Seville: A First-Timer’s Guide
Moorish palaces, orange trees everywhere, and bright plazas meet the warmth of Andalusian life
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When people talk about Seville, they often mention the way the city seems to glow. Maybe it’s the warm golden light that slips through the jacaranda trees or the way the sun reflects off the old stone walls and tiles in the Triana neighborhood. Either way, the (very hot) Andalusian capital is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to. Those who wander beyond its tourist center will find a region filled with rolling olive groves, white villages, and echoes of ancient empires. From ancient Roman ruins to whitewashed towns perched on hills, day trips from Seville might take you to the magical Alhambra palace, Cordoba, Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera, or the pueblos blancos that scatter the Andalusia countryside.
Where to Stay in Seville
For a full guide on where to stay in Seville, take a look at my other post that explores all the neighborhoods.
The Best of the Best
Hotel Alfonso XIII is iconic and often called the most luxurious place to stay in Seville. Right next to the Real Alcázar and close to all the main sights, it looks like a palace inside and out, with gorgeous tiles and a peaceful terrace shaded by trees. There’s also a poolside restaurant where you can relax the afternoons away.
Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you should cancel your sightseeing plans and just stay put. This former grand home now plays boutique hotel on the edge of lively Alameda. The rooftop pool is a welcome sight after a day in the sun, while the chic little bar downstairs might well to whisper “Just one more drink before bed…”
Mid-range
Casa Alhaja by Shiadu blends comfort and style in the city’s heart. Bright rooms, a sunny rooftop with cathedral views, and a pool make it a charming, budget-friendly boutique stay in Seville.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are the way to go. Just find one with good reviews and book it! The one people usually book after my recommendation is Lukanda Hospec.
Top 4 hotels in Seville
- Hotel Alfonso XIII (Barrio Santa Cruz) for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón (La Alameda) for the best design hotel
- Casa Alhaja by Shiadu (Barrio Santa Cruz) for the best mid-range hotel
- Lukanda Hospec (Barrio Santa Cruz) for the best budget hotel
Best things to do in Seville
- Visit the famous Real Alcázar
- Climb La Giralda
- See Tomb of Christopher Columbus at the Cathedral of Seville
- Spend the afternoon at the Plaza de España
- Get lost in the little alleys of Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Las Setas
- See a bullfight at (or just admire) the Real Maestranza
- See the Torre del Oro
- Peek into the gardens of Palacio de las Dueñas and the Casa de Pilatos
- Stroll in the shade of María Luisa Park
- Feel the rhythm of flamenco at Casa de la Memoria
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Summer in Seville doesn’t have to be off-limits: you just need to be prepared. The old town was designed with shaded streets, which makes walking around surprisingly pleasant even on very hot days. Since fewer travelers come in July and August, hotel prices in the Casco Antiguo often drop, and most places include air-conditioning to keep you comfortable. The trick is to plan your itinerary around the city: head out in the morning, slow down with a siesta when the afternoon sun is strongest, then enjoy the evenings when the streets fill with life again. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, keep some water with you, and you’ll see that visiting Seville in the peak of summer can be both affordable and enjoyable.
Best Time of Year to Visit Seville
There’s really no bad time to visit Seville, but some seasons are more comfortable than others. For most travelers, the best times to explore the city are from March to June and again from September to October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the city feels full of life.
The best months? Spring and early fall. From March to June, the weather is perfect, flowers bloom everywhere, and big festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril fill the streets with color. It’s magical but yes, it can get crowded and more expensive. May is a great time with warm days and fewer people. September offers the same warmth without the big festivals.
If you want it quieter and cheaper, late fall is a good choice. The crowds disappear, prices go down, and the sun still shines most days. Winter is mild compared to much of Europe, though some places may close or slow down a bit. You might want a jacket, even here in Andalusia.
What about summer? Unless you plan on napping through the hottest part of the day (like the locals do), book a hotel with a pool and pack more sunscreen than you think you’ll need.
How to get around
Getting around Seville is easy thanks to its reliable public transport. You can use the Tarjeta Multiviaje, a reloadable card available at metro stations or tobacconists for about €2. Add money to it and use it on buses, trams, and the metro. A single trip costs around €1.40-1.50. Paying cash on a bus costs about €1.70, so the card can save you money if you move around a lot. The metro is small but useful for reaching places like Nervión (though you’ll have to take the bus to reach the airport), and buses cover almost the entire city. There’s also a small tourist tram along Avenida de la Constitución that links the main sights of the historic center.
If you want to visit a few museums, the Seville Card is worth it. It gives 24, 48, or 72-hour access to the best attractions of Seville (notaby the Alcázar and the Cathedral), plus unlimited use of public transport. A one-day card costs around €23, which is a good deal if you plan to see two or more museums while riding buses or the metro.
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