Seville is one of my favorite cities in Spain (probably the 3rd most beautiful). When I visited it for the first time, the diversity of its architecture and unique atmosphere captured my heart. I loved every single moment I spent there.
It’s the biggest city in the Andalusia region (southern Spain) and a perfect place to start your trip. It’s also the birthplace of tapas. I’m sure you’ll love its bustling streets and enjoy its culture.
So in this article, I’ll give you 14 reasons why Seville is worth visiting and also some downsides of the city.
Let’s explore Seville together!
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Is Seville Worth Visiting? Answered!
Yes, Seville is 100% worth visiting. It’s one of Spain’s most significant historical cities and has stunning architecture and different cultures in one place. It’s also the third most visited city in Spain after Barcelona and Madrid.
Sevilla has culture and traditions that you must experience once in a lifetime.
14 Reasons To Visit Seville
Sevilla not only typifies all that is “Andalusian” but also contains a plethora of artistic, cultural, leisure, social, and tourist attractions that has also become one of the most universal and most-visited cities in the world. It’s also a birthplace and inspiration of many writers, painters, and artists.
Let’s see why you should visit the city and what you can do during your stay.
1. Birthplace Of Tapas
The story of how tapas was invented says that glasses of wine would commonly get dust or mosquitos going inside, so a slice of cheese or chorizo would be placed on top of the glass as a kind of ‘tapa,’ meaning ‘cover‘ in Spanish.
It was common practice in the AndalucΓa area, and locals claim King Fernando VII popularised it.
Below are some of the best places in the city to experience tapas culture I’ve experienced myself:
π Bodeguita Romero – Probably the most famous and popular in the city, if you can find space, then this is a must. It’s in the heart of Sevilla, snuggled between the scenic cobblestone side streets, Calle Harinas, and Calle Mariano de Cavia.
π El Rinconcillo– Established in 1670, El Rinconcillo is a restaurant and tapas bar that claims to be the oldest in the city and possibly even the oldest in the entire country! Be sure to make a reservation to avoid waiting.
π Las Teresas – This tapas bar is famous for its JamΓ³n ibΓ©rico hanging from the ceiling and the decor on the wall commemorating Semana Santa (Holy Week). It’s a classic place situated in the center of the Santa Cruz district.
π READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain – including Seville
2. Cultural Diversity
Seville is an impressive city that used to host 3 different ethnic groups: Moorish, Jewish, and Catholic. Thanks to it, you can explore various architectural styles and impressive buildings in the city.
From the Moorish era, a few original remains are Palacio del Yeso in the AlcΓ‘zar, the city walls, the Torre del Oro, and parts of the cathedral, like the main section of the Giralda β the bell tower.
Down the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter lies a dark history of deceit and destruction. In 1391, the entire Jewish community was attacked, and their synagogues were converted to churches. Thousands of Jews died in the area.
In 1248 A.D., the Muslims handed over the keys to the city of Sevilla to King Fernando III, who started the Christian dominance. He constructed many Christian monuments, such as Santa MarΓa de la Sede, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of Spainβs most treasured monuments.
NOTE: I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets for the main sights like Real Alcazar and La Giralda with the Cathedral. They’re often fully booked.
β‘ SEVILLA CATHEDRAL + GIRALDA: Get skip-the-line tickets here and secure your spot.
β‘ REAL ALCAZAR: Book the skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.
Seville Guided Walking Tour
This is my favorite guided walking tour of Seville – you’ll visit the most important sights, including Real Alcazar, La Giralda, and the Cathedral, and learn a lot about the history and importance of the city with a local guide. It also includes skip-the-line tickets.
3. Spanish Festivals
Seville is also home to one of the famous Spanish festivals, Semana Santa (Holy Week).
From the 24th of March until the 31st, thousands of people line the streets throughout the city, waiting to watch the processions.
Visitors from all cultures and backgrounds, from all over Spain, and many foreigners come to see locals dressed in costumes and walk down the alley to celebrate the Holy Week.
The parade leaves its barrio (neighborhood) and heads for the official route from the north of Sierpes via Avda de la ConstituciΓ³n Street to the Cathedral. The streets are full of people, and the entire atmosphere is incredible.
It’s one of the best times to visit Seville and experience local culture.
4. Flamenco
Did you know that gypsies created the Flamenco dance to express their sorrow and melancholy about their difficult lives?
Many of the first flamenco performances originated in bars. These passionate people needed to talk about their sadness yet couldn’t verbalize with mere words to express their woe.
