Seville

🏛️ Why Visit Seville, Spain?

Where do we even start with Seville? This gorgeous Andalusian gem is what happens when you mix jaw-dropping Moorish architecture, soul-stirring flamenco, and the most addictive tapas scene in Spain, then wrap it all up in 320 days of sunshine per year. The capital of Andalusia doesn't just deliver a jollie – it serves up an experience that'll have you questioning why you ever holidayed anywhere else. From the moment you clap eyes on that incredible Cathedral to your first glimpse of the Royal Alcázar's mind-blowing courtyards, Seville hits you with beauty that's almost unfair.

This is the city where flamenco was born, where tapas culture reigns supreme, and where every sunset paints the ancient buildings in shades of gold that'll make your Instagram followers proper jealous. The historic Santa Cruz quarter is a maze of narrow cobbled streets hiding the most charming squares, while the Guadalquivir River winds through it all like something from a fairy tale. Add in the fact that you can walk to pretty much everything, the locals are absolutely brilliant, and there's always a festival or celebration happening, and you've got yourself a destination that doesn't just tick boxes – it rewrites the whole bloody list.

Top reasons to visit Seville:

🏖️ The Royal Alcázar that'll blow your actual mind – This UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, and honestly, the Moorish architecture is so stunning it doesn't look real

🎉 Flamenco culture that's absolutely electric – This isn't just tourist entertainment; it's pure passion and artistry that'll give you goosebumps in the birthplace of this incredible art form

🏰 The world's largest Gothic cathedral with Columbus's tomb – The sheer scale of this place is mental, and climbing the Giralda tower gives you views that'll make you forget how many steps you've just climbed

🌊 Tapas scene that's basically a way of life – Forget everything you think you know about Spanish food; Seville's got over 3,000 tapas bars where hopping from one to the next is a proper art form

☀️ 320 days of sunshine and perfect walkable size – Big enough to never get bored, small enough that you can stumble back to your hotel after a night of flamenco and fino sherry

🎭 Top Things to Do in Seville

Seville's the kind of place where you could spend weeks and still discover new corners, hidden courtyards, and incredible experiences. The city layers history, culture, and pure Andalusian magic in ways that'll keep you properly mesmerized.

Architectural Marvels

🏰 Royal Alcázar of Seville – This isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a journey through centuries of Spanish history wrapped in the most beautiful Mudéjar architecture you'll ever see. The intricate tilework, stunning courtyards, and gardens where Game of Thrones was filmed make this an absolute must-see. Book ahead because only 750 people can visit at a time!

⛪ Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower – Standing in front of this Gothic giant will make you feel properly tiny. Inside, you've got Columbus's tomb and enough artistic treasures to fill several museums. The climb up the Giralda (originally a minaret) involves 35 ramps instead of stairs – and the views from the top are absolutely worth every step.

Cultural Experiences

💃 Authentic Flamenco Shows – Skip the touristy tablaos and head to intimate venues like Museo del Baile Flamenco or catch impromptu performances in bars around Triana. The passion, the guitar work, the footwork – it's all incredibly moving when you experience it where it was born.

🍷 Tapas Bar Hopping – This isn't just eating; it's a cultural immersion. Start in Santa Cruz, hit the classic spots like Bodega Santa Cruz, then venture to Triana for a more local vibe. The drill is simple: one or two tapas per bar, a glass of fino or manzanilla, then move on. Brilliant!

Scenic Highlights

🌉 Plaza de España – Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this semi-circular plaza is one of Spain's most photographed spots. The ceramic tiles representing different Spanish provinces, the canal, the bridges – it's like stepping into a fairytale.

🌳 Barrio Santa Cruz – Get wonderfully lost in this former Jewish quarter with its narrow winding streets, hidden plazas, and flower-filled patios. Every corner reveals something beautiful, and it's where you'll find some of the best tapas bars tucked away.

Unique Attractions

🍄 Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) – This massive wooden structure looks like something from the future and offers brilliant views over the city. It's a love-it-or-hate-it piece of modern architecture, but the panoramic views are undeniably spectacular.

🏺 Triana Neighborhood – Cross the river to this authentic barrio where flamenco legends were born and ceramics have been crafted for centuries. It's got a completely different vibe from the touristy center – more real, more local, more brilliant.

🏨 Where to Stay on your Seville Holidays

Seville's hotel scene is as charming as the city itself, with everything from converted palaces to modern boutiques nestled in historic buildings. The beauty is that most of the city center is wonderfully walkable, so you're never far from the action.

Great Value Hotels

🏨 Exe Sevilla Macarena - This modern 4-star hotel brings contemporary comfort without breaking the bank. You're getting reliable amenities, comfortable rooms, and a location that puts you perfectly positioned for exploring both the historic center and the more authentic neighborhoods. They also offer triple rooms and family suites which are particularly brilliant for families who want space and value without sacrificing quality.

