The Ultimate Travel Guide To Seville

Long and hot summer nights. Feisty, foot-stomping flamenco. A controversial and bold bullfighting tradition. Buildings decorated with ceramic tiles that also flaunt a distinctly Arab flair. Tapa after tapa enjoyed over a cerveza (or three!) with friends. Andalusia’s iconic pueblos blancos (white villages) located just a stone’s throw from the city.

It’s pretty fair to say that if you are after the real Spain, a trip to Seville is the place to start! And that’s why we have put together our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville, which is chock full of all the best things to do, eat, see, buy and beyond in this incredible Spanish city!
Inside Seville's Alcazar
Seville is the city that embodies everything quintessentially Spanish.

Top Things to do in Seville

Alcazar

One of Seville’s most celebrated sights is the Alcazar Palace, which started as a Moorish fortress and has evolved into the oldest Royal residence still in use in Europe. With fabulous architecture and also some great gardens to explore, it’s a must-see monument in any ultimate travel guide to Seville!

See also: Top 10 Things to do in Seville and 10 Beautiful Parks in Seville Worth a Visit

The Alcazar Palace is one of the top things to do in Seville, worthy of a place in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville.
The beautiful water fountain on the edge of the garden inside the Alcazar Palace – Photo Credit: CameliaTWU

Cathedral

Seville is home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, and a visit is at the top of the list of Seville’s “must see” monuments. Witness the grandeur from the outside, experience the gothic eeriness on this inside, and also hike up 34 ramps to the top of the bell tower, La Giralda, for spectacular views of the city.

For More: Top 10 Things to See in Seville

Seville's Cathedral lit up at night. It's one of the best things to see in Seville.
Seville’s impressive Cathedral lit up at night – Photo Credit: VerysadPanda

Plaza España

This fantastic pavilion found in the Maria Luisa Park was built to host the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, and its beautiful tiled buildings and boat rides around the small canal make it fun for travelers of all ages. Of course, our ultimate travel guide to Seville would include this astonishing monument.

Also Featured In: 10 Things to do in Seville With Kids and Five Free things to do in Seville

No travel guide to Seville is complete without mentioning this beautiful pavilion at Plaza de España. It's one of the best things to do in Seville!
The tiles that decorate the pavilion of Plaza de España make it a truly impressive monument – Photo Credit: Federica Chioni

Metropol Parasol AKA Las Setas

While a very historic city, there are also some hints of modernity in Seville. No trip to the city is complete without visiting Seville’s newest monument, Metropol Parasol, or Las Setas (the mushrooms), as it is affectionately known as by the locals. Take a look at the extraordinary architecture from ground level, then also catch the lift to the top for a unique view of the city.

See Also: Five Cheap Things To Do In Seville and The Most Spectacular Views in Seville

The view from the top of Las Setas is not to be missed in Seville – Photo Credit: Ana Rey

See a flamenco show

When you think of an ultimate travel guide to Seville, many people immediately think of flamenco tips. Andalusia is the heart of flamenco culture, and where better to experience this incredible art form than in the capital itself. Avoid the tourist traps, and visit a place that is putting on shows of pure flamenco passion. A wonderful place to experience this is Casa de la Memoria, a cultural center dedicated to preserving the Andalusian arts that also offers flamenco classes.

Read More: Five Places To See Flamenco In Seville

Seeing a passionate flamenco show in Seville like this is a must, it's at the top of any list of things to do in Seville! Check out ultimate travel guide to Seville for some great flamenco suggestions.
A flamenco dancer in action in Seville

Need more ideas?

Non-Touristy Things to do in Seville

The beauty of Seville is that you don’t have to go far away from the big monuments to find the “real, off the beaten path Seville”, as the historic center is home to many hidden corners. In this section of our ultimate travel guide to Seville, we share some of our favorite hidden gems with you!