It’s for this reason that I say one of the most authentic and best places to watch flamenco in Sevilla is El Patio Sevillano. It’s located just in front of the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (The bull ring) on the main road Paseo de CristΓ³bal ColΓ³n.
5. Plaza Espana
Plaza de Espana is one of – if not the most – popular tourist attractions in the city! And it’s easy to see why when you finally explore the area in person. The sheer scale and presence of the 50,000 m2 area are very impressive.
I loved spending time in the square. You can explore maps of each Spanish region made with beautiful tiles. It feels like a different world.
No wonder, the Plaza de EspaΓ±a has been used as a filming location, including scenes for Lawrence of Arabia (1962). The building was used as a location in the Star Wars movie series Star Wars: Episode II β Attack of the Clones (2002).
6. Real Alcazar
Staying on tourist attractions, El AlcΓ‘zar is another popular sight you must explore in Seville. The word AlcΓ‘zar comes from Arabic al-Qasr Ψ§ΩΩΨ΅Ψ±, meaning “the fort/castle/palace.” The palace is well known for its 7th-century Moorish architecture, covered in beautiful ceramics.
One of my favorite parts of the palace is Patio de las Doncellas. You must see this small courtyard with your own eyes to appreciate it fully.
β‘ REAL ALCAZAR: Book the skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.
7. Catedral De Santa MarΓa De La Sede
A sightseeing tour of Seville wouldn’t be complete if you missed the most important UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seville Cathedral. It’s a remarkable engineering and design feat that may take your breath away!
It’s also the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. The iconic Giralda bell tower was formerly the mosque’s minaret and is all that remains of the Islamic structure that preceded the Cathedral.
I highly recommend getting the Super Seville Combi Ticket if you also want to visit the Alcazar Palace!
β‘ SEVILLA CATHEDRAL + GIRALDA: Get skip-the-line tickets here and secure your spot.
8. Las Setas
Las Setas (The Mushrooms) is undoubtedly a distinctive structure. Built over Roman remains, it’s the largest wooden monument in the world. The entrance tickets include a glass of champagne to accompany the stunning panoramic city view.
π READ ALSO: 3 Days In Barcelona Itinerary: Great For First-Timers
9. Beautiful Parks
The sweltering heat can be intense for most of the year, even for locals. So, getting into the shade for a little siesta is always a good idea. Parks are an option, and Parque de los PrΓncipes (my personal favorite) is a quiet, grassy park with a small pond.
You can also find places to rest on the canal bank, such as Jardines de Chapina, or on the opposite side of the river, Parque Fernando Magallanes, which are perfect locations for a picnic.
10. Triana
La Tirana is an interesting neighborhood that’s a great place to unwind after a busy day on the other side of the river. There are many trendy bars, traditional cafΓ©s, bohemian shops, and perhaps a few hidden gems if you take the time to wander around the side streets.
Enjoy the local culture and have some more tapas.
11. El Viajero Sedentario
I probably spent more time in El Viajero Sedentario than in any other tapas bar. It’s a cozy cafe in Alameda de HΓ©rcules and offers more than any tapas bar. El Viajero Sedentario roughly translates to “The Sitting Traveller.“
I’d highly recommend the spiced chai or the cappuccino with one of their homemade cakes. You can spend as much time here to chill, a safe and quiet place to recharge your batteries.
12. Alameda De HΓ©rcules
As someone who is a little on the introverted side, I tend to stay away from loud nightclubs and bars; however, if you’re in the mood to have a beer (or three) and talk to locals, I’d suggest you check out the long and narrow Alameda de HΓ©rcules.
This place comes alive with a buzz and activity you can’t help but get drawn to. Buy a few bottles of your choice at a local shop, and perhaps you’ll get chatting with the friendly locals who are sure to be curious about your endeavors.
13. Learn Salsa Dance
Salsa is a big part of Spanish culture. And Seville has many places to enjoy the dance, even with locals. I think it’s one of the best cities to try it.
Some great Salsa places in Seville are Sala Havana, Caramelo Nuclub, or Bachata Sundays.
14. Carmona Village
Just a 20-minute bus ride away, there’s a lovely village perfect for a romantic trip away. Carmona village illuminates Roman architecture and a slow, intimate pace. You’ll easily fall in love with these quaint streets and the places and things you’ll come across. Just wander around and enjoy its atmosphere.
Look for βLΓNEA M-106: CARMONA-EL VISO-MAIRENA-ALCALA DE GUADAIRAβ. Or rent a car and make a day trip; it’ll be much easier.
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Why You May Not Like Visiting Seville
While Seville has many reasons you should put it onto your itinerary, it also has disadvantages.
