This is the ultimate travel guide to Sevilla, Spain! Before I dive into my usual topics (where to stay, what to eat, sights to see, and things to do), let’s talk about the reasons you should visit and love this city…
THE WARMTH. What seems like a permanent warm glow casting on the city at all times is magical. It is one of the sunniest cities in Europe after all. Golden hour is extra golden here!
THE FOOD. It’s all about the tapas in Sevilla – the classics but also the Andalusian ones.
THE HISTORY. This city is rich in history and culture – both of which have been preserved and make Sevilla feel so authentic. You have the Islamic architectural influence throughout the city, the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, the largest gothic cathedral in the world, and the gypsy neighborhood of Triana that is famous for flamenco. It’s all so beautiful!
In this travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in Sevilla, Spain! And yes, Sevilla is just the Spanish name for Seville – they are the same city.
Don’t miss my complete guide to Barcelona HERE!
Table of Contents
STAY
Location is very important – even though the city center is not that large, walking is the the best way to get around. For easy access to the top sights, consider Santa Cruz, Centro, or El Arenal. For a neighborhood feel, consider Triana or La Alameda. If you are visiting during the summer months, then you MUST ensure your accommodation has a pool and air conditioning. Lastly, don’t expect to find a lot of king and queen sized beds in Spain – a double bed or two twin beds put together is much more common.
AIRBNB
Sevilla is one of those cities that has amazing, affordable, and conveniently located Airbnbs, so I would recommend exploring this option. These are a few that I love (and they tend to be less than $150 per night):
THIS ONE is located in Centro with a private pool and terrace.
THIS ONE is located between Centro and La Alameda. The apartment itself is beautifully decorated, while the pool and terrace are shared with the other units in the apartment.
THIS ONE is located in Santa Cruz with a gorgeous shared pool and terrace. It can accommodate up to six guests.
THIS ONE is located near Santa Cruz with a private pool and terrace. It can accommodate up to eight guests.
Tip: Select these filters when searching: ENTIRE PLACE, WIFI, POOL, AIR CONDITIONING. I also like to start by filtering to SUPERHOST, but I don’t limit myself to those options.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
H10 Casa de la Plata BOOK HERE!
H10 Corregidor BOOK HERE!
Hotel Rey Alfonso X BOOK HERE!
Hotel Alfonso XIII BOOK HERE!
EAT AND DRINK
I can confidently say that some of the best food that I have had in Spain is in Sevilla. The vibes are authentic and charming. IYKYK: good food + drink AND good vibes are everything.
Tip: Meal times are later (lunch is typically 2-4pm and dinner is 9-11pm) and longer (ask for “la cuenta” when you’re ready to pay). Additionally, tipping after a meal is not necessary, but rounding up the bill or a 5-10% tip is appreciated.
TAPAS
It’s all about the tapas in Sevilla – the classics but also the Andalusian ones like solomillo al whiskey, espinicas con garbanzos, and montaditos.
El Rinconcillo | This is the oldest tapas bar in Sevilla. Wait in line for a spot at the bar for the best experience (skip the table reservations).
Bodeguita Antonio Romero | The specialty here is montaditos (mini sandwiches) – order the piripi and the pringá.
Las Teresas | Another old tapas bar that is always bustling in Santa Cruz.
Mercado Lonja del Barranco | A modern food hall located near the river with a variety of food and drink options + indoor and outdoor seating.
On my list for next time: Bar Alfalfa, Dúo Tapas, Seis Tapas
DRINKS
Skip the sangria and order tinto de verano. Or if you prefer beer, Cruzcampo flows like water. No matter your drink of choice, don’t expect to pay more than a couple of euros.
Universal People Bar | A lively corner spot for an afternoon drink and people watching.
La Alameda de Hércules | This is an open plaza surrounded by bars serving drinks from day to night.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Jester Coffee & Juices | I love this spot for starting the day on a healthier note. The açaí bowls are *chef’s kiss* so good.
FILO | Every breakfast item on the menu comes with coffee and fresh orange juice.
Coffee: Un Gato en Bicicleta, Virgen Coffee, Delatribu Coffee
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SIGHTS TO SEE
Plaza de España & Parque de María Luisa
This tile-embellished plaza pays tribute to all of provinces of Spain. It is so immaculate and beautiful! Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa are completely free to visit.
