When people join us on our tours, they want to know the most impressive restaurant, the most exhilarating flamenco show or the city’s must-see monument, and while responses will vary from one person to the next, there are certain things in Seville that are undeniably a cut above the rest.
From the best ice cream in the city to the perfect hotel to our favorite place to enjoy some delicious coffee, check out our list of what we at Devour Tours consider the best things to do in Seville – whether it’s doing, eating, seeing or drinking – and make your trip to the city that bit extra special.
Best Attraction in Seville – Plaza de España
There is no doubt that Seville is full of must-see monuments and buildings, The Cathedral and the Alcázar Palace among them. However, strolling through Parque Maria Luisa and taking in the breathtaking Plaza de España is definitely one of the best things to do in Seville. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo in the city, this show-stopping pavilion tells the story of the history of Spain through its unique and detailed tile work.
Whether you decide to stroll around the iconic monument in the daytime or at night, the gates are always open and the view is always spectacular! You may even recognize the building as it has been the backdrop for some huge blockbuster movies, such as Star Wars Episode II!
Best Place For Tapas in Seville – La Chalá
As dedicated foodies, one of the best things to do in Seville for us is explore the variety found in the 3,000 tapas bars in the city. From traditional taverns to modern restaurants, there really is something for everyone, but, after much debate, we settled on La Chalá as the best of them all.
This restaurant effortlessly combines aspects of Latin American and Asian cuisine with delicious, traditional Spanish dishes and the results are spectacular! Make sure not to miss their bacalao combined with orange and the Moroccan-inspired chicken pastry– you’ll be left wanting more!
Address: Plaza Puerta Real, 6
Best Square in Seville – Plaza del Salvador
There’s nothing better than settling down in a beautiful square in Seville, a drink in hand. When we want to enjoy a tinto de verano or cruzcampo in the open air, we head to Plaza del Salvador. Located at the foot of one of the most beautiful churches in Seville, Iglesia del Salvador, this square is jam-packed with locals enjoying a post-work drink nearly every night of the week. Soaking up this local atmosphere is easily one of the best things to do in Seville.
If a more secluded, tranquil square is what you’re looking for, head to Plaza del Cabildo, a beautifully decorated plaza just off the city’s main street, Avenida de la Constitución. With a trickling fountain and beautiful arches, this square is also home to one of the only remaining pieces of the original wall of the city of Seville.
Best Dish in Seville – Duck Rice at Contenedor
Perhaps even more difficult than choosing the best restaurant in Seville was choosing the best dish in the city. From the award-winning ‘cigar’ at Eslava (Calle Eslava, 3) to the grilled pork shoulder at La Brunilda (Calle Galera, 5), there are stand-out plates of food found around every corner, but the duck rice at Contenedor has to be our favorite dish in Seville. This restaurant specializes in slow cooking and is the perfect place for a sit-down meal in the city and while the menu is updated on a regular basis, their stunning dish of crispy duck on a bed of exquisitely prepared rice is a deserved constant– we’re getting hungry just thinking about it!
Address: Calle San Luis, 50
Best Museum in Seville – El Museo de Bellas Artes
Home to breathtaking art from Sevillian art icons such as Velazquéz, Zurburán, and Murillo, the Fine Arts Museum is an absolute must for all art fanatics in the city. El Museo de Bellas Artes is known to many as the unofficial second most important art gallery in Spain. The 17th-century building that houses the museum was originally a convent and is almost as stunning as the paintings themselves. Make sure to look upwards when you go in to take in the spectacular ceiling of the museum. Also, if you visit on Sundays, you’ll see an eclectic mix of local art for sale in the square outside. For your fill of culture, exploring this part of the city is one of the best things to do in Seville.
Address: Plaza del Museo, 9
Best Tour in Seville – Devour Seville Food Tours
When visiting any new city for the first time, to really experience if to the fullest, you have to live like the locals do! Joining us on one of our food tours give you the chance to sample some of Seville’s finest, traditional cuisine while learning about the city’s fascinating history along the way – all in the company of one of our expert local guides! We think it’s a fantastic way to get a great overview of all aspects of the city in a short period time, and we’d love to have you along. Get a quick look at what a tour with us is like in the video below!
Best Ice Cream in Seville – Heladería La Fiorentina
When we reach the sky-high temperatures of summer, one of the best things to do in Seville is search for a way to cool off. Nothing hits the spot like a delicious ice cream! Ice cream parlors are all over the city, but for a truly unique ice cream experience, head to Heladería La Fiorentina.
Run by local ice cream expert, Joaquín, flavors at La Fiorentina give a fascinating insight into the history of the city. Influences from the Moorish and Jewish traditions can be found throughout. The stand out flavor? Undoubtedly the flor de azahar. This delicious flavor is made from the orange blossom from the trees that line the streets of Seville.
