Explore Seville

Seville – The Heart of Andalusia

Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish) is a captivating city in southern Spain, known for its Moorish architecture, flamenco dancing, orange-scented streets, and vibrant festivals. With a mix of historical charm and modern flair, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Andalusia.

 

📅 Best Time to Visit Seville:

  • Spring (March – May): Ideal time with warm weather (18°C–28°C) and famous festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.
  • Autumn (September – November): Pleasant temperatures (20°C–30°C) and fewer crowds.
  • Winter (December – February): Mild and sunny (10°C–20°C), perfect for cultural exploration.
  • Summer (June – August): Extremely hot (35°C–45°C)—best for evening strolls and indoor sights.

✈️ How to Get to Seville:

By Air:

  • Seville Airport (SVQ): Located 10 km from the city center.
    • Airport Bus (EA Line): 35-min ride to the city (~€4).
    • Taxi: ~€25 flat rate to central Seville.

By Train:

  • Santa Justa Station: High-speed AVE trains connect Seville to Madrid (2.5 hours) and Barcelona (5.5 hours).

By Bus:

  • Long-distance buses arrive at Plaza de Armas station, connecting to other Andalusian cities.

🏛️ Top Attractions in Seville:

  1. Seville Cathedral & La Giralda:
    • The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO site. Climb La Giralda for panoramic views.
  2. Real Alcázar of Seville:
    • A stunning Moorish palace with intricate tilework and lush gardens (a filming site for Game of Thrones).
  3. Plaza de España:
    • Majestic square with ceramic tiles, bridges, and canals—perfect for a boat ride or stroll.
  4. Metropol Parasol (Las Setas):
    • A striking modern wooden structure offering city views from its rooftop walkway.
  5. Barrio de Santa Cruz:
    • The Jewish Quarter, with narrow alleys, flower-filled patios, and hidden plazas.
  6. Triana District:
    • The birthplace of flamenco—explore ceramic shops, riverside cafés, and flamenco shows.
  7. Torre del Oro:
    • A 13th-century watchtower along the Guadalquivir River, housing a maritime museum.
  8. Casa de Pilatos:
    • A beautiful Andalusian palace blending Moorish, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture.
  9. Archivo de Indias:
    • UNESCO-listed building housing records from Spain’s colonial explorations.
  10. Flamenco Dance Museum:
  • Learn about the history of flamenco and enjoy an authentic live performance.

🎉 Activities to Do in Seville:

  1. Watch a Flamenco Show:
    • Experience the passion of live flamenco at venues like Casa de la Memoria or Tablao El Arenal.
  2. Explore the Guadalquivir River:
    • Take a boat cruise to view Seville’s iconic landmarks from the water.
  3. Attend a Festival:
    • Semana Santa (Holy Week): Religious processions with elaborate floats (March/April).
    • Feria de Abril: A week-long fair with flamenco dresses, dancing, and horse parades (April).
  4. Climb La Giralda:
    • Ascend this iconic bell tower for breathtaking views of the cityscape.
  5. Tapas Crawl:
    • Explore local taverns for traditional tapas like jamón ibérico and espinacas con garbanzos.
  6. Visit the Markets:
    • Mercado de Triana: Perfect for sampling local produce, cheese, and Spanish wines.
  7. Bike Along the River:
    • Rent a bike and cycle along the Guadalquivir River for a scenic ride.
  8. Explore Hidden Patios:
    • Visit in May during the Patio Festival, when private courtyards bloom with flowers.

🏨 Accommodation in Seville:

Luxury:

  • Hotel Alfonso XIII: A 5-star palace-style hotel near Santa Cruz.
  • Eme Catedral Hotel: Luxury with a rooftop pool and cathedral views.

Mid-Range:

  • Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla: Boutique stay in a restored 19th-century mansion.
  • Hotel Las Casas de la Judería: Historic charm across 27 connected houses.

Budget-Friendly:

  • The Nomad Hostel: Modern hostel with social events and rooftop.
  • Black Swan Hostel: Stylish, centrally located with free breakfast.

Unique Stays:

  • Corral del Rey: A restored 17th-century palace offering boutique luxury.
  • Patio de la Alameda: Stay in a converted mansion in the trendy Alameda district.

🍽️ Food & Restaurants in Seville:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Salmorejo: A chilled tomato soup garnished with ham and egg.
  • Espinacas con Garbanzos: Spiced spinach and chickpea stew.
  • Jamón Ibérico: World-renowned Iberian ham, best from local tapas bars.
  • Torrijas: Sweet honey-soaked bread, traditionally enjoyed during Semana Santa.

Top Restaurants:

  • El Pintón: Modern Spanish cuisine in a courtyard setting.
  • La Brunilda: A beloved spot for creative tapas—arrive early!
  • Eslava: Known for award-winning small plates and local wines.
  • Casa Morales: Traditional bodega dating back to 1850—great for classic tapas.

🎭 Local Culture in Seville:

  1. Language: Spanish is spoken widely—basic phrases like gracias (thank you) are appreciated.
  2. Siesta Culture: Many shops and restaurants close from 2 PM – 5 PM for siesta.
  3. Flamenco Passion: Flamenco is deeply rooted in Seville’s identity—performances are raw and emotional.
  4. Festivals & Traditions: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril reflect Seville’s religious and celebratory spirit.
  5. Hospitality: Sevillanos are warm and welcoming—join them in local cafés or tapas bars.