A Guide To Seville
The best things to see, do, and where to eat & stay in the capital of Andalusia.
Whether you have come to gawp at the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, experience flamenco in its birthplace or tapas hop in tile-covered bars, Andalusia’s capital never fails to charm. Beyond its rich history and culture, Seville is also very much a modern and exciting city from the cutting edge art and contemporary takes on craft to the extensive cycle lanes and modern architecture. Most of all, Sevillanos know how to live well and much about spending time here is about enjoying the small moments whether it’s starting the day with a fresh orange juice in a picturesque plaza or ending it with a glass of wine amongst friends on a crowded street corner.
What to Do
Explore the architecture and history
It would be remiss not to mention the three spectacular buildings that make up the UNESCO preserved city centre: the Gothic cathedral, the Moorish Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias. Seville is best explored on foot and it's worth heading to the Medieval juderia (Jewish quarter) for the maze of winding streets and picterquey plazas framed with orange trees - Plaza de Santa Cruz and Plaza de Dona Elvira in particular. The viewing Metropol Parasol (known locally as las setas for its mushroom shape) is the largest wooden structure in the world and well worth climbing for vistas across the rooftops.
Enjoy the parks
While Plaza de Espana is more of a landmark than a traditional park, it’s a lovely place to spend time in thanks to its beautiful array of tiled benches, charming fountains and fairytale bridges. Parque de Maria Luisa stretches along the Guadalquivir River and is an oasis of woods, gardens and trails.
Shop for ceramics
Seville’s distinctive azulejos (ceramic tiles) can be spotted all over the city but it’s the Triana neighbourhood where they have historically always been made. In operation for over fifty years, Cerámica Triana is a treasure trove of traditional pieces while Popularart has an extensive selection of vintage ceramics and Tenderete puts a modern spin on time-old techniques.
Catch a flamenco show
Cultural centre Casa de la Memoria, housed in old stables, has spectacular authentic shows while at Casa de la Guitarra it’s a more intimate affair with the audience squeezed in this guitar museum for performances.
See art old and new
Museo de Bellas Artes is Seville’s foremost fine art museum housed in a former convent with Spanish paintings and sculptures spanning the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque era. On the other end of the spectrum, Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in a former 13th-century monastery. Delimbo Gallery, specializing in contemporary art rooted in graffiti, is also worth a visit.
Where to Eat
Amara: A pocket-sized yet elegant spot where San Sebastian chef Javier Fabo blends Basque and Andalusian flavors using the freshest local ingredients.
Castizo: Sleek interiors and an excellent menu that balances the best of classic and contemporary tapas.
Barra de Cañabota: The sister spot of Michelin-starred Cañabota, where tasting menu creations show up tapas style.
Bodega Dos de Mayo: A lively traditional tavern with a spacious outdoor terrace, great for Andalusian tapas classics.
Eslava: A perennial favorite, the casual tapas bar offers the same quality of cooking at more affordable prices than its formal restaurant next door. Don’t skip the goat's cheese ice cream.
El Rinconcillo: The oldest tapas spot in town, best for enjoying espinacas con garbanzos (braised spinach and garbanzos) huddled at the bar.
Where to Stay
This 17th-century Palacio turned whitewashed boutique hotel features impressive original details, including Roman marble pillars and medieval wooden doorways. Spread across three houses, rooms are individually decorated with a curated selection of vintage furniture and colorful textiles from India and Morocco, while the rooftop terrace comes with a plunge pool and spectacular panoramic views.
Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza
Hidden down a narrow street in a quieter part of town, the 18th-century building is quintessentially Andalusian, with its cobbled courtyard framed with plants and baskets of oranges. Inside, the decor leans more modern with a cool color palette, contemporary art, and marble bathrooms.
Commissioned by the then-king of Spain for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this property is steeped in history. With grand stairways, crystal chandeliers, and patterned marble floors throughout, it’s a decadent stay - plus, the large outdoor swimming pool is a real bonus come summer.
A palette cleanser from the opulent architecture and dazzling tiles, this hotel embraces a pared-back aesthetic with 15 rooms decorated with mid-century furniture and a minimalist palette. The restored three-story townhouse opened in 2021 and has a great seasonal event calendar, including live jazz and yoga classes for guests.
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