Real Alcázar
This Moorish palace is the most popular attraction in Sevilla, so you should absolutely purchase tickets in advance. I reserved the first time slot of the day, and there was still a line to get inside for ticketholders. Don’t worry – the grounds are huge, and you will find your space once inside.
Tip: If you watched Game of Thrones, then you may recognize a few filming locations at Real Alcázar.
Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda
The official name of this sight is Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. It is the LARGEST gothic cathedral in the world! Inside you will find the Patio de los Naranjos, tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Treasure Room, and access to La Giralda. You must climb to the top of La Giralda for incredible views of the city – this tower was preserved from the original mosque that was built where the cathedral sits today. Again, purchase tickets in advance, as this is also a popular attraction.
Las Setas
Also known as Metropol Parasol, this is the largest wooden structure in the world. Purchase tickets to check it out from above.
Plaza de Cabildo
This is a beautiful plaza near the cathedral. It is a bit of a hidden gem, which makes it mostly quiet and peaceful. It is free to visit.
Triana
Cross the Guadalquivir River via the Triana Bridge to explore the old gypsy quarter. Admire the colorful row of houses on Calle Betis, find fresh meats, cheeses, and produce at Mercado de Triana, and enjoy one of the best flamenco shows in the city while you are in Triana.
Casa de Pilatos & Palacio de Las Dueñas
These are two beautiful palaces that are worth the visit if you cannot get enough of the incredible architecture of Andalusia. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to visit these spots, but I will prioritize them when I return. Purchase tickets in advance.
THINGS TO DO
WATCH A FLAMENCO SHOW
Flamenco music and dancing is typical of Andalusia. There are no shortage of flamenco shows in Sevilla. La Carboneria offers free shows every night – all you have to do is purchase a drink. Check out Get Your Guide below for a range of additional options!
BUY CONVENT COOKIES
Spanish nuns are secretly very good at making sweets, which you can buy directly from their convents throughout the city. Some of the nuns are still cloistered (meaning that they cannot show their face), so you have to order your sweets through a torno or turnstile. I chose to visit Santa Ines Convent and blindly ordered cortadillos and tortas de aceite. Keep in mind that you will need cash and that you typically will receive a package of a dozen sweets.
TAKE A DAY TRIP
Next time I am in Sevilla, I hope to explore much more of Andalusia. If you have the time for a day trip, I recommend Córdoba, Pueblos Blancos, Ronda, Cadiz, Granada, Málaga, etc.
I hope you enjoyed this Sevilla travel guide and are planning to visit soon!
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Anytime! SPRING is lively with the celebrations of Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. SUMMER is popular for tourism but do make sure your hotel has a pool to save you from the midday heat. FALL brings the rainy season and fewer crowds. WINTER is warmer than most of Europe + the iconic orange trees are at their peak from February to March.
CURRENCY
Euros are the local currency. The conversion rate is more or less $1 USD = €1 EUR.
GETTING AROUND
To/From SVQ Airport: The EA bus line connects the airport and Plaza de Armas with a stop in the city center called Prado do San Sebastian – takes approximately 35 minutes. A taxi will get you to/from the city center in approximately 15 minutes.
I took the train (Renfe) from Barcelona to Sevilla with a transfer in Madrid. This took about 6.5 hours, but it was comfortable, stress-free, and scenic. You can also take a 1.5 hour flight from Barcelona.
If you prefer a taxi/car, download the Cabify and FreeNow apps. Unsurprisingly, I recommend that you walk as much as possible so that you do not miss an inch of this beautiful city!
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
Comfortable shoes are my #1 recommendation for packing, as you can expect to do a lot of walking in Sevilla. Here are my picks: HERE HERE HERE.
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. Don’t forget the European travel essentials like your passport, some euros, and a power adaptor.
LANGUAGE
The official language spoken in Sevilla is Spanish. You do not need to speak Spanish, but it does help a lot. Not everyone that you encounter will be able to speak English – be patient. I always encourage people to attempt to learn a few key words, though!
| English | Spanish |
| Hello | Hola |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| I’m good! | Estoy bien |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| You’re welcome | De nada |
| Bye | Adios |
| The bill, please. | La cuenta, por favor. |
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in Spain.
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