Here’s what you should be aware of prior to your visit to Seville.
Many factors draw people to Andalusia, yet nothing compares to the allure of its bustling riverside metropolis. Established initially by the Romans and subsequently taken over by the Moors, Seville boasts deep-rooted cultural practices. "Serving as one of the key Atlantic gateways on the Iberian Peninsula since antiquity, this city’s historical wealth blends magnificently with its aesthetics and culinary delights, offering visitors a remarkable experience," explains Alvaro Carmona , a ToursByLocals guide based in Seville.
Sophisticated and perpetually appealing, the city consistently showcases remnants from its era under Moorish dominion through notable sites like the Royal Alcázar of Seville (among one of the top stunning destinations to explore in Spain ) and La Giralda shine brightly. Seville is renowned as the cradle of flamenco, offering numerous iconic spots where tourists can either learn a dance class or watch a performance. This city has served as inspiration for more than 100 operas, including classics like "Carmen," "The Barber of Seville," and "Don Juan de Mañara." Additionally, Seville boasts several top-tier museums. Its rich blend of cultural influences, plethora of locally sourced goods, and wealth of talented artists contribute to a food scene that competes with the best across Spain. Furthermore, thanks to its Mediterranean climate, which ensures sunny days and clear blue skies all year round, visiting this vibrant locale and savoring a glass of wine or sherry al fresco is always delightful.
If you're planning to explore UNESCO sites or savor delicious tapas (or perhaps do both), utilize this guide filled with insider tips from locals to craft the ideal visit to Seville.
Seville
- See a flamenco show.
- Wonder at the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
- Ascend La Giralda for sweeping vistas.
- Do a tapas tour.
- Reside at Hotel Alfonso XIII, part of The Luxury Collection Hotels in Seville.
Best Hotels & Resorts
The Hotel Alfonso XIII, part of the Luxury Collection Hotels, is located in Seville.
When hosting international dignitaries for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, the Spanish monarch decided to commission an opulent hotel suitable for his esteemed visitors. Over nine decades have passed since then. The Hotel Alfonso XIII, part of the Luxury Collection Hotels, is located in Seville. continues to be a symbol of magnificence and glamor that can compete with even the most impressive accommodations in both Barcelona and Madrid.
Nobu Seville
The new Nobu Seville infuses its hallmark touch of Japanese minimalism into Plaza San Francisco. Patrons can enjoy classic Nobu dishes such as black cod, rock shrimp tempura, and toro tartare topped with caviar. The 25-room establishment also captures a profound sense of location through traditional Andalusian elements and features like a private rooftop terrace equipped with a guest-exclusive plunge pool, lush gardens, and panoramic urban vistas.
Hotel Mercer Seville
Have you ever fantasized about sleeping in a palace? Located within the historic Casa Palacio Castelar at the center of the El Arenal district, Hotel Mercer Seville Is steeped in history. The elegant boutique ambiance and serene suites featuring oak flooring, fresh linens, and lofty ceilings transform it into a perfect retreat for unwinding following excursions to the close-by Nueva Square and Real Maestranza Bullring.
Hotel Palacio de Villapanes
Initially constructed by Admiral López-Pintado in 1729 and subsequently serving as the home of the Marquis of Villapanés and his heirs, Hotel Palacio de Villapanes It still retains its origins as a Baroque palace. The tiled central courtyard, featuring a fountain, lush greenery, and archways, draws all attention. Equally impressive, the aristocratic suites boast massive hand-carved wooden entryways, soaring ceilings, and bathtubs designed by Philippe Starck.
The Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla
For a more contemporary option, consider looking into the The Radisson Collection Hotel at Magdalena Plaza in Seville The brand's inaugural location in Spain combines sleek designs with regional charm. Navy blue velvet armchairs mirror the azure Andalusian heavens, and greenery pays homage to the numerous verdant plazas and parks throughout the city. "Moreover, it has an excellent spot within the retail district and is conveniently near many major sightseeing spots," remarks Carmona.
Best Things to Do
Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
The top priority on many visitors' lists when they come to Seville is usually a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Royal Alcázar of Seville. This magnificent architectural gem and former royal residence boasts intricate tilework, detailed carvings, and exquisite artistry that evolved from an earlier fortress dating back to the 10th century.
Visit the Seville Cathedral.
