Seville
Travel Guide
Welcome to our Seville travel guide, where we delve into one of the greatest treasures in Spain. With an impressive historical centre, filled with grand, impressive buildings, countless tapas restaurants and flamenco clubs aplenty, Seville represents Spain’s history and traditions in one intense swoop.
However, Seville is by no means stuck in the past and is firmly in the present. Being the home of tapas, eating and drinking out is life in Seville and, as well as some old favourites, new and vibrant restaurants and bars are always opening. There is also a great transport network and a growing number of festivals happening in the city which all add and contribute to the buzz and charm of this Spanish city. Anyone who enjoys Spanish food and culture needs to visit Seville. We had visited Spain for years before finally visiting Seville and we wish we had gone there sooner.
Travel Guide Contents
Check out our other Spain Travel Guides:
Barcelona Travel Guide | Madrid Travel Guide | Malaga Travel Guide
Seville Travel Guide
How to get to Seville
Seville airport (SVQ) is located 10km from downtown Seville. It is the main airport serving western Andalusia and has one terminal. The airport is compact but modern with a small selection of duty-free shops and cafes. Given Spain’s superb transport network, we have also detailed how to get to the city centre from Sevilla Santa Justa train station as this is also a popular way of getting to the city. The main ways of getting from the airport to the city centre are:
Bus – Line EA runs from Seville Airport (outside the main terminal) to the city centre stopping at several locations including Seville train station, Paseo Colon and the bus station. Buses run from 05.20 to 01.15 and take 35min to get to the city centre. Tickets cost €4 ($4.75) one way or €6 ($7) return and can be bought on board from the driver
Taxi –From Seville airport to the city centre a taxi will take approx 15min and will cost anywhere from €20 ($24) to €30 ($36) depending on where you are going in the city. Taxies are available from outside arrivals
Uber/Ride-Hailing Services – There is good availability most of the time for ride-hailing services. A ride, depending on the company and time of day will cost from €16 ($19) to €24 ($28) and will take 15min from the airport to the city centre
From Sevilla Santa Justa Train Station – The options from the train station to the city centre are a taxi, a ride-hailing service or bus. Both a Taxi and Uber will cost €10-€15 ($12-$18) and the above mentioned Line EA bus runs from the train station to the city centre. Trains in Spain can be booked online both on the day and in advance via Trainline Europe. We recommend booking through this site to save yourself time and money while on your Spanish trip
Areas to stay in Seville
Seville is a relatively compact city, in terms of the key areas to see and enjoy for visitors, so staying in most areas will not place you far from the main attractions. However, there are options for where to stay and dining options can differ quite extensively in what is available. Here’s a guide to the most popular areas to stay in the city:
Historical Centre – The largest of the areas to stay, we have included El Arenal in this area too. This is the historical centre, offering convenience, restaurants, bars and shopping as well as the opportunity to be close to most of the major attractions in the city, as well as the riverside
Barrio Santa Cruz – Centred around Seville Cathedral, this area is full of small, old streets, museums, plenty of restaurants and bars and the bulk of the city’s nightlife. We recommend first-time visitors and those wanting to be close to the action to stay in this area or the historical centre
Triana – Located over the river to the main historical centre, Triana is a neighbourhood that is home to many locals, a great market and a growing number of tapas bars. It is also the home of flamenco. The major attractions will be a little more of a walk from here
Macarena – Located to the north of the centre, this neighbourhood is up and coming and is now home to a growing selection of tapas bars and restaurants
La Cartuja – The furthest neighbourhood out of the city centre when it comes to the more popular accommodation areas, it is located to the north of Triana, and requires quite some walking to get into the city centre. The theme park and pavilions from Expo 92 are located here but no real dining options
Accommodation in Seville
As a city and a popular tourist destination, Seville has a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. Options include hostels, hotels from budget to high-end luxury, apartments and guest houses. It is also possible to get hostels, hotels and apartments with pools in the city, to help cool off in those hot summer months that the city is so well-known for. Prices can increase substantially in peak season so book ahead to secure a better price and to avoid disappointment. Here is a selection of some of our favourites places to stay in Seville for all visitors:
