a large number of basic and luxury hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs scattered around the city. Many lodgings in the city center include rooftop terraces that offer spectacular panoramic views and possible vistas of the Cathedral and Giralda.
The best neighborhoods to stay in for tourists: Centro, Santa Cruz, El Arenal, Alfalfa
Reputable Luxury Hotels: Hotel Alfonso XIII & Hotel Colón Gran Meliá
Popular Comfortable Hotels: Hotel Inglaterra & Aquitania Home Suites
Favorite Hostels: JOY Hostel, La Banda Rooftop & Onefam Catedral
How to Get Around
Seville is very walking and biking-friendly. Explore with ease by renting bikes through Sevici, a company that has conveniently installed bike racks citywide. Alternatively, buses frequently run and their schedules can be found online or using Google Maps. A transportation card can be purchased at any TUSSAN information point, and keep in mind you must wave the bus down. And don’t be surprised if its not on time. Both day and long-distance trips can be booked in and out of the city by bus at their main station, Plaza Armas, or by train at their main station, Santa Justa.
How to use Sevici: Download the app “Sevici” on your smartphone, create an account, purchase a daily or short-term pass, find the nearest station on the digital map, and choose a bike to rent. Then when you’re done, return the bike to any available bike rack around the city, lock it, and you’re good to go.
The best apps for booking buses and trains in advance: Omio, Renfe, & Trainline
Note: You can also use Bolt and Uber, or wave down a taxi!
Things to see
La Plaza de España: This extravagant architectural masterpiece is one of the city’s highlights and can be found in Maria Luisa Park. The style is a reflection of the country’s history and diverse influence. (Free)
The Seville Cathedral and Giralda: The Seville Cathedral is currently the 3rd largest one in the world and is recognized for its grand Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Also home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must. From the inside, you can enter the Giralda Tower and walk up the 35 floors to the top where you can hear the bell ring and see the city from above. (Free Mondays from 4:30 pm to 7 pm but must reserve your spot online)
The Royal Alcazar: Often hosting events for the Spanish royal family, this stunning palace is one of the oldest functioning. It was originally built as a fortress but has been modified and expanded since, mirroring centuries of architectural evolution. Detailed halls, charming rooms, and large lush gardens with roaming peacocks are just some of the features. (Admission cost, best to book online in advance)
Barrio Santa Cruz: One of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods full of history, windy cobblestoned streets and buildings that reflect the region's architecture. Here you can also find the Cathedral and Royal Alcazar. (Free)
Maria Luisa Park: Sizing at almost 100 acres, it’s Sevilla’s most well-known park full of rich green gardens, orange shade trees, benches, ponds home to birds, and more. It’s a common place for workouts and family fun too. (Free)
Triana Market: A bustling, traditional market offering a variety of different vendors and restaurants selling high-quality artisan goods and fresh food products. A great place to taste a handful of Andalucian food. (Free to enter)
Las Setas: Also known as the mushroom, Las Setas is a futuristic showpiece that also serves as an attraction where people can walk on elevated walkways and see magnificent views of the city. (Entrance fee, but good for two separate entries)
Torre del Oro: Once a prison, the Torre del Oro is a watchtower sitting on the Guadalquivir River. For a very small entrance fee, visitors can walk around the maritime museum inside and climb the stairs to the open top level. (€3 entrance fee, free on Mondays)
Where to Eat
Delicious tapas can be found around almost every corner.
Torres Y García: A super affordable Michelin Star restaurant offering a delicious and diverse Mediterranean menu from fish to seafood and wood-fired pizza. Plus, it has an elegant atmosphere with quick, friendly, and attentive staff.
Pelayo Bar: An exceptional place to try an abundance of tasty tapas and wines. And located just steps away from the Cathedral and Giralda.
Cinco Jotas: A fancier dinner option of Spanish cuisine featuring an exclusive wine list. Limited seating so make sure to reserve one in advance.
El Rinconcillo: One of the oldest tapas bars in Seville and is rated among the top restaurants in the area. The decor and environment inside are in the Sevillano style. You must make a reservation for a table, or you can wait for the bar.
Bar Postiguillo Tapas: A rustic-style tapas bar with a very large food menu. It is recommended by locals and is near the city center.
Recommended Tours and Excursions
Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville
Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets
Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal with Drink and Optional Dinner or Tapas
Spanish Cooking Class & Triana Market Tour in Sevilla
*I do not get a commission from recommending these tours, they are simply tours that I would book for myself and that I am sharing with you.