Flamenco shows in Seville vary, but you can head to this bar, Casa Anselma, for a real, authentic flamenco experience. There's no pretty dresses, but there's a whole lot of action! Check our Ultimate travel guide to Seville for more flamenco suggestions.
Music and impromptu dancing at Casa Anselma in Triana, a great place to go to have the experience of flamenco in a bar – Photo Credit: Hotel Plaza Sevilla

Experience casual flamenco in a bar at Casa Anselma

As we say, a flamenco show in Seville is a must. But, if you don’t mind skipping the pretty dresses, head to where the locals go. For a real “flamenco in the bar” experience, visit Casa Anselma in the Triana neighborhood, which has an evening show starting around midnight – you might not see the beautiful dresses and professional dancing, but you will experience the true spirit of flamenco, as the locals enjoy it.

Read More: Top Picks For Our Favorite Flamenco Bars in Seville

One of the best things to do in Seville for an "off the beaten path" experience is explore the Macarena neighbourhood. While you are there don't miss the Basilica de la Macarena. It's one of the best churches in Seville and deserved a place listed in our ultimate travel guide to Seville!
The beautiful Basilica de la Macarena in the Macarena neighborhood – Photo Credit: Jorge León

Explore the Macarena neighborhood

Our favorite hidden treasure to share in our ultimate travel guide to Seville is the Macarena neighborhood. Although it still forms part of the historic center of Seville, it is virtually unknown to visitors. However, the word is slowly getting out! This working-class neighborhood still holds some of its original charm and is currently reinventing itself as the artistic heart of Seville. Aside from getting lost in the back streets and taking a break in one of the many local bars in the neighborhood, you can also enjoy:

  • Rompemoldes, a group of workshops on Calle San Luis where each workshop is creating their own specific art and handicrafts, some selling their goods to the public.
  • The Basilica de la Macarena, a small but incredibly beautiful church in Seville, which is home to the famous Macarena Virgin.

See more: The Best Churches in Seville

A great foodie thing to do in Seville is try some delicious cakes and pastries at the iconic pastry store, La Campana.
La Campana is an iconic place to go in Seville to try delicious cakes and pastries

Join the locals for “la merienda”

You will notice that in the late afternoon, from around 6 pm onwards, the streets fill with people, many taking their seat in the streets and squares with a coffee and something sweet in hand. This wonderful tradition is called “la merienda” and is basically Spain’s answer to afternoon tea. We love visiting Bar El Comercio during this time for our coffee and churros. Also, we love Seville’s iconic pastry shop – La Campana, which is another one not to be missed!

Sweet Spots in Seville

Wondering what do to in Seville? Try sherry wines or just simply sip on a beer with locals in one of the many small taverns in the evening. Check out Ultimate travel guide to Seville for some recommendations of where to go!
A glass of sherry in a local tavern is a great way to start the evening!

Hole up for the evening in a local tavern

The streets and bars of Seville become filled in the evening with people out and about, meeting with friends and family over a drink or two, and bringing the city alive in the process. What better way to feel part of the action than shunning the tourist traps and joining the local crowd in the local taverns? Start by sampling some homemade vermouth, move onto some typical tapas, and feel more sevillano with every bite.

Check out: 5 Places to Sample Vermouth in Seville

One of the best things to do in Seville is see this beautiful pavilion at Plaza de España, to experience first hand the beautifully detailed tiling. Check our ultimate travel guide to Seville for more suggestions!
The beautiful tile details at Plaza de España in Seville – Photo Credit: mout1234

Foodie Things to do in Seville

With access to the best of everything – seafood, meats, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, an endless supply of fabulous Spanish ham, Seville is fast becoming a mecca for food lovers. What ultimate travel guide to Seville would be complete without tips on the best ways that food lovers can enjoy the city?

Visit a market

Seville’s produce markets are not only an interesting place to see the best of the local produce on display and for sale. They’re also a wonderful spot to get a glimpse into the local way of life, no matter how much or how little you are into food!

Don’t Miss: Local Food Markets in Seville: Our Favorites!

