If you’re headed to Seville for business, take full advantage of your time to enjoy this spectacular Spanish city—here’s how! 

Seville is the jewel of southern Spain, world-famous for its history, culture and unmistakable Andalusian spirit. If you’re in town for work, don’t miss an opportunity to discover everything it has to offer! From networking and sightseeing to tapas and flamenco, here’s our best advice for business travelers in Seville.

Getting around in Seville

Seville is a fairly small city when compared to other popular Spanish destinations like Madrid and Barcelona. This makes it relatively easy to move around, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, bike or on foot!

If you’re in town for a conference or trade fair, you’ll need to know how to get to the FIBES conference center. This exhibition space includes two massive buildings and is located northeast of the city center. The easiest way to get there is by taxi; it’s about a 25–30 minute drive, depending on traffic.

You can also use a ridesharing app like Uber or Cabify, which will cost around €15 per trip. Alternatively, save a few euros by hopping on a city bus. Line 27 runs straight from the city center to FIBES, and takes about 45 minutes. There’s also a metro stop for Palacio de Congresos on Line 2 (the blue line).

The most affordable transportation in Seville

While not as extensive as that of larger cities, public transportation is highly accessible in Seville. There’s a four-line metro system that runs throughout the city and surrounding areas, with tickets costing €1–2 per trip. This is a particularly good choice if you want to get outside the city center!

Public buses are also a great way to get around Seville. The C1, C2, C3 and C4 circular lines are especially useful, running between many of the city’s most famous monuments and attractions. Each ticket costs just €1.40, and can be bought directly from the driver.

That said, our favorite way to see the sights is on foot—Seville is an incredibly walkable city. There’s nothing like strolling along the river at sunset, taking in views of the skyline and the charming buildings along the waterfront. We also love the Sevici city bikes, which can be rented by the minute. Take advantage of Seville’s abundant bike lanes and create your own cycling tour!

How to get to and from the airport

You probably don’t want to waste any time moving between the airport and the city, especially if you only have a few days to see Seville. The quickest way to get from Seville Airport to the center is by taxi. There’s a €25 flat rate, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Ridesharing apps offer similar prices, but may be slightly cheaper depending on the time of day.

Another option is to take the Seville’s airport bus (Line EA) to the city center. The full journey takes about 35 minutes from the airport to the Plaza de Armas bus station, with a few stops along the way. This is an efficient and affordable choice, as tickets are just €4 (or €6 for the return trip).

Seville’s top hotels for bleisure travelers

Seville is full of awesome accommodation, whether you’re looking for luxury, history, personality or a combination of all three. Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in Seville!

If you’re attending a conference at FIBES, the most convenient option is the four-star Hotel M.A. Sevilla Congresos. It’s located right across the street from the conference center and just 10 minutes from the airport, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. The hotel itself is exceptionally comfortable and affordable, with an outdoor swimming pool and terrace.

It’s also entirely reasonable to stay in the city center and commute to FIBES. One of our favorite central spots is the Hotel Colón Gran Meliá, right in the middle of El Arenal. This place is the epitome of luxury, featuring a gourmet restaurant, spa and stunning rooftop pool. 

Melia Sevilla is another great option in the Melia family for business travelers. The hotel not only boasts several spaces for meetings and events, but also has an executive lounge called The Level complete with drinks, snacks, work stations and concierge. We also love the Hotel Adriano Sevilla, a historic boutique hotel in an 18th-century building.

Extend your trip and stay in Seville’s coolest areas

If you want to add a few extra days to your trip, consider booking a hotel in one of Seville’s most interesting neighborhoods. Barrio Santa Cruz is bursting with Andalusian personality, complete with hidden patios and cobblestone streets. Stay at the Hotel Rey Alfonso X for bright and modern comfort, or Las Casas de la Judería for more traditional vibes.

For a true taste of local life, head to the northern neighborhood of La Macarena. Right next to the church of Santa María de la Macarena, you’ll find the Hotel Alcoba del Rey, with unique Moorish decor—and a prime location beside El Rincón de Rosita, a lovely local tapas bar.

Another awesome area to explore is Triana, the traditional neighborhood on the other side of the Isabel II bridge. Book a room here to fully enjoy the rich culture of flamenco, artisanal ceramics and family-run tapas bars. We recommend the Zenit Sevilla hotel, just a block away from the incredible Triana market.

Where to eat on a business trip in Seville 

Seville may be famous for its beauty and grandeur, but if you’re anything like us, what you’re really looking forward to is the food!