They shouldn’t put you off visiting the city as there are ways to handle them. But I just wanted to let you know to be aware of the cons of Seville.
π Too Touristy
While yes, even though Sevilla has a big tourist industry, like any major city in the world, this is nothing new. I don’t usually mind getting all the main tourist attractions done first.
In Sevilla, it may be too much for some. Highly inflated prices, long queues, and sometimes, people approaching to sell or offer something can be quite overwhelming.
Still, I would say it’s not as touristy as other Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, or Toledo.
π Heat In The Summer
Another disadvantage, mainly in the summertime, is the high temperatures. It can be as hot as 40Β°C/104Β°F or up to 50Β°C/122Β°F.
In Spain, and especially in Andalucia, from 12 pm to about 4 pm, it’s time to chill and get away from the potentially damaging and dangerous sun during peak temperatures. That’s also the reason why some shops and cafes are closed at this time.
Stay hydrated, wear a hat and sunscreen. Heat stroke is a real and dangerous threat in summer, so take it slow: Siesta and chill.
π Crime
Pickpockets and fake vendors are to be vigilant. Keep valuables secure and contact nearby locals or a police officer if you feel in danger.
Though luckily I never came into contact with any trouble, Sevilla, like all popular cities, will attract dodgy activities.
Practical Tips For Visiting Seville
To help you plan your visit to the city even better, I also have some more tips for visiting. See when the best time to visit is, where to stay, how to get around, and safety tips.
How To Get To Seville
Seville has an international airport, so the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city is by plane.
β‘ Get the best flight deals to Seville via Skyscanner here.
If you’re in Spain, I recommend taking one of the high-speed trains called AVE that connects Seville with other major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
β‘ Book your train to Seville via Trainline here.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus if you’re on a budget. It’s the cheapest but also the longest option. The main bus companies that operate in Spain are Flixbus and Alsa.
β‘ Look for bus connections to Seville via Busbud here.
How Many Days In Seville Is Enough?
3 days is plenty of time to discover this city well. If you’re in a rush, you could do a cultural tour where a guide can show you around, so you can see the highlights even in a day.
Best Time To Visit Seville
March, April, September, and December are the best months to explore this city properly.
The temperatures range between 12Β°C/53Β°F and 15Β°C/59Β°F March and April, and the weather is pleasant. You can also experience Semana Santa, which is a week full of fun and tradition in Seville.
December is also a great time to experience Seville as it’s not as cold as in other parts of Europe; you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with its markets and even experience another tradition – 12 grapes.
I don’t recommend visiting the city in the summer due to the heat and many tourist crowds.
What Is Seville Like In Spring
Early spring is the perfect time of year to explore this city. The average temperature ranges from 15Β°C in March to around 23Β°C in May – but be careful, as high temperatures managed to reach 36Β°C back in May 2023, so don’t underestimate it.
April stays comfortably at 25Β°C all month, so this is when I would recommend going.
What Is Seville Like In Summer
Sevilla boasts the record for being the hottest city in continental Europe, so summer can be overwhelming, with temperatures reaching 40Β°C/104Β° most days, making it virtually impossible to explore much. It can even get up to 50Β°C/122Β°F.
Therefore, I would avoid visiting during June, July, and August – unless you’re already used to these kinds of temperatures and climate.
What Is Seville Like In Autumn
From mid-September to November, temperatures range from the low 30Β°C/86Β°F to the low 20Β°C/68Β°F. However, the chance of rain significantly increases from October, so if you’re trying to avoid the summer heat or rain, I would recommend either September or early spring.
Is Seville Worth Visiting In Winter?
Yes, winter is a great time to visit Seville, mainly in December.
Once, I visited Seville in December, and I think it was a great time to explore the city. I could wear a comfortable sweater; the weather was mild (temperatres range between 10Β°C/50Β°F and 15Β°C/59Β°F), perfect for exploring the city, and the sun was shining, unlike other parts of Europe.
So, if you want to avoid the heat and tourist crowds and enjoy the city with mild temperatures, it’s a great time to go.
Where To Stay In Seville
Seville has a wide range of accommodations you can book. The best is to stay in the city center to be close to all the sights and events. The city has many beautiful hotels that reflect the Andalusian culture and tradition.
So here are the best hotels I recommend in Seville to experience it:
β‘ atLUMBRERAS 16 – budget-friendly hotel
β‘ Uma Suites Parada Del Marques – mid-range hotel
β‘ Hotel Alfonzo XII Luxury Colletion – luxury hotel
Is Seville Safe?
