After resembling a ghost town for much of August, Seville comes alive again in September. The oppressive summer heat begins to wane, and the city breathes a collective sigh of relief as locals return from their vacations.
This month marks the perfect time to enjoy Seville’s rich cultural offerings, as the nights remain mild and daytime temperatures become more tolerable.
Ready to explore? Here are our top picks for things to do in Seville in September.
Experience the magic of Flamenco
If you’re in Seville during an odd year, the bad news is Seville’s biannual flamenco festival won’t be on the agenda. The good news: there’s still a way to experience this passionate local art form throughout the fall.
The Fundación Cajasol hosts “Flamenco Thursdays” all autumn long, starting in September (but check out their website for specifics). Head to the Cajasol Cultural Center in Plaza San Francisco to check out some of Spain’s top flamenco performers in action.
The intimate setting allows you to truly connect with the emotional depth of the performances, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Andalusian culture. The best part: this event tends to draw plenty of locals, so it doesn’t feel nearly as touristy as some other flamenco performances in town. The Cajasol venue itself adds to the experience with its historic charm and excellent acoustics, making each performance unforgettable.
Say adiós to summer at Agua Mágica
It’s true that inland Seville lacks an actual beach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun in the sun. The next best thing is Agua Mágica, the popular water park that makes up part of the Isla Mágica amusement complex. As the self-proclaimed “playa de Sevilla” (“beach in Seville”), Agua Mágica is the perfect way to beat the heat for the whole family.
From adrenaline-pumping water slides to the relaxing wave pool, there’s something for everyone here. The lazy river is particularly popular for those who prefer a more laid-back experience, allowing you to drift peacefully as the world passes by.
With many parts of the park surrounded by palm trees and real sand, it’ll almost feel like you really are at the beach. Just be sure to visit before it closes for the season—after that, you’ll have to wait until next year to enjoy this refreshing escape.
Catch a free show at Noches de Verano
Enjoying an entertaining night out is one of our favorite things to do in September in Seville, especially when said entertainment is free. Luckily, that’s the case for all performances that make up Noches de Verano at the Palacio de los Marqueses de la Algaba.
All summer long, free live music and theater performances take place in this beautiful historic building in the heart of Seville.
The palace itself, with its stunning Mudejar architecture, serves as the perfect backdrop for these cultural evenings. As the event wraps up in September, make sure to catch the final performances, which often feature some of the best acts of the season. There are even plenty of kid-friendly options available if you’re traveling with little ones, ensuring that everyone in your group can enjoy the evening.
Run the Carrera Nocturna
Want to take your nighttime explorations of Seville to the next level? Sign up for the Carrera Nocturna, a popular nighttime race that takes place every year on the last Friday of September.
This isn’t just any race; it’s a celebration of Seville’s vibrant spirit. You’ll join thousands of fitness enthusiasts and casual runners alike in this 8.5-kilometer race through the city streets, which take on a beautiful kind of magic at night. The last stretch of the race takes you right along Paseo de las Delicias, offering stunning views of the Guadalquivir River and Triana.
The city’s landmarks, including the Torre del Oro and the Plaza de España, are illuminated, adding to the breathtaking atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking for a fun way to see the city, the Carrera Nocturna is a unique experience that combines fitness, culture, and the beauty of Seville by night.
Things to see in Seville at night
If you’re noticing a theme here, it may be because Seville is especially stunning once the sun goes down. And with evening temperatures being especially pleasant in Seville in September, it’s the ideal time to get out and about. In addition to your regular tapas crawl on any given night, be sure to make room for a guided visit of one of Seville’s unique monuments.
Nighttime visits to the Hospital de los Venerables, Hospital de la Caridad, Palacio de las Dueñas, and Casa de los Pinelo allow you to see these unique sights in a different way, along with plenty of that irresistible Sevillano charm. The soft evening light enhances the intricate details of these historic sites, offering a different perspective than daytime visits.
Many of these tours include special activities or performances, such as live music or historical reenactments, making the experience even more memorable. So whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, these nighttime tours are a perfect way to wrap up your day in Seville.
Update Notice: This post was updated on September 18, 2024.
We are thinking of spending about a week in Sevilla from September 5 – 14. Will the locals be back from vacation? Is that a bad time to go?
Hi Julia! The locals will indeed be back. September and October are high season for tourism in Spain, so everything will be in full swing! Just make sure to plan ahead, for example with Alcazar tickets, so you don’t get stuck waiting in lines.
I tried to buy tickets online to Alcazar but their official website is not secure. I am advised not to enter my credit card number or other particulars for this reason. What do you suggest I do? We will be visiting on Sept. 10, 2018
Their homepage is an http site, but once you click to buy tickets, it moves you over to a secure https site! Here is the address for tickets: https://realalcazarsevilla.sacatuentrada.es/
Enjoy!
My husband and I plan to spend 3 weeks immersing ourselves in Seville in September 2020. We will be looking to rent an apartment (with elevator/ ground floor) in a suburb that is quiet, with mostly locals, cafes, markets and with easy access to transport to the main sites of Seville and surrounding district.
Any suggestions or recommendations.
Hi Susan! Triana perhaps? Take a look at this post for more: https://devoursevillefoodtours.com/where-to-stay-in-seville-neighborhood-guide/
Hi, my name is Nigel. Going to Seville for 4 days next week, but want one day at a beach. I understand Matalascanas is the nearest beach, and you need to take a Damas bus. is this correct? Also, where do you catch the bus/coach.
Final question, is there another beach we can go to no more than 2 hours away by rail/coach. I am staying at Melia Seville, thank you
Hi Nigel! You’re correct—you can take a Damas bus to Matalascañas. Buses depart from Plaza de Armas, the main bus station in Seville. A few other great beach destinations near Seville are:
-Cadiz (trains from Santa Justa station, buses from Prado de San Sebastián, both take 1 hour 45 minutes)
-Sanlucar de Barrameda (buses from Prado de San Sebastian, the shortest trip takes just 1 hour 20 minutes)
-Conil de la Frontera (buses from Prado de San Sebastian, the shortest trip takes just 1 hour 45 minutes)
We hope this helps! Enjoy Seville!