This blog post was originally posted on July 23, 2015, and was updated on July 1, 2019.
Ask a local about the best things to do in Seville in August, and they’ll probably tell you to head to the nearest beach.
While that’s a tempting idea, it would mean missing out on everything that Seville itself has to offer. It’s true that Andalusia’s capital is a scorcher during the summer months (it’s the hottest city in continental Europe, after all), but if you’re up for beating the heat, you’ll be glad you did so.
Hotel rooms are relatively cheap (just be sure to get one with a pool!), the city takes on a quiet and laid-back vibe, and worst-case scenario, the beach is just a quick train ride away.
Sound good? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Seville in August.
1. Visit a water park
What better time to visit a water park than in August? Not only does the heat gives you a good excuse to cool off, but said parks won’t be nearly as crowded as you think. After all, August is prime beach vacation time for the locals.
Perfect for the young and young-at-heart alike, Aquopolis is open from 12–8 p.m. every day during August. After a hot morning spent sightseeing, cool off on their abundance of water slides or just take a relaxing swim.
RELATED: Where to Cool Off in Seville
2. Enjoy an evening concert in the Alcazar gardens
What’s better than a summer concert? When said summer concert takes place outside. And as far as outdoor venues go, you can’t get much better than the Alcázar gardens.
The stunning ancient palace’s annual summer concert series continues throughout August, with all performances taking place in the breathtaking gardens. Get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy one amazing performance after another all summer long.
2019 dates: June 27–September 21
3. Relax at a rooftop bar
One other great thing about summer (besides outdoor concerts): rooftop bars. And luckily for you and for us, Seville has plenty of them.
While many local bars and restaurants close for their summer holidays during August, rooftops throughout the city are open for business as usual all month long. The stunning views, great drinks, and fun vibes make it well worth the heat you’ve likely tolerated all day.
SEE ALSO: The Best Rooftop Bars in Seville
4. Check out Seville’s museums
For most of the part, Seville’s museums and art galleries remain open throughout August, which is great for two reasons.
First, they aren’t as crowded as usual, due to the fact that August is a little quieter in Seville. And secondly, two words: air conditioning.
Whether you’re after art, ceramics or archaeology, there’s something for everyone at Seville’s fabulous museums. They’re also quite affordable and can easily fit into any budget, with some entrance fees as low as €1.50.
5. Take a day trip and swim in a waterfall
With Seville as your home base, Andalusia really is your oyster. Just rent a car from one of the many companies available at Santa Justa train station, and you’ll be well on your way to exploring.
A great option for a day trip from Seville during the scorching summer is the Cascadas de Hueznar, located in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla national park. It’s about an hour’s drive north of Seville and just 2 kilometers from the village of San Nicolás.
To find the waterfalls, follow the signs to “Area Recreativa El Martinete” and park at the restaurant. The waterfalls themselves tumble into a series of pools that are perfect for swimming. The water is on the chilly side, but considering the fact that you’re visiting Seville in August, this might be just what you’re looking for.
Hi Cyra, we’re thinking of booking a holiday in Seville during August. Are there still some local restaurants and bars open or is it only those in hotels which aren’t closed? We’re hoping to visit lots of different tapas bars. Cheers! Ed
Hi Ed, you won’t go hungry (and there are places other than just those attached to hotels open) but to be honest many places in Seville do close for part of all of August, including most of the places that I love and recommend. If you are traveling for food or want to “live like a local” or experience a local ambient in the city then August is not the month to come to Seville as many places are closed and most sevillianos leave the city, but if you don’t mind the heat (it will be very hot!) and would like to appreciate the city with less people here then you will still find museums, monuments etc open.
Is the same true for the very end of July? July 28th-30th?
Some bars will get a head start on their summer holidays by closing the last weekend in July, so it’s good to come prepared knowing that you’ll find some places closed!
Hi! We are coming 10th of October. Are there any festivals, concerts, other ideas not to miss?
Here you are, Jan! http://devoursevillefoodtours.com/things-to-do-in-seville-in-october/
We’ll update it for this year in September.
6. Avoid visiting Sevilla in August to avoid perishing from heat exhaustion! Take it from someone who lives in Spain: avoid Sevilla and Madrid in the summer months. Trust me, everyone from these cities retreats to the coast in the summer months to escape the heat.
Haha, not a bad tip!