Seville, the heart of Andalusia, is a city that captures the soul of Spain with its orange-scented streets, flamenco rhythms, and grand Moorish palaces. British travellers flock here to swap drizzly days for sunshine, tapas feasts, and a city that feels both timeless and lively. Just a short flight from the UK, Seville offers a slice of authentic Spanish life – think siestas, fiestas, and evenings spent sipping sherry in cobbled plazas. It’s a place where history isn’t stuck in museums but pulses through daily life, from the clip-clop of horse carriages by the cathedral to the wail of a flamenco singer in a tucked-away tablao. British visitors love Seville for its walkable size, warm locals, and the ease of diving into its culture – whether it’s learning to clap a sevillanas rhythm or nibbling jamón ibérico at a bustling market.
What Makes Seville Unique
Seville’s magic lies in its blend of Moorish grandeur and Spanish passion. The city was shaped by centuries of Islamic rule, seen in the intricate tilework of the Real Alcázar – a palace still used by Spain’s royal family – and the towering Giralda bell tower, originally a minaret. Yet it’s also the birthplace of flamenco, a fiery art form born in its working-class Triana district. Seville’s calendar revolves around drama: Holy Week Semana Santa sees robed processions carrying ornate floats, while the Feria de Abril explodes with polka-dot dresses, horse parades, and 24-hour dancing. Unlike Barcelona or Madrid, Seville feels intimate, almost village-like, with locals greeting neighbours in sunlit plazas and bars where €3 buys a beer and a tapa.
Top Things to Do in Seville
Start your Seville adventure at the breathtaking Cathedral of Seville, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Climb the Giralda bell tower via its 35 horse-friendly ramps for sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops. Adult entry: €13 (including the cathedral and Giralda bell tower).
Next door, the Real Alcázar Palace enchants visitors with its lush Islamic gardens, peacock-filled courtyards, and the exquisite Patio de las Doncellas. Pro tip: Pre-book tickets online (€15.50 for adults) and bring your passport/ID. Limited same-day tickets (~300/day) go on sale at 8:30 AM—arrive early to beat the queues!
Meander through Barrio Santa Cruz, a charming maze of whitewashed alleys bursting with geraniums, then head to Plaza de España on Av. de Isabel la Católica. This semi-circular masterpiece from the 1929 Expo boasts vibrant tiled benches symbolizing Spain’s regions. Glide along its canal in a rowboat or pose under its intricate ceramic arches.
Art lovers: Don’t miss the Museo de Bellas Artes (works by Murillo/Zurbarán), while history fans can explore colonial archives at Archivo de Indias. For whimsy, ascend the Metropol Parasol (‘Las Setas’) for sunset city views from its skywalk.
Bonus experience: Hop on a horse-drawn carriage outside the cathedral! A 40-minute ride (€45 for 3 people; €60 for up to 6) winds past Seville’s landmarks and pauses for photos at Plaza de España. A timeless way to soak in the city’s charm!
Fun Activities
Flamenco is Seville’s heartbeat. Catch a raw, emotional show at Casa de la Memoria or El Arenal, where dancers’ footwork echoes off ancient walls. For a hands-on experience, book a dance workshop – even beginners can learn a few steps.
In summer, cool off at Isla Mágica, a theme park with water rides and pirate shows. Alternatively, cruise the Guadalquivir River – evening boat trips often include sangria and live music.
Seville’s tapas culture is a sport. Join a guided tour to hop between bars in La Alfalfa or El Arenal, sampling espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and solomillo al whisky (pork in whisky sauce). For a thrill, time your visit with Feria de Abril in April or Semana Santa March/April – just book hotels months ahead.
Food & Restaurants
Andalusian cuisine is hearty and unpretentious. Must-tries include salmorejo (a thick tomato soup), croquetas de jamón, and cola de toro (bull’s tail stew). For breakfast, grab tostada con aceite (toast with olive oil and tomato) at any corner bar.
- El Rinconcillo (Calle Gerona, 40): Opened in 1670, this is Seville’s oldest bar. Order montaditos (mini sandwiches) at the marble counter and watch bartenders chalk your tab on the wood.
- La Azotea (Calle Jesús del Gran Poder, 31): Modern tapas like tuna tartare with avocado. The Santa Cruz branch (Calle Mateos Gago, 8) has a rooftop for evening drinks.
- Casa Morales (Calle García de Vinuesa, 11): A no-frills spot for berenjenas con miel (fried aubergine with honey) and icy cañas (beers).
- Abantal (Calle Alcalde José de la Bandera, 7): A Michelin-starred treat for dishes like Iberian pork with quince. Book ahead.
- Mercado Lonja del Barranco (Calle Arjona, s/n): A gourmet market by the river with stalls selling sushi, cheese, and Andalusian wines.
Save room for sweets: torrijas (Spanish French toast) during Easter or helado de turrón (nougat ice cream) from La Fiorentina (Calle García de Vinuesa, 1).
Best Way to Explore Seville
Seville’s centre is made for walking. Start at the cathedral and lose yourself in Santa Cruz’s alleys, popping into hidden patios and artisan shops. For longer trips, buses and trams are cheap (€1.40 a ride), but avoid driving – narrow lanes and limited parking stress even locals.
Cycling is a breeze thanks to flat terrain and the Sevici bike-share scheme though you need a travel sim card and Sevici App. For a lazy day, hire a horse-drawn carriage outside the cathedral – drivers share stories as you clip-clop past landmarks.
The Seville Hop-On Hop-Off Bus covers key sights like Plaza de España, Triana, and the Macarena Basilica. The audio guide explains the city’s history, while the open-top deck offers shade under Andalusian sun. A 24-hour ticket costs €27 (2025 price) – hop off at Parque de María Luisa for a picnic or Triana Market for ceramics and fresh seafood.
Local Customs
- Siesta: Shops often close from 2pm-5pm. Use this time for a long lunch or nap.
- Greetings: Two kisses (right cheek first) are standard, even with new friends.
- Flamenco etiquette: Don’t chat during performances – it’s rude. Clap (palmas) if you feel the rhythm!
- Late nights: Dinner starts around 9pm, and clubs in Alameda de Hércules don’t buzz until midnight.
- Festivals: Locals dress up – men in suits, women in flamenco dresses. Join in or watch respectfully.
Getting There
Direct flights from London Stansted, Gatwick, Manchester, and Bristol to Seville Airport (SVQ) take about 2.5-3 hours. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer regular deals. From the airport, the EA bus (€4) runs to Plaza de Armas station every 20 minutes, or take a taxi (€25-€30).
Recommended Hotels
- Hotel Alfonso XIII (Calle San Fernando, 2): A luxury icon with Moorish tiles, courtyards, and a pool fit for royalty.
- Hotel Palacio de Villapanés (Calle Santiago, 31): An 18th-century palace in La Macarena, with a serene patio and rooftop pool.
- Casa del Poeta (Calle Don Carlos Alonso Chaparro, 3): A cosy boutique hotel in Santa Cruz, offering free sherry hours.
- Hotel Casa 1800 (Calle Rodrigo Caro, 6): Mid-range charm with a rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral.
- La Banda Rooftop Hostel (Calle Dos de Mayo, 16): A budget-friendly spot with dorms, private rooms, and sunset views from the terrace.
Seville is a city that wraps you in warmth – not just from the sun, but from its people, its flavours, and its unapologetic love for life. British travellers leave with a camera full of golden-hour snaps, a head full of flamenco beats, and a vow to return – preferably during Feria, when the city dons its sequins and the party never ends.
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