The Cathedral and the Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and its tower, once the minaret of the Almohad mosque. Climb the ramps to the top to take in the whole city.
Seville Guide
Seville, step by step
What to see, where to eat, when to come and how to get around. Everything we would tell you if you were visiting us at home.
Two images with everything in this guide, ready to save on your phone.
The essentials
Six places you should not miss, all within an easy walk of the centre.
The Real Alcázar
One of the oldest royal palaces in Europe still in use: finely decorated Mudéjar halls and gardens with fountains and orange trees.
Santa Cruz Quarter
The old Jewish quarter: narrow lanes, little squares with orange trees and patios full of flowerpots. Wander without a plan; it is the best way to see it.
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
The great semicircle of brick and tiles built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, beside one of the most pleasant parks in the city.
Casa de Pilatos
An Andalusian palace blending Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles, with tiles, patios and gardens. It is just a few minutes from our apartments in the Judería.
Las Setas (Metropol Parasol)
Considered the largest wooden structure in the world, with a viewpoint at the top from which you can watch the city at sunset.
The neighbourhoods
Centre and Cathedral
The monumental heart of the city: pedestrian streets, shops, the main sights and the oldest hotels. Everything is done on foot.
Santa Cruz and the Judería
Lanes and patios, charming taverns and quiet corners a few steps from the monuments. This is the most traditional atmosphere.
Triana
Across the river, a former sailors' and potters' quarter, birthplace of flamenco artists and bullfighters. A great place for tapas and to see the city from the opposite bank.
La Alameda and La Encarnación
A younger, more alternative Seville, with bars, terraces and nightlife, next to the Plaza de las Setas.
Eating and drinking
In Seville, you go for tapas: you move from bar to bar trying a tapa or half portion at each, standing at the counter or on a terrace.
Where to eat
Where to drink
Festivals and flamenco
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
The week before Easter, with dozens of processions through the streets of the centre. It is one of the best-known festivals in Spain, and the city fills up.
Feria de Abril
After Holy Week, a week of casetas, flamenco dresses, horses and celebrations until the early hours at the Real de la Feria.
Flamenco
All year round there are tablaos and peñas where you can see it up close, and every two years the Bienal de Flamenco takes place. Triana is the reference neighbourhood.
During Holy Week and the Feria, accommodation sells out months in advance: we recommend booking as early as possible.
Day trips from Seville
Córdoba
The Mezquita-Catedral and the Jewish quarter, less than an hour away by high-speed train.
Cádiz and Jerez
Beaches, an old town and the sherry wineries of Jerez, one to two hours away by train.
Itálica
A Roman city with an amphitheatre and mosaics, next to Santiponce, a few kilometres from Seville.
Ronda and the white villages
A day on the road among white villages and mountain scenery; best by car.
Practical tips
- 01When to come: spring and autumn are the best seasons. July and August are very hot; leave outdoor visits for first thing in the morning.
- 02Book your tickets for the Cathedral and the Alcázar in advance, especially in high season.
- 03The centre is easily covered on foot. To go further there are the metro, tram and rental bikes; the airport has a bus to the centre.
- 04People eat late: lunch is around 2 pm and dinner at 9 pm or later. Many businesses close at midday in summer.
- 05Wear comfortable shoes: the cobblestones and slopes of the old town make themselves felt after a few hours.
Would you like a plan tailored to you?
Teresa y Javi live in Seville and will be delighted to recommend places to eat, sights to visit and plans according to your dates.
Write to us