Few cities manage to cast a spell quite like Seville. From its sun-soaked plazas and orange-scented streets to the rhythm of flamenco echoing through hidden courtyards, this Andalusian gem has a way of capturing your heart from the very first stroll. If you’re planning your first trip, or returning because once is never enough, this guide to Sevilla will help you experience the city at its very best. Think golden evenings by the river, tapas that make you want to move in permanently, centuries of Moorish and Spanish history, and neighbourhoods that feel like walking through a dream. Ready to fall in love? Let’s dive in.

A quick guide to Sevilla: what to see and do on a city break

Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and it is a perfect destination for a weekend city break. Whether you’re strolling through its historic streets, savoring its mouthwatering cuisine, or marveling at its awe-inspiring landmarks, this captivating city promises an unforgettable weekend getaway. Join us as we explore the best of Seville and uncover the secrets of this enchanting destination.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

When to go to Sevilla

The best time to visit Sevilla is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months, when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and wandering its charming streets. During these seasons, you’ll also find fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Seville’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, springtime in Seville brings the famous Feria de Abril, a week-long celebration of Andalusian culture featuring flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and colorful parades, while autumn offers mild temperatures perfect for enjoying leisurely walks along the river and sampling the city’s delicious cuisine.

I visited Seville twice: once in January and once in July. While January was fairly pleasant, July was so scorching hot that staying outside during the day was barely possible, so I’d advice to avoid the summer months.

See also:

Where to stay in Sevilla

If you have a car: Consider lodging outside the city center to avoid the challenges of navigating and parking. Even if booking suggests on-site parking, spaces may be limited.
Without a car: Opt for accommodations in the city center, such as near Puente de Isabel II in Triana. Proximity to a bus stop from the airport, like those listed on TUSSAM’s website, is convenient.

Best hotels in Sevilla

There are many beautiful hotels in Seville, from suites to boutique hotels to total luxury. Take your time to search and choose the best option for you. Have a look at these few charming places:

Top tip: If you plan visiting more places in Andalusia, consider renting a car as there are many hidden gems and the public transportation is not always that convenient. You get search for some good offers here.

Getting Around: In the city center, explore on foot. While buses and trams are available, the distances between attractions are often walkable. Visit the TUSSAM website for public transportation information and consider using their app.

City Pass: Evaluate the offerings of city passes, although they might not be exceptionally attractive. Check options like hop-on-hop-off buses on Seville City Guide.

What and where to eat in Sevilla

Seville is an amazing place to try some traditional dishes from the region. Here are a few restaurants that offer the best experience:

El Rinconcillo– Calle Gerona, 40, 41003 Sevilla. It’s a bar established in 1670, definitely worth a visit.
El Pintón– Calle Francos, 42, 41004 Sevilla. A beautiful, modern restaurant with delicious food.
La Chunga– Calle Arjona, 13, 41001 Sevilla. It serves tapas dishes with a modern accent.

Food to try:

Salmorejo– it is acold soup, similar to gazpacho but thicker. You can get a salmorejo recipe here (it’s my favourite Spanish soup).
Cazon de Adobo- marinated fried fish
Pringa (or montadito de pringa)– it’s a sandwich of crusty bread filled with meats, like roast beef or pork, alongside cured sausages like chorizo and morcilla, accompanied by beef or pork fat that has been slow-cooked for numerous hours until the meat becomes tender and effortlessly falls apart.
Carrillada de cerdo– pork cheeks
Vino de naranja– orange wone
Espinacas con garbanzos– chickpeas with spinach
Solomillo al whisky– the most tender meat cooked in whisky

Puchero– stew made with chicken, pork, vegetables, chickpeas, noodles and some other things sometimes

Seville is a perfect place to discover Spanish food through tapas, so you can sample many different dishes. Book a tapas tour in Seville, surely you will have fun (if you are a foodie, that is):

Paid attractions in Sevilla

Alcazar

This historic royal palace is so stunning that you don’t want to miss it. Alcazar was originally a fort, built in 913. It showcases a mix of Christian and Mudéjar architecture and has been rebuilt several times since then.