Fresh figs in a local market
Beautiful fresh figs for sale at a local market in Seville – Photo Credit: Zen Voyager

Sip on a glass of sherry

Food and wine go hand in hand. So, you absolutely can’t miss a glass of Seville’s favorite tipple, none other than sherry wine. But forget about the sweet stuff from Grandma’s cabinet – while we love that too, we especially love the bone dry, crisp varieties such as fino and manzanilla, especially on a hot summer’s day!

Read More: Here’s Our Favorite Places to Drink Sherry in Seville – Salud!

One of the great foodie things to do in Seville is to try a glass of manzanilla sherry! Check out our Ultimate travel guide to Seville for suggestions on where to try it.
A crispy, cool glass of sherry is the perfect accompaniment to an evening in Seville

Take a Seville food tour

What better way is there to learn about a city than through the food? Join us on a Seville food tour and spend four fabulous hours rambling through the back streets of the historic center, trying local bites along the way. Also, you’ll learn about the fascinating history that created the city we know and love today.

Learn More: Our Delicious Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour

Taking a food tour in Seville is a great way to learn about the city!
David from Corta y Cata is one of the smiling vendors we meet on our Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville tour

Join a cooking class

We don’t just love eating food, we love making it too, and there are a variety of wonderful cooking classes available so you can go home with some new skills – cooking our favorite local recipes!

See MoreCooking Up A Storm With These Three Great Cooking Classes in Seville

Taking a cooking class in Seville is a wonderful thing to do in order to take home some new skills!
Making salmorejo during the cooking class with Taller Andaluz de Cocina

Take a Tapas Tour in Seville

Seville is the capital city of tapas, and what better way to experience them than having someone show you the ropes? To combine more than 2,000 years of Seville’s fabulous city with four of Seville’s best historical taverns, and of course, an unbelievable array of local foods and wines. Join us on a tapas tour for an after dark exploration of the Andalusian capital.

Find out more: Our fun and informative Tapas, Taverns & History of Seville Tour

If you are looking for things to do, don't miss doing a tapas tour in Seville! It's a great way to learn about the city and try delicious food while you are at it
Hearing the stories that bring Seville to life on our Tapas, Taverns and History Tour

What to eat in Seville

What to eat in Seville is almost as difficult as asking where to eat, but there are some stand out dishes that are not to be missed while visiting the city!

Jamón

In a country that is made up of regional cuisine, giving each part of Spain’s its own unique flavor, ham (and pork meat in general!) is the one thing we can say unifies the country’s cuisine as a whole. But given Seville’s proximity to the nearby province of Huelva – one of the top producing areas of the famous melt-in-your-mouth acorn-fed Iberian ham, in Seville trying this ham is definitely at the top of the list.

One of the most typical foods in Seville is this Iberian Ham, and it's not to be missed while visiting the city - check our ultimate travel guide to Seville for more great suggestions.
A plate of melt-in-your-mouth Iberian Ham

Pescado frito

In Seville & Andalusia, we love fried food, but the most popular of all would absolutely be fried fish (pescado frito). We love it so much that it is an important stop on our daytime food tour of Seville!

Fried fish, one of the most typical foods in Seville. For more delicious ideas check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville!
Digging into a cone of fried fish at Freiduría La Isla

Espinacas con garbanzos

Stews are a big part of the diet in Andalusia, but one that you find in tapas bars all over Seville that is well-loved by locals is espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpea stew). 

Espinicas con garbanzos, one of the most typical tapas in Seville. For more great suggestions read on in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville
One of our all-time favorite tapas, espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas)

Carrillada

Nose to tail eating is nothing new in Spain – we make use of every part of the pig, a practice that dates back to when families had one pig that they’d slaughter for almost an entire year’s worth of food. One of our favorite cuts of the Iberian pig are the cheeks. These are stewed with wine and served up in tapas bars across the city, but if you want to try an amazing version of this dish make sure you join us on our evening Tapas, Taverns & History tour.

This is carrillada, one of the most typical tapas in Seville and well deserving of a place in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville
A tapa of carrillada – another Seville classic!

