Embark on a journey to explore the oldest city in Spain, the birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting. Vibrant, lively, and melodic, Seville makes an indelible impression and captivates you at first sight. The capital of Andalusia still preserves its cultural spirit in its labyrinthine streets and is ready to share its energy with all travelers. Each year, more and more famous bloggers and filmmakers come to Seville to showcase the beauty of this Spanish city. It has already been the backdrop for parts of films like "Star Wars," "Game of Thrones," "Lawrence of Arabia," "Control," "Kingdom of Heaven," and more. Be sure to include Seville in your list of destinations in Spain, and this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Here is a list of places and activities in the city.
THINGS TO SEE IN SEVILLE
1. Plaza de España
Arguably one of Spain's most impressive architectural masterpieces that every tourist must see. The Plaza de España stretches across 50,000 square meters, adorned with magnificent buildings in the neo-Moorish style and an adjoining park. At its center, you'll find a fountain surrounded by tranquil canals with bridges. At the park's entrance, you can rent a rowboat to paddle along the canals. Be sure to stroll beneath the building's colonnades, then ascend to the second floor to enjoy a view from above.
In Maria Luisa Park, you can take shelter from the heat or rest on your way under the lush canopies of exotic palm trees, Mediterranean pines, orange trees, and elms. Additionally, there are souvenir and snack stalls. Within the complex, you'll come across numerous horse-drawn carriages, which you can take for a further exploration.
Opening Hours: 8:00 - 22:00
Ticket Price: Free
Tip: To capture great photos, arrive at the park's opening at 10 am when there are fewer tourists.
2. Casa de Pilatos
Visit one of the most stunning museums in the city. It offers a stroll through the garden and a guided tour of the house in both English and Spanish. The garden features incredibly beautiful plants from all over the world that harmoniously blend with the architecture. On the premises, you'll encounter fountains, statues, rose-covered arches, exotic palm trees, and over a hundred other plants. Don't forget to have a photoshoot here.
Please note that you can only enter the house with a guide, and tours are conducted every half hour. Video recording inside is prohibited, but photography is allowed. The rooms showcase a rather rich collection of furniture, statues, and paintings. The most charming aspect is the balconies adorned with lush red flowers and breathtaking views of the city or the garden.
Ticket Price: €10 for the garden, €15 for the garden + house
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
3. Seville Cathedral and Churches
Be sure to visit the Seville Cathedral and walk around it from the street, as it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest Catholic church. Only St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and St. Paul's Cathedral in London surpass it in size. In 1988, it was even recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest cathedral in terms of area in the world. Inside, you'll find intricate ceilings, massive walls, a magnificent altar, impressive bells, and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. It's also exceptionally beautiful at night with the city lights – highly recommended.
Ticket Price: €11 online, €12 at the ticket office, students and seniors €6 (includes access to Columbus's tomb). You can also get an audio guide for €5.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:45-17:00, Sun 14:30-18:30
Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the entrance. During services, you can enter the cathedral for free, but a significant portion of the structure will be closed.
Here are a few more churches that I recommend visiting:
Iglesia de Santa Cruz
Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
Iglesia de Misericordia
Capilla de Maria Auxiliadora
Iglesia de San Martin de Tours
Hermandad del Valle
4. Seville Alcazar
Visit the enchanting royal palace to get up close with Mudéjar style. The intricate floors, walls, and ceilings are exquisite works of art, reaching the pinnacle of elegance and luxury! This is where they filmed the palace scenes of Dorne in the "Game of Thrones" series. Construction began in 1364, and the Alcazar served as the residence of kings for 700 years. Today, tourists consider it one of the wonders of the world. You'll see charming areas like the apartments of Charles V, the Hall of Ambassadors, the Courtyard of the Maidens, the bedroom of Moorish kings, and the Puppet Courtyard.
Ticket Price: €13.50
Opening Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
5. Torre del Oro
Climb the 37-meter tower from the 13th century, which rises by the banks of the Guadalquivir River, to enjoy panoramic views of Seville. Its name "Golden Tower" comes from the fact that it used to be covered with golden tiles. In the past, it was part of the city's defensive fortifications, but now it houses a small naval museum with preserved historical documents, navigation maps, compasses, ship models, and other exhibits. By the way, you can spot it in Jim Jarmusch's film "Limits of Control." Take a stroll around the tower along the riverside, shaded by palm trees, and you'll capture some excellent photos.