While the city center is packed with world-class restaurants, the area around the FIBES conference center also offers plenty of gems. If you’re spending all day at an event, grab lunch at Las Niñas del Vino for super affordable, authentic Spanish cuisine and a glass of local sherry or vermouth. It’s conveniently located right across the street from FIBES—which means less time in transit and more time for eating.

Another nearby favorite is Casa Antonio Moreno, offering a fixed-price menú del día for lunch and traditional local dishes. For something a bit different, try La Monella’s delicious Italian cuisine and homemade pizza. They specialize in catering to those with food intolerances, allergies and other dietary requirements, so there’s truly something for everyone here!

Top restaurants for a nice dinner out

When the sun sets on Seville, it’s time to treat yourself to a nice meal—but that doesn’t mean that the day’s work is over. Combine business and pleasure by dining with clients or colleagues at one of the city’s most impressive eateries. After all, the best deals are struck over great wine and tapas!

Local’s Tip: Meal times in Seville are later than you might be used to. Locals usually eat dinner around 9 or 10 p.m., and most restaurants don’t open until 8–8:30. Make sure you plan ahead, and have a merienda (afternoon snack) to curb your appetite!

The most obvious choice for dinner is La Azotea, serving modern, seasonal tapas. We recommend the original location on Calle Jesús del Gran Poder. For something even more unique, try conTenedor: a “slow food restaurant” where the focus is on local products. Don’t miss the crispy duck rice! Or reserve a table at Nazca for an interesting fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, presented tapas-style.

Our favorite spots for solo dining in Seville

If you extend your trip to see—and taste—more of this city, make sure you take full advantage of Seville’s tapas culture. This is an absolutely essential part of the local experience; no trip here is complete without a bit of tapeo. Luckily for solo diners, many of the best bars are easier to navigate on your own, as space is limited and things can get noisy. Create your own tapas crawl to try all our favorites!

While there’s no shortage of incredible food in Seville, we’re especially big fans of Eslava. The tapas at this tiny spot are simultaneously classic, creative and affordable—just make sure to reserve in advance if possible. We also love Las Golondrinas, a Triana institution known for its exquisite simplicity. Try the mushrooms with alioli and grilled solomillo (pork loin).

Dining on your own is also a great chance to explore Seville’s best food markets. But if you’d rather eat in the company of other food lovers—and get an inside look into the local culinary culture—join one of our food tours in Seville.

There’s no minimum number of people required to book any of our tours, which makes them ideal for solo travelers. We especially recommend the Tapas, Taverns & History Tour: the perfect way to spend an evening exploring, learning and eating your way through the city. You might even make some new foodie friends!

The best activities for bleisure travelers in Seville

Spending a few days in Seville for business is an ideal opportunity to combine work and fun. In the evenings, head to the city’s best spots for networking. Our favorites feature great views and delicious drinks, making them the perfect place to see and be seen. If you’re traveling with colleagues, this is the perfect way to bond with your team while also forging new connections.

Enjoy spectacular views of the cathedral and classy cocktails at the EME hotel’s rooftop bar. Or head to The Corner House to rub shoulders with Seville’s trendiest crowd in a more casual atmosphere. For something a bit cozier, The Second Room is an ideal spot for after-dinner drinks that stretch long into the night—not to mention Seville’s best mojitos.

Seville’s best daytime activities

To truly make the most of your trip, you’ll need at least one full day to explore. There are so many things to see in Seville, it can get overwhelming. In addition to essentials like the cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, Las Setas and Plaza de España, there are plenty of other hidden gems to discover.

The old Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) and Triana are must-visits, but we also love the quieter neighborhood of Macarena, a haven of local artisans. Get off the beaten path and see an authentic flamenco show at Casa Anselma, or have a glass of vermouth among locals at Casa Vizcaíno. 

If you want to discover even more of the city’s secrets, take our Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour. This daytime tour introduces you to the people behind Seville’s most beloved shops and eateries—a truly one-of-a-kind way to experience the local culture.

Our favorite day trips from Seville

If you have time, consider taking a day trip from Seville to see one of the incredible cities nearby. Andalusia is full of charming villages, each with their own unique history and spirit. All you have to do is hop on a bus or train, or rent a car if you want more flexibility.

Some of the coolest small towns near Seville include Carmona, a former Roman stronghold, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the birthplace of manzanilla sherry. If you want to venture farther, head down to Jerez de la Frontera, or even all the way to Cádiz. Its spectacular beaches are only a 90-minute drive away!