Budget Hostel | The Nomad Hostel – The Nomad Hostel is in a fabulous location in the heart of Seville’s old town, just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. The hostel offers simple, modern rooms and a shared kitchen and terrace for guests. Rooms options include dorms and privates
Mid-range Hotel | Hotel Casa de Indias – Situated near the Setas de Sevilla, Hotel Casa de Indias is in a great place for exploring the city and has a rooftop terrace with pool, a great breakfast offering, spacious, modern rooms and a beautiful boutique vibe to it
Apartment | Apartamentos Abreu Suites – Located in Seville centre, Abreu Suites are perfect for those looking for a fully-equipped apartment alongside the luxuries of a hotel, as it has a rooftop pool. The apartments are beautifully designed and are very spacious
High-End Hotel | Fontecruz Sevilla Seises – In a prime position, a short walk from the Cathedral and Alcazar, Fontecruz Sevilla Seises offers guests 4-star service, spacious, contemporary rooms and a rooftop terrace with pool with spectacular views over the nearby Cathedral
Luxury Hotel | Hotel Casa Del Poeta – This is luxury in Seville. Hotel Casa del Poeta is set within a 17th-century mansion and has the most incredible interior. Rooms are stunning and the service is top-notch. To feel like royalty, stay here
How to get around Seville
Getting around Seville is easy and, like many cities in Spain, the public transport is excellent. However, due to the compact size of the city, there is a good chance that you won’t even need anything but your feet to get around! Depending on where you are staying and what you’re planning to visit, then you may need some form of transport. There are Tourist Cards (Tarjeta Turista) available for public transport which offers unlimited travel, starting from €5 ($6) for a one day card to €10 ($12) for a three-day card. These can be bought at the TUSSAN information points. Here are the most popular options for how to get around Seville:
Tram – The Metro-Centro tram line runs for 1.4km and connects Plaza Nueva to the Cathedral area, with two stops in between. The tram runs from 06:00 to 01:30. Tickets cost €1.20 ($1.50) and can be bought on the platform at the machine and stamped on the tram
Metro – There is one metro line in Seville, although the network is being expanded. It mainly serves the suburbs of Seville so will not be useful for most tourists but a one-way journey starts from €1.35 ($1.60)
Bus – Seville’s bus network is extensive, with over 40 lines and covers most of the city. Services generally run from around 05:30 to 23.30 and the small network of night buses ends at 02:00. Tickets cost from €1.30 ($1.55) per person and can be purchased on board with cash or by using the above mentioned Tarjeta Turista card
Taxi – Readily available throughout Seville, taxi fares start with a daily base rate of €1.19, ($1.40) plus €0.83 ($1) per km. The tariff between 21:00 and 07:00 is higher and there is always a minimum charge. offer a way to get to further afield attractions or are useful if there is a group of people together
Ride-Hailing App – Readily available across the city, ride-hailing apps including Uber and Cabify offer a quick and convenient taxi option, generally with reduced fares to standard taxis
Things to do in Seville
Seville is famous for its old city and the traditional Spanish activities and way of life that it has retained. There are many landmarks, parks and attractions to enjoy in the city and choosing which things to see and do can be a little overwhelming! We’ve put together a detailed list of the best things to do in Seville, but for now, here’s our compact list of the top 5 things to do in Seville:
Seville Cathedral – Seville Cathedral or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, as it is also known, is a landmark attraction in Seville and a must-see. A UNESCO world heritage site and the largest Gothic Church in the world, the cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. General entry tickets cost €10 ($12) per person
Park de Maria Luisa – Free to enter, roam around and enjoy, this park is full of greenery, fountains, ponds and monuments and is perfect for a break in the shade from Seville’s hot sunny days
Alcazar of Seville – This UNESCO world heritage site is a royal palace in Seville, built for the Christian King Peter of Castile. With a stunning mix of architectural styles and large lush gardens, the Alcazar is one of the most popular attractions in the city and well worth visiting. General admission tickets cost €14.50 ($17)