Address: Calle Zaragoza, 16
Best Roof Top Bar in Seville – Roof
With such a stunning skyline, there’s no wonder there are an array of amazing roof top bars in Seville. Our personal favorite is Roof, which sits on top of the Casa Romano Hotel. The views of the city are epic. Also, relaxing in the intimate, romantic setting of the second floor is one of the best things to do in Seville for couples. Additionally, it gives an unparalleled panoramic view of Seville, especially impressive when lit up at night! Music is played on the lower level of the terrace but it doesn’t detract from the relaxed, chilled atmosphere of the bar.
Address: Calle Trajano, 15
Best Day Trip Destination from Seville – Córdoba
Looking for a monument to rival Seville’s expansive Cathedral? The Mezquita in Córdoba may just be what you’ve been looking for! The beautiful building is a shining example of Moorish architecture in Andalusia and just one of many reasons Córdoba is our pick for the best day trip destination. Visiting in May means you’ll get to experience the city’s Patio Celebration. The ornate patios that are typical in the region are specially decorated and displayed. Alternatively, head to Palacio de Viana all year round to see a selection of those patios in all their glory. The great thing about Viana is avoiding the crowds that gather in the city for the festival.
Best Viewpoint in Seville – Las Setas
There is no shortage of vantage points to see a stunning view in Seville, and exploring these vantage points is one of the best things to do in Seville. However, the view from atop the Las Setas monument in Plaza de la Encarnación is our favorite. The controversial mushroom-shaped building may not be everyone’s taste aesthetically. But, nobody can deny the 360 degrees view from the top will stop you in your tracks. Also, the Cathedral, La Giralda and a number of the buildings built for the 1992 Expo in the city are in sight. This makes the view from Las Setas one of the most comprehensive in the city. And best of all, the 3 euro entrance fee gets you a free drink at a nearby bar!
Address: Plaza de la Encarnación
Best Breakfast Spot in Seville – La Cacharrería
We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’. So, it’s especially important to make sure you get the best breakfast in Seville! Quirky bar La Cacharrería serves up one of our absolute favorite breakfasts in the whole city, with freshly baked bread baked on site, fresh fruit and yogurt combinations along with gluten free alternatives for anybody that requires them!
Weekdays typically mean a tostada for breakfast, consisting of lightly toasted bread with a variety of toppings. However, one of the best things to do in Seville is to treat yourself to some churros con chocolate at the weekends. For that reason, special mention also has to go out to El Comercio (Calle Lineros, 9), home of the best churros in Seville!
Address: Calle Regina, 15
Best Coffee in Seville – Virgin Coffee
Coffee shops are ten a penny all over Spain, and we love cozying up into a nice, quirky café for our café con leche. But, if you’re looking for the best coffee in Seville, there’s really only one option. Run by coffee expert Pedro Sierra, Virgin Coffee serves up the perfect coffee to start your day in Seville. Located right beside the Las Setas monument, there is not much seating available at the local establishment. Thankfully, one of the best things to do in Seville is take your coffee to go and enjoy it in a nearby square.
Address: Calle Regina, 1
Best Market in Seville – Mercado de Feria
One of the best things to do in Seville is to explore the thriving market tradition. For locals, it’s not just going to your favorite marketplaces to buy the freshest produce from their trusted vendors. Markets in Seville also offer space to sit down and enjoy the food on site. The oldest market in Seville, Mercado de Feria, stands out not just for the quality of the goods available inside, but for the friendly, local atmosphere you find in the small square at the back – the perfect place for a drink with friends!
Best Flamenco Show in Seville – Casa del Flamenco
We are complete flamenco fanatics and love scoping out the best flamenco shows in Seville, and Casa del Flamenco consistently delivers top quality, authentic flamenco in the beautiful surroundings of a traditional Sevillano patio. The show combines flamenco song, dance, and guitar, as is the case with most shows in the city. However, what sets this particular show apart is the fact it is done without the use of any sound system. The intimate environment this creates makes for a truly memorable experience!
Address: Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 28
Best Hotel in Seville – Corral del Rey
From budget hotels to international hotel chains to boutique hostels, there are all sorts of accommodation types available to you in Seville, but the personalized service and stunning interior of Hotel Corral del Rey separates it from the competition. The hotel building was originally a 17th-century house and the interior ensures an unforgettable experience. Friendly staff, great location, and beautiful interior – it doesn’t get much better than this.
This blog post was originally posted on May 27, 2016, and was updated on January 19, 2018.
Want more insights into this amazing city? Experience Seville’s most iconic sights, enjoy VIP access to the Alcazar, and get swept away by the beauty and culture of the city on our Seville in a Day Tour with VIP Access to Alcázar.