Salmorejo

This dish actually originates from the nearby city of Cordoba but is well loved by people all over Andalusia. This cold tomato soup is the thicker and more tomato-heavy cousin of the famous gazpacho, made simply with tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and sherry vinegar, and thickened with bread and extra virgin olive oil.

Salmorejo (cold tomato soup) is one of our favorite tapas in Seville and we couldn't create an Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville without adding it in!
Is there anything more delicious than a bowl of salmorejo?

Solomillo al whiskey

Despite the non-Spanish sounding name, this is actually a very typical local dish in Seville. Pork loin is prepared with a garlic based (and whiskey!) sauce and enjoyed as a tapa across the city.

One of the most typical tapas in Seville is this solomillo al whiskey - read more great options in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville!
Solomillo al whiskey, a local favorite

Read More about Food in Seville:

Where to eat in Seville

In the city that boasts over 3,000 bars and eating establishments, where to eat in Seville is a really good question! Every neighborhood in Seville boasts a whole range of options, from the traditional hole-in-the-walls bars to modern places serving up fusion tapas and interesting flavors. Here, our ultimate travel guide to Seville reveals some of our absolute favorite spots.

See Also: Where to eat in Seville and The Absolute Best Restaurants in Seville

If you are wondering where to eat in Seville don't miss places like this old bar, El Rinconcillo and check our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville for more great suggestions!
El Rinconcillo – the oldest bar in Seville and still a well-loved favorite!

Traditional Tapas Bars in Seville

Often hole-in-the-wall taverns serving up typical Andalusian fare and a never-ending supply of cold Cruzcampo beer and manzanilla sherry create part of the most authentic eating experiences for visitors to Seville. Here are a few of our favorites.

Casa Morales – The icon of the second-oldest bar in Seville are the antique clay wine vats lining the back walls, but that’s just the start of the reason we love Casa Morales! Grab yourself a glass of manzanilla sherry and squeeze in at the bar with the locals (or join us on our Tapas, Taverns & History Tour and we will take you there!) Calle García de Vinuesa, 11

Alvaro Peregil – The story, the gregarious owner, the delicious local vino de naranja (orange wine) are the standouts of this little wine store turned bar that dates back to 1904. It’s also a surprisingly local joint nestled right in the touristic heart of Seville. Calle Mateos Gagos, 20

Casa Ricardo – This self-proclaimed Semana Santa (Holy Week) bar near the trendy Alameda de Hercules is quite an experience. A crowd of well-heeled locals, images of the Virgin and Jesus adorning the walls, and no menu as the plates change every day – but the Iberian Ham is always on hand and amazing!  Calle Hernán Cortés, 2

See Also: 6 Historic Bars in Seville That You Can’t Miss

If you are wondering where to eat in Seville don't miss bars like Arte y Sabor (where this delicious salad came from!) for wonderful fusion options - find out more in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville!
Yum! This delicious blue cheese salad is a wonderful example of the modern take on tapas to be found in Seville.

Modern Tapas Bars in Seville

In the last 7 years or so, Seville’s tapas scene has undergone somewhat of an overhaul, with modern tapas bars popping up and really making their mark on Seville’s culinary scene. Once a new and interesting concept, these bars are now a dime a dozen, with many being good to average, but a few outstanding ones do remain. The outstanding ones are not to be missed by any food lover!

Mechela Restaurante – A wonderful tapas bars near the Fine Arts museum that has a delicious selection of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. This is definitely one of our favorite haunts in the city! Calle Bailén, 34

Espacio Eslava – A well-loved classic, Eslava is one of the long-timers of Seville’s gourmet tapas scene. It’s got a buzzing local feel with a good mix of traditional tapas done in a beautiful way as well as creative tapas. Calle Eslava, 3

La Brunilda – This is a popular little place, and for a reason – the inventive tapas they create here are absolutely delicious and great value too. Calle Galera, 5

This delicious invention is from one of the best tapas bars in Seville, La Brunilda.
Butifarra, scallops and cauliflower puree at La Brunilda in Seville – what a combination!

