Guide to Visiting Seville, Spain

There are many reasons to visit Andalusia, but none are more compelling than its vibrant riverside capital. Originally founded by the Romans and later conquered by the Moors, Seville is rich in cultural traditions. “As one of the most significant Atlantic ports on the Iberian Peninsula dating back to ancient times, its monumental heritage creates an amazing combination of history, beauty, and food for travelers to enjoy,” says Alvaro Carmona, a ToursByLocals guide based in Seville.

Elegant and endlessly attractive, the city displays almost constant reminders of its time under Moorish rule with striking landmarks such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville (one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain) and La Giralda as standouts. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco with many famous venues for visitors to take a lesson or catch a show. It’s also the storied backdrop for over 100 operas — among them “Carmen,” “The Barber of Seville,” and “Don Juan de Mañara” — and has some world-class museums. The tapestry of influences, abundance of regional products, and immense local talent translate to a culinary scene that rivals the many epicurean power players throughout the country. Plus, the Mediterranean climate means sunshine, blue skies, and warm weather throughout the year — so it’s always a good time for sightseeing and enjoying a glass of wine or sherry at an alfresco café.

Whether you’re looking to tour UNESCO sites or sample tasty tapas (probably both, right?), use this guide full of recommendations from local insiders to plan the perfect trip to Seville.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

What did the king of Spain do when he needed to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition? He commissioned a grand hotel befitting his high-status guests, of course. Nearly a century later, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville remains a symbol of grandeur and glamour that easily goes toe-to-toe with the most spectacular stays in Barcelona and Madrid.

Nobu Seville

The new Nobu Seville brings its signature sense of Japanese minimalism to Plaza San Francisco. While loyalists will find all the Nobu classics — black cod, rock shrimp tempura, and toro tartare with caviar — the 25-key property also exudes a soulful sense of place thanks to traditional Andalusian touches and a rooftop terrace with a guest-only plunge pool, leafy gardens, and sweeping city views.

Hotel Mercer Seville

Ever dreamt of snoozing in a palace? Situated inside the former Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the El Arenal quarter, Hotel Mercer Seville is full of history. The refined boutique atmosphere and relaxing suites complete with oak floors, crisp linens, and high ceilings make it an ideal place to unwind after visits to nearby Nueva Square and Real Maestranza Bullring.

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes

Originally built by Admiral López-Pintado in 1729 and later the residence of the Marquis of Villapanés and his descendants, Hotel Palacio de Villapanes still reflects its roots as a Baroque mansion. The tiled central courtyard with a fountain, leafy plants, and arched columns commands focus. Not to be outdone, noble suites show off immense carved wooden doors, high ceilings, and Philippe Starck-designed tubs.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla

For something a bit more modern, check into the Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla. The brand’s first outpost in Spain blends clean lines and local character. Blue velvet accent chairs evoke the Andalusian sky, while plants nod to the many leafy squares and gardens around the city. “It’s also well positioned in the shopping area and very close to many top tourist attractions,” adds Carmona.

Best Things to Do

Tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville.

The first thing on the to-do list for many travelers coming to Seville? A visit to the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning architectural masterpiece and historic royal palace crowned by ornamental tile work, carvings, and artwork that grew out of a 10th-century citadel.

Visit the Seville Cathedral.

The impressive Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic Christian church in the world. Size aside, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and also boasts the iconic La Giralda, which was originally constructed as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and later converted into a bell tower.

See a flamenco show.

“No trip to Seville is complete without experiencing the passion and intensity of a traditional Flamenco show,” says Antonio Morilla, head concierge at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville. La Casa del Flamenco and Tablao Flamenco El Arenal are some of the most famous theaters to watch the Andalusian dance.

Learn about Spanish history at the Archivo General de Indias.

Occupying a stately 16th-century merchant guild building, Archivo de Indias is an archive dedicated to the history of the “New World.” It holds more than 80 million pages of documents, photographs, drawings, and diaries from the likes of Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro.

Stroll through the Plaza de España.

Designed by Sevillian architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-America Exhibition of 1929, Plaza de España is one of Seville’s crown jewels. The famous plaza comprises magnificent buildings that marry elements from art deco, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Baroque Revival, and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, plus a large fountain, canals, and tile-accented bridges.

Best Restaurants

Cañabota

Michelin-starred Cañabota draws admiration from diners and critics alike. “It’s well-regarded for its modern versions of classic Sevillian seafood dishes and fantastic wine list,” says Morilla. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the counter to watch the masterful cooking up close.

Abantal

Abantal is an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant that’s famous for its refined, flavorful cuisine. Head chef Julio Fernández combines Andalusian cooking traditions, innovative techniques, and high-quality local ingredients into incredible gastronomic tasting menus. It’s worth splurging on the wine pairing.

Sobretablas

Helmed by chef Camila Ferraro and sommelier Robert Tetas, Sobretablas celebrates the bounty of Andalusia in exciting and elevated ways. The cuisine puts a contemporary twist on classic regional recipes and pairs perfectly with the selection of natural and organic wines.

Bodeguita Romero

Out-of-towners and locals rub elbows over jamón ibérico, bull tail stew, and smoked sardine toast, plus Spanish wine and sherry, at Bodeguita Romero, a buzzy tapas bar in El Arenal that often has a line around the block. Carmona calls it “an essential stop in Seville.”

La Cochera del Abuelo

Tucked inside an 18th-century carriage house, La Cochera del Abuelo feels warm and intimate. The food very much matches the homey atmosphere. The curated menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new yet deliciously familiar to tickle your tastebuds.

Best Time to Visit

With more than 3,000 sunny hours annually, Seville is really beautiful every day of the year. Carmona favors the beginning of spring when more than 40,000 bitter orange trees flower at the same time. “It’s simply magical!”

How to Get There

Seville Airport (SVQ) sits just six miles from the city center. It mainly receives domestic flights, so most travelers connect through Madrid. “If you’re coming from another Spanish city, particularly the capital, taking the train is a great option. The high-speed trains (AVE) are very comfortable, reliable, and fast, allowing you to reach Seville from Madrid in approximately 2.5 hours,” explains Morilla.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Santa Cruz

The old Jewish quarter is known for its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, picturesque plazas, and the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Flamenco Museum.

El Arenal

“Located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal offers a vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and cultural attractions such as the Maestranza Bullring and the Torre del Oro. According to Morilla, it’s also a great neighborhood for tapas and nightlife.

Triana

Flamenco was born in Triana, and the residential neighborhood is still a great place to see a show. “The incredible views over the city center, the ceramic workshops, and the many bars also make it a wonderful area to spend time on a trip to Seville,” says Carmona.

How to Get Around

Seville was plotted out long before the invention of cars, when people used to walk and ride horses. “In my opinion, strolling around is the best way to slowly savor the beauty of the many squares, churches, gardens, museums, landmarks, and bars,” says Carmona.