Seville is generally very safe, and crime rates are low compared with major European cities. The most common forms of crime are bicycle theft and building break-ins.
According to the International Citizens website, Seville is the 5th safest city in all of Spain. I also felt very safe walking around.
The biggest threat to tourists is pickpockets, who roam the streets and target tourists. To prevent this, keep sensitive belongings, such as passports, bank cards, money, etc, in a shoulder or waste bag.
Is Seville Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Seville is safe for solo female travelers. We explored the city alone with one of my girlfriends and always felt safe. The main issue in the city when it comes to safety is pickpockets or random vendors on the streets.
But you’ll be fine if you keep your belongings with you, have your bags closed, and use common sense.
Is Seville Expensive?
No, Seville is a cheap city to visit. It’s one of the cheapest major cities in Spain. As a mid-range traveler, you’ll need approx. $65 per day, including accommodation, food, and activities. If you’re on a budget, you can easily explore the city for about $20 daily.
Your biggest expense might be attractions like the Cathedral and Real Alcazar. It’s best to book a guided tour with both sights or a combo ticket.
Spain is quite cheap compared to other European nations, so having a budget holiday here is super easy.
Is Seville Walkable?
Yes, Seville is a walkable city. The main sights are in the city center within a short walking distance. You don’t need to get a transportation card to get around, nor explore the city on a sightseeing bus. It’s not necessary.
You’ll experience the city best on foot by joining a guided walking tour.
π READ ALSO: Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience
BONUS: 10-Day South Of Spain Itinerary
I love southern Spain, Andalusia. It’s the most diverse and exciting Spanish region. We road-tripped through the entire Andalusia with my friends and visited many places like Seville, Granada, Cordoba, an oil farm, Tarifa, Cadiz, and more.
I’ve created a full 10-day itinerary for southern Spain from my experience so you can enjoy its highlights, too. The itinerary also includes Seville.
Click on the image below and follow my itinerary:
π READ ALSO: How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Revealed!
Lear Spanish For Travel With Me
Do you want to learn basic Spanish to connect with locals when visiting Spanish?
I’ll teach you the basic words for ordering food and drinks in Spanish with this simple guide. It includes a dialogue that you can learn and then try speaking Spanish once you’re in Seville. It’s so much fun.
Click on the image below and get my guide on how to order food and drinks in Spanish for free:
FAQs
To help you understand Seville even more, I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions. Check my answers below:
Why Is Seville So Famous?
Seville is the birthplace of tapas and is famous for its Andalusian culture, traditions, and important sights, such as the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, La Giralda, and Real Alcazar.
Should I Go To Granada Or Seville?
I recommend staying in Seville and visiting Granada on a day trip. Seville is overall the best city to visit in Andalusia, with a unique vibe, beautiful sights, great bars and food, and festivals. So make it your base and explore other cities like Granada and Cordoba on day trips.
Is Seville Or Madrid Better?
Seville is better than Madrid, in my opinion. It has more uniqueness, culture, and traditions than Madrid. It also has many great and traditional bars and nightlife, and you can experience one of the best festivals – Semana Santa in Seville.
Madrid is a big city with many financial and business institutions. And while it has stunning buildings and also a lot of history and art museums, Seville just has a better vibe.
Is Sevilla Good For Tourists?
Yes, Seville is great for tourists. It’s one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain. Seville has many important and historical sights, different architectural styles, and traditions, and is the birthplace of tapas and great bars to experience local life.
Is Seville Or Madrid More Expensive?
Madrid is more expensive than Seville. Seville is one of the cheapest cities to visit in Spain, yet it’s the third most visited city in the country. So it’s a great place to visit, even for budget travelers.
While in Seville, you can budget $65 per day as a mid-range traveler, in Madrid, you can spend as much as $90 per day, including accommodation, food, and attractions.
Wrap-Up: Visiting Seville
This is Seville, one of my favorite cities in Spain. I would even move there, that’s how I love it, and I’m sure you’ll also enjoy its atmosphere and unique sights.
It perfectly reflects the Andalusian culture and traditions and is one of the best places to try tapas and experience Flamenco dance.
If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.
Happy Travels!
More Tips For Spain Travel
Looking to visit more places in Spain? Check out my related articles:
Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain
Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days In Andalusia
Barcelona Itinerary For 3 Days
Top 8 Road Trips From Barcelona
6 Best Spanish Festivals You Need To Experience
How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide
How Far Is Barcelona From Paris? Complete Guide
Spain In December: Best Things To Do & See
Christmas In Spain: Complete Guide With Traditions & Best Places
About the author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.
SPAIN: Interested in more articles about Spain?
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