Ticket Price: €3
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-19:00, Sat-Sun 10:30-19:00
6. Metropol Parasol
As you stroll through the city center, you'll come across a mysterious 150-meter structure colloquially known as "the mushrooms." On the ground floor, you can visit restaurants, a market, and an archaeological museum. Then, ascend to a height of 26 meters, walk along the whimsical pathways, and enjoy a view of the city from above. Here, on the stairs, you'll find the phrase "I love Sevilla," but you may have to wait in line with other tourists for a good shot.
Ticket Price: €15
Opening Hours: 9:30 - 0:30
Tip: It's best to go up early in the morning or in the evening at sunset; at noon, the sun is scorching, and photos may be overexposed.
WHAT MORE TO DO IN SEVELLE
1. Attend a Flamenco Show
To truly experience the spirit of Andalusia, you must attend a flamenco show. This passionate dance, accompanied by ethnic songs and the strumming of the guitar, is believed to have its origins in this southern region. Seville, as the capital of Andalusia, hosts some of the best flamenco shows. Watching the dance, it seems as though locals are born with a love for flamenco and an incredible sense of rhythm. These shows are held in bars and concert halls and usually start after 4 PM. You can head to a local restaurant for dinner and simultaneously watch the spinning Spanish dancers. The soul-stirring music and passionate dance send shivers down the audience's spine! Often, you can catch a small show in the Plaza de España, where theater artists gather to showcase their talents. After the show, you can leave a tip and take a business card with an invitation to the theater where they perform in the evenings.
Here is a list of establishments I like:
Teatro Flamenco Sevilla (Theater)
La Casa del Flamenco (Theater)
Lo Nuestro (Bar)
Tablado Flamenco Pura Esencia Sevilla (Bar)
Tablao Flamenco El Palácio Andaluz (Restaurant)
La Madriguera de Mai (Restaurant)
Tablao Flamenco El Arenal (Restaurant)
Ticket Price: Starting from €25 for a show
Opening Hours: 16:00 - 23:00
Tip: You can book your tickets on the official website or through social media, and it's advisable to do so in advance.
2. Stroll along the cobbled streets
Get up early and start exploring the charming old streets of Seville, where you'll encounter unique Mudéjar architecture (a blend of Gothic and Moorish styles), lush blooming gardens, cathedrals, and numerous local restaurants. It's worth noting that all the city streets are paved with cobblestones, so opt for comfortable, lightweight footwear.
Choose a direction to explore and simply follow the city's labyrinthine streets. Don't focus too much on the map; wander around and enjoy the beauty of these uncharted areas. On your way back, try a different route to cover more of Seville's streets. I recommend walking in the historic center as well as the area across the river - Triana.
3. Take a carriage ride through the city
Seville is the fourth-largest city in Spain, and every street and neighborhood is incredibly beautiful, tempting you to walk and explore every corner. If you have limited time in the city or your energy is running low after long walks, you can comfortably hop into a horse-drawn carriage. The coachman will not only take you through the most picturesque avenues but also share fascinating stories. You can start the ride from various points in the historic center, but the carriages are more readily available near the Cathedral and in the Park of Spain Square. Bicycles are also very popular in the city; see detailed information below.
Ticket Price: €100 for a 4-person tour
Operating Hours: 8:00 - 0:00
Tip: Choose a carriage with a roof to shield yourself from Seville's scorching sun.
4. Watch the sunset on the waterfront
Dedicate an evening to a stroll along the waterfront, which you can combine with a visit to the Triana district. Cross various small bridges over the Guadalquivir River and enjoy views of the Torre del Oro and the passing ships. I recommend returning across the bridge to witness the purple sunset over the city. Sit down with the locals on the waterfront, feel the leisurely Spanish rhythm of life, and savor your time in Seville. Often, you can also find street musicians performing great Spanish songs here.
5. Attend a football match
In Spain, it's a must to attend a football match, and you can do it in almost any city as most teams play in the top league. Even the second divisions offer an incredible atmosphere at the stadiums. A few days before the match, the away fans arrive in the host city, painting the streets in the club's colors. The celebrations can last for 1-2 days in the club's attire. Even if you don't make it to the stadium, you'll experience the excitement on the streets, in bars, and parks where fans celebrate with Spanish songs, chants, and dances. It's worth noting that fights between Spanish fans are extremely rare, occurring slightly more often when foreign clubs are involved, but it's not initiated by the Spaniards.
Ticket price: €10-€150
Opening hours: Matches are often scheduled from Friday to Sunday, so that everyone has a chance to attend and celebrate for a few days without affecting work. The matches typically start in the evening and run until midnight.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance. Football is very popular in Spain, and tickets sell out quickly after they become available.
