“The Last City of Romance”, “Europe’s Sunniest City”, and “The Pearl of Andalusia”; These are just some of Seville’s many nicknames. They sure paint a pretty picture don’t they?
Well, they are all quite accurate, and Seville is indeed a picture perfect city! I had high expectations when I finally made it to Seville last week, and surprisingly those expectations were not only met but bettered!
In this short and compact guide, I’ll try help YOU have as good a time in Seville as I did!
Happy reading!
- Things to do
- When to go
- Major Events and Festivals in Seville
- Best Hostels
- Where to eat
- Where to Drink
- Custom Map
Things to do
Marvel at the Royal Alcázar of Seville
The undoubted main attraction of Seville is the immense and exquisite palace built over a millennia ago; The Royal Alcázar. This palace and it’s magical gardens have been constantly added to, making it a time capsule into each of Spain’s eras.
For more details and a look at what to expect from a visit to the Alcázar, check out this article I wrote on my experience.
Walk through the magnificent Plaza de España
This massive, ultra impressive plaza is one of the most recognisable sites in all of Spain, and it’s free to enter too! Watch a flamenco show, see the pretty mosaics, and take in the view from the second level viewpoints. This spot truly is mind-blowing!
Take a stroll in Parque de María Luisa
Just behind Plaza de España is Parque de María Luisa; a gorgeous tree filled park chock full with serene gardens, striking sculptures, interesting museums, and chirping birds. During late March the smell of orange blossom fills the air.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
The old Jewish Quarter is a charming area just to the East of the Alcázar and Cathedral. It’s winding alleys, pleasant cafes, and picturesque courtyards can be explored for hours on end.
Visit the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest overall, this UNESCO world heritage site is simply a wonder to behold. The neighbouring tower, La Giralda; offers unrivaled views of the city. Chuck in the fact that you can visit Christopher Columbus’s tomb (allegedly, though their are rumours that the body isn’t his), and you can see why the Cathedral is one of Seville’s most famous attractions.
See the Setas de Sevilla
The Setas is the worlds largest wooden structure! You can see it for free, either during the day when the courtyard it covers is abuzz with life, or at night when the Setas are spectacularly lit up. You can even walk along the Setas for a small fee.
Cost to go up – 15 euros. Includes an aurora show, viewpoint, and multi-sensory screening
Watch a flamenco show
Flamenco is a dance synonymous with Seville. You can (and will) see it being performed all around the city by street performers, mostly in plazas and in front of popular attractions. You can also opt to see the dance being performed at a bar (La Carboneria has great flamenco for free, just buy a drink to support the bar), or at a professional show (there’s a good one at the Museum of Flamenco)
Learn naval history and get sumptuous river views from Torre del Oro
In this 12th century defensive tower, you’ll learn about the many famed Spanish exhibitions to discover the new world during the era of the Conquistadors, before heading to the forts’ roof for views over the city. The tower has no entrance fee, but there’s an advised donation of three euros which the staff will pressure you to make.
Walk the small streets of Triana
Triana is one Seville’s most famous neighbourhoods. Located just across the river, come here in morning (or anytime until 3 pm) to visit the bustling Triana Market, which is open from 9 am until 3 pm from Monday to Saturday. (It stays closed on Sundays as I found out the hard way)
Other things to do:
- Visit the Case de Pilatos
- Check out the Seville Museum of Fine Arts
- Take a bike along the river
- Explore the Palacio de las Duenas
- Tour Plaza de Toros, the cities bull fighting arena
- Take a day trip to the Roman ruins of Italica, used to film Game of Thrones (it’s the dragon pit)
When to go
October – January
The weather in October and November is great with days being warm (think 16-25 Celsius) and nights being cool but not cold. The crowds aren’t bad at this time of year though it gets quite busy on weekends with domestic travelers coming in from across Spain. December and January are similar just a few degrees cooler and with slightly less people. It tends to rain one in five days during these months so consider packing a light jacket (as well as a light jumper for the nights)
February – April
The shoulder months, come during the early spring for comfortable weather without many crowds. Over these months, the restaurant terraces will start livening up, while not being overly busy yet. It’s a good time to feel the atmosphere of the city, especially in late March when the scent of Orange Blossom fills the air.
March and April also means it’s festival time! During Semana Santa and the energising Feria de Abril, try and book your accommodation well in advance, and expect peak prices. It’ll be worth it when you take to the streets to celebrate all things Andalusia!
May, June, and September
Late spring and early autumn are perhaps the best times to explore the city while its charm is at an all time high. Temperatures are hot but not sweltering, the sun is shining, and the daylight hours are long. Dining al Fresco is great in these months, and the parks are alive with the ferocious taping of Flamenco dancers.