The stunning Seville Cathedral stands as the biggest Gothic Christian church globally. Beyond its size, it is remarkably gorgeous and features the famous La Giralda, which initially served as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville before being transformed into a bell tower.
See a flamenco show.
"Visiting Seville isn’t fully experienced without witnessing the emotion and vigor of a classic Flamenco performance," asserts Antonio Morilla, who serves as the chief concierge. The Hotel Alfonso XIII, part of the Luxury Collection Hotels, is located in Seville. . La Casa del Flamenco and Tablao Flamenco El Arenal are among the most renowned venues to witness Andalusian dance performances.
Discover the rich tapestry of Spanish history at the Archivo General de Indias.
Housed in a grand 16th-century structure once used as a merchants' guild hall, the Archivo de Indias serves as an extensive repository for materials related to the "New World." This archive contains over 80 million pages of historical records including documents, photos, sketches, and journals authored by notable figures such as Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro.
Take a walk around the Plaza de España.
Created by Seville-based architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, Plaza de España It stands as one of Seville’s prized possessions. This renowned square features impressive structures that blend aspects from Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Baroque Revival, and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, along with a grand fountain, waterways, and tiled bridges.
Best Restaurants
Cañabota
Michelin-starred Cañabota elicits praise from both patrons and reviewers. "It's highly esteemed for its contemporary takes on traditional Seville-style seafood fare and exceptional wine selection," according to Morilla. Tip: Secure a spot at the bar to observe the skilled preparation of meals right before your eyes.
Abantal
Abantal It is a sophisticated Michelin-starred eatery renowned for its exquisite and tasty dishes. Chef Julio Fernández merges traditional Andalusian culinary practices with cutting-edge methods and top-notch regional produce to create exceptional gastronomical tasting experiences. Thewine pairingsare definitely worthwhile treating yourself to.
Sobretablas
Led by chef Camila Ferraro and sommelier Robert Tetas, Sobretablas honors the abundance of Andalusia through innovative and refined methods. The dishes offer a modern interpretation of traditional local fare and complement beautifully with the range of natural and organic wines available.
Bodeguita Romero
Visitors from out of town and residents mingle over dishes like Iberian ham, oxtail stew, and smoked sardines on toast, along with Spanish wines and sherry, at this bustling spot. Bodeguita Romero , a popular tapas bar in El Arenal that frequently sees crowds stretching down the street. Carmona refers to it as "an essential destination in Seville."
La Cochera del Abuelo
Nested within an 18th-century carriage house, La Cochera del Abuelo It has a cozy and welcoming vibe. The cuisine perfectly complements this homely ambiance. Their carefully selected menu updates frequently, ensuring you can continually discover something innovative but still comfortably recognizable to enjoy with each visit.
Best Time to Visit
Seville boasts over 3,000 annual sunshine hours, making it breathtaking throughout the entire year. In Carmona, early spring becomes enchanting as more than 40,000 sour orange trees bloom simultaneously. "It's absolutely mesmerizing!"
How to Get There
Seville Airport (SVQ) is located only six miles away from the downtown area. Primarily, it handles mostly domestic flights; therefore, many visitors usually transit via Madrid. "Should you be arriving from another Spanish city, especially the capital, opting for the train could be an excellent choice," says Morilla. He adds, "The high-speed trains (AVE) offer a highly comfortable, dependable, and swift service, enabling passengers to travel from Madrid to Seville within roughly two-and-a-half hours."
Neighborhoods to Visit
Santa Cruz
The historic Jewish district is recognized for its cramped, twisting lanes flanked by plastered white homes, charming squares, and the city’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Flamenco Museum.
El Arenal
Situated on the western banks of the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal provides a lively ambiance with historical structures and cultural sites like the Maestranza Bullring and the Torre del Oro. As per Morilla, this area is also an excellent spot for enjoying tapas and experiencing the night scene.
Triana
Flamenco originated in Triana, and this residential district remains an excellent spot for catching a performance. "The stunning vistas of downtown, numerous ceramics studios, and plenty of taverns also contribute to making it a fantastic part of town to explore during your visit to Seville," according to Carmona.
How to Get Around
Seville was laid out well before automobiles were invented, back when people walked or rode horses. As Carmona puts it, "I believe that leisurely walking is the ideal method to gradually appreciate the charm of numerous plazas, churches, gardens, museums, monuments, and taverns."
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