Getting around the city
The city is quite large, and each of its neighborhoods is unique and interesting in its own way. I recommend spending most of your time in the historical center. Here, many streets are so narrow that they are only used by pedestrians. Interestingly, there are very few cars; many Spanish cities are consciously promoting a trend of pedestrian walking or bicycle use to improve the environment, and Seville is one of them. And it's truly astonishing and admirable!
Bus / Tram
In the historic city center, you will find trams, while buses run a bit further out. You can pay with a bank card at the turnstile. If you plan to travel a lot and frequently, consider getting a pass for 1-3 days. Maria often offers significant discounts on fares; during my visit, there was a 50% discount. However, the city is so beautiful that you'll likely prefer to explore it on foot, wandering through its intricate streets, and public transportation may not be necessary.
Bicycles / Scooters
If you're tired of walking, the best solution is to rent two-wheeled transport, which you can find parked everywhere. Download the app on your phone, link your bank card, and scan the QR code - you're good to go! I recommend renting for a day or several days at once. Seville has 180 km of bike lanes, making cycling in the city a real pleasure!
How to Get to Seville
Seville has its own airport where there are direct international flights from almost every European city. I flew from Lisbon, Portugal, which took about 1 hour, and the ticket cost 17€. The airport is quite far from the city center, but you can get there by bus or taxi. The bus stop for these services is slightly further from the exit on the right side. You can buy a bus ticket from the driver or at the terminal across from the stop. I landed around 1 AM and took the bus, which was still running, although less frequently. Here's the information that might help you:
Bus Schedule:
- Airport to Seville: 5:22 AM to 1:00 AM
- Seville to Airport: 4:30 AM to 12:11 AM
Bus Ticket Price: 4€
Travel Time: From 35 minutes, depending on traffic
Taxi Fare: 80-100€
The best hotels in Seville
Beautiful hotels with a welcoming atmosphere can pleasantly surprise even the most seasoned travelers. The price for accommodation services, even during the summer season, is noticeably lower than in other Spanish cities.
Hostels and guesthouses range from 15 to 50€ per night. Here are a few with stunning designs and budget-friendly prices:
room007 Select Tetuán
Casa Catedral
Hostal Roomsole
Santiago 15 Casa Palacio
Hotels 3-4* per night 50-300€:
EME Cathedral hotel 5*
Casa Palácio Don Rámon 5*
Hotel Unuk 5*
Hotel Alfonso XIII 5*
Hotel doña Maria 4*
Casa del Rey Sábio 4*
Hotel Legado Alcazar 4*
Petit Palace Santa Cruz 4*
The best restaurants and bars in Seville.
Spanish cuisine is a sight to behold in itself, and Seville boasts dozens of worthy restaurants and bars. For breakfast, Spaniards prefer toast with fresh tomatoes and olive oil, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee. Some add cheese and ham to their morning regimen, as well as tortilla (egg with potatoes and onions). For lunch and dinner, you can find rice, potatoes, seafood, or meat. I recommend trying paella and tapas.
Here are some breakfast places:
Brunch Milk Away
Billy Brunch Sevilla
Aba de Sevilla Breakfast & Brunch
Ofelia Bakery
La Mala Brunch Rivero
Cafe Paradas7 Brunch
Lunch and dinner:
100montaditos: A Spanish restaurant chain offering tapas, democratic prices, and very tasty snacks with drinks. Conveniently located in Seville with a good view. The menu is so extensive that you can try the whole Spanish cuisine in small portions (6-7 cm) for €1! I recommend trying tapas with tuna, potato omelet, and delicate cheese.
PETRA (tapas bar with Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines)
Az-Zait (Spanish cuisine)
La Linterna Ciega (pub with Spanish cuisine)
Gascona (Spanish)
Sibuya urban sushi (Japanese)
Alimentari E Diversi (Italian)
MareaViva (European)
When and for how long should you visit Seville
Seville is the hottest city in Spain, with temperatures exceeding +55°C from August to September. During my trip from May 3 to May 6, it was +38°C, so I recommend avoiding the summer months for your visit. Otherwise, you'll likely spend your afternoons to evenings indoors with air conditioning in cafes or hotels. The most comfortable time to visit in terms of temperature is from October to April, especially since Seville is not near the sea and rainfall is very rare.
Seville is known worldwide for its April Fair and Easter celebrations, but aside from these events, the city hosts daily activities right on the streets, including flamenco performances, musical choirs, church processions with orchestras, celebrations of sports victories, and more. It's truly a spectacular sight!
A minimum stay of 3 days is worthwhile, although the architectural beauty and cultural richness are so diverse that even after a week, you won't want to leave this delightful place.
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