City break in Seville: everything you need to know!

A city break in Seville: good addresses, travel tips, what to see and what to do - it's all in this article!
city break in Seville

In this article ...

The article in brief:

Discover Seville, a city where history and modernity meet. Stroll through the historic district of Santa Cruz, explore the sumptuous gardens of the Alcazar, and admire the majestic cathedral. Enjoy the authenticity of Triana, savour local specialities such as Solomillo al Whisky, and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Macarena. Don’t miss the Plaza de España and the Metropol Parasol for stunning views.

Don’t forget to:

This second article of our city escapades series takes us to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Seville is synonymous with warmth, flamenco and good vibes!

The first city break is : Valencia !

Practical info

Mobility

If you arrive by plane, the city centre is easily accessible from Seville airport: a bus (line EA) runs every 20 minutes, for a journey time of around 35 minutes.

The easiest way to get around the city is on foot! Admittedly, the city is big, but this is the best way to enjoy its charm! If you’re a 2-wheeler enthusiast, you can also opt for a bicycle (approx. €12/day).

The bus does not run into the city center but serves the outlying districts (€1.40/trip).

How many days should I allow and when should I go?

3 or even 4 days is the perfect duration! If Seville is a stop on tour Andalusian roadtrip, opt for 3 days. If you’re going on a city-trip dedicated to the city, try to stay a little longer.

I’d also advise avoiding the hot summer months (far too hot!) and Semana Santa. In Seville, as in the rest of Andalusia, many processions take place, attracting huge crowds!

Accommodation

The best place to stay is in the city centre, close to the Metropol Parasol. I also recommend the Triana district, where you can experience the Sevillian way of life.

Gastronomic specialities

Some specialities to try during your stay: 

  • Tortas by Inès Rosales
  • Torrijas (Andalusian French toast)
  • Payoyo cheese
  • Cola de Toro (bull’s tail, I confess I’ve never tried it … I hear it’s worth it!)
  • Solomillo al Whisky
  • Spinach with chickpeas
  • Cocido Andaluz (also known as Puchero)

And, above all, there’s nothing like breakfast: toast with tomato and a little local olive oil! Café Mama Ines, one of my favourite places in Seville.

The different districts

Santa Cruz & City Centre

It’s in this part of the city that you’ll find the main tourist “attractions”.

A large part of the historic centre is pedestrianised, and it’s great fun to stroll around and admire the architecture of the facades and patios! You’ll also come across some pretty little squares full of flowers.

💡 Reserving tickets for the Alcazar  is compulsory ! You’ll avoid the line and be able to enjoy this architectural gem more quickly! You can also combine a visit to the Alcázar with a visit to the cathedral (at a bargain price).

Activities

  • Visit the Real Alcazar. You’ll love the gardens and patios of the Palace!
  • Visit the Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, built over an ancient mosque) and climb the Giralda tower.
  • Have a drink at the Metropol Parasol and enjoy the view over the whole city
  • Shopping in Calle Sierpes.
  • Take a stroll around Plaza Nueva and Plaza San Salvador.
  • Visit the Casa Pilatos and the Palacio de las Duenas.
  • Stroll through the pedestrianised streets of the historic centre.
  • Enter the Archives of India building and admire the magnificent architecture.

Don’t leave without booking your ticket for the Alcázar, or you’ll miss out on one of the jewels of Andalusia.

You can combine a visit to the Alcázar with a tour of the Cathedral, and enjoy a great audio guide (on mobile) at a great price by opting for the Seville Super Combi.

The best places !

Maria Luisa 

I’m sure (or almost sure) that you’ve already seen a photo of the Plaza de España at least once. This very large and majestic square was built in the shape of a semicircle for an Ibero-American exhibition in 1929! The Palace of the square is covered in small tiles known as azulejos.

This neighbourhood is also home to the University of Seville.

Activities

  • Take a photo of the Plaza de España from every angle!
  • Visit Maria Luisa Park.
  • Enter the university, housed in the former tobacco factory.

Triana

This district is separated from the rest of the city by the Guadavalquivir. You have to cross the Triana bridge to get there. Triana is the city’s old gypsy quarter and the birthplace of flamenco.

Activities

  • Take a stroll and grab a bite to eat at the Mercado de Triana.
  • Attend a Flamenco show in a tablao (also book in advance).
  • Take photos of the old town from Calle Betis.
  • Stroll around the district and enjoy the atmosphere at the end of the day.
💃 You can’t be in Andalusia without seeing a Flamenco show, especially in the Triana district. Remember to book your place online in advance, as the tablaos are generally very small and intimate.
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Macarena & Alameda de Hercules

A festive district in the north of the city, with a very eclectic mix!

Activities

  • See the Basilica of La Macarena.
  • Grab a bite to eat or a drink around the Hercules Promenade.
  • Visit the Mercado de la Feria.
  • Spot some of the street art in the area.

Out of town

Aracena, a magnificent village in the heart of a nature park where you can discover the Caves of las Maravillas, enjoy some great hiking and taste the best Andalusian Iberian ham!

Aracena is located in the province of Huelva, about 1? hours from Seville.

Ronda, Andalusia’s most romantic town, is also within easy reach of the Andalusian capital in just 1? hours.

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Don’t leave without booking your ticket for the Alcázar, or you’ll miss out on one of the jewels of Andalusia.

You can combine a visit to the Alcázar with a tour of the Cathedral and enjoy a great audio guide (on mobile) at a very low price by opting for the Seville Super Combi.

Q&A : City break in Seville

A bus (line EA) connects the airport to the city center every 20 minutes, for a journey time of around 35 minutes.

On foot or by bike. The bus serves the outlying districts but does not enter the city center.

3 to 4 days. If Seville is a stopover on a roadtrip, 3 days will suffice. For a dedicated city-trip, it is advisable to stay a little longer.

It is advisable to avoid the very hot summer months and Semana Santa because of the processions.

Lunch is usually around 2pm and dinner around 9pm.

In the city centre, near the Metropol Parasol or in the Triana district.

Tortas de Inès Rosales, torrijas, Payoyo cheese, Cola de Toro, Solomillo al Whisky, spinach with chickpeas, Cocido Andaluz, etc.

Santa Cruz & City Centre, Maria Luisa, Triana, Macarena & Alameda de Hercules.

Real Alcazar, Cathedral, Giralda, Metropol Parasol, Casa Pilatos, Palacio de las Duenas, Archives of the Indies, Plaza de Espana, etc.

Yes, booking is compulsory to avoid long queues.

The “Seville Super Combi” allows you to combine a visit to the Alcázar with a visit to the Cathedral, with an audio guide at a special price.

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Hello! I’m Julie, digital content creator, travel enthusiast and Spain lover!

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