Best Restaurants in Seville

While Seville is arguably the tapas mecca of the world, there are also some wonderful restaurants to be found in the city. These are also great to eat at, especially if you are looking for somewhere for that special occasion.

ConTenedor – A favorite of ours, we call upon ConTenedor for birthdays, anniversaries, friends in town – any occasion worth celebrating! Expect to find amazing dishes made from local ingredients and also great service to go with it. This place is popular, so booking is always essential. Calle San Luis, 50

Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo – This is a beautiful old-style place that is also suitable to stop in for some tapas and a drink, but the best is booking yourself a table, taking the afternoon out and sharing different raciones (large sharing plates) of food with friends over a glass of wine or three. Calle Teodosio, 53

Petite Comite – This lovely restaurant in the Arenal neighborhood oozes style, and is a great place for a nice meal in the center of the city. While the food is great, we also love the interesting desserts such as “a plate of gin and tonic”. Find out for yourself what it’s all about! Calle Dos de Mayo, 30

For Foodies

The dorado and arroz at Petit Comite, a great restaurant in Seville and worthy of a place in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville
Sea bream and rice at Petit Comite in the Arenal neighborhood – so delicious!- Photo Credit: Petit Comite

Breakfast in Seville

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While in Spain that might not quite be true (Spanish breakfasts are quite simple!) there are certainly some great places where you can enjoy it

La Cacherrería – This was the first cafe of this style in Seville, and still a favorite among locals and visitors alike for breakfast. Come here to enjoy delicious tostadas, homemade cakes, and also some great coffee and smoothies. Calle Regina, 14

Bar Alfalfa – We personally love the tostadas and the mix in style – get a classic tostada with Iberian ham and tomato, or try one with an international flare, like the toast with mortadella and provolone cheese. Calle Candilejo, 1

La Esquina del Arfe – This no-frills bar is the place to come for a local breakfast in the center of the city. You will find the place busy every morning with people enjoying the large breakfast tostadas before going about their day. Calle Arfe, 26

See More: Our Best Places For Breakfast in Seville

We love stopping by Virgin Coffee for our morning coffee (and to buy takeaway coffee beans too!) – Photo Credit: Virgin Coffee

Dining by neighborhood

Here are neighborhood dining guides we’ve prepared just for you!

The Alameda, a popular neighborhood for food and nightlife - read on for options in our Ultimate Travel guide to Seville
The Alameda, a popular neighborhood for food and nightlife – Photo Credit: Franek N

Where to stay in Seville

Hostels

No longer the place just for the scruffy backpacker, Seville’s hostel scene has taken off in recent years. If you are looking for a place with a buzzing, social atmosphere, they might just be for you! You won’t even have to sleep in a dorm.

Our Tips: Our 3 Favorite Boutique Hostels in Seville

One of the best boutique hostels in Seville is this place, The Boutike - find out more in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville!
The beautiful reception at The Boutike, one of Seville’s best boutique hostels!

Budget hotels

Who said staying in a hotel has to be expensive? Seville is filled with a range of wonderful family run budget hotels which make a homely and inexpensive option to stay in.

See All: Top 4 Budget (And Family Owned!) Hotels in Seville 

If you are looking for a good budget hotel in Seville, this simple but sweet place, Hotel Alcantara, is a great option! See our Ultimate Travel Guide to Seville for other great options too.
One of the lovely rooms at Hotel Alcantara, a wonderful budget hotel in Seville – Photo Credit: Hotel Alcantara

Boutique hotels

If your accommodation choice directly correlates to your experience in the city, then Seville’s boutique hotels are absolutely the place for you!

Our Picks: Top 5 Boutique Hotels in Seville

The Casa de Santa Cruz has these beautiful rooms, making it a wonderful option if you are looking to stay in a boutique hotel in Seville. Check our Ultimate travel guide to seville for more great recommendations!
Inside the rooms at the beautiful Casas de Santa Cruz, a wonderful boutique hotel in Seville – Photo Credit: Casas de Santa Cruz

Which neighborhood?

