Seville, Spain: travel guide
Orange trees, flamenco and the Moorish Alcázar of Andalusia
Andalusian capital famed for the Real Alcázar, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, flamenco and tapas.
About Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia, a warm southern city of orange-lined streets, whitewashed lanes and a Moorish past visible in its palaces. It feels theatrical and romantic, especially after dark.
The Real Alcázar, with its tiled halls and gardens, sits close to the vast Gothic cathedral and the Archivo General de Indias. The Plaza de España is a grand semicircular landmark, and Metropol Parasol, locally called Las Setas, gives rooftop views over the old town. In the evening, flamenco and a round of tapas in the Santa Cruz and Triana districts are the thing to do.
Seville suits couples, culture lovers and food travellers. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Seville, since summer heat is intense.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
- Nearest airport
- SVQ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Seville
Real Alcázar of Seville
Heritage · about 2.5 h · entry €15 (≈ ₹1,550)
Royal palace of Mudéjar and Gothic courtyards and gardens, still used by the Spanish royal family.
Seville Cathedral & Giralda
Church · about 2 h · entry €12 (≈ ₹1,280)
The world's largest Gothic cathedral, holding Columbus's tomb, with the Giralda bell tower climb.
Plaza de España
Heritage · about 1 h · free entry
Grand semicircular 1929 plaza with tiled alcoves, bridges and a canal, in María Luisa Park.
Torre del Oro
Heritage · about 0.8 h · entry €3 (≈ ₹320)
13th-century Almohad watchtower on the Guadalquivir housing a small naval museum.
Casa de Pilatos
Heritage · about 1 h · entry €12 (≈ ₹1,280)
Andalusian palace blending Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles around tiled patios.
Archivo General de Indias
Heritage · about 0.7 h · free entry
Renaissance building holding the archives of the Spanish empire in the Americas; UNESCO.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
Viewpoint · about 1 h · entry €15 (≈ ₹1,600)
Vast waved wooden structure with a rooftop walkway over the old town.
Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza
Heritage · about 1 h · entry €10 (≈ ₹1,070)
Historic 18th-century bullring and museum, among Spain's oldest.
Mercado de Triana
Market · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside food market on the site of a castle, with tapas stalls and ceramics.
Parque de María Luisa
Nature · about 1 h · free entry
Seville's main green park of shaded promenades, fountains and ceramic benches.
Basílica de la Macarena
Church · about 0.7 h · free entry
Baroque basilica home to the venerated Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena.
Palacio de las Dueñas
Heritage · about 0.8 h · entry €12 (≈ ₹1,280)
Aristocratic palace of the House of Alba with lush patios and art.
Things to do
- Alcázar & Cathedral Guided Tour Cultural · 3 h · from EUR 45 per person
- Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria Flamenco · 1 h · from EUR 22 per person
- Triana Tapas & Flamenco Walking Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 65 per person
- Guadalquivir River Cruise Cruise · 1 h · from EUR 18 per person
- Andalusian Cooking Class Cooking Class · 3.5 h · from EUR 75 per person
Day trips and tours
- Seville Highlights Full-Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 95
Where to stay in Seville
- Santa Cruz about EUR 140 per night
Atmospheric former Jewish quarter of whitewashed lanes beside the cathedral and Alcázar.
- Triana about EUR 110 per night
Lively riverside barrio famed for ceramics, flamenco and market tapas.
Hotels
- Hotel Alfonso XIII 5-star · EUR 350 to EUR 900 per night
- Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla 4-star · EUR 150 to EUR 320 per night
- EME Catedral Mercer 5-star · EUR 260 to EUR 600 per night
- Petit Palace Santa Cruz 3-star · EUR 90 to EUR 180 per night
- Oasis Backpackers' Palace Seville 2-star · EUR 22 to EUR 70 per night
Where to eat
- El Rinconcillo Spanish, Andalusian, Tapas · about EUR 25 per person
- Eslava Spanish, Tapas, Modern · about EUR 30 per person
- Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas Spanish, Tapas · about EUR 15 per person
- La Brunilda Spanish, Tapas, Modern · about EUR 28 per person
- Casa Cuesta Spanish, Andalusian · about EUR 30 per person
- Bar El Comercio Spanish, Cafe · about EUR 8 per person
Getting to Seville
Airport: Seville (SVQ)
Getting around
- Metro
- Tram
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Rosemary sprig ("romero") women
Cathedral & Plaza del Triunfo
Women press a sprig of rosemary into your hand "for free", then demand money and offer an aggressive palm reading.
How to avoid it: Politely refuse and keep walking; never accept the sprig.
Flamenco flyer overcharge
Santa Cruz
Touts steer tourists to overpriced, low-quality flamenco shows.
How to avoid it: Book reputable tablaos (Los Gallos, Casa de la Memoria) directly.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about Seville
- What are the main places to visit in Seville?
- Places covered in our Seville guide include Real Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España, Torre del Oro, Casa de Pilatos.
- Where should I stay in Seville?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Seville: Santa Cruz, Triana.
- How do I get around Seville?
- Ways to get around Seville covered in our guide: Metro, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Seville?
- Scams reported to us for Seville include Rosemary sprig ("romero") women; Flamenco flyer overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Seville?
- The nearest airport to Seville has the code SVQ.