Purchase tickets online in advance. Arrive 40 minutes early, and have your ID. For such a popular place to visit in Seville, it’s worth booking a skip the line entrance.

- Tip: Mondays offer free entry in the afternoon, but book online weeks ahead.

Cathedral

This is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and a truly impressive one. Now belonging to UNESCO, it is surely a place not to miss in Seville. And do you know what is the coolest thing? You can find there a tomb of Christopher Columbus.

You can buy the tickets on-site or online. During my trip in winter the queue was quite long, so usually opt for skip the line online tickets to popular attractions.

- - Combo Ticket: Includes Giralda tower and free entry to nearby El Salvador church.
  - Time: Allow approximately 1 hour for the visit.

Palacio de las Dueñas

Dating back to the 15th century, Palacio Dueñas stands as a historical gem, once the illustrious residence of the Duke of Alba. Adorned with stunning landscaped gardens, intricate tile work, and ornate courtyards, the palace exudes timeless elegance.

In spring, vibrant Bougainvillea vines breathe life into the patios, while Moorish-inspired carvings and arched doorways add to its allure. Renowned as one of the world’s great gardens, the palace boasts a rich variety of plants.

It is slightly away from the center, reducing tourist crowds.

Cost: Around 12 euros; duration about 1 hour.

Flamenco Show at Teatro de Flamenco Triana

There is no better place to see a real flamenco show than Seville. It has been nor added to UNESCO heritage list. If you go in April (an event called Feria de Abril), you will have a chance to see a massive transformation of the streets of Seville with flamenco spectacle, all-night partying and food.

Book your flamenco show here. This specific tour received over 5 thousand 5-star reviews:

House of Pilate (La Casa de Pilatos)

It is a beautiful place to visit, comparable to Palacio de las Dueñas. Constructed in the early 16th century by the dukes of Tarifa, this splendid architectural marvel blends Spanish Mudejar and Italian Renaissance influences, drawing inspiration from Pontius Pilot’s estate. Casa de Pilatos is known as one of the city’s most magnificent mansions, the palace, often compared to a miniature Alcázar, continues to stand as the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli.

Cost: Around 10 euros. Book the visit to La Casa de Pilatos here.

The Metropol Parasol: Setas de Sevilla

You can admire ‘the mashroom’ from below and skip the 15 euro entrance fee. However, it might be quite interesting to get a guided tour in this interesting construction.

Golden Tower (Torre del Oro)

This charming and photogenic tower is a must during the trip in Seville. It is an Arabic structure and it got the name of golden due to being covered in gold tiles in the past. It is a symbol of Seville, so take your time to enjoy a stroll nearby overlooking the river.

Free attractions in Seville

Plaza de España

Plaza de España is the most recognizable landmark in Seville. A must-visit, especially on sunny days. Ideal for photography and relaxation.

- Highlight: You may encounter musicians singing beautiful Spanish songs on the steps.

Maria Luisa Park and Other Parks

María Luisa Park is Seville’s lush urban sanctuary. Once the private gardens of the San Telmo Palace, it was gifted to the city in the 19th century and redesigned for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Today it’s a maze of tiled fountains, ponds with swans and ducks, grand promenades lined with palm trees, and countless hidden corners perfect for wandering or relaxing with a cold drink. Don’t miss the romantic Glorieta de Bécquer or the grand Plaza de América inside the park.

It pairs perfectly with a visit to the breathtaking Plaza de España, which sits at the park’s edge. If you have more time outdoors, Seville also has other peaceful green spaces like the Murillo Gardens near the Alcázar and the Parque del Alamillo, a favourite among locals for sunset walks.

Military Historical Museum

Located directly inside Plaza de España, the Military Historical Museum is often overlooked, yet it’s a surprisingly interesting stop, especially since it’s completely free to visit. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection ranging from antique weapons and uniforms to unusual items like a gas mask designed specifically for horses. The exhibits are small but quirky, presenting moments of Spanish military history in a digestible way.