Bare in mind that these are the peak months so rooms can get quite pricey, the city is busy, and their may be lines to get into the most popular attractions.
July and August
If you choose to come mid summer, prepare for some sizzling heat, Seville’s known as Europe’s hottest city for a reason, with temperatures regularly reaching 35-40 Celsius! However; if you can brave the heat, you’ll be rewarded with Seville being at its least crowded, meaning you can explore the city in piece and not have to worry about long lines. Make sure to drink a LOT of water during these months, and use museums, cafes, and anything else indoors to cool off.
Major Events and Festivals in Seville
Santa Semana – The week leading to Easter – Seville is the most popular place in Spain for Santa Semana, so expect large crowds. The main attraction are the famous processions through the streets of Seville, of which there are over 60 all in one week! Being such a popular festival, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance!
Feria de Abril – Two weeks after Santa Semana – This week-long festival is marked by an outburst of joy and colour, where the streets of the Los Remedios district come alive with flamenco music and dance as people celebrate Andalusian culture and traditions. As with Santa Semana, if you plan on coming in for Feria de Abril, make sure you book accommodation early.
Seville’s Bullfighting Season – Starts from the end of Santa Semana and lasting until late September.
Sevilla/Real Betis Football Season – August through to late May. A top thing to do in Seville is to attend a match at either of its two major clubs. Each teams schedule can change based on which competitions they’re still in, so make sure you come when there’s a home game to attend before booking your tickets (if you want to see a match that is).
Best Hostels
Onefam Catedral – My recommendation
One of if not my favourite hostel in Europe, Onefam Catedral has the perfect mix of being social without being wild and crazy. Their are activities daily, “eveningly” (is that even a word?!), and nightly, all led by the absolutely incredible team of volunteers1 who really made my stay special. There’s an excellent kitchen, two cosy indoor common rooms, and a rooftop terrace. The rooms themselves are decent but I would recommend making sure you book a room with an en-suite bathroom as the shared bathrooms are clean but quite cramped. The location of the hostel is also incredible, being situated in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter.
Some other hostels I’ve heard good things about:
La Banda Rooftop Hostel
I actually went here to meet up with some folk for tapas. The hostel seemed really chic and the rooftop was definitely nice (hence why it’s in the name). They’re a but pricier than other hostels but have a huge amount of activities going on and a happy hour every evening. The hostel is located in between Triana and the Cathedral, a perfect location.
Black Swan
Another hostel I heard many good things about, this one is right by Plaza Nuevo and is a great budget option with their free family dinners.
Onefam Centro
The second Onefam hostel in Seville, this one is located just a couple minutes walk from the Setas. I can’t speak for it but again, I’ve heard good things.
Where to eat
(Because I keep kosher, my food advice is usually quite limited, so I’ve got some recommendations straight from the staff at Onefam Hostel!)
Cafes
- Jester Cafe (I personally recommend this one)
- Moya Brunch
- Almazaen Cafe
- Brunch Milk Away
Tapas
- Los Coloniales
- Las Columnas
- Bar Alfafa
- El Rinconcillo
- La Sacristia
Veggie/Vegan
- Vegan Rock (vegan)
- Tu Tortilla (veggie options
- Habanita (veggie and vegan tapas)
- Atavico (Vegan options)
Where to Drink
This time, because I keep kosher, my advice is virtually unlimited! (pro tip; always ask the Jewish guy where to drink (not wine lol))
- Lady Drama – Indie rock, entry fee $8
- 1987 Bar – 80s music, can get quite cramped
- La Carboneria – Flamenco with free entry!
- Levies Tapas – tapas and drinks
- Rockefeller – late night bar/club
- Utopia – Club with three separate stages each with a different genre
- Checkpoint – bar with arcade
- The Merchant – Irish pub. A great place to catch live sports
- Gallo Rojo – Jazz club
- La Terraza del EME – Rooftop bar
- Coctelería 100 Cocktelitos – Cheap, massive, cocktails
- Occo – club with pool
Custom Map
This simple map will show you all the attractions, cafes, and restaurants mentioned in the article, plus some useful stores and services such as bus stops, train stations, and hospitals. All straight to your google account!
Just make a payment of anything over one pound, and check your email for a link to the map. It’s as simple as that!
Buy my custom Google Map for just one pound!
I hope this short but sweet guide helps make your time in Seville as memorable as mine!
Explore on!!
- Argentina Gang! If you’re reading this, WAZZZAAAAAAP!?
P.S, I’m still waiting on that mate recipe ↩︎
Sitch Travels 
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