Sometimes the big question might be not so much the hotel, but which area of Seville to stay in. We have already done all the hard work for you in our guide to Seville’s neighborhoods.

Read More: Where to Stay in Seville: A Neighborhood Guide

A horse and carriage making its way past the Mercado de Triana and into the Triana neighbourhood. Check out our Ultimate travel guide to Seville for things to do in Triana, Seville.
A horse and carriage making its way over the bridge and past the Mercado de Triana – Photo Credit: kangxi504

Shopping in Seville

Seville has surprisingly a good number of shopping options available. From flamenco souvenirs to beautiful ceramics and also edible souvenirs. And the good news is, they’re all within walking distance of each other!

We Recommend: Want Authentic Souvenirs? Here’s Where To Buy Souvenirs In Seville and Where to Shop In Seville

If you are wondering where to shop in Seville, don't miss buying shoes like this for even your youngest gift recipients on Calle Cordoba.
Seville is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts for people of all ages!

Day Trips from Seville

Once you have explored everything that Seville has to offer, why not take a trip outside of the city?

Jerez

For serious wine lovers only! A day trip to Jerez is the best way to understand all about Seville’s favorite tipple, none other than sherry

One of the best day trips from Seville is going to the Jerez wine region to sample these fabulous sherry wines! Check out our Ultimate travel guide to seville for more ideas!
Sherry wines in Jerez – Copyright: Chris Becker

Carmona

To experience a pueblo blanco (white village) just a stone’s throw from Seville, the historic town of Carmona is the place to go. It’s a short drive from Seville and is also easily reachable by bus.

One of our favourite day trips from Seville is to the nearby village of Carmona, about 40 minutes by bus.
A beautiful church in the quaint town of Carmona, located just a stone’s throw from Seville – Photo Credit: katiebordner

Cadiz

Cadiz is also a wonderful city to visit – in fact, it’s the oldest continuously habited city in Europe! With beaches both in the city and along the surrounding coastline, it’s a wonderful place to visit in summer.

During the summer months one of the best day trips from Seville is to the nearby city of Cadiz, home to great city beaches!
What better way to spend a summer’s day than on the beach at the nearby city of Cadiz! – Photo Credit: no rain corp.

Read More:

Fun fact about Seville

If there is one image that visitors to Andalusia hold in their mind, it’s the sight of oranges trees lining the streets. You can also find them in the squares, even in the very center of the cities and towns. But did you know that in Seville there are the most orange trees of them all? Believe it or not, there are a total of 40,000 across the city!

You can't miss the orange trees in Seville! No matter what you do, you see them everywhere on the streets. Check out our ultimate travel guide to Seville for great ideas of things to do when you are here.
Everywhere you look there are orange trees in Seville – even poking through the door of the Cathedral! – Photo Credit: Eddy Van 3000

This blog post was updated on January 26, 2018.

4 Comment

  1. April 7, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    I love all of your posts, but this one is exceptionally special. I love living in Barcelona, but I often dream of heading south and living among the orange trees. After reading this I think I might have to make some kind of plan to make it happen! Gracias!

    Ben

    1. Cyra Alcock says
      April 22, 2016 at 10:00 am

      Hi Ben, thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and thanks for your lovely comment– I’m glad you enjoyed it! If you make it to the south sometime soon be sure to let us know 🙂

  2. Karen Conde says
    February 5, 2017 at 3:31 am

    I enjoyed your shopping in Seville. My family were in Seville last spring. We did not have a lot of shopping time. I wanted to find our families Coat of Arms as my husbands family was born in Spain. Can you suggest a place I could contact? Thank You

    1. Jaimie Keating says
      February 6, 2017 at 8:01 pm

      Hey, Karen, I’m delighted you liked Seville. I’ve had a look online for places to get some information on coats of arms and there are a few websites where you can contact, but the most reputable looking ones are in Spanish. Is that a problem?

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