🏨 Eurostars Regina - A proper 4-star gem that combines historic charm with modern facilities. Located right in the heart of Seville's shopping and cultural district, you're walking distance from all the major sights while enjoying stylish accommodations that feel special without the luxury price tag.

🏨 Monte Triana - Perfectly positioned in the vibrant Triana neighborhood, this hotel gives you authentic Seville vibes with excellent value. You're across the river from the touristy center but still easily walkable to everything, plus you get to experience the real flamenco culture and local life that makes Triana so special.

Mid-Range Marvels

🏨 Hesperia Sevilla - This elegant 4-star hotel delivers exactly what you'd expect from a quality Spanish hotel chain. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, there's a lovely outdoor pool for those hot Andalusian afternoons, and the location puts you close to everything while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for those who want comfort and reliability.

🏨 America Sevilla - A charming hotel that captures authentic Sevillian style with its traditional Andalusian courtyard and classic architecture. The rooms blend historic character with modern amenities, and you're brilliantly located for exploring the Santa Cruz neighborhood and all the major attractions on foot.

🏨 NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas - NH knows how to do city hotels properly, and this contemporary property offers comfortable, modern, rooms with either city or river views. You're strategically positioned near the train station for easy arrivals, but still close enough to walk to the Cathedral and Alcázar. The facilities include a fitness center, a pool, and that reliable NH quality you can count on.

🏨 Sevilla Center - A modern hotel that focuses on what matters most: comfortable rooms, excellent location, and great value. Oh and a rooftop pool! Plus you're in the heart of everything with easy access to shopping, dining, and all the major sights, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their Seville experience.

Luxury Escapes

🏨 H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel - This absolutely gorgeous 3-star boutique property (don't let the star rating fool you!) occupies a beautifully renovated 18th-century building with stunning Andalusian architecture. The rooms are each individually designed, the courtyard with its fountain is proper Instagram-worthy, and you're perfectly positioned in the historic center. The rooftop terrace with plunge pool is the cherry on top.

🏨 Petit Palace - Boutique elegance meets cutting-edge technology at this stylish four star city centre hotel. Each room comes with unique touches, modern amenities, and that special attention to detail that makes your stay feel special. The central location means you can walk to everything while enjoying luxury comforts.

🏨 Melia Sevilla - When you want proper 5-star luxury, Melia delivers with their signature style and service. This modern hotel offers rooms and suites with all the facilities you'd expect from a top-tier property: spa, fitness center, multiple dining options, and impeccable service. You're slightly outside the historic center but with easy access to everything.

🏨 Cases de la Juderia - The crown jewel of Seville accommodation, this stunning hotel is actually a collection of traditional Sevillian houses connected by charming courtyards and narrow streets. Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, it's like staying in a living museum with rooms spread across multiple buildings. The location in Santa Cruz is unbeatable, and the authentic Andalusian architecture makes every moment feel magical. It's not cheap but honestly, it's a magical kind of place to stay.

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Seville Holiday (that's still brilliant)

Seville's not the cheapest city to visit, let’s be honest, but if you’re careful, you can still make a jollie that’s incredibly affordable while still delivering experiences that feel absolutely priceless. The city rewards budget travelers with free attractions, cheap eats, and endless ways to enjoy yourself without spending a fortune. Start by looking at the hotels in our great value section above, then check out the rest of our tips...

🗓️ When to Go

🌤️ Visit in shoulder season (March-May or September-November) when hotel prices drop but the weather's still gorgeous. 🌞 Avoid July and August unless you fancy melting – Seville gets properly hot and prices soar with the temperature.

💡 Smart Savings

🚂 Take advantage of excellent transport links – Seville's connected to major Spanish cities by high-speed rail, often cheaper than flying.

🍷 Master the tapas crawl – Many bars still give you free tapas with drinks, and a proper crawl can easily replace expensive restaurant meals.

🎫 Book combined tickets – The Cathedral, Alcázar, and other major sites offer combo deals that save you proper money versus individual entries.

🎉 Free Fun

🚶 Walking tours are often free (just tip your guide) and give you brilliant insights into the city's history and culture. 🌳 Maria Luisa Park costs nothing and offers beautiful gardens, shade from the heat, and great people-watching opportunities. 🏛️ Many churches are free to enter and house incredible art and architecture that rival paid attractions.

🚌 Getting About

🚶 Everything's walkable in the historic center, so you'll barely need transport once you're there. 🚲 Bike rentals are dead cheap and perfect for exploring the riverfront and parks. 🚌 Local buses are brilliant value for reaching attractions slightly outside the center.

☀️ Seville proves that some of the world's most incredible experiences don't cost the earth – sometimes the best jollie is about soaking up the atmosphere, sampling local life, and getting wonderfully lost in one of Europe's most beautiful cities! 🎭