Seville is the most theatrical city in Spain. In spring the whole place smells of orange blossom, Semana Santa fills the streets with processions, and two weeks later the Feria de Abril turns the fairground into a temporary town of striped tents.
It is also a comfortable, affordable city to live in for ten months of the year. The other two, July and August, are seriously hot.
Climate: Mild, sunny winters (around 16 °C by day in January) and extremely hot summers: July and August afternoons often pass 40 °C.
Visiting Seville
How long: 2 to 3 days
Don’t miss
- Real Alcázar palace and gardens (book online)
- The cathedral and Giralda tower
- Plaza de España in María Luisa Park
- Triana: ceramics, tapas and the Isabel II bridge
- Metropol Parasol (“Las Setas”) rooftop walkway
- A flamenco show in a small tablao
What to eat
- Espinacas con garbanzos
- Pringá montadito
- Fried fish in Triana
- Salmorejo
- Torrijas at Easter
Classic places to eat
- El Rinconcillo: Espinacas con garbanzos, ham and sherry. Said to date from 1670, with your bill chalked on the wooden bar.
- Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas): Cheap montaditos and tapas. A standing-room favourite in Barrio Santa Cruz.
Tip: Visit the Alcázar first thing in the morning, and plan indoor time between 2 and 6 pm from June to September.
Plan a visit
Things to do in Seville Where to stay
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A perfect first day
- Morning: the Real Alcázar at opening time, then the cathedral and a climb up the Giralda ramps.
- Afternoon: lunch of tapas in the Santa Cruz quarter, then a slow walk through María Luisa Park to Plaza de España.
- Evening: cross the Isabel II bridge to Triana for fried fish and a flamenco show.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
For a local feel and tapas bars.
For a younger, bohemian scene.
More of Seville
Fiestas
Living in Seville
Best for: People who want a big, very Spanish city with low costs and don’t mind a hot summer.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Across the river: traditional, lively, good tapas; flats are smaller and older.
Modern, central, near the main shopping centre and the Santa Justa AVE station.
Leafy, residential and family-friendly, next to the fairground.
Bohemian, younger crowd, bars and old houses; noisier.
Suburban houses with gardens and pools, 15 to 25 minutes by car.
Pros
- Low cost for a big city
- Mild winters and lots of sun
- Walkable historic centre
- Strong local culture all year
Cons
- Summers of 40 °C+
- Fewer international jobs than Madrid or Barcelona
- Less English spoken than on the coast
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Seville?
2 to 3 days is enough for the main sights: real alcázar palace and gardens (book online), the cathedral and giralda tower, plaza de españa in maría luisa park. Visit the Alcázar first thing in the morning, and plan indoor time between 2 and 6 pm from June to September.
Is Seville expensive to live in?
On our scale it is moderate (€€). Costs are around or below the Spanish average.
How do I get to Seville?
By air: Seville (SVQ), 20 minutes by bus. By rail: AVE to Madrid in about 2h30; Córdoba in 45 minutes.
Have you been to Seville?
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