Walk the Historical Centre of Seville – Spanning 4 square kilometres, Seville’s historical centre has plenty to keep anyone entertained, with 3 World UNESCO heritage sites, countless impressive architectural buildings, buzzing squares, quaint shopping streets and tons of tapas bars
Plaza Espana – One of the most iconic buildings in Seville, and located in the Maria Luisa Park, this plaza was built in 1928 for the 1929 Exposition. Alongside the impressive Pavilion are tiled fountains, bridges and ponds which can even be experienced by boat. Visiting the square is free
What to eat in Seville
Seville has a vibrant and buzzing food scene, which is justified given that it is the apparent place where tapas originated in Spain. The city has over 2500 restaurants, many of which are tapas restaurants, but also include Japanese, Mexican, Italian and Moroccan, amongst others. Check our article with of some of our favourite restaurants in Seville to know the best places to eat in the city. There is a consistently high quality of food served across the city, which has resulted in several Michelin recommended restaurants and one Michelin star restaurant. If you’re looking to try some of the delicious local food, then here are our top picks for what to eat in Seville:
Carrillada de Cerdo – A stewed pork cheek dish that is hearty and delicious and usually cooked in a simple wine reduction
Iberico Pork – A popular dish across Spain, Iberico pork is pork made from a specific breed of pig. It is served in many ways but commonly with whisky sauce in Seville
Serranito – This is the sandwich of Seville, this dish consists of seared pork loin topped with serrano ham, tomato and green pepper, all in a crusty baguette
Espinacas con Garbanzos – A popular veggie tapas dish combining spinach and chickpeas and often topped with a large crouton
Tapas – Encapsulating a whole variety of dishes, if you only eat one thing in Seville, make sure you generally have some tapas and eat as the locals do
Money - Seville Travel Costs
The currency in Seville is the Euro (€). Credit & Debit cards are widely accepted throughout Spain and there are plenty of ATMs that accept foreign cards. A service charge is generally not added to the bill so you can leave a tip if you are happy with the service. A tip of 5-10% is the norm and you can round up for taxis. Seville is a fairly priced city, particularly given its rich history and many sights to see. Here’s a guide for what you can expect to pay in Seville (per person) for:
A local draught beer – €2-€4 ($2.50-$4.75)
A coffee – €1.50-€3 ($1.80-$3.50)
A boccadillo (local sandwich) – €3-€5 ($3.50-$6)
Budget restaurant meal – €10-€15 ($12-$18)
Mid-range restaurant meal – €20-€40 ($23-$47)
High-end restaurant meal – €50 ($58+)
When to go to Seville and for how long
The best time to visit Seville is May to June or September to October, when the weather is warm but not too hot and there are less crowds out of the peak season. Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe and temperatures can often reach 35-40 Degrees Celsius in July and August so try to avoid these months to avoid the sweltering dry heat. Seville has plenty to see but is also a compact city so a trip of 3-4 days should give most people enough time to enjoy the city, it’s sights and amazing food
Local language and phrases
The language in Seville and across Spain is Spanish. However, a high number of tourists in Spain means that many people speak some English. But, we think that making an effort to speak some of the local language is so important, and locals really appreciate it. Check out our Spain travel tips section to find out some basic Spanish phrases and words you can use while in Spain
Seville travel tips
– Seville is a very safe city and is safe for lone travellers, including lone females
– There are a range of places to eat including those specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets
– The tap water is safe to drink
– Seville Airport offers Covid-19 PCR & Antigen tests for those that require them, however, slots can get booked up very quickly so it is advisable to book well in advance if you require one
Seville travel guide written in September 2021
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Seville Travel Articles
Seville Walking Tour Videos And Maps
Check out our Youtube Channel for more Seville walking tours, and tours for other destinations too.
Seville Historical City Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights of the Seville Old City centre and accompanying map showing the route we walked
Seville Riverside Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights of Seville’s riverside and accompanying map showing the route we walked
Seville Parque De Maria Luisa Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights of Seville’s famous Plaza De Espana and accompanying map showing the route we walked
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