What to do in Seville, Spain – Recommendations on what to do in Seville from a local.
We were fortunate to call Seville home for several months last year, and it was during this time that I fell in love with the Spanish way of life. If you’re planning a visit to Seville, I’m here to share the top things you should see and do, all from the perspective of someone who’s been there and lived it. I had the luxury of not working at the time, which allowed me to spend countless hours exploring the city, immersing myself in its culture, and savouring its delectable cuisine.
1. Get Drinks on the Alameda de Hércules
When planning your trip to Seville, consider arriving between Thursday and Sunday. These days bring the city to life, as the Spanish have mastered the art of leaving behind the Monday-to-Friday grind by Thursday afternoon. And there’s no better place to soak in the lively atmosphere than the Alameda de Hércules, a sprawling square situated in the city’s north. The Alameda is easily accessible from the city center, just a 10 to 20-minute walk depending on your location.
Around the square, you’ll discover a diverse array of bars and restaurants, many of which stay open late into the night, especially on weekends. Whether you’re craving traditional Spanish tapas, a slice of pizza, gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, or a family-friendly Italian meal, you’ll find it here. The best part? Most of these establishments cater to locals, offering exceptional value for your money.
Personal favourites of mine include Café Piola for breakfast, Dilema for budget-friendly beer (an LGBTQ+ friendly bar), El Viajero Sedentario for coffee and cake, and Clan Sibarita’s for natural wines.
2. Experience Meriendas Before Dinner
If you’re familiar with Spanish dining habits, you’ll know that Spaniards tend to have dinner quite late, usually around 10 pm. This may seem unusual if you’re used to dining earlier, but that’s where the Spanish tradition of “Merienda” comes in. Typically enjoyed around 5-6 pm, Merienda consists of coffee or tea and a sweet treat, like cake or pastries. As you wander through Seville, you’ll notice numerous cake and pastry shops displaying “Merienda” in their windows.
For authentic Andalusian Merienda experiences, check out Parcería Café on Feria Street, La Cacharrería, or La Creme de La Creme near the Mushrooms of Seville (Las Setas). Don’t miss trying Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake with powdered sugar on top.
3. Enjoy a (Free) Flamenco Show at La Carbonería
Flamenco, a mesmerizing art form that encompasses singing, dancing, clapping, and instrument-playing, originated in Seville. The people of Seville take great pride in this passionate cultural expression. For an authentic Flamenco experience, head to La Carbonería, where free shows are offered three times a day: 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm. Each show lasts for 30 minutes and includes singing, guitar, clapping, and captivating dance performances. The performers change almost nightly.
The best part? The show is entirely free; you only need to purchase a drink. Sit back, sip on a refreshing tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade) or an Alhambra beer, and immerse yourself in the artistry. Note that they also offer small plates of food, but they can be pricey and are served on paper plates. Consider dining elsewhere before or after the show, or simply grab a bag of crisps for €2 behind the bar.
Arrive early to secure a prime seat close to the action, and remember that recording during the performance is not allowed, so maintain silence throughout the show.
4. Have a Picnic at the Royal Alcázar
You might be surprised to learn that a picnic at a tourist attraction is a delightful option in Seville. The Royal Alcázar, a stunning Muslim palace, justifies its €13.50 entry fee. While the queue may seem daunting, it moves swiftly, and you can even book your tickets in advance for convenience.
I recommend making an afternoon of it by bringing along light snacks suitable for the warm climate (Seville is known as ‘The Oven of Europe’ for a reason). The Royal Alcázar boasts a wealth of rooms, buildings, and gardens to explore, showcasing some of Andalusia’s most exquisite Muslim architecture.
Don’t forget your camera, as the lighting inside provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. After touring the various palace structures, take a leisurely break in the shaded gardens, where you may spot free-roaming peacocks. Fun fact: you might recognise this location from scenes in the TV series Game of Thrones.
5. Cross the Bridge to Triana
Just a five-minute walk from the city center, you can transport yourself to the charming neighborhood of Triana, located across the bridge. Triana offers a taste of small-town Spanish life, and a visit to the Triana Market is a must. Look out for the stall with mini-filled croissants; they are sure to delight your taste buds.
While in Triana, sample Sevillian delicacies like salmorejo (similar to gazpacho) or spinach with chickpeas, perfect for vegetarians. Explore montaditos, tiny sandwiches best enjoyed with a small beer (known as caña) to satisfy your appetite.
Stroll along the riverside path, where you can observe runners, fishermen, cyclists, and ducks. This area buzzes with activity, particularly on weekends, offering a glimpse into Sevillian life. On Sundays, you’ll also find local craft markets along the riverbank.
6. Climb the Tower in the Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is a marvel, not only as the world’s largest Gothic-style cathedral but also as the third-largest cathedral globally. Comprising multiple churches surrounding a central hall, the cathedral boasts Sevillian orange trees in its central courtyard. During the orange season (springtime), the air is filled with a delightful citrus scent throughout the city.
The cathedral’s tower, known as the “Giralda,” is an iconic Seville landmark. Originally constructed as a minaret during the Moorish era, it was later transformed into a bell tower for the newly built Seville Cathedral after the Reconquista.
The Giralda is celebrated for its stunning architecture, intricate brickwork, and a unique series of ramps leading to the top instead of traditional stairs. At the summit, you’ll encounter a bronze weathervane called “El Giraldillo.” It’s well worth the climb, but wear non-slip shoes, as the ascent is sloped rather than stepped. For the adventurous, consider a tour that takes you along the cathedral’s roof.
7. Go Kayaking on the Guadalquivir River
The Guadalquivir River, Spain’s only fully navigable river, flows through Seville and holds historical significance as Christopher Columbus’s departure point for his journey to discover America in 1492. The river within the city leads to the main river, forming a dead end when traveling north.
Experience Seville from a unique perspective by kayaking on the river. You won’t encounter many other kayakers, just the occasional tourist boat or rowers, especially on weekends. You can rent kayaks near the Puente del Cristo bridge, located to the north of the city. Paddle under numerous bridges and admire iconic landmarks, such as Maria Luisa Park and the Torre del Oro, lining the riverbanks.
If you venture north, you might even spot tortoises sunbathing on overhanging branches. A few strokes of the oar will transport you from the city’s hustle and bustle to the serenity of nature—until a tourist boat with a narrated tour passes by.
I also recommend renting a rowboat at Plaza de España, a free attraction that often hosts free flamenco performances in the semi-circular square.
By following these recommendations, your journey to Seville will be enriched with memorable experiences. Whether you’re sipping drinks on Alameda de Hércules, savoring Merienda delights, or kayaking down the Guadalquivir River, Seville has a wealth of activities to captivate your senses and create lasting memories.