It’s not a must-see if you’re tight on time, but since you’re already in Plaza de España, it’s an easy, cool place to pop into—perfect for a short break from the sun and a quick look at something different.

Mercado de Triana

Nestled in the heart of the colourful Triana neighbourhood, just across the Isabel II Bridge (Puente de Triana), Mercado de Triana is one of Seville’s most vibrant food markets. With more than 80 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and jamón to olives, spices, cheeses, and pastries, it’s a great place to taste traditional Andalusian flavours or pick up local ingredients as tasty souvenirs.

The market also houses small tapas bars where you can grab something quick and delicious, and if you’re looking for a fun foodie experience, there’s even a cooking school inside offering classes on classic Spanish dishes. Markets like this are one of the best places to observe daily life and get a real feel for Seville’s culture.

Inner Courtyards

Seville’s inner courtyards—patios, are one of the city’s most beautiful architectural features. Inspired by Roman and Moorish design, these courtyards are found in traditional houses, palaces, and even modern buildings throughout the city. Typically decorated with colourful tiles, overflowing plants, orange or lemon trees, and a central fountain, they offer a quiet, cool escape from the busy streets.

The best time to appreciate them is during the Festival de los Patios (Patios de Sevilla) when many private homes open their gardens to visitors, but even outside festival time, you’ll spot lovely patios peeking through open doors in neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz, Triana, El Arenal, and the old Jewish quarter.

Archivo de Indias

Not directly related to India; a museum on geographical explorations. It was established in 1785 by Carlos III, the Archive of the Indies was designed to consolidate documents pertaining to the Spanish colonies in the Americas, referred to as the Indies. This initiative aimed to centralize records related to the overseas Empire, serving as a reminder of Columbus’ initial misconception upon reaching the Americas, believing he had arrived in India.

Discover the best things to do in Seville

Seville is a city that instantly captures your senses. From the intricate Moorish palaces to the lively tapas bars, every corner has a story to tell. I love wandering through its sunlit streets, discovering hidden patios, and watching life unfold in the bustling squares. The city feels timeless, yet full of energy, making it impossible not to get caught up in its charm.

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s a list of the best things to do in Seville:

Visit the Real Alcázar of Seville
Explore the city’s most magical landmark, famous for its mix of Moorish and Christian architecture, beautiful tilework, and lush palace gardens. I recommend this small group tour that has excellent reviews.
Climb the Giralda Tower
Head up the ramps of Seville’s iconic bell tower for panoramic views of the cathedral and the entire city.
See a live flamenco show
Experience real Andalusian passion in venues like Casa de la Memoria (this might be the best one) or La Casa del Flamenco.
Take flamenco class (because there is no a better place to do that than Sevilla)
Stroll around Plaza de España
One of Spain’s most impressive squares—perfect for photos, people-watching, and a relaxing walk through María Luisa Park.
Explore the charming Santa Cruz neighbourhood
Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, hidden patios, and little tapas bars in the city’s historic Jewish quarter.
Visit the Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
Walk along the wooden walkways of this modern landmark for a unique view over Seville, especially beautiful at sunset.
Eat your way through Triana Market
Try local snacks, fresh produce, and Andalusian tapas in one of the city’s most vibrant food markets. Better yet, join this Sevilla food tour that has over 3k 5-star reviews– it’s probably the best food tour out there.
Take a sunset walk along the Guadalquivir river
A peaceful way to end the day, especially around the Triana Bridge and riverside promenade.
Tour the bullring – Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza
Even if you’re not into bullfighting, the architecture and history of this iconic arena are fascinating.
Relax in María Luisa Park
Wander through fountains, gardens, tiled benches, and shady paths in the city’s most beautiful green oasis.

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A quick guide to Sevilla: what to see and do on a city break

A quick guide to Sevilla: what to see and do on a city break

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

When to go to Sevilla