Seville is the capital city of Andalusia, found in the southernmost part of Spain. It is one of the most breathtaking destinations Spain has to offer. Because of its rich culture and history, Seville is home to various incredible sights and wonders that attract thousands of tourists and visitors worldwide. Famous for its flamenco and lush oranges, Seville is a must-visit for those who love to experience artistic culture and creative heritage.
Because there are many places to go and things to do in this city, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones to do first. As you are about to prepare for your trip to this awe-inspiring destination, immerse yourselves in this helpful and informative guide that will make your stay in Seville a magical experience that you will never forget!
Staying In Seville: Luxury Accommodations
Some travelers like to pull out all the stops when on vacay, including staying in an upscale 5-star hotel. When it comes to luxury stays, you can expect 24-hour room service, dry cleaning, premium bedding, and access to recreational centers.
Hotel Alfonso XIII
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay fit for royalty, then look no further than Hotel Alfonso XIII. Located in the City Center, the Hotel Alfonso XIII is ideal for travelers who enjoy being right where the action happens. When you stay at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, you should expect:
- Sauna
- Poolside Bar
- Room rates starting at $305/night
Hotel Palacio de Villapanés
Enjoy a night in a converted 18th-century palace when you book a stay at Hotel Palacio de Villapanés. Conveniently located in the heart of Seville, Hotel Palacio de Villapanés offers impressive city views and provides access to all that the city has to offer, from Giralda Tower to Alameda de Hércules. Additionally, a stay at Hotel Palacio de Villapanés offers:
- Wellness Area
- Rooftop Terrace
- Room rates starting at $258/night
Staying In Seville: Budget-Friendly Accommodations
For those travelers who would instead save a few coins than spend a small fortune on lodging, there are still some excellent luxury options without the luxury price. Typically, budget-friendly hotels come complete with convenient locations, affordable food choices, and last-minute booking options.
TOCHostel Seville
Situated right in the middle of the city, TOCHostel Seville is the perfect home base for travelers who want to see all that Seville has to offer without hurting their pockets. At TOCHostel Seville, you really get your bang for your buck with these unique features:
- Free city tour
- Movie theatre
- Rates starting at $19/night
Pensión Nuevo Pino
Another noteworthy low-budget option is Pensión Nuevo Pino. Aside from its convenient location, this hotel offers some spectacular benefits, such as:
- Bicycle rentals
- Ticket reservations
- Rates as low as $26/night
Things To Do In Seville
Experience the flamenco
Seville is the mother of the infamous flamenco dance. Because of its rich Moorish tradition, the widely popular flamenco dance came to be. If you like to see and experience its history, check out their lively flamenco shows. Rest assured that no matter the time, there will always be flamenco in every event or evening.
Visit The Cathedral
The Cathedral of Seville is the largest Gothic cathedral globally and is one of Seville’s most visited landmarks. Originally constructed as a mosque in the 12th century, it took over 100 years to convert it into the cathedral we see today.
When you visit the Cathedral of Seville, here are some of the things you may see or learn:
- 80 different chapels
- The courtyard garden of orange trees
- Final resting place of Christopher Columbus
Roam The Alcázar Palace
Located just opposite the Cathedral, the Real Alcázares de Seville is the oldest palace in Europe still in use today. Initially built for King Peter of Castile, the Alcázar is over 1000 years old, with architectural influences from the Moorish, Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance eras.
- To enjoy your visit to the Alcázar Palace, be sure to:
- Marvel at the ornate architecture
- Explore the beautiful gardens
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance
Parque de María Luisa And Plaza de España
María Luisa Park is the best-known park in all of Seville, and it is home to the gardens of San Telmo palace, which border the Guadalquivir River. Along with that, the Parque de María Luisa lies adjacent to the Plaza de España, Seville’s most famous plaza. It is semi-circular in shape, with mosaics of tiles and a round canal as its prominent features.
When visiting her, be sure to:
- Walk the shady footpaths
- Sail the canal
- Visit the Spanish Steps
Food And Shopping
Speaking of the great views in Seville, the following are just some of the renowned places that you can go, even on foot, within the heart of Seville city:
El Centro
The El Centro is one of the most iconic centers found in the heart of Seville and is home to its main sights and attractions, such as the Alcázar Royal Palace and the Seville Cathedral. Here you will find the very organic day-to-day life and activity of a typical Sevillana or Sevillano. You can also find a lively neighborhood near the El Arenal with great bars, restaurants, and fancy shops.
Top 3 restaurants in El Centro:
- Taberna Coloniales Catedral
- El Rinconcillo
- Restaurante Oriza
Barrio Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is also one of the highly visited neighborhoods in the city. The neighborhood is a beautiful maze of narrow streets and vibrant-colored ancient buildings.
When you’re hanging out in Santa Cruz, you absolutely must head over to these bars:
- Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas)
- Taberna Peregil
- Bodeguita Fabiola
Macarena & Alameda de Hercules
The Macarena & Alameda de Hercules offer a whole new alternative for those who want to do a different kind of touring and exploring of Seville. Previously considered
They also have a showcase of luxurious and attractive boutiques that sell souvenir gifts and items. When you’re in Macarena & Alameda, be sure to stop by these boutiques:
- Janmei
- Record Sevilla
- El Jueves flea market
Tantalize Your Tastebuds
Not sure what to eat in Seville? Well, we’ve got you covered. If you’re a foodie traveler, then Seville is the place for you. Whether in a café, a bar, or on the streets, eating out is a go-to activity for Sevillian locals.
Must Try Cuisines:
- Secreto ibérico
- Presa ibérica
- Cazón en adobo
- Espinacas con garbanzos
How Do You Get Around In Seville?
On Foot
What’s great about Seville is that once you get there, you don’t have to worry about getting lost or not knowing where to turn. You don’t even need a car there! The best way to travel is on foot. You’d be surprised to find out that almost all astounding architectures and sights are within a matter of a 20–30-minute walk. Since the streets are relatively narrow and walk-friendly, its walkability is also one of the reasons why it is possible to travel on a budget in Seville.
If you find yourself tired of roaming through the bustling city streets but still want to go out and explore, then kick back and give your legs a rest on the reliable bus or tram, or hail a taxi to shoot you to your next destination.
Both buses and the tram also offer day passes or multi-day passes for a relatively low price, which would allow for unlimited daily travel. You could also purchase a rechargeable card to use on either the tram or bus for less than a dollar. You can buy the cards at the Puntos de Información de TUSSAM, and cards can be recharged online or at a kiosk.
Public Transportation
Buses
- 6 AM-11:30 PM
- Covers all neighborhoods in the city
- Costs $1.76 per ride
Tram
- 6 AM-1:30 AM
- Runs one-way
- Costs
Taxi
- All hours
- Easily accessible
- About $1.15 per kilometer
Best Time To Visit
Explore Seville during the spring, especially March. In spring, you’ll see:
- Best hotel rates
- Nicest weather (the mid-40s to low 70s)
- Decent crowds
The absolute worst time to visit is during the summer, the most touristy time of year. During summer, you’ll endure:
- Higher rates and low accommodation
- Sweltering heat (the high 90s)
- Increased wait times
Indeed, no matter when you venture to it, Seville will always be a memorable and timeless vacation spot for those who want something different with a rich culture. With the help of these tips, you can have the time of your life in Seville.