Seville

Where the very first Flamenco steps were taken.

This Andalusian capital boasts a Gothic cathedral and Moorish palace. Founded as Roman Hispalis, it's now known for Flamenco and its location on the Guadalquivir River.

4.5

out of 5

Map page

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, draws visitors with its unique blend of history and culture. In this city along the Guadalquivir River, you can climb the Giralda bell tower for a panoramic view, watch a flamenco performance in an intimate tablao, or sample local dishes like salmorejo in a bustling tapas bar. Wander through the maze-like streets of Santa Cruz, explore the ornate rooms of the Alcázar palace, or relax on a bench in the lush María Luisa Park to experience the essence of this captivating Spanish destination.

Seville's Iconic Landmarks

The Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Built on the foundations of a 12th-century mosque, this colossal structure houses Christopher Columbus's tomb and contains 80 chapels with detailed carvings and artwork. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Giralda bell tower offers views of the city for those willing to climb its 35 ramps.

Just a short walk from the cathedral, you'll find the Real Alcázar, an impressive palace complex with a rich history. You can explore its decorated rooms, peaceful courtyards, and carefully maintained gardens. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the Alcázar as the setting for Dorne's Water Gardens.

Seville's Historic Neighborhoods

The charming Santa Cruz district, once the Jewish quarter, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and hidden plazas. This neighborhood invites you to explore its whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and small tapas bars. Consider visiting Calle Agua, a street known for its photogenic appeal.

Across the Guadalquivir River lies Triana, a neighborhood with a strong flamenco tradition and ceramic artistry. Visit the Triana Market, housed in the old Castle of San Jorge, to sample local delicacies and see the beautiful azulejos (ceramic tiles) that decorate many buildings in the area. For an authentic flamenco experience, you can attend a performance at one of Triana's intimate tablaos or peñas.

Seville's Food Scene

Seville's food scene centers around tapas, and you'll find many bars and restaurants serving these small, flavorful dishes. Try local specialties like espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), salmorejo (cold tomato soup), and pescaíto frito (fried fish). For a typical Sevillian experience, join locals for an evening of tapas-hopping in the Alameda de Hércules area.

Seville has many orange trees throughout the city. While these bitter fruits aren't ideal for eating raw, they're used to make marmalade and flavored liqueurs. For a sweet treat, try torrijas, a Spanish-style French toast popular during Easter celebrations.

Seville's Festivals

If you visit Seville in spring, you might experience one of its major festivals. Semana Santa (Holy Week) features processions of religious brotherhoods carrying ornate floats through the streets. Two weeks after Easter, the city celebrates the Feria de Abril. This week-long fair includes flamenco dancing, horse-drawn carriages, and festive casetas (tents) where locals gather to eat, drink, and socialize.

Day Trips from Seville

While Seville offers plenty to keep you occupied, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities. Alcázar, just an hour away by train, has the magnificent Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that reflects the region's history. For those interested in sherry, Jerez de la Frontera is worth a visit. You can tour bodegas and sample different varieties of this fortified wine.

Average temperatures during the day in Seville.

June

22°

Jul

26°

Aug

26°

Sep

24°

Oct

19°

Nov

14°

Dec

11°

Jan

11°

Feb

12°

Mar

14°

Apr

15°

May

19°

What people say about Seville

4.5

People

Food

Spaces

Value

Safety

José Manuel

Sevilla, una ciudad para volver.

Christa Adams

People are so friendly in Seville! I live in Barcelona and it was a nice change. Andalusians are known for being very friendly.

I really enjoyed my time in Seville. They have excellent lunch menu deals. You must try Andalusian gazpacho while here too! It's perfect as a starter on a hot day.

There are a lot of beautiful buildings to see and it's easy to just enjoy getting lost while exploring the city.

Hangout in pretty plazas, see the river, and visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville.

I was only here for a couple of days and would love to go back and see more.

Anders

To be completely honest, I don't remember all that much from my visit to Seville as it was many years ago. It also happened to be one of the hottest days of that year, and the temperature was above 40 degrees during the entire one-day visit. This meant that we mainly walked between places with cold drinks and ice cream shops. The city seemed to have a nice relaxed vibe and plenty to see, so I am planning to go back to explore both the city and the Andalusian cuisine. Will check the weather report beforehand!

What to do in Seville

All World Expo locations since 1851

Article from November 2024 with 23 places

Seville, located in southern Spain, is an often overlooked gem that played host to the World Expo in 1992. Seville's World Expo, held on the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America, saw participation from over 100 countries and international organizations. It brought about significant infrastructure development, including the creation of a new island, La Cartuja, connected by bridges to the city.

A notable piece of the event is the iconic Spanish Pavilion, showcasing the nation's technological advances alongside traditional arts and crafts.

Game of Thrones filming locations

Article from December 2023 with 22 places

The Purple Wedding

The Alcázar of Seville was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. It is a royal palace originally built for the Christian king Peter of Castile in the 14th century. The palace is a mix of Mudéjar and Gothic architecture and is famous for its lush gardens, tranquil patios, and impressive courtyards.

The infamous Purple Wedding at the Water Gardens of Dorne is probably the most exciting scene filmed in Seville. This scene was filmed in the Alcazar’s gardens, where the wedding of Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell took place. In the scene, the guests are seated in a grandiose setting, and the wedding procession starts with the ringing of bells. As the guests watch, Joffrey is poisoned and dies in front of everyone, a shocking and unexpected twist in the story.

Yet another shocking scene filmed here was the fight between Oberyn Martell and the Mountain. This climactic scene features intense fighting, powerful music, and a shocking conclusion.

Bucket list-worthy places in Spain

Article from December 2023 with 8 places

Despite the flurry of travelers that flood Europe, Spain's Seville is often overlooked. Apart from the well-known Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar Palace, it is filled with historic sites and cultural experiences.

Seville’s locals, known as Sevillanos, carry a relaxed way of life, reflecting the sunny and warm climate. They are rooted in tradition, evident in their daily routines and popular pastimes such as bullfighting. Don't mistake their laid-back attitude for a lack of productivity though, as Seville is a hub of Andalusian economic activity.

The heart of the city lies in the historic Santa Cruz district. This labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden plazas and whitewashed houses is a place to lose oneself in. Keep an eye out for the countless orange trees lining the streets, their intoxicating fragrance adding to the charm.

Venture into Triana, the birthplace of flamenco, where you can catch a passionate performance at a local tablao. Sample the city's culinary delights - try the gazpacho or rabo de toro, but remember, Sevillanos prefer to eat late, with dinner starting at 9 pm or even later.

However, the summer heat can be intense, often soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. It's best to visit during spring or